Mankato Community Education

Join us for a worry-free trip! We do the planning, and you enjoy the day! Come aboard The Anson Northrup for a delightful Mississippi River cruise + picnic experience on October 8th! Take in the natural beauty of Minnesota's riverine habitat including sights along the way such as: the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, and Pike Island, and of course the delightful colors of the trees in the Fall from The Mississippi River! Excursions depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul, the cruise runs from Noon to 2 PM, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. Relax on the main deck with chairs on the bow, or explore the second deck under a canopy with chairs and tables. The main deck has restrooms and a bar, and is enclosed and surrounded by windows. The boat's interior cabins are climate-controlled. You'll be treated to a plated meal featuring barbeque chicken and pulled pork served with buns, green chili cheddar corn bread, and potato salad. Indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert of cookies and enjoy a cup of coffee as you take in the scenic views. All sauces are gluten-free, ensuring everyone can savor the flavors. Our group all enjoys the special 'Soda Package' providing unlimited fountain soda and lemonade (please note, this package does not include canned or bottled beverages). Book your tour today and enjoy a memorable journey on The Anson Northrup! The boat has an upper & lower deck. Upper deck is only accessible by stairs. Boats are climate controlled for your comfort (heating or air conditioning, based on the temps) Don't delay your reservation as these trips can fill up fast. Registration closes on September 13th, so we can finalize ticket purchases with Padelford Riverboats. NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline. Bus loading information: Arrive at Wow Zone parking lot in Mankato around 8:00 to leave at 8:15 am, or arrive at the parking lot of St. Peter Community Center in St. Peter by 8:20 am. Return time is approximate. The boat tour is from (12 noon - 2 pm) with a return to St. Peter & Mankato between 5 & 5:30 pm, depending on traffic. Accessibility: The dock is ADA compliant. The Boats are Not ADA compliant. There are no elevators on board. Our guests in wheelchairs or scooters are able to be on the main deck, where the restrooms & bar are located. The main deck is enclosed and surrounded by windows. The boat's interior cabins are climate-controlled. "With that said we have hundreds of people with walkers, canes, scooters, and wheelchairs on board every year. The Coast Guard Requires a "Water Barrier" at all exterior doors on the boat. The Water Barrier is like a small speed bump, it is beveled on both sides. Most of our guests do not have any problem with the water barrier. Some people with wheelchairs or Scooters do need a little help getting over the water barrier. Our crew is always available to help!" -Padelford Staff

Join us for a worry-free trip! We do the planning, and you enjoy the day! Come aboard The Betsy Northrup for a delightful Mississippi River cruise + picnic experience on September 26th! Take in the natural beauty of Minnesota's riverine habitat including sights along the way such as: the St. Paul High Bridge, Pig’s Eye Cave, the Minnesota River mouth, and Pike Island, and of course the delightful colors of the trees in the Fall from The Mississippi River! Excursions depart from Harriet Island in St. Paul, the cruise runs from Noon to 2 PM, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. Relax on the main deck with chairs on the bow, or explore the second deck under a canopy with chairs and tables. The main deck has restrooms and a bar, and is enclosed and surrounded by windows. The boat's interior cabins are climate-controlled. You'll be treated to a plated meal featuring barbeque chicken and pulled pork served with buns, green chili cheddar corn bread, and potato salad. Indulge your sweet tooth with a dessert of cookies and enjoy a cup of coffee as you take in the scenic views. All sauces are gluten-free, ensuring everyone can savor the flavors. Our group all enjoys the special 'Soda Package' providing unlimited fountain soda and lemonade (please note, this package does not include canned or bottled beverages). Book your tour today and enjoy a memorable journey on The Betsy Northrup! Don't delay your reservation as these trips can fill up fast. Registration closes on September 2nd, so we can finalize ticket purchases with Padelford Riverboats. NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline. Bus loading information: Arrive at Wow Zone parking lot in Mankato around 8:00 to leave at 8:15 am, or arrive at the parking lot of St. Peter Community Center in St. Peter by 8:20 am. Return time is approximate. The boat tour is from (12 noon - 2 pm) with a return to St. Peter & Mankato between 5 & 5:30 pm, depending on traffic. Accessibility: The dock is ADA compliant. The Boats are Not ADA compliant. There are no elevators on board. Our guests in wheelchairs or scooters are able to be on the main deck, where the restrooms & bar are located. The main deck is enclosed and surrounded by windows. The boat's interior cabins are climate-controlled. "With that said we have hundreds of people with walkers, canes, scooters, and wheelchairs on board every year. The Coast Guard Requires a "Water Barrier" at all exterior doors on the boat. The Water Barrier is like a small speed bump, it is beveled on both sides. Most of our guests do not have any problem with the water barrier. Some people with wheelchairs or Scooters do need a little help getting over the water barrier. Our crew is always available to help!" -Padelford Staff

Experience the magic of the holiday season with us this December on a bus trip to the iconic Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Get ready to be enchanted as you witness the timeless tale of "A Christmas Carol" come to life on stage. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming story of Ebeneezer Scrooge's transformation, and let the Guthrie Theater's renowned production create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones. The Show starts at 1:00 pm. We will stop for "brunch" on the way to the show at Pizza Ranch, cost of food is on your own. If you wish to bring a light snack for the ride home, you may do so. We request no glass bottles or containers on the bus. Registration Deadline: September 23 so we can finalize ticket purchase with the Theater NO REFUNDS can be given for trips after the registration deadline. Guests boarding the bus in Mankato should arrive at 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure. Guests boarding the bus in St. Peter should arrive at the St. Peter Community Center at 9:15 am for a 9:30 am departure. St. Peter guests may park in the lot for the day. The bus will be parked on Washington Street.