Great lakes guide 01

From left: The Chicago Theater, Illinois, An Amish Buggy, Ohio, an American Indian, Minnesota.

ILLINOIS INDIANA MICHIGAN MINNESOTA OHIO PENNSYLVANIA WISCONSIN www.greatlakesnorthamerica.co.uk

‘Experience the Real Thing…’

From left: Potato River Falls, Wisconsin; Barneyville Mill, Indiana; The Henry Ford Museum, Michigan; and Fallingwater, Pennsylvania.

THE GREAT LAKES OF Imagine an area the size of Europe embracing five lakes, which together would more than cover the U.K., along with three mighty rivers and hundreds of smaller lakes.

Add 10 vibrant cities and outstanding countryside and you have the Great Lakes of North America region, an exciting destination of accessible isolation you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Spectacular Chicago skyscrapers overlook Lake Michigan

Made up of the seven states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, the region is well worth the visit. It’s also easily accessible from the U.K. with direct flights to the gateway airports at Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Philadelphia.

GREAT LAKES GREAT ICONS The Great Lakes region boasts spectacular old and new American architecture that has become an icon of the new millennium. Santiago Caltrava’s design for Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Art Museum rivals that of the Sydney Opera House, and Chicago has some of the tallest and most awe-inspiring skyscrapers in the world. With the Sears Tower, the John Hancock Building and Millenium Park, Chicago’s iconic waterfront is instantly recognised the world over. By car or motorcycle, thousands of British visitors flock to Chicago to take the all-

American road trip along Route 66, lined with old-fashioned gas stations, drive-in restaurants and quaint towns.

The new National Underground Railroad to Freedom Center in Cincinnati, dedicated to the plight of fleeing slaves, is attracting visitors from all over the world. More established icons are also firm favourites for British visitors. Among them are Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, symbolising the American Republic, and the modern ‘Love’ sculpture in JFK Plaza. Other iconic moments in history which are well worth re-visiting are the birthplace of the

Tailor-made for families,the Great Lakes region gives visitors the freedom to do as much or as little as they want.As American families who have long travelled to this region can testify there is a huge diversity of family activities and attractions including guest ranches,camping,sailing,canoeing,swimming and just the simplicity of being at one with nature.Youngsters also flock to the region to follow in the footsteps of modern-day music heroes such as Detroit’s Eminem,Madonna and The White Stripes,and to visit the great Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland.

If you prefer roller-coasters to rock and roll,you can head for Cedar Point,Ohio,to ride the world’s fastest roller coaster,The Top Thrill Dragster.Throughout the region there are farm-stay holidays, water parks,zoos,snowboarding facilities,mountain biking,tubing and children’s museums and theatres.The Great Lakes is perfect for families who just want to jump in a car and go.

AKES GREAT L AMILY F GREATUN F

motorcar at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan and the Motown Museum in Detroit.

GREAT LAKES GREAT OUTDOOR ADVENTURE The Great Outdoors comes to you year-round in the Great Lakes, with tulip festivals in spring, worldfamous blue flag beaches in summer and the fantastic autumn colours from September to October. Then, at the end of the year, the Great Lakes region becomes a winter wonderland.

While you are out in the open enjoying the region there is plenty to keep you occupied. Why not test your skills on one of the many world-famous golf courses in Wisconsin, or, for a more energetic escape, try a canoe trek into the boundary waters of Minnesota or a bike ride through the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. If you are a water sports enthusiast you can also swim, sail, white water raft or even spend your entire holiday on a houseboat.

Camping, hunting, dog sledding and ice fishing are also available across the region. Should you prefer spectator sports, there’s great football, ice hockey, baseball and basketball – and two majestic auto races, the American Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.

NORTH AMERICA GREAT LAKES GREAT ACCESS Biking through Wisconsin’s lovely farmlands

Canoeing in Minnesota, the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’

GREAT LAKES GREAT SHOPPING No trip to the United States is complete without retail therapy, and the Great Lakes region will not leave you disappointed. In fact, a spare suitcase to fill with fantastic shopping bargains is almost mandatory. The Mall of America, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, located near Minneapolis and Saint Paul, attracts thousands of British bargain hunters each year. Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, otherwise known as North Michigan Avenue, is one of the world’s most renowned shopping streets. Also unmissable is State Street’s splendid Marshall Field’s, the inspiration for London’s Selfridges.

Dedicated bargain hunters head for the outlet centres and malls which can be found throughout the region. Outlets provide exceptional discounts on named brands, as you will discover at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, The Original Outlet Mall in Wisconsin, Franklin Mills near Philadelphia, and the region’s numerous Chelsea Premium Outlets. They also allow you to shop like a celebrity without feeling the pinch in your wallet. Furthermore, there’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota or Pennsylvania.

GREAT LAKES GREAT CITIES A City Break to the Great Lakes region can be exciting or quiet, historic or modern, large or small!

Whatever your interest, we have it in the Great Lakes.

Music fans can twin Chicago’s blues with the Motown music of Detroit. Those seeking history and culture can combine Philadelphia, with its

fascinating Colonial American sites and architecture, with Pittsburgh, ‘The Renaissance City’, which is full of interesting museums and great new attractions.

