There is lots to do before or after the Johnnies football game
- Walk: Take a stroll through the gorgeous woods that surround St. John’s. The trees tower over you, the silence and tranquility are second to none, and the sheer beauty of the forest can take your breath away.
- Johnnie Bread: Make your way up to the Great Hall (directly adjacent to the Abbey Church) for this fresh, on-site, Monk-produced goodness that is a staple of campus life. Take a couple loafs for the road.
- Eat at the Refectory: Grab a couple of friends or the entire family for the brunch at “The Reef” as it is affectionately referred to on campus. Enjoy the plentiful food choices, share a table with a Monk, have a good laugh, and get some food in your belly before the big game.
- Visit the Wood Shop: Located in the “Industrial” compound, you will find a place run by the friendly Monks who will be glad to show you around. Here they make many items used on a daily basis on campus instead of purchasing them from outside vendors. You’ll be amazed at the quality and attention to detail.
- Apple Orchard: Is there a better place in the world each Fall than the Apple Orchard in Collegeville located off Fruit Farm Road as you enter campus. Buy a dozen of the delicious apples, take a hayride, sip some apple cider, and soak in the surroundings.
- Watab Island: Arrive early on Gameday, pack a picnic lunch, the fishing poles, and head out to Watab for a little “getting in touch with nature”. Throw a line in and maybe make it a shore lunch style picnic. There is plenty of room to run around or play a little catch with the football.
- Swim in the Sag: Enjoy the cool waters of Lake Sagatagan with a refreshing swim. The beach is a nice spot to rent a kayak for a little paddling around the Lake or to take in the scenery.
- St. John’s Bible: Visit the Hill Manuscript Library adjacent to the Alcuin Library. See the 5 million dollar project replica in progress. No matter your religious affiliation or lack thereof it is quite an amazing piece. Do yourself a favor and be sure to check this out!
- SJU Book Store: Check out the extraordinary St. John’s book store in Sexton Commons. Here you’ll find a little bit of everything for the cardinal and blue. There is lots of apparel, interesting books, and a helpful staff to assist you. Have fun and bring the credit card.
- Pottery: Go see world renown pottery artist, Richard Bresnahan, at his pottery studio. You’ll be amazed at the attention to detail in his work. Bring the art aficionado and they will surely be impressed.
