Riverland Community College’s U.S.A. cultural studies class is offering a new travel opportunity, which includes four days and three nights exploring the cultural offerings of Chicago.

The “Chicago Shuffle,” a travel trip that focuses on Chicago’s music, art, theater and history is scheduled for March 10-13, 2016, and is open to anyone over the age of 18. Participants must register for MUSC 2600 courses at Riverland, however, the course may be audited to eliminate any academic responsibility for people interested in participating in the travel study that do not wish to receive a grade. There is a special rate for Minnesota senior citizens.

Participants receive round trip motor coach from Austin to a downtown Chicago hotel, with additional motor coach transportation within the city, and four days/three nights in Chicago at a luxury 3- to 4-star hotel in the heart of the vibrant downtown Loop. Experienced faculty serve as guides and the course includes two pre-trip meeting to help participants to customize the trip to their cultural, historical and personal interests.

Special informational sessions to discuss the Chicago Shuffle will be at noon and 7 p.m. Oct. 12 and 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 20. All meetings will be in the east building on the Austin campus, room E102.

“This is great trip for people to learn about the musical, art, theatrical and general cultural offerings of America’s third largest city,” said, Scott Blankenbaker, Riverland music instructor. “Unlike many group tours with rigid schedules, participants design much of their time in Chicago around their own interests. Participants will have guided opportunities to visit the famous Art Institute and Frank Lloyd Wright studio and buildings, explore neighborhoods, attend concerts, and see significant Chicago landmarks.”

The class is limited to 25 participants. Registrations will be accepted until Nov. 25 or until space is filled. More information is available online at www.riverland.edu/chicago; or by calling Scott Blankenbaker at 507-433-0547 or emailing scott.blankenbaker@riverland.edu.

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, is a community college that has inspired personal success through education for 75 years. Approximately 4,900 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,400 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Campuses are located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna, Minn. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system includes 24 two-year community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving more than 420,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system of its kind in the United States.