Say hello to Fall and to the scenic beauty of the world famous Dalles of the upper St. Croix River! Afterward, enjoy a stroll down charming Taylors Falls, MN to hunt for treasures at the local shops, enjoy an ice cream treat, or a sunny hike along a river trail. A sack lunch is included during the cruise. Comfortable coach bus departs Eisenhower Community Center (1001 Hwy 7 Hopkins, MN). Details about exact meeting location, departure and return times, and host contact information for day-of communication emailed the week of the tour. NOTE: Due to tour company booking requirements, a minimum of 30 participants is needed to run this tour. Consider inviting a friend (or two) to join you! TAYLORS FALLS BOAT CRUISE ITINERARY 8:45 a.m. Leave from the Eisenhower Community Center (1001 Hwy. 7, Hopkins, MN). The bus should park in front of Door A (School Entrance). 10:00 a.m. Arrive at Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours to board the boat. Water levels will determine accessibility. [Those who cannot manage stairs can be transported by golf cart from the motor coach down to the boat landing. There are 20 steps down the staircase from the bus to the boat. Ask staff for assistance. They will be available to give directions and help anyone who has difficulty getting from where the bus drops off passengers down to the boat.] 11:00 a.m. Depart on the 80-minute public cruise. Since 1906, thousands of tourists have enjoyed the scenic beauty of the world-famous Dalles (Dells) of the St. Croix River by authentic paddlewheel boat. The unique rock formations are highlighted by the narration by the crew. The view inspires awe, not just for its beauty but also for the provision of this river that is sculpted through ancient volcanic rock. The Ojibwa, Dakota and Fox people revered the land. Trappers and traders glided in canoes and Bateaux between the basaltic walls they called dalles. Courageous early settlers built a riverside town where steam navigation stopped. This cruise provides a picture postcard view that will not soon be forgotten. Have a sack luncheon prepared by the boat company catering team. Sandwich with Turkey & Cheddar Cheese, Mayonnaise & Mustard packets, Chips, Pickles, Cookie, and Coffee. Looking for dietary options? Please indicate this in the Question that is part of the registration process. 12:20 p.m. Boat returns to the dock. Passengers can take a stroll to Taylors Falls, to visit the local shops. Enjoy some ice cream or take a hike along a river trail. 1:30 p.m. Leave Taylors Falls. 2:45 p.m. Estimated return time to Eisenhower Community Center (Door A).

