Pre-Training Tours will take place from 1:00pm – 5:00pm on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Looking to explore agriculture and industry in Minneapolis before digging into consumer outreach training? We are excited to offer two different tour routes to kick off your time in the Twin Cities. Each tour contains two stops. Groups will depart from the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Downtown at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022, and return by 5:00 p.m. that same day. Depending on the route you choose, there may be a small fee to cover the cost of your ticket.

 

Tour #1: Mill & Brewery: From Grain to Table

This tour track is a grain processor’s dream! Start off by experiencing the history of General Mills through the hands-on exhibits of the Mill City Museum. Built within the ruins of the Washburn A Mill, the flagship mill of the Washburn-Crosby Co. (later General Mills), this tour will include a 19-minute film of Minneapolis’ history, a trip on the Flour Tower, a self-paced tour through the museum, and breathtaking views of the mill on the observation deck. From learning about the grains, we will come full circle on this tour from milling to brewing as we go behind-the-scenes of the brewing process at Pryes Brewing Company. Discover the path from field to pint through this interactive tour and tasting of award-winning craft beers at this riverside taproom and brewery.

Cost: $25

Must be 21+

 

Tour #2: Golden Gopher Ag and Fairground Fun

Experience two components of Minnesota agriculture. Start with the nationally and internationally recognized University of Minnesota Animal Science Department. Tour the meat laboratory on campus, visit the dairy and see their sheep facility all while speaking with acclaimed faculty and researchers. The meat market will be open for a sampling! Next, travel just down the road to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. What began in 1854 as a territorial fair to highlight agriculture and encourage farming is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Members will explore the newly renovated MNFB education center, discuss the current advocacy and promotion efforts and make a stop to the Minnesota Farm Bureau building and the Miracle of Birth center on the grounds where veterinarians will discuss how they promote agriculture during the State Fair with their exhibits.

Free