Field Trips
AESS conference field trips offer attendees a chance to explore the local region.
In response to feedback, we are scheduling outings for Tuesday, June 24 to give ample opportunity for community building and engagement at the heart of the event.
Visiting St. Paul, Minnesota's capital city
The St. Paul official convention and visitors bureau offers many resources for visitors. Check out their website for all things local!
Maps: The Downtown Walking Map shares public transit stop locations and local attractions. MetroTransit website is the public transit website and the trip planner will provide step by step instructions on how to navigate the city utilizing public transportation.
Six AESS-organized field trips are detailed below. Each trip includes transportation and all associated costs. Each trip will be guided by a field trip leader who will be the point of contact for the duration of the excursion. Register for each trip ahead of time. Guests are welcome to attend; just purchase multiple tickets in your name.
Local Lover VIP Pass
Be in the know for all the local deals.
Sign up for deals and savings at Saint Paul’s best attractions, restaurants, shops and more.
On-Your-Own Adventures Around Minneapolis-St. Paul
If you are partaking in any “on-your-own” excursions and would like ride share/company, please make a post on our event forum to help connect with other participants.
University of St. Thomas Campus Sustainability Tour
This tour of our AASHE STARS Gold campus will feature LEED-certified buildings, pollinator paths, and a walk along the Mississippi River. Led by Maria Dahmus, director of the Office of Sustainability Initiatives. Cost includes transportation. cost: $10
Behind-the-scenes at the Science Museum of Minnesota
This field trip will give you the chance to view some of the Science Museum’s collections up close, and speak with Laurie Fink, Chair of Science! You will also have ample time to explore the museum itself, and stay as long as you’d like – the museum is walking distance from our hotel. Cost includes museum admission and tour. cost: $40
Hydrology, Fluids, Mechanics, and History: St. Anthony Laboratory and St. Anthony Main
Go behind the scenes at the University of Minnesota’s St. Anthony Laboratory, and then explore St. Anthony Main, one of the oldest parts of the City. This section of town features delightful cafes and shops, as well as some unique park trails near the river. Cost includes transportation and small donation to SAFL for tour. cost: $10
Between Two Rivers Kayak Paddle Experience
After a short paddle skill introduction on land, you’ll embark on a kayak experience around the backside of Pike Island in Fort Snelling State Park to the confluence of Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, through the sacred area the Dakota call Bdote. Pass eagles’ nests and travel under the historic swing train bridge, before ending with an impressive view of the River Capital’s downtown skyline. The group will spend approximately 4 hours on the water, so make sure to prepare for the elements! Cost includes transportation, guided tour and equipment. This trip has a minimum 8 persons required to run and maxes out at 14. cost: $110
Geology, Nature, and Waterfalls at Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Visit one of the most popular parks in the city – this place has everything! Waterfalls, hiking trails, gardens, a seafood place, river views, etc. We will also take a short guided walk with Rebecca Clotts, geology faculty at University of St. Thomas. Cost includes transportation and guided tour. cost: $15
Environmental and Social Justice in South Minneapolis: George Floyd Square and Bde Maka Ska
This group will first visit George Floyd Square on a guided program led by Rise & Remember. We will then visit Bde Maka Ska, the largest lake in Minneapolis, where we will learn about the reclaiming of the indigenous name, the new pavilion featuring Dakota artists, and time for lake activities like swimming, boating, or walking. Cost includes transportation and admission. cost: $30 regular / $5 for students
