Bonebright's children joined her on a trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in 1998.
Summer destination: the U near you
Visit for fun this summer
By Dee Anne Bonebright
From Brief, June 1, 2005;
Updated June 30, 2005
I asked my children, both in high school now, what they remember about coming to work with me. Eating ice cream in the two-story MacDonald's when she was three, my daughter said. My son talked about the day I picked him up early from second grade so we could hear a lecture by chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall. I don't know what he missed in school that day, but I doubt he'd remember it ten years later!
Did you ever consider the fact that the University of Minnesota is a major tourist destination for the state? Every year, thousands attend performances at the Ted Mann Concert Hall and Northrop Auditorium. Glensheen is a treasure not just for UMD but for North Shore tourism. Athletic events draw eager fans to most U campuses on most weekends.
Dee Anne's Top 5
University visits
1. Itasca Biological
Station
Several years ago our family attended an Itasca weekend sponsored
by College of Biological Sciences and Bell Museum. It was a
wonderful time of exploring the natural world and learning more
about nature...and no, I'm not a biology major.
2. UMD and Glensheen
I'm glad I've had several chances to visit UMD. The location
overlooking Lake Superior is beautiful, and it's interesting to
meet with colleagues from another campus to explore work issues
from a broader perspective. Glensheen, down on the lake, is my
favorite historical mansion. I've enjoyed both public tours and
private events.
3. U
of M Marching Band
I wish every U employee could attend at least one marching band
indoor concert. It's a great event that's guaranteed to bring out
your school spirit. The Twin Cities marching band will appear
outdoors this summer (including July 4 in Delano) but this fall it
will hold its 44th annual yearly indoor concert at Northrop,
November 19-20, 2005.
4. Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum
Visiting the arboretum in Chaska is well worth the trip. I've
attended several off-site work events there, and the location
really adds to the experience. I've found good ideas for my home
garden and always enjoy walking the trails.
5. Bell Museum of Natural
History and Weisman Art
Museum
I'm often amazed by how many people work on the Twin Cities campus
in Minneapolis and have never visited its two major museums. As a
parent, I've taken advantage of family-friendly programming for
low-cost weekend adventures. It was a great way to help my kids
connect with the place where I work.
As U employees, we focus on day-to-day work and what's happening in our own areas. It's easy to neglect the many opportunities available to us. We lose sight of the history and mission that made many of us want to work at the U in the first place. Visiting the U is a great way to reconnect and learn about what's going on in other parts of this statewide institution.
University tourism also provides a perfect opportunity to involve friends and family in what you do every day. Unlike most employers, the U offers a broad range of interesting activities for everybody. You don't have to wait for "bring your child to work day" to share your work life.
As we enter a time of change and new direction, it's also a good time to reconnect our own work with the larger University community. This summer, take advantage of the resources on your campus for entertainment and relaxation. Consider taking one lunch hour each week to explore a new building or walk on a favorite path. Come back at least once during an evening or weekend to attend a concert or watch a sporting event. If you're traveling near another U location, stop in to take a look. Find time to try at least one new experience.
MAJOR MUSEUMS
Bell Museum of Natural History10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis
Open T-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sa, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Su, noon-5 p.m.
$5/free; Su free for everyone
Tweed Museum of Art
Humanities Building, 1201 Ordean Court, Duluth
Open T 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; W-F 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sa-Su 1-5 p.m.
Weisman Art
Museum
333 East River Road, Minneapolis
Open T,W,F 10 a.m.-5 p.m; Th 10 a.m.-8 p.m; Sa-Su 11 a.m.-5
p.m
Free
NATURE CENTERS
Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium1023 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812, 218-726-7129
Facilities are available for public and private programs. Public shows are presented on most Wednesday evenings.
Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318, 952-443-1400
Grounds open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. or sunset (whichever
occurs first). Check the Web site or call for building hours.
Raptor Center
1920 Fitch Ave., St. Paul, MN, 55108, 612-624-4745
Offers free family fun nights, public raptor releases, and low-cost
educational events. Check the Web site for details.
Red
River Valley Natural History Area
Crookston, MN 56716
Part of the Northwest Research and Outreach Center located near the
Crookston campus, this area lies in the ancient, flat bed of
glacial Lake Agassiz. Prairie restoration and hiking trails are
open to U staff and student groups. Meeting spaces and indoor
exhibits are available by appointment for school groups and nature
clubs.
UMore Park
1605 160th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068, 651-423-2455
Trails open M-F, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; check the Web site for tours
and public events.
West Central Research and
Outreach Center
46352 State Hwy. 329, Morris, MN 56267, 320-589-1711
Horticulture gardens and trails are open from dawn to dusk. The
Renewable Energy Research and Demonstration Center offers education
programs and tours of the new wind turbine.
OTHER U ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LINKS
Walking trails and gardens on the mall are open to the public. Look for public art installations on the mall and in many campus buildings when they are open.
Morris
- Science Building telescope observatory - The night sky at Morris is among the darkest anywhere in the state and the stars are brilliant. Call 320-589-6300 for information and hours.
- Regional Fitness Center - This facility is a partnership of the campus and community. See the Web site, and call 320-589-6300 for information and hours.
What are your favorite U
places?
If you have a University of Minnesota place to recommend for a
visit, let us know. We'll publish an update. Contact Brief
editor Gayla Marty by e-mail
or at 612-625-0552.
222 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis
Goldstein Museum of
Design
244 McNeal Hall, St. Paul
Heritage Gallery,
McNamara Alumni Center
200 Oak St. S.E., Minneapolis
Katherine E.
Nash Gallery
Art Department, 405 21st Ave. S., Minneapolis
Another important source is the College of Continuing Education's summer programs, including Curiosity Camps, one-day learning escapes; Split Rock Arts Program summer workshops and soirees in the Twin Cities and retreats at the Cloquet Forestry Center; and Compleat Scholar and summer-term courses.
Dee Anne Bonebright is the director of supervisory training in the Center for Human Resource Development, Office of Human Resources, Twin Cities campus.