Social Activities

Cabinets of Curiosity: Aquatic Invasive Species Containment

Tour the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Containment Lab for a behind-the-scenes look at how researchers study aquatic invasive species. Participants will learn about current research projects and discover how scientific findings are translated into practical management tools that help protect Minnesota's waters.

Cabinets of Curiosity: Behind the Scenes at the Vet Med Center

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour will offer an insider's look into the important work happening at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. We will enjoy a walking tour through patient exam rooms, student learning areas, and clinical/surgery suites, highlighting how faculty experts and student veterinarians collaborate to deliver life-saving care.

Campus Conversation with UMF President and CEO John Morris

UMRA’s second “Campus Conversation” with a University leader will offer UMRA members an exclusive opportunity to meet with John Morris, president and CEO of the University of Minnesota Foundation. The focus of the conversation will be the role of the foundation and its relationship to retirees.

Lake Minnetonka Cruise

10:30 a.m. check in; 10:45 boarding; cruise from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join UMRA friends and colleagues for a summer cruise and lunch aboard the Paradise Destiny II on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Paul Maravelas, sailor, historian, and author of The History of Big Island, Lake Minnetonka will join us to share stories from 200+ years of lake-dwellers. Come early or stay after the cruise to explore Excelsior, a charming small town on the big lake.

Ticket price includes lunch: chef's sandwich, garden salad, fruit, chips, and cookies. Coffee, iced tea, and lemonade are complimentary and there will be a cash bar for other beverages. A vegetarian sandwich can be selected during registration.

Breakfast and Political Discussion

You are invited to a discussion of the Minnesota midterm elections. We have set the date after the primary, which is on August 11 so we can discuss the candidates who will be in the election. 

Como Lakeside Pavilion Social

We will gather in the Waterfall Room for an in-person, summer social and luncheon for UMRA members and guests on June 24th. Our event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the always popular Summer Social Trivia Game with quizmasters Dave Dorman and Mark Jenson.

This event will include social time; a plated, seated lunch; and the Summer Social Trivia Game.

There are three entree options - all include dessert (or GF desert) and a choice of sodas, lemonade, and coffee or water.

Cash bar available inside the Dock & Paddle.

UMRA breakfast: Books, books, books

Pick a favorite book and bring a brief synopsis of the book to the breakfast and share with the group.

Cabinets of Curiosity: Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain

As a follow-up to UMRA’s October 2025 forum with neuroscientist Damien Fair, PhD, co-director of the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain in Minneapolis, he has generously agreed to host us for a visit. Participation will be limited, so don’t wait to register. 

Cabinets of Curiosities - Mapping our world: a visit to the Borchert Map Library

UMRA’s Cabinets of Curiosity tour on Thursday, February 12, will offer an inside look into the rich resources of the University Libraries Borchert Map Library. Map Librarian Ryan Mattke will showcase the treasures and innovations of one of the largest map libraries in the U.S. 

Winter celebration and songs to bring the light

UMRA’s special event for this winter will again be a celebration of brighter days and the approaching end of winter. We’ll have food, fellowship, and music provided by Urban Sound, one of the University’s premier student a cappella ensembles.

Minnesota Gophers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Women’s Basketball

Here’s another great opportunity to buy discounted tickets and join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gophers when the Women’s Basketball team hosts the Purdue Boilermakers at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on February 1.

Minnesota Gophers vs. St. Thomas Tommies Women's Hockey

Hey UMRA Gopher fans! Here’s a great opportunity to join your UMRA friends to cheer for the Gopher Women’s Hockey team when they face off against the St. Thomas Tommies in Ridder Arena.

UMRA breakfast - caring for/interacting with grandkids

Caring for grandkids: fun and age-appropriate activities and resources, making your house kid-safe, how to set up college funds, and more.

Cabinets of Curiosity: St. Anthony Falls Laboratory

Located next to St. Anthony Falls, across the river from downtown Minneapolis, the lab has been a hub for pioneering research in fluid dynamics, hydrology, and earth surface dynamics for 80 years. Our expert guide will be College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor Chris Paola, PhD. 

Cabinets of Curiosity: Tour University Grove

On a bus and on foot, we’ll explore this extraordinary neighborhood—called "a living museum of Minnesota's architectural heritage"—adjacent to the University of Minnesota campus in St. Paul, with four experts including architectural historian Jane Hession, and an opportunity to visit inside two unique homes. There will be a fee to participate, to cover the cost of the bus charter and audio equipment.