A group of Alexandria-area residents is turning a Thursday morning road trip into a political statement, organizing a free bus ride to the Minnesota State Capitol for the annual March for Life in St. Paul.
Riders will gather in the Slumberland Furniture parking lot near the old Kmart building in Alexandria, with departure set for 7:30 a.m. Organizers say the bus is free and open to anyone in the region who wants to join the rally at the Capitol.
March Schedule And Program
The March for Life is scheduled to begin at noon on the Minnesota Capitol grounds, followed by a program on the Capitol steps from 12:30 to 1 p.m., according to Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life. The organization encourages people to pre-register so they can better gauge turnout, and notes that the event typically brings in thousands from across the state.
Alexandria Departure Details
Local reporting says the Alexandria group will meet at Slumberland Furniture's lot near the old Kmart site and the bus will roll out at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, as reported by Echo Press. The Slumberland Alexandria store lists its location at Slumberland, which organizers have identified as the pickup point.
Churches, Buses And Local Turnout
Church groups and dioceses regularly coordinate transportation and prayer services around the March for Life, turning the rally into a full-day outing for many congregations. The Diocese of New Ulm, for example, lists a 10:30 a.m. Prayer Service for Life and diocesan bus routes feeding into the noon march, according to the Diocese of New Ulm. Several Lutheran and Catholic organizations in the region also publish bus schedules and pickup locations to make it easier for youth groups and families to participate together.
Why This Year Matters
The MCCL describes this year’s march as part of an effort to build pro-life momentum heading into the 2026 legislative session, precinct caucuses and fall elections, and notes that the event also marks the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, which falls this Thursday. According to Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the rally has taken place every year since 1973, with organizers aiming to keep a steady drumbeat in the ears of lawmakers in St. Paul. MCCL provides signs and materials at the Capitol, though attendees are welcome to bring their own messages.
How To Join And What To Know
Those hoping to hop on the free Alexandria bus are encouraged to arrive early at Slumberland’s lot to make sure they get a seat and to check with local organizers about any remaining availability.
If you plan to drive separately, the Minnesota Historical Society lists the State Capitol address as 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in St. Paul and offers visitor information on parking and accessibility. Attendees are advised to dress warmly for standing outside during the march and program and to bring a sign if they want to be part of the crowd on the Capitol steps.
