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Snowbird University

Snowbird University is a great way for retirees to enjoy summer in Winona, whether they are seeking culture, entertainment or just wish to sit back and take in Winona’s breathtaking scenery.

Participants stay in a 2-bedroom or 4 bedroom apartment at the East Lake Apartments, which offer 100 modern furnished units within its four buildings. 

Each apartment is equipped with:

  • Central air
  • Kitchen essentials
  • Washer/Dryer unit
  • Storage closets
  • Furniture in every room

Buildings are locked 24 hours/day to ensure guests’ safety.

The East Lake Apartments are located across the street from Lake Winona, featuring a 5.5 mile paved path, softball fields, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as several pavilions for family reunions and picnics.

“It was a wonderful summer for us. We have been wintering in Arizona for seven years, and this was the first year we did not own a home in Winona. The newfound freedom was great, thanks in no small part to the wonderful living at East Lake.”
Jim Abbott, Snowbird U participant since 2007
Amenities
WSU’s Camps & Conferences office is proud to provide the following amenities to participants of Snowbird University program at East Lake.
A living room in East Lake Apartments with furniture, a tv, and decor.

Each apartment will be supplied with:

  • 4 sets of sheets
  • 4 pillowcases
  • 4 pillowcases
  • 8 bath towels
  • 4 washcloths
  • 2 pillows
  • 2 blankets
  • 2 mattress pads

We suggest bringing your own pillow for comfort.

  • Coffee maker
  • Utensils
  • Plates & glasses, silverware
  • Lightweight pots & pans
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Assorted knives
  • Salt & pepper shakers
  • Storage containers
  • Trash cans & liners
  • Utilities include electricity, water, garbage, local phone service, and internet
  • A telephone will be supplied for local calls

Cable TV service is not provided. You may bring your own steaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, etc) and respective log in information (Hulu, Netflix, etc). If you pay for Cable TV at home, reach out to your provider to see if they offer an option for Live TV on the go.

Resident Assistants (RAs) live on-site and are on duty 7 days/week to help with questions/problems.

Campus Security also makes regular rounds of the apartment complex to ensure guests’ safety.

  • Elevator
  • Trash chutes & Recycling bins
  • Pop machines
  • Vacuum cleaners available for check-out
  • Outgoing mailbox & mail delivery 6 days/week
Rates & Registration
Snowbird University offers two 5-week sessions. Participants may sign up for one or both sessions.
  • Session 1: May 21 – June 25
  • Session 2: June 27 – Aug. 1 

Each session is billed $1,525/apartment (for an individual or a couple). 

Additional days/weeks may not be available and will be pro-rated at $45/day.

We offer a discounted rate of $2,705 for the 10-week session: May 21 – July 30. 

People sit in lawn chairs to attend an outdoor event on the WSU campus.

We have a limited number of apartments. Returning participants will be contacted in March and have priority over new participants. 

Policies & Regulations

Possession and/or consumption of alcohol on state property is prohibited in accordance with Minnesota State guidelines.

Cancellation requests must be submitted 30 days in writing to the WSU Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life. Notice of arrival/departure changes should be submitted to the program director.

Participants will be charged for any missing items or damages that occur during their stay. The charges for damages will be invoiced and mailed to the participants’ permanent address.

Each participant will be issued one key and one access card.

A lost key will be charged $50 for replacement. A bent or broken key will be charged $10 for replacement. A lost or damaged access card will be charged $50.

Guests are encouraged to carry their own personal property insurance. WSU assumes no responsibility for theft of, or loss of, personal property of any resident or guest from private rooms/apartments, storage areas and public areas.

All thefts should immediately be reported to WSU Campus Security at 507.457.5555.

Pets are not allowed in any Winona State housing facility. The only exception is a fish tank of up to 10-gallons.

Advance payments will only be refunded for emergency medical reasons of either leaseholder.

All medical reasons must be substantiated in writing by a medical physician as soon as possible but no less than 30 days prior to arrival. This must be submitted with a cancellation request.

WSU’s Tobacco-Free Environment Policy prohibits smoking and smokeless tobacco usage in all campus buildings, in all university-owned vehicles, and on all university properties, including outdoor athletic facilities.

Smoking/smokeless tobacco usage includes all tobacco products, such as:

  • the carrying of a lighted cigarette
  • cigar or pipe
  • the use of other lighted smoking materials
  • the use of any smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco snuff, smokeless pouches or other forms of loose leaf tobacco

WSU’s Tobacco-Free Policy is available upon request.

Proceeds & Learning Opportunities

A portion of Snowbird University fees goes to the Winona State University Learning Club, a collaborative educational partnership between WSU and retirement-age citizens in the area. The Learning Club capitalizes on the strengths and characteristics of older learners, offering programs selected, attended, and often led by the membership.

Road Scholar is a non-profit organization committed to being the preeminent provider of high quality, affordable and educational opportunities for adults. 

Senior University is a peer-led set of short courses taught by retirees and topic experts to provide intellectual and cultural stimulation and growth.

Contact Camps & Conferences 
Ann Durley
Assistant Director for Summer Operations & Special Events

507.457.5318

Email Ann Durley
Adria Timm
Conferencing Assistant

507.457.5309

Email Adria Timm