8:45 a.m. Leave Eastview Elementary, 9375 Fenning Ave. No., Monticello.Load in parking lot. 9:30 a.m. Make a comfort stop at the Middle Spunk Lake Rest Area near Avon, MN. 11:00 a.m. Arrive for lunch at Travelers Inn Restaurant, Alexandria’s Oldest Eating Establishment since 1924.Menu: Swedish Meatballs, Lightly Spiced and served in a Creamy Gravy Sauce, Served with Baby Red Skinned Mashed, Vegetable, Dinner Roll, Beverage 12:30 p.m. Leave Travelers Inn Restaurant. Just three blocks down the street is the Runestone Museum. 12:45 p.m. Take a guided tour of The Runestone Museum Foundation. It has been inspiring curiosity about local history and heritage for more than 50 years. The World Famous and controversial Kensington Rune Stone was the Runestone Museum’s only artifact when it opened its’ doors in 1958. Since then, the museum has grown to include additional artifacts found in Minnesota that relate to Middle-Age Nordic explorers. The 40 piece collection includes the Climax fire steel. In the First Peoples exhibit, an original 1920s Tinkle Cone Dress is on display; only four such dresses exist in North America. Visitors can also explore Minnesota’s natural history. There is also a Minnesota Wildlife Exhibit, complete with animal sounds and habitat information. 1:45 p.m. After the tour, spend a few minutes in the gift shop. 2:00 p.m. Transfer to the Up North Ice Cream Company in Alexandria. 2:30 p.m. Leave Alexandria, MN. 3:30 p.m. Make a comfort stop at the Big Spunk Lake Rest Area new Avon, MN. 4:15 p.m. Estimated return time to Monticello. DEADLINE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 - No refunds after this date!