Owatonna Community Education

The Audubon Society (Albert Lea chapter) invites you to explore autumn. Savor the hues of fall with a panoramic view of Long Meadow Lake from the observation deck of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Bloomington, MN.  The newly renovated visitor center features exhibits, wildlife videos, a rotating art gallery and a bookstore.  For an outdoor adventure, hike a half mile loop trail through prairie, hillside forest and wetlands to see migrating birds.  Choose your own pace, but binoculars, cameras and good walking shoes are recommended. Board the bus for a short trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum where you can enjoy lunch on your own at the Arboretum’s restaurant or your sack lunch brought from home. See the Pumpkin Palooza Cucurbit Display which is a plethora of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Take a self-guided leaf, bird or bog walking tour. For a broader view, ride the tram through the grounds. Visit the Andersen Horticultural Library, the Visitor Center and the Gift Shop. This trip involves as little or as much walking as you choose to do. Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate attire. Sorry no refunds. Please note that the cost of this trip is being subsidized by an anonymous donor, thus the low fee.