Summer Day Trip to Collegeville, MN: An Itinerary
Collegeville, Minnesota – Tucked away and snug in central Minnesota, Saint John’s University is home to serene natural beauty, phenomenal architecture, a flourishing arts scene, and, of course, the original pages of The Saint John’s Bible.
There are so many hidden wonders to be discovered on this campus. Imbued with the Benedictine value of hospitality, the University welcomes all visitors warmly. Wherever you go, you are sure to make a friend.
All these things and more make it the perfect destination for a summer day trip. To spark your imagination and ensure you make the most of your journey, The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program offers this itinerary for the perfect day in Collegeville.
10:00 am: Visit The Saint John’s Bible Gallery at the Hill Manuscript Museum and Library
The Saint John’s Bible Gallery showcases 28 original pages from the seven volumes of The Saint John’s Bible in a student-curated exhibition. This year’s exhibition, curated by student interns Eamon Cavanaugh and Aaron Freier, includes several pages that have never before been on display.
Rare books and manuscripts from the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library collections complement the exhibition of the folios. Tools, materials and sketches used in the creation of The Saint John’s Bible give a glimpse into the processes used to create this monumental work of faith and art.
The gallery is open from Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no admission charge, and no reservations are needed for a self-guided tour. Guided tours for groups of ten or more are available by making a reservation in advance by contacting Tim Ternes at 320-363-3351 or tternes@csbsju.edu.
11:30 am: Swim, Kayak, Canoe, or Paddle Board at Lake Sagatagan
Located directly on campus, the beautiful Lake Sagatagan is open all summer for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.
The beach is open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 6:30 pm. Rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) are open from 12 to 5 pm daily.
Rentals and swimming are free for College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Guests are $2 per person.
Click here for more information on recreation at Lake Sagatagan.
1:30 pm: Grab Lunch in Town
Though you can’t go wrong with any of Collegeville’s lunch spots, locals will recommend that you check out Krewe Restaurant in St. Joseph.
Just a 10-minute drive from campus, this America-Cajun-Creole eatery offers stand-out dishes such as hush puppies, oysters, Maque Choux, Fried Catfish Po’ Boy, and Jambalaya.
3:00 pm: Tea Ceremony at Saint John’s Pottery or Woodworking Studio Tour
The largest wood-fired kiln in North America, the Johanna Kiln, lives on campus at Saint John’s University. At 3 pm each day, potter Richard Bresnahan and his apprentices serve tea to visitors. The daily ritual is meant to encourage community and is open to all.
If another time works better for you, visitors are welcome Monday through Friday 1:15–4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Staff are often available to give tours, though it is recommended to schedule solo and group tours in advance via email or by calling (320) 363-2930. To learn more about tours at the pottery, click here.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at the same time, the Saint John’s Abbey woodworking studio offers tours that begin in the showroom at the northwest corner of the woodshop. Notably, Saint John’s Abbey crafts display cases for fine art editions of The Saint John’s Bible.
Stop in to speak with these talented craftsworkers and gather insight into the art form and how it lives on campus.
5:00 pm: Worship at Saint John’s Abbey
Monday through Friday, Saint John’s Abbey hosts a daily mass at 5 pm. This celebration of the Eucharist lasts for about 30 minutes, and the congregation sits in the upper choir stalls.
Designed by famed modernist architect Marcel Breuer, Saint John’s Abbey is known as one of Breuer’s crowned achievements. While you worship, take the opportunity to bask in this architect’s work and artistry.
Click here for the Abbey’s full liturgical schedule.
Stay the Night
If you’re coming in from out of town, guests are welcome to stay the night at the Saint John’s Abbey Guesthouse, which is available for individual and group retreat reservations. Born out of monastic hospitality and located within view of the lake and the abbey, the Guesthouse is sure to make for a pleasant, renewing experience. Spiritual direction is available at the house for those who seek it. You can make your reservation here.
