Fun Group Event: Private Tours by Friends of the Mississippi River
Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 12:16PMArticle by Becky Fillinger
Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) offers many tours throughout the year. The kayak, biking and walking tours are wildly popular – as you would expect. Did you know you may request a private walking tour for your group? This is offered free of charge and would be a fantastic group activity. We talked to Colleen O'Connor Toberman, Land Use & Planning Program Director, to learn more about engaging with her organization.
Colleen at Lock and Dam 1
Q: How did the idea of private group tours come about?
A: Friends of the Mississippi River is partnering with Dr. Roopali Phadke, Professor of Environmental Studies, at Macalester College, as well as several community organizations, to highlight the upcoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineers disposition study for the Lower St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam and Lock and Dam 1 (often called the Ford Dam). In short, this study will consider the future of these structures that we built to tame and industrialize the river. What should their purpose be, if any? Should we consider removing them? What will our future Mississippi River look like?
Macalester College and FMR have offered a series of focus group tours this summer to invite community members into this conversation. Demand for those experiences has been so high that FMR is offering additional private tours for groups like neighborhood associations, civic leagues, cultural groups, or anyone else interested in exploring this topic.
Q: Please give us the specifics of a private group tour? How small a group will you take out? How large? What will we see?
A: We welcome groups of 10-25 people to request a walking tour with us. These tours last 1.5 hours and start and end at the Wabun Picnic Area near Lock and Dam 1. Adaptations can be made for accessibility needs.
At this time, we're only able to offer tours focused on the future of the locks and dams. These tours cover the history and function of these structures, considerations for the future, and information about how to participate in the forthcoming Army Corps study process. The 1-2 mile route explores scenic vistas of the river gorge as well as walking to the lock itself.
Lock and Dam 1
Walking Tour
Our public focus groups included kayak, boat, and bike tours as well, but those tours have been filled and we don't have the ability to fund more of those experiences. If a private group is able to coordinate and pay for their own boat or kayak tour, we will gladly come along as guest speakers. We can recommend operators who have worked with us.
We can also present about the future of the locks and dams in an indoor meeting setting! We can share the same information that we would on a walking tour.
Q: What's the process of requesting a private tour? Is there a charge?
A: There is no charge for a private walking tour. If you have a group of 10-25 people to attend a tour, please contact Maddie Miller (mmiller@fmr.org) to discuss scheduling. Right now, we're scheduling tours for late August through October. Indoor presentations can be scheduled for the winter, as well.
Q: How may we follow news of the Friends of the Mississippi River?
A: To learn more about this type of program, and sign up for email updates, please visit www.fmr.org/metrodams.
On social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
