November 3, 2025
Immanuel residents traveled to Minneapolis and St. Paul for the latest Immanuel Explorers trip, a three-day itinerary packed with cultural experiences, entertainment, and opportunities to connect.
From historic museums to a professional dinner theater performance, the Twin Cities adventure showcased some of Minnesota’s most popular destinations, while fostering community among residents across Immanuel communities.
The three-day trip, created in collaboration with Nebraska-based company, Allied Tour and Travel, featured a carefully planned schedule of cultural and historical attractions:
- Mystery Dinner & Comedy Show (Minneapolis) – An interactive evening event featuring live entertainment and a surprise comedic performance by the incomparable duo, Laverne and Lucy. Explorers had fun being included in the show.
- Mill City Museum (Minneapolis) – Exhibits and guided experiences detailing the city’s flour milling industry and its impact on regional growth.
- American Swedish Institute (Minneapolis) – A historic mansion and museum showcasing Swedish art, design, and cultural exhibits.
- Chanhassen Dinner Theatre (Chanhassen) – A full-scale professional production of Grease paired with a multi-course dinner service.
- Surf Ballroom (Clear Lake, Iowa) – A tour of the iconic music venue, lunch, and a video presentation on its role in rock ‘n’ roll history, including a fully immersive exhibit showcasing icons of the music industry.
Pacific Springs resident Judith Durbin said her favorite memory of the trip was meeting other Immanuel residents.
“Sitting together at the dinner theater production of Grease was the highlight of the trip!” she said. “And the comedy show on the first night – when my husband was chosen as a ventriloquist’s dummy – had us all laughing.”
For Deerfield resident Beth Dudley, this was her first Immanuel Explorers trip. She said it won’t be her last.
“The trip sounded fun but ended up being so much more!” she said. “You know it’s been a good trip when you leave not wanting to. I’ve already told friends I need to return to Minneapolis/St. Paul again. And I can’t wait for the 2026 Alaska trip. I’m hooked!”
These trips aren’t just about sightseeing; they’re about building friendships and creating lasting memories.
“We hope other residents join the Explorers,” Judith said. “It’s definitely worth it and fun.”
The Immanuel Explorers program is part of Immanuel’s Life Enrichment offerings, designed to help residents celebrate age and live with purpose. Past trips have included Branson, San Antonio, Las Vegas, and even Alaskan cruises.
Cameo Rogers, Immanuel’s Corporate Life Enrichment Manager, said each journey brings new opportunities for adventure. The next Immanuel Explorers trip will be an Alaskan cruise in 2026.
“We want to create travel experiences that are easy, enriching, and full of connection for each Explorer. Every detail is planned so they can focus on what matters most,” she said. “This includes discovering new places, sharing laughter, and building friendships that strengthen their sense of community.”
