Big Lake Schools Community Education

Looking for a fun orchestra to play with during the summer? The Monticello Community Strings Orchestra will meet once a week on Tuesday evenings* at the Monticello High School Orchestra/Band Room, beginning June 11. There are two different groups to choose from: Concert Orchestra (at least 1-3 years of experience needed) will meet from 6-7:15 p.m. Symphony Orchestra (at least 4 years experience or more recommended) from 7:30-9 p.m. *Symphony Orchestra players are welcome to play with the Concert Orchestra as mentors for no additional charge. An evening concert on Thursday, July 25 in the Monticello High School Auditorium will complete the season. Michelle Schettler-Stein & Rachel Vannett will conduct and lead the sessions. Find & "Like" us on Facebook for updates throughout the course.

NEW! In downtown Excelsior enjoy the quaint shops along Water Street. (Motor coach can make some shuttle runs along Water Street for those with difficulty walking.) Walk to a variety of stores such as: Casper’s - with whimsical home accessories, The Country Look in Antiques - featuring the charm of Colonial New England.Excelsior Mill is a renovated lumberyard that was built at the turn of the century. It recreates the flavor of the past with a bench lined central “garden” court and half dozen shops filled with distinctive gifts and accessories. Lunch at Maynards: 1/2 Sandwich, Cup of Soup & Beverage. Code# 239W5 | $110 | Thurs. June 20 | Deadline to register: May 20 (No refunds after this date) 8:45 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello.Load in parking lot. 9:00 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot on the front of the building. 10:00 a.m. A tour guide will board the motor coach for a *sightseeing tour of Excelsior and the surrounding area along beautiful Lake Minnetonka. 10:55 a.m. Arrive a Maynards Restaurant on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Menu: Half Sandwich, Cup of Soup, Beverage. 12:45 p.m. After lunch, motor coach will transfer the group to the Excelsior Streetcar ticket booth in downtown Excelsior. 1:00 p.m. Hop on board the Excelsior Streetcar. Enjoy a trolley trip along a half-mile of track and stop at the car barn to view a photo gallery from the 1800s and see work in progress on a streetcar restoration. 2:00 p.m. Streetcar will return to downtown ticket stand. Note:The trolley ticket booth is located next to *The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Historical Society Museum. Operating hours for 2024 have not been determined.If it is open, guests can see artifacts and exhibits about the south Lake Minnetonka area and historic Excelsior. 3:00 p.m. Estimated departure time from Excelsior. 4:00 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 4:15 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.

NEW! Arrive at Carlos Creek Winery, one of the largest grape vineyards in Minnesota.Enjoy the beautiful setting.The second-generation family-owned winery produces uniquely delicious fine and signature wines made in Minnesota.The Bredeson family uses a combination of ancient and modern techniques to produce award-winning Minnesota wines. Lunch will be at the Pike & Pint Grill in Alexandria. Choose either Walleye Sandwich or Smokin' Good Chicken at registration. Code# 239S1 | $110 | Tuesday, Aug. 13 | Deadline to register July 8 - no refunds after this date 9:15 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot 9:30 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello.Pick up in the parking lot In the front of the building. 11:00 a.m. Arrive for lunch Pike & Pint Grill in Alexandria. Choose menu selection when registering. 12:30 p.m. Leave Pike & Pint Grill. 1:00 p.m. Arrive at Carlos Creek Winery, one of the largest grape vineyards in Minnesota.Enjoy the beautiful setting. The second-generation family-owned winery produces uniquely delicious fine and signature wines made in Minnesota. The Bredeson family uses a combination of ancient and modern techniques to produce award-winning Minnesota wines. On this tour you will visit the Vineyards and the production area. There is an incline and guests should be prepared to walk a mile or so on the tour. 2:00 p.m. After the tour, purchase some Minnesota Nice Wines, such as Hot Dish Red, Wobegon White and You Betcha Blush.You can sample the “pick of the month” offerings. 2:30 p.m. Leave Carlos Winery. 4:15 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. 4:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael.