The "Art of the Infinitely Better Bowl" Cooking SeriesReady to ditch the canned stuff and discover how a handful of simple, whole ingredients can create a flavor explosion? This isn’t just a cooking class—it’s a hands-on laboratory for deliciousness. Join us for a vibrant, aromatic journey where we turn "healthy" into "crave-worthy," one ladle at a time!Why You’ll Love Rolling Up Your Sleeves With Us:Get Your Hands Messy: This is a 100% interactive experience. From mastering knife skills on peak-season produce to learning the secret "bloom" technique for spices, you’ll be the one at the stove building layers of incredible flavor.The "Whole" Truth: We’re stripping away the processed fillers and focusing on the power of whole grains, hearty legumes, and garden-fresh vegetables. You’ll learn how to create creamy, rich textures without a drop of dairy.Fuel Your Future: While the pots simmer, we’ll dive into the "why" behind the bowl. We’ll share the latest insights on how plant-forward eating boosts your energy, sharpens your mind, and adds quality years to your life.The Scent of Success: The Royal Kitchen is about to become an aromatic sanctuary. We’ll explore how to balance heat, acid, and fresh herbs to make every soup smell like a five-star trattoria.The Leftover Luxury: Bring a take-home container! The only thing better than a bowl of fresh soup is having a gourmet, prepped meal waiting for you in the fridge tomorrow.SEPTEMBER - A Taste of Tuscany: The Ultimate Plant-Based Comfort Forget everything you know about "healthy" soup being boring. This September, we’re bringing the sun-drenched flavors of the Italian countryside straight to your bowl. Join us as we craft a Tuscan Bean Soup that is as vibrant as a late-summer garden and as soul-warming as a campfire.Why You’ll Love This Class:The "Magic" Topping: Learn the secrets of our Cashew Parmesan. It’s savory, "cheesy," and packed with protein—you’ll want to sprinkle this dairy-free gold on absolutely everything you cook.The Perfect Dip: We’re pairing our masterpiece with thick slices of whole-grain sourdough. It’s the ultimate vessel for soaking up every last drop of that rich, herb-infused broth.Garden-to-Table Goodness: We’re loading this pot with velvety cannellini beans and a rainbow of harvest vegetables, all seasoned with authentic Tuscan spices that will make the kitchen smell like a dream.OCTOBER - Autumn in a Bowl: The Ultimate Harvest ChiliWhen the October chill sets in, nothing beats a bowl of chili—but we’re moving way beyond the standard "meat and potatoes" routine. Get ready for a Vegetarian Quinoa Chili that is a total texture explosion! This class is all about hearty, "stick-to-your-ribs" comfort that’s secretly a nutritional powerhouse.Why This Class is a Game-Changer:The "Everything" Chili: We’re packing the pot with a protein-packed trifecta of beans, lentils, and quinoa. It’s thick, smoky, and satisfying enough to win over the most dedicated carnivores.The Garnish Gala: A chili is only as good as its toppings. We’re going all out with a DIY garnish bar so you can load your bowl high with all your favorites.The Perfect Crunch: Forget the greasy bagged chips; we’re serving this up with oven-baked tortilla chips for that satisfying, guilt-free snack.NOVEMBER - The Golden Coconut GlowShake off the November chill with a soup that’s as vibrant as it is velvety. This isn’t your average "lentil soup"—it’s a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that feels like a tropical escape in the middle of autumn. Simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party, this Coconut Lentil Soup is about to become your new kitchen obsession.Why You’ll Fall for This Class:The "Magic" of Red Lentils: Discover how red lentils melt into a naturally thick, creamy base without a drop of heavy cream. It’s pure plant-based alchemy!Aromatic Adventure: We’re building layers of "how-does-it-smell-that-good?" flavor using spicy aromatics balanced by the silky sweetness of rich coconut milk.The Naan Factor: No soup is complete without a sidekick. We’re serving this with pillowy naan bread—the ultimate tool for swiping up every last bit of golden goodness.The Perfect Tang: We’ll finish each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite plant-based alternative!) to add that cool, tangy contrast that makes the spices pop.DECEMBER - The Ultimate "Better-Than-Restaurant" Zuppa ToscanaStep aside, Olive Garden—there’s a new Zuppa in town. This December, we’re wrapping up the year with a plant-based version of the world’s most famous Italian soup. It’s thick, it’s spicy, it’s creamy, and it’s basically a holiday hug in a bowl.Why This Class is the Ultimate Winter Treat:The "Sausage" Secret: We’re using vegan hot Italian sausage crumbles to bring that authentic, bold kick. Combined with caramelized onions and a hit of garlic, the base of this soup is pure flavor fireworks.Fennel-Spiced Magic: Learn how to craft a broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for days. We’re leaning into fennel and savory spices to give you that deep, "trattoria-style" complexity.The Perfect Texture: Think tender Russet potatoes and vibrant curly kale swimming in a rich, velvety broth. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal and gorgeous enough for a holiday spread.The Dunking Finale: No Zuppa is complete without the crunch. We’re serving this with crusty, herb-topped focaccia bread designed specifically for maximum broth absorption.

The "Rise & Glow" Brunch: Sweet, Spicy & Sunny Forget the basic brunch—we’re turning the volume up on your morning routine! Join us for a hands-on session where we redefine "Toast & Smoothies" using bold, whole-food ingredients that will make your taste buds dance, and your body feel incredible. This is high-vibe eating at its finest. On the Menu: The "Everything" Avocado Toast: This isn't your average smash. We start with a base of homemade, oil-free lemony almond hummus (your new favorite secret weapon) spread thick on toasted Tuscan Pane. Then, we layer on the drama with sweet strawberries, spicy jalapeños, and a sprinkle of zesty green onions. It’s a sweet-meets-heat masterpiece you have to taste to believe! The "Sunrise" Anti-Inflammatory Elixir: Drink in the sunshine with our Sunrise Smoothie. This golden blend of creamy mango and earthy turmeric isn't just a treat for your eyes—it’s a powerful tonic designed to fight free radicals, boost your immune system, and give you a natural, jitter-free energy kick.

