A Magical Day
Thursday, September 11, 2025
8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Registration deadline is August 28, 2025
Prepare to be spellbound for a day of magic!
In the mid-1920s, Harry Blackstone, one of the most famous magicians in America at the time, and Australian magician Percy Abbott chose to settle in Colon, Michigan. Abbott’s Magic Company was founded and grew to become the largest manufacturer and retailer of magic equipment in the world, so now the town of Colon is known as the “Magic Capital of the World.”
Today, Abbott’s Magic sells materials for classic and new magic tricks as they will demonstrate with a private magic show for Lifelong Learners. Not only is Abbott’s inventory unique, but they also have the only factory in the world designed for the sole purpose of manufacturing magic. They specialize in silks, wood working, feathers, and more.
Abbott’s Magic Company recruited a number of magicians and vaudevillians that retired from the traveling life and some spent the rest of their lives in the town. Over the years the local cemetery became the final resting place for several legends of magic, such as Harry Blackstone Sr., Harry Blackstone Jr., and Robert Lund. Even magicians who had never lived in Colon requested plots here, making this the cemetery with the largest number of magicians interred. During our visit, a Broken Wand ceremony will be performed.
This day would not be complete without a visit to the American Museum of Magic, the largest collection of magic artifacts on display anywhere in the country. Described as the “Smithsonian of magic,” it documents the life stories of magicians from around the globe. The magic memorabilia collection includes over 3,000 posters, 12,000 books, and 20,000 photographs.
Please note that this museum is located in a historic two-story building from 1860. The first floor of the museum is handicapped accessible, but the optional second floor is accessible only by stairs.
Lunch will be at Win Schuler’s restaurant, a Michigan landmark. From a combination cigar store and restaurant opened in 1909, Win Schuler’s grew to include a hotel, bowling alley, and designation as a Michigan Historic Landmark Site in 1977. Savor a fajita bar featuring marinated sliced beef and chicken, grilled peppers and onions, and Mexican rice served with flour tortillas & tortilla chips, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. A garden salad and dessert are also included.
Thursday, September 11. The bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. $175 for members, $187 for nonmembers.
Registration deadline is August 28, 2025
PAY NOW
Fabulous Frankenmuth
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Registration deadline is September 24, 2025
Have fun getting your holiday shopping done early!
Bronner’s Christmas Store is renowned for being the world’s largest Christmas store. The salesroom alone is 2.2 acres! Bronner’s features a fantastic selection of Christmas ornaments, trims, nativities, collectibles, cards, garlands, stockings, and wreaths, and more.
Build up your appetite for lunch at Zehnder’s Restaurant which claims the title of America’s largest family restaurant. Their family-style chicken dinner features platters of golden fried chicken, generous platters of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, vegetables, and much more.
Relax and enjoy the scenic Cass River on the Bavarian Belle riverboat as we leisurely cruise the Cass River. This authentic paddlewheel riverboat features a canopied open air upper deck plus a fully enclosed lower salon.
Splurge with more shopping after the cruise! Return to Frankenmuth town center or visit the nearby River Place Shops, a collection of more than 40 shops and attractions located throughout a Bavarian-themed shopping mall. Find the perfect gift for that special someone or pick up a unique souvenir to remember your visit to Frankenmuth. Featuring local family-owned businesses as well as national retailers, find unique products like made-in-Michigan wine, honey, hot sauces, and more!
Wednesday, October 8. The bus departs from Lourdes University parking lot M at 8:00 AM and returns at 6:30 PM. $149 for members, $161 for nonmembers.
Registration deadline is September 24, 2025
PAY NOW