NEW! Step back in time to when the most popular means of travel from town to town along the Mississippi River was by riverboat. Take in the scenic treasures of the Mississippi River including one of the oldest swing bridges still in operation today, the wild life; see the Lock and Dam system, and other scenic and historic sites along the Upper Mississippi River. Buffet service luncheon in the main cabin. Code# 239S | $120 | Wed., July 10 | Deadline to register: June 10 - no refunds after this date 8:15 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello.Load in parking lot. 8:30 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot In the front of the building. 11:00 a.m. Arrive at L.A.R.K. Toy’s in Kellogg, MN for coffee and a treat (included) while you shop in this very unique toy store.It is the largest of its kind in the USA. Thousands of visitors pass through their doors every year to see this collection of antique toys, wooden toys, specialty toys, a large hand-carved operating carousel (cost about $2 per person), and a large bookstore. 11:45 a.m. Leave Kellogg, MN and enjoy the colorful Great Mississippi River Road. 1:00 p.m. Arrive in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and board the La Crosse Queen.The vessel has a climate controlled main cabin surrounded by windows.It will seat 80 passengers, and the covered upper deck seats an additional 50 guests. 1:30 p.m. Leave to cruise on the Mississippi River. The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand riverboats that plied the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century. She is one of the few authentic Mississippi River paddlewheel riverboats still in operation in the country today. Enjoy a buffet service luncheon in the main cabin. Menu: Swedish Meatballs and Ham, Potato, Vegetable, Rolls, Dessert and Coffee. 3:00 p.m. Return to the docks and board the motor coach. 3:15 p.m. Depart from La Crosse, WI. 4:30 p.m. Make a rest stop (on own) at the Apache Mall Food Court in Rochester. 5:00 p.m. Leave Rochester. 7:15 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 7:30 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.

NEW! Take a guided tour of the Leinenkugel Brewing Company. Hear about the historic Jacob Leinenkugel’s Brewing Company and how they use an old-world Germanic brewing method dating back to 1867. A portion of the tour is outdoors and there is an increase in temperature inside the brewery buildings so dress appropriately. Guests need to be prepared to walk for one mile. Path is handicap accessible. Safety glasses are provided and must be worn. Tours may need to be cancelled or delayed if there is inclement weather or a severe storm event. Canes, walkers, and collapsible wheelchairs will fit under the motor coach. After the guided tour, you can purchase Leinie’s merchandise in the Gift Shop. View historic memorabilia and sample handcrafted beer. Lunch will be at the Fill Inn Station with a Buffet Style service. Code# 239S2 | $115 | Thurs. Sept. 12 | Deadline to register Aug. 12 - no refunds after this date 8:15 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello.Load in parking lot. 8:30 a.m. St Michael Elementary - 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376 - Pick up in the parking lot In the front of the building. 10:15 a.m. Make a comfort stop at the Menomonie, WI rest area. 11:00 a.m. Arrive In downtown Chippewa Falls and have lunch at the Fill Inn Station Restaurant. It is a long-standing neighborhood fixture in a former gas station offering home-style American comfort food.Buffet style service. Menu: Broasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Coleslaw, Rolls, Coffee. 12:30 p.m. Leave Fill In Station Restaurant 12:45 p.m. Arrive at the Leinie Lodge Hospitality Center. 1:00 p.m. Take a guided tour of the Leinenkugel Brewing Company. 2:00 p.m. Gift Shop. View historic memorabilia and sample handcrafted beer. 2:30 p.m. Leave Chippewa Falls. 3:15 p.m. Arrive at the Menomonie Creamery to purchase cheese, snacks and other refreshments. 3:45 p.m. Leave the Creamery. 5:30 p.m. Estimated return time to St. Michael. 5:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello.

