Fridley Community Education

Step back in time and experience the exquisite 33 - room Turnblad Mansion decorated for the holidays. Learn about the fascinating Turnblad family, the art and architecture of the mansion, and the history of early Minneapolis. In 1908, the Turnblads, a Swedish immigrant family, completed the construction of their castle like mansion. Twenty one years later, they gave it all away to the community, founding the museum and cultureal center that would become the American Swedish Institute where we can experience Swedish, Swedish-American and Nordic culture. We will enjoy a Swedish Smorgasbord buffet including: beet salad, cucumber dill salad, assorted bread and butter, lingonberries, mashed potatoes, swedish meatballs, coffee and water. We will stop at Ingebretsen's Scandinavian Gifts and Foods to admire the beauty, integrity and craftsmanship of imports from throughout Scandinavia. Shop for gift items, authentic clothing, baked goods and tranditional Nordic foods including lutesfisk. This trip will get you in the holiday spirit.

Lunch: Participants don't need to choose a lunch before hand - it is a Swedish Smorgasbord buffet filled with beet salad, cucumber dill salad, assorted bread and butter, lingonberries, mashed potatoes, swedish meatballs, coffee and water.

Mobility Level 1: This tour requires light physical activity. Tour members should expect intermittent walking, with occasional slight inclines and stair climbs, including boarding the motor coach, boat/ferry, tram, etc. There will be some walking to general points of interest. Guests should be able to climb a set of stairs, walk up or down slight slopes and navigate some uneven terrain.

Appropriate for: All participants including those with lower mobility and who are comfortable participating in at least three hours of activity per day.