The 10 Best Retirement Activities in Minnesota!
So it’s time to enjoy your retirement. All across Minnesota there are opportunities to take advantage of that you didn’t have time for before. Whether it’s exploring national forests, practicing yoga, or enjoying theater productions, you’ll find something right for you with the 10 best retirement activities in Minnesota.
Get a college degree
Retirees who are aged 62 or over, and who meet all admission criteria, can attend any university or college—including community colleges—in the state system, tuition free. There will be some associated costs and other fees, such as books and applicable course fees. But if you’re interested in earning a degree or learning something new, doing it tuition-free is a good way to go.
Visit a national park, monument, forest or recreation area
Retirees over 62 can purchase a lifetime pass to national parks, as well as national monuments, forests, and recreation areas, for the same price as a standard-rate annual pass. In Minnesota, the America the Beautiful senior pass allows you to explore natural wonders like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, Pipestone National Monument, the Mississippi and St. Croix Riverways, the Superior and Chippewa National Forests, along with a handful of other national wildlife refuges and recreation areas. You can also use it anywhere else in the United States.
Stroll the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul, MN
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory hosts regular events for retirees aged 55 and older, allowing them to explore parts of the zoo or conservatory for free—and before the crowds arrive. Along with a leisurely walk, participants will also find special activities.
Visit a rec center
Duluth’s Parks and Recreation division hosts a variety of programs and activities for retirees and seniors at two of the city’s community recreation centers, as well as at the Evergreen Senior Center. The programs range from classes and exercise programs to bingo and socializing over meals.
Stay active at 125 LIVE, Rochester, MN
In Rochester, 125 LIVE is a community for active adults. They offer a tremendous variety of programs that range from health, fitness and nutrition to discounted trips and personal services. The center has pools, a library and lounge, a billiards room, open art studios and computer lab and offers activities like basketball and volleyball.
Become a Master Naturalist, Minneapolis, MN
The Minnesota Master Naturalist program trains nature-loving Minnesotans to be experts in the state’s nature and ecology. After spending 40 hours in the classroom and on field trips, Master Naturalists volunteer at least 40 hours every year, doing work on a variety of service projects.
Seniors in Mind Series, St. Paul, MN
Visit the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul and enjoy their weekday Seniors in Mind series of programs. The program itself is free and features music, cooking lessons and demonstrations, as well as lectures on topics related to the history and culture of the North Star State.
Enjoy the theater
The Guthrie Theater is one of the country’s top regional theaters and a beloved Minnesota institution. Every season, the Guthrie stages several innovative productions and attracts some of the best talent from across the United States and around the world. Retirees 65 and over enjoy discounts on tickets for individual shows or season packages.
Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
The Science Museum of Minnesota, in St. Paul, offers fascinating interactive exhibits, many of which change regularly, that explore the natural and man-made phenomena of the world. Retirees can volunteer at the museum or simply enjoy a discounted admission—if 65 or older—on the exhibits.
Practice yoga
The Edina Senior Center offers several levels of yoga, from gentle to more advanced practice for retirees and senior citizens. Keep yourself fit and flexible, while enjoying the company of other people in the community. The center also offers a number of other classes to keep your mind in shape.
