Tour Descriptions

TOUR 1 - MALL OF AMERICA

Designed as a city within a city, the nation's premier shopping and entertainment destination has over 4.2 million square feet of space and 4.3 miles of storefront footage, making Mall of America a must-see attraction. Mall of America consists of four "avenues" placed in a square around the centerpiece, The Park at MOA. Each of the avenues provides a distinctive shopping experience. At the "intersection for each of the avenues you will find one of the four anchor stores: Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Nordstrom's and Sears. There are restaurants, bistros and cafes galore, with food to suit every palate and budget. The entertainment district features nightclubs, sports bars and a cinema complex with fourteen screens. And of course there are over 400 retail outlets including many of the most prestigious stores in the world and some of the most unique specialty shops.

In one day you can ride on a roller coaster (The Park at MOA), explore the bottom of the ocean (UnderWater Adventures), drive 195 mph without getting a speeding ticket (NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway), get married (Chapel of Love) and still have time to shop. This tour includes lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants in the Mall.

TOUR 2 - HISTORIC MINNESOTA

The first stop will be at the Minnesota History Center which showcases and preserves the state's historical resources. Museum exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, etc., provide diverse and changing educational and cultural offerings that tell the story of Minnesota's people from earliest times to present. The History Center houses an innovative museum with lively exhibits. Hear Betty Crocker radio broadcasts, see Prince's costume from "Purple Rain" or watch a movie about Vietnam veterans returning home. The History Center's comprehensive research center allows you to research your house history and family genealogy and to access artifacts, books, maps, newspapers and photographs from the Society's extensive collection.

Next stop is the Alexander Ramsey House in the Irvine Park area. Alexander Ramsey was Minnesota's first territorial governor, second governor, United States Senator and Secretary of War in the 1800's. Built in 1872, his home was an extravagant 15-room architectural gem set in the fashionable Irvin Park district west of St. Paul. Ramsey purchased only the finest decorations and materials for his mansion, including black walnut woodwork, marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, ornate brass door fittings, fashionable rugs, furniture and china. Tours are conducted by guides dressed in period costumes.

Even our lunch stop, Forepaugh's, is an important part of Minnesota history. When Minnesota was a brand-new state, this elegant Victorian mansion was the belle of the neighborhood. Today the clapboard queen flaunts lacy curtains, gingerbread trimming and period furnishings, from its cozy, fire-lit lounge to a series of dining rooms. This destination restaurant, complete with French chef and staff in period costumes, prides itself on it nouvelle French and American cuisine.

The final stop on the tour will be the magnificent Cathedral of St. Paul. Modeled after St. Peter's in Rome, it is one of the largest church buildings in North America, able to seat 4,000 people. Among its many points of interest are the 175-foot-high copper dome; the baldachin (canopy) over the altar with its six black-and-gold Portora marble columns; the bronze grille at the rear of the sanctuary; and the six chapels called the Shrine of Nations, in which stand statues of the patron saints of the nations whose people settled St. Paul, carved out of marble imported from those countries.

COMPANIONS BREAKFAST CRUISE

Wednesday September 17, 2008

The Great Steamboat Era began in 1811 with the launch of the New Orleans and by mid-century, the Mississippi River was filled with paddlewheel steamers. During the Civil War, civilian traffic came to a stand-still and many, including Mark Twain, thought that the era of steamboating was over. In fact, it was during these post-war years that steamboats thrived. While the steamboat era is a page in American History, it is a page that can be re-read as we board an authentic sternwheeler – the pride of the 19th century – for a cruise on the Mighty Mississippi River. The swish of the paddlewheel and the blast of the whistle will delight the group as they enjoy the sights along the river. We’ll start at Harriet Island, named for pioneer schoolteacher Harriet Bishop. In 1900, Harriet Island was given to the citizens of St. Paul by Dr. Justus Ohage. He wanted to provide St. Paul with a recreational area that would benefit the public. Over the years, Harriet Island was home to many attractions including a complete outdoor gymnasium, a center pavilion for refreshments and bands, swimming lessons, slides, water games, and St. Paul’s first zoo. We’ll head down the same river used by Native Americans, settlers and travelers towards Fort Snelling State Park, located at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The Dakota called this place HA-HA MDO-TE which translates to junction of two rivers and from which the town of Mendota got its name.