PROGRAM REGISTRATION: Registration begins at 3:30 P.M.

ORIENTATION begins at 4:15 P.M. We’ll have an informative overview of the program plus an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants during an introductory get-acquainted session. We’ll review the schedule, noting any changes or particular highlights, discuss safety guidelines, responsibilities, emergency procedures, Q&A, and talk a bit about what’s going on in St. Paul this week.

Road Scholar’s FLEX programs are designed for independent-minded participants who want high quality educational content in a structured framework with more free time than our traditional all-inclusive programs. In this City Highlights program, you will have expert-led presentations and field trips that showcase some of St. Paul’s most notable features. The program includes two meals per day so you can enjoy local dining out on your own for lunch or dinner (depending on the day) as well as a significant amount of free time for personal independent exploration. Your welcome packet has suggestions for free time activities and dining options, and the Group Leader will be happy to offer recommendations.

During free time, the Group Leader will be available to lead optional informal activities and/or dining out experiences that you are welcome to join at your own cost if you like. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Your program fee includes a 3-day unlimited city bus pass which will allow you to travel throughout the city via bus during your stay.

Begin getting to know your fellow participants and find out what interest you share in addition to your love of learning.

Begin at the exquisite Minnesota State Capitol building, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, set in a landscaped campus filled with fascinating monuments and memorials. Considered one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the nation, magnificent both inside and out, its marble dome is second only in size to that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Our guide unravels a fascinating historical panorama from the Capitol’s early days to current political doings! For the undaunted, climb up the 83 stairs to view the bronze chariot sculpture covered in gold leaf called the “Quadriga” over the main entrance which looks out over the city below.

Walk a few blocks then to another major landmark, the Cathedral of Saint Paul with treasures of art, history and Beaux Arts architecture. Dominating the St. Paul skyline and situated atop a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the Cathedral was designed in 1905 by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, a French architect whose commission was to create a modern building, perfect in its acoustics and all other details.

The Center is captivating as you “experience history” in this highly interactive museum. Step in to the Tornado House to relive an actual tornado passing over your “house”….an unforgettable experience.

Then enjoy a special opportunity to go behind-the-scenes for a peek at the restoration and preservation work taking place in the Center’s underground archives housing one million artifacts.

Later in the afternoon, depart either to the hotel or off for the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore on your own! Our group leader will have suggestions for you for your explorations, and will also be continuing on herself to one of her favorite intriguing places. Join her if you prefer or head off on your own explorations!

Check out the skyways this morning, that unique world known only by Northerners! Then onward to lovely Summit Avenue!

You’ll be awed by the incredible expanse of Victorian mansions built over a century ago that line Summit Avenue for 5 miles. (We won’t walk all 5 miles!) Learn about the lumber barons and railroad millionaires ….and F. Scott Fitzgerald who all lived here. Explore the James J. Hill House, one of the mansions from the Gilded Age on this “longest expanse of Victorian architecture in the U.S.” Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, became one of the wealthiest Individuals in the U.S. His home features beautiful wood paneling and stained glass and the first private art gallery in Minnesota.

Then we’ll say our “goodbyes” as we each head off this afternoon….maybe you’ll yet make a stop at Garrison Keillor’s bookstore….or Mickey’s Diner…or check out Indian Mounds! Guess you’ll just have to come back to savor some more of St. Paul's charm another time!