NEW! 3 Day Trip to Milwaukee, WI via Amtrak | Deadline to register is Aug. 5 Tue-Thu | Oct. 1-3 | 6:15am-7:30pm | $835/pp double | $1070 for single | S239S3 DAY 1 - Tuesday, October 1, 2024 At 6:15 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello. At 6:30 p.m. leave St Michael Elementary, 101 Central Ave W, St Michael 55376. A motor coach will transfer passengers to the downtown St. Paul Union Depot.Legal name must be listed on the Amtrak manifest, and group members are required to present a government issued ID. At 8:00 a.m. passengers will board train 28 (also #8) Empire Builder Train for a one-way coach class rail service to Milwaukee, WI. Suitcases will remain on the motor coach and the bus driver will pick up passengers at the Milwaukee Train Depot. Passengers should take a small personal case on the train with necessities such as medicines, water, reading material and other personal items. There is a full-service dining car, an informal snack bar and a lounge car for meal service (on your own). The scheduled arrival time into Milwaukee is 2:57 p.m. Meet a tour guide from Milwaukee who will give a narrated tour. The guide will provide a general overview of the city. See highlights from its historical background, its natural setting on Lake Michigan; the industrial influences throughout the years; the ethnic neighborhoods, architecture and culture. Check into the Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown. It is a historic renovation of the 15-story First Financial Centre and is close to the Milwaukee RiverWalk. At the hotel a complimentary Kickback Supper is provided. There is a soup and salad bar, hors d'oeuvres, entrees and beverages. DAY 2 - Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Have breakfast (included) at the hotel. Visit The Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, better known as The Domes. It is a living museum filled with plants from across the globe. The Floral Show Dome transforms throughout the year with unique, themed floral shows. In the Desert Dome you can explore the deserts of Africa, Madagascar, South America, and North America. In The Tropical Dome step into the steamy rainforest and transport yourself to another world. As you explore the jungle, look for coffee beans, cocoa pods, bananas and even sausage fruit! You'll find 1,200 species of plants in this dome. Leave Mitchell Park Domes and tour the Harley-Davidson Museum. Located on a 20-acre campus in downtown Milwaukee. At the museum, you’ll see more than 450 motorcycles and artifacts, dating back to the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Serial Number One. Learn stories of extraordinary products, people, history, and Harley-Davidson culture. The museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe. It is an experience that will last a lifetime. Have lunch (included) at Mader’s Restaurant. Enjoy German cuisine, Bavarian decor, and traditionally attired wait staff. This afternoon tour Pabst Mansion where visitors learn about the Pabst family and details about the architecture and furnishings of the home while exploring the first through third floors. The mansion is filled with priceless treasures. During the years of the house was the scene of many fine parties, receptions, a wedding and, in the end, Captain and Mrs. Pabst’s funeral. The next stop today is at the Milwaukee Art Museum with 341,000 square feet of space and 30,000 works of art. For over 100 years the museum has collected and preserved art for the community. It is a vital source of inspiration and education. At 5:00 p.m. be in position for the best view of the Burke Brise Soleil (“wings”) as they close for the evening. Have a Kick Back Supper at the hotel. DAY 3 - Thursday, October 3, 2024 Have breakfast (included) at the hotel and depart from the Drury Plaza Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. At the North Point Lighthouse take a docent-led tour of the Museum. The North Point Lighthouse Museum was built in 1888 in Lake Park on the East Side of Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin to mark the entrance to the Milwaukee River. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Those who are interested can climb the tower. In Fitchburg, WI have lunch (included) at the historic Quivey’s Grove Restaurant. It is a lovely country estate originally built in the mid-1800’s. The dining rooms are decorated with antique quilts, cupboards lithographs, and chandeliers. Leave after lunch and stop at the Menomonie Creamery to purchase snacks tasty refreshments and cheese (on own). Estimated return time to St. Michael is 7:00 p.m. and get back to Monticello about 7:30 p.m. Note: Please indicate any special accommodations, allergies and list your travel partners name if selecting price per double occupancy. Includes: One Way Amtrak ticket to Milwaukee Deluxe motor coach transportation Lodging for 2 nights Meals as indicated Attractions as outlined Trip Hosted by Group Leader from Monticello Community Education Gratuities included on meals and attraction! Bus driver tips appreciated at the end of the trip. An envelope will be passed around the bus on the way home.