OLLI Fall 2026_pageturn - Flipbook - Page 13
automobiles, vintage farm equipment, Caterpillar
machinery, trains, clocks, musical instruments,
and artifacts that tell the story of the region’s
industrial heritage. Highlights currently on display
include the beautifully restored 1931 Ahrens Fox
Fire Truck, the LeTourneau Steel House, military
exhibits, model railroads, the historic 1907 Hinners
pipe organ, and a variety of rotating special
exhibits. Knowledgeable guides will share the
stories behind these remarkable collections
while bringing the past to life through interactive
displays and demonstrations.
$50 – includes guided tour, lunch, gratuities,
museum admission, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
Tanners Orchard
Thursday, September 24
11:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a visit
to Tanners Orchard, a beloved family-owned
destination that has welcomed visitors to Central
Illinois for more than 60 years. Nestled among
rolling orchards in Speer, Tanners Orchard is
known for its beautiful countryside setting,
delicious bakery treats, farmer’s market, and rich
agricultural heritage. We’ll enjoy a guided tour
to learn about the orchard’s history, growing
practices, and family traditions. Participants will
have plenty of free time to explore the grounds,
browse the market, visit the bakery, and stroll
through the orchards. Those who wish may pick
apples or pumpkins to take home while enjoying
the sights, scents, and flavors of the fall harvest
season. Of course, no visit would be complete
without enjoying Tanners’ famous apple cider and
fresh cider donuts.
$50 – includes guided tour, lunch, cider and donut,
gratuities, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
Caterpillar’s Track-Type Tractor Assembly
Tuesday, September 29
10:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Go behind the scenes at Caterpillar’s Track-Type
Tractor Assembly facility for an exclusive look
at one of the world’s leading manufacturing
operations. This state-of-the-art facility utilizes
flexible manufacturing systems and advanced
computer-based technology to build some of
Caterpillar’s most powerful machines. We’ll learn
how track-type tractors ranging from the versatile
D6 to the rugged D11 Carrydozer are assembled,
tested, and painted before being shipped
around the globe. We will also gain insight into
the innovation, engineering, and precision that
drive Caterpillar’s manufacturing process while
seeing firsthand how these iconic machines are
built to perform in some of the toughest working
conditions in the world.
$45 – includes guided tour, lunch, gratuities, and
shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
Miller Park Zoo
Friday, October 9
7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a morning at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington
as we learn more about the animals, habitats, and
conservation efforts that make this local attraction
a favorite destination for visitors of all ages. We’ll
begin with a guided tour focused on two featured
areas of the zoo. Afterward, we’ll have time to
continue exploring the zoo’s indoor and outdoor
habitats at our own pace. Some of the highlights
include flamingos, river otters, red pandas, lemurs,
Galapagos tortoises, bald eagles, Pallas’ cats,
snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The zoo
also features other engaging spaces such as the
Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer
Animal Building, and more.
$55 – includes guided zoo tour, admission, lunch,
gratuities, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
Forest Park Nature Center Hike:
The Science of Fall Colors
Tuesday, October 13
12:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Experience the beauty of autumn while
uncovering the science behind the season’s
changing colors during a guided hike at Forest
Park Nature Center. As we explore the trails, a
naturalist will explain how shorter days, cooler
temperatures, and changes within leaves create
the brilliant reds, oranges, yellows, and golds that
make fall in Central Illinois so spectacular. Along
the way, we’ll learn how to identify common trees,
observe seasonal changes in the forest, and gain
a deeper appreciation for the natural processes
taking place all around us. This outdoor learning
experience offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy
the crisp fall air, beautiful scenery, and fascinating
ecology of the forest.
$45 – includes guided nature hike, refreshments,
gratuities, and shuttle transportation.
Seats available: 28
LEARNING TRIPS
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