Information about the various events:
Padelford Riverboat Cruise – People arriving in Minnesota Territory in the mid-1800’s
mostly arrived by riverboat on the Mississippi River. August Louis sailed up the river in
1843 and Eugene Nicholas and family arrived via the Mississippi in 1849. This cruise
will give you the view that the early pioneers to Minnesota had when they first arrived.
Cost $16 Adults;$14 Seniors;$8 Children (under 2 years old free).
Calvary Cemetery – The cemetery was dedicated by Bishop Cretin in 1856 and is the
oldest of the Catholic Cemeteries. Archbishop John Ireland, and several hundred clergy
and nuns are buried here. This is the resting place of many of the early Larpenteurs,
including Louis Benoist Larpenteur, August Louis Larpenteur and his wife Mary
Josephine, Eugene Nicholas Larpenteur and his wife Rosa Delatoison. There are also
members of the Brings, Zenzius, Waters and many other families, descended from the
Larpenteurs in the cemetery. You will hear a history of the cemetery and be able to roam
at your leisure to see the various Larpenteur Graves. Donations are accepted.
Historic Summit Avenue –Drive along this exceptional boulevard which was early on
predicted to be the location which would be crowned by mansions. The first house was
built in 1855 by Edward Neill, on the bluff over the town of St. Paul. See the homes of
the famous men of the day who built there fabulous homes there, including Politician
Henry J. Rice, James J. Hill a railroad man, and F. Scot Fitzgerald the writer. Maps and
information will be provided so you can learn more about these homes.
The Cathedral of St. Paul – Built at the top of Summit Ave in 1904, this is the fourth
Cathedral of St. Paul, a dream of Archbishop John Ireland. The architect, Emmanuel
Louis Masqueray, built the Cathedral in the classic Renaissance style. The Larpenteur
connection is with August Louis Larpenteur who was appointed to the building
committee of the 3rd Cathedral of St. Paul by Bishop Cretin, and he was also on the Board
of Consultors for this 4th Cathedral. Donations accepted.
Gibbs Museum of Pioneer and Dakotah Life – “A historic museum interpreting the
real life relationship of the Gibbs family and Cloud Man’s band of Dakotah Indians living
in the mid-1800’s. Look over the prairie at the farm house and the Indian teepees.
August Louis Larpenteur was a friend to the Gibbs family and the Dakotah Indians. The
farm is located on Larpenteur Ave. Cost $8 adults; $7 senior; $5 children (2-16)
Historic Fort Snelling – Once the northern-most outpost of the U.S. Army, the fort was
accessible only by water or forest trail. Its original role was to protect fur traders. This is
where August Louis Larpenteur worked and traded with the Dakotah Indians on his
arrival in Minnesota Territory in 1943. $10 adult; $8 senior; $5 children.
NOTE: Prices quoted are for 2010. So expect that costs will be a dollar or two more in
2011.
The Minneapolis Airport Marriott Hotel - Is located 4 ½ miles from the MinneapolisSt. Paul Airport. The hotel has a pool and fitness center; restaurant and bar, with a coffee
bar open in the lobby each morning. There is a hotel shuttle available from the airport to
the hotel. Although the hotel is within walking distance to the Mall of America, the hotel
provides free shuttles to it. The Mall has many restaurants and shops, as well as an
indoor amusement park. You can also catch a ride on the Light-Rail from the Mall to
downtown Minneapolis.