Welcome to Minnesota!
Plan on coming a day early and enjoy the sights of beautiful Minnesota, home of 10,000 lakes and the largest shopping mall in America! We hope you will take the time to come and explore the area during one of these Pre-Summit excursions on Thursday, July 17.
Pre-Summit excursions
Mall of America – 12:00-5:30 PM
Cost: $50 (covers transportation and tour costs)
July 17, 12:00-5:30 PM Mall of America Excursion
- 12:00 PM Bus leaves for the MOA
- 12:30-2:00 PM MOA Tour
- 2:00-5:15 PM MOA Shopping
- 5:15 PM Bus leaves from MOA to the Church
If you’re into shopping – visit the Mall of America in Bloomington, which opened in 1992 and is the largest mall in the Western Hemisphere. Each year, 40 million people worldwide visit the Mall for its retail, entertainment, and attractions.
Your excursion to MOA includes transportation and a behind-the-scenes tour that gives you a peek at how the Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe amusement park work—plus countless details that only insiders know, anecdotes from over the decades + exciting previews of what’s to come. Tour time is approximately 90 minutes; wear comfortable shoes.
After the tour, you’ll have a few hours to explore the variety of retail options, grab a snack at one of the restaurants, visit the Sea Life Aquarium, tee up at Moose Mountain mini-golf, or grab your girlfriend for an exciting roller coaster ride at Nickelodeon Universe indoor amusement park.
Excursion costs include transportation and Mall tour fees. Your choice of additional activities and purchases will be an additional cost.
Lake Harriet – 1:00-4:30 PM
Cost: $25 (covers transportation cost)
Enjoy one of the great Minnesota lakes on your afternoon visit to nearby beautiful Lake Harriet. Your transportation will drop you off at Lake Harriet Park, the hub of fun! A paved 2.8-mile trail loops around the lake, providing an easy hike and spectacular views. There are benches and picnic tables along the route for resting. Or, rent a bicycle and bike to The Lyndale Park Rose Garden or Roberts Bird Sanctuary. If water is your thing – rent a pedal boat, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, or take a dip at the swimming beach. For a nostalgic trip back in time, hop aboard a historic streetcar for a 15-minute scenic ride and learn about Minnesota streetcar history. Grab a snack or ice cream at The Bread & Pickle when you are ready for a break.
July 17, 1:00-4:30 PM Lake Harriet Excursion
- 1:00 PM Bus leaves from church to Lake Harriet
- 4:15 PM Bus leaves from Lake Harriet to the Church
Transportation cost to Lake Harriet is included. Your choice of activities and rentals will be an additional cost.