The "Sunrise Skillet": A Mediterranean Morning Masterpiece Forget the cereal bowl—we’re bringing the sizzle to your breakfast table! Join us for a hands-on class where we craft a rustic, plant-forward Breakfast Skillet that’s so hearty and vibrant, it’ll make you actually want to jump out of bed. This is the ultimate "weekend brunch" vibe, simplified for your everyday routine.Why You’ll Crave This Class:The Savory "Stew" Base: We’re building a deep, rich foundation of savory tomatoes and buttery cannellini beans. It’s thick, protein-packed, and bursting with slow-simmered Italian soul.The Perfect Poach: Master the art of the poached egg. We’ll show you how to get those silky, golden yolks that melt into the tomato stew for a luxurious, creamy finish.The Gremolata Glow-Up: Learn to whip up a zesty Italian Gremolata. This fresh, herby sauce of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley is the "secret weapon" that cuts through the richness and makes the whole dish pop.The Crusty "Dop": No skillet is complete without a vehicle for the sauce. We’re serving this with thick, crusty bread perfect for "mopping up" every last drop of that tomatoey goodness.

Are you turning sixty-five and wondering about Medicare? Would you like to understand Medicare Part A & B as well as the difference between Medicare supplements and Advantage plans? What are your choices if you are working and have a group plan? Learn when you can enroll and where you can make some comparisons so you can select the right option for you

Ready to play, laugh, and learn? At The Great Game Show Camp, campers will dive into a world of fun with interactive games, exciting trivia challenges, and friendly competitions that keep everyone thinking and moving. From brain teasers and relay races to classic board games and camp-wide game shows, each day brings new adventures in teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking. It’s the perfect mix of mental and physical fun—with plenty of laughs along the way!

The Natural Way to Draw Learn the basics of drawing in a supportive, beginner-friendly class. Explore pencil, charcoal, and sketch crayons while creating drawings inspired by nature and still life. No prior experience required: beginner- and intermediate-level welcome! Material List ebony pencil 6B pencil 4B pencil kneaded eraser hand held metal pencil sharpener 11"x14" drawing pad 11"x14" newsprint pad vine (willow) charcoal sticks (soft) masking tape 1/2" Conte sketch crayons four color set (black, brown, sanguine, white) 15''x16" sketch board (or slightly larger) *all sizes are approximateNote: This class has been scheduled for 7 meetings. The December 15 date is held as a makeup date in case a particular date is cancelled.

Spend the week exploring track and field activities competing with your team.

Hopkins Community Education Winter Makers Market Calling all makers, artisans, and creatives! Join us this holiday season at the Winter Makers Market — a festive indoor event designed just for you to showcase your unique handmade creations. Whether you work in ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, painting, woodworking, or any other craft, this is your chance to connect with a community that appreciates original, quality work. Why Participate? Share your craft with enthusiastic local shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures. Join a curated collection of diverse media for a well-balanced and vibrant marketplace. Enjoy a friendly, supportive atmosphere with fellow makers and DIY fans. Benefit from a prime location at Hopkins North Middle School, with easy setup and access. Be part of an event that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of handmade. Spaces are limited, so reserve your booth today! Not a maker? We are looking for volunteers. Visit our sign up genius for volunteer information. *Items that are prohibited at public school events under Federal Law apply as off-limits for sale or distribution in Hopkins Public Schools and include alcohol, tobacco, or other legal drugs, weapons, illegal substances, sexually explicit or implicit items designed for adult-only audiences, or anything promoting violence or discrimination. Read the 2026 Winter Makers Market Vendor Handbook for more detailed information about vendor participation.

Paint a beautiful scene in watercolors. Step by step instructions and discussion on the difference between dry brush work, wet on wet, and wet on dry are included as we work together. This is a great no fear way to learn to paint in watercolors. All supplies are included.

Paint a beautiful scene in watercolors. Step by step instructions and discussion on the difference between dry brush work, wet on wet, and wet on dry are included as we work together. This is a great no fear way to learn to paint in watercolors. All supplies are included.

Your wedding day is nearing, and you don’t know how to dance. Not to worry! This fun two-hour lesson will teach you and your partner everything you need to know to make your first dance much more interesting than shifting awkwardly from side to side. Learn an easy entrance, classic steps, simple sways, fancy twirls, and a romantic dip! Then, capture it on your camera to continue practicing up until the wedding day. Class is open to wedding couples and any other special pairings included on your wedding day. To reach the instructor in advance, visit www.ConstantineDance.com. See song ideas there, too!