2024 CONVENTION NEWS
Milwaukee Road Historical Association
2024 Annual Convention
June 27 – 30, 2024
Riverport Inn and Suites – Winona, Minnesota
MRHA invites its members, their families, guests, and former employees to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting and Convention in Winona, Minnesota. Our activities will feature a tour of rail operations in the area, as well as the IM&D Division Southern Minnesota line. There will also be options for non-railroad activities, including biking on the 70 plus miles (no, you don’t need to bike the whole thing) of former Milwaukee right-of-way as well as Amish and cave tours. The bicycle tour will not be as dramatic as going through St. Paul Pass Tunnel as we did last year, but Minnesota has some scenic “mini mountains” for you to enjoy.
The tours will feature both active and former Milwaukee facilities, several restored depots, museums and preserved equipment. We also have some outstanding presenters who will give us perspectives on the history of this area. More information will be posted shortly on our website.
- Thursday, June 27 – Registration will begin at 2:00 PM in the Riverport Inn lobby. This will also be the site of all meals and programs. There will be an opportunity to visit the Company Store, and spend time with the vendors and display tables. A light dinner will be served at 5:00PM and after a welcome activity, the evening programs will begin for the men and women attendees. Following the programs, there will be time for open projectors, so bring some slides or other media along to share with everyone
- Friday, June 28 _ Breakfast will be served from 7:00AM to 8:30AM at the Riverport Inn and at 9:00AM buses will leave for the tour of Winona rail operations and a trip along the Southern Minnesota lines. As usual, a box lunch will be served along the way, and the Convention photo will be taken at Preston where there is a Milwaukee Road rail exhibit. Upon return there will be time for a break before dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:00PM. Following dinner, the MRHA Annual Business Meeting will be held. When it is completed the evening programs for men and women will begin. We will again finish the evening with more open projectors and a special film program with images from the 1950’s and 1960’s.
- Saturday, June 29 – Breakfast will again be served at the Riverport Inn from 7:00 to 8:30AM. Local tours and activities will begin at 9:00AM in Winona and nearby areas. When everyone returns from the day’s events, the Southern Minnesota Auction will take place. Then the cash bar will be open and the Banquet Dinner will begin at 6:00PM with some announcements and awards. At 7:00PM our Guest Speaker will complete the evening’s activities.
- Sunday, June 30 – Breakfast will again be served at the Riverport Inn and then it will be farewell until next year when we will meet again in the state of Washington and explore the Milwaukee Road on the west end.
CONVENTION POLICIES & MISCELLANY
MRHA CONVENTION POLICY - Only current members of MRHA, their families and guests, former Milwaukee Road employees and those making presentations for the convention are permitted to attend.
CHANGES IN CONVENTION ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS - While MRHA is proud to present a diversified and interesting convention for its members as previously noted, forces beyond its control may cause cancellation or changes in activities or programs. Such changes may be made without notice and do not constitute a breach of contract.
REFUND POLICY – MRHA will refund any cancelled convention fees (minus a 10% fee to cover fixed costs) if notified in writing or by email by June 1, 2024. No refunds will be issued after this date except in case of proven emergency (serious illness, death in the family, etc.).
CONVENTION MEALS – If you have any special dietary needs that require a special menu throughout the convention, please indicate that on the registration form. Requests made at the convention site may not be able to be accommodated.
CONVENTION FEE SPECIAL REQUESTS – We are no longer able to accommodate special requests for partial participation in convention events. Only two fees (full fare and meals only) listed on the enclosed registration form will be accepted.
SALES TABLES – Due to space restrictions, there are very few tables available to vendors.
Displays which do not need to be locked up, or can be taken down and put up again the next day, can be accommodated in open hallway areas.
PLEASE NOTE
Convention fees do not include the cost of your hotel room.
You must make your reservations with the hotel and mention
you are with the Milwaukee Road Historical Association Convention.
Please see the bottom for hotel information and rates.
Click this link for a printable Convention Registration Form
CONVENTION FEES and FOOD
FULL FARE – All activities and Meals
Early - $285.00
After June 1- $315.00
At the Door $350.00
MEALS AND PROGRAMS ONLY
Early - $245.00
After June 1 - $275.00
At the Door $305.00
Banquet Meal Choice:
- Beef, Chicken or Vegetarian
You may register online after February 15 at www.mrha.com
or mail this completed Convention Registration Form to:
MRHA 2024 CONVENTION
P. O. Box 307
Antioch, IL 60002-0307
HOTEL OPTIONS
Riverport Inn – Convention Hotel
900 Bruski Drive, Winona, MN
Phone (507) 452-0606
The MRHA block will be held until May 27.
Prices vary by room size and location starting $109.95 per night.
Fairfield Inn Hotel (across the street from the Riverport)
925 Bruski Drive
Winona, MN (507) 474-2500
As of this printing, basic rates start at $130 per night.
We were not able to “block” any rooms at any of the other
local hotels, but there are a number of choices nearby in
Winona. We suggest you check rates and book your hotel
rooms as early as possible since Winona has many activities
ongoing during the time we will be there.
If you have any questions, please contact: office@mrha.com