Cleveland is a city of contrasts from the unique Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the world-renowned symphony orchestra. Indianapolis has a small town feel but offers vibrant restaurants and the famous Indianapolis 500 motor race, and Milwaukee is a fascinating city with its very own ‘west end’, and an interesting German brewing heritage. The ‘Twin Cities’ of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have outstanding museums and the famous Guthrie Theatre, and are both close to Bloomington’s fabulous Mall of America.

GREAT LAKES GREAT PEOPLE Many of America’s most famous people have roots in the Great Lakes region. Sex in the City’s very own Sarah Jessica Parker was born in Nelsonville, Ohio in 1965; Ohio was also home to Martin Sheen, Paul Newman and Steven Spielberg. Artist Andy Warhol made his home in Pittsburgh where his works are now featured in his namesake museum. Chicago is home to Oprah Winfrey who broadcasts her acclaimed TV show from the city on a daily basis.

Other famous actors and singers include James Dean, Judy Garland, Harrison Ford and Michael Jackson. And a roll call of inventors, entrepreneurs and aviation pioneers includes Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers and Henry Ford.

Although the people you meet while visiting the region may not (yet) be famous, you will find that they too offer a very special perspective to a very special part of North America.

Few regions offer such a choice of international airline gateways as does the Great Lakes region. There are frequent flights from the U.K. into Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis/Saint Paul and Philadelphia, and from those cities to other major regional destinations. There’s also a network of Amtrak rail services, centred on Chicago, plus Greyhound bus service throughout the region. And, of course, the region is served by fast super-highways as well as by picturesque byways and such historic roads as Route 66 and Route 30. One of the best ways to explore The Great Lakes is by car. A wide range of car rental options is available from all the gateway airports, cities and towns in the region.

You’ve seen the film, now visit the set, from thriller to comedy.

The Great Lakes region has set the stage for many of the world’s most famous films including, The Shawshank Redemption, filmed in Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Little Man Tate, filmed at Miami University, Ohio, and Major League, a Wisconsin and Ohio-based comedy showcasing the revival of a struggling baseball team, the Cleveland Indians, shot at County Stadium in Wisconsin. You can catch a game at either location in season between March and July.

Chicago, which has provided a popular backdrop for the film industry since 1907, was the setting for 1980’s The Blues Brothers. In it, Elwood (Dan Ackroyd) gave his home address as 1060 Addison Street, the home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. You can visit the site and soak up the sporting atmosphere in neighbourhood sports bars. Chicagoans also like to recall how Julia Roberts and Dermot Mulroney choose one of the city’s architectural boat tours for a heart-felt discussion on their past romance in My Best Friend’s Wedding. From here you can head north to Milwaukee, the home of ‘Fonz’ and his Happy Days buddies.

GREAT LAKES GREAT FILMS

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION DULUTH ●

Lake Superior

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TO THE GREAT LAKES REGION ● MACKINAC ISLAND

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INDIANAPOLIS

✪SPRINGFIELD www.gochicago.com

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

www.EnjoyIndiana.com

www.DiscoverOhio.com

great lakes facts Location: Set along the Canadian border between the Midwest and north-eastern U.S.A. Included: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. www.michigan.org

Land area: Approximately 364,000 square miles.

Climate: Usually a pleasant fresh spring, a hot sunny summer, a beautiful vibrant autumn and a crisp cold winter.

www.visitpa.com

Time zones: The eastern part of the region – Pennsylvania, Ohio and all but portions of north-western Indiana and Michigan – are in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (five hours behind the U.K.) and Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin are in the Central Time Zone (six hours behind the U.K.).

www.exploreminnesota.com

U.K. contacts: The Great Lakes of North American Tourist Office c/o Cellet Travel Services Ltd, Brook House, 47 High Street, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AA Tel: 01564 794999 E-mail: info@cellet.co.uk or visit www.greatlakesnorthamerica.co.uk

www.travelwisconsin.com

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

Chicago’s Navy Pier offers attractions for all ages Photo: Mike Gustafson

Springfield’s exciting new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

ILLINOIS THE LAND OF LINCOLN STAR ATTRACTIONS MILLENIUM PARK

Chicago’s newest and most lively park, offering everything from spectacular modern architecture to concerts and iceskating. www.gochicago.com

The stunning new Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park Photo: Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau.

THE ABRAHAM L ENTIA LINCOLN PRESID MUSEUM, SPRINGFIELD

Opening in 2005, this new attraction will be a state-of-the-art experience presenting Lincoln’s life within a blend of historical detail and innovative technology. Tel:001 (217) 558 8882, www.alplm.org

www.gochicago.com

Illinois – famous as the ‘Land of Lincoln’ – is a diverse, exciting state, known for the historic and vibrant big city of Chicago, offering spectacular architecture, superb jazz and blues venues, great shopping, world-renowned cultural attractions and 77 colourful neighbourhoods, ranging from Little Italy to Chinatown.

The city has also provided the backdrop for such films as The Fugitive with Harrison Ford, Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin, WhileYou Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Wayne’s World. A short drive out of the city is the Great American Heartland with its small towns, shopping outlets, national parks, wineries and legendary Route 66.

The best way to see Chicago is to start at the top – the Sears Tower Skydeck and the John Hancock Observatory have panoramic views of the city’s skyline and shoreline. On street level, the major new attraction is downtown’s 24-acre Millennium Park offering everything from interactive public art and ice-skating to al fresco dining and classical music. Its centrepiece is the Frank Gehrydesigned Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a stunning outdoor concert venue. As the ‘Blues Capital of the World’, Chicago also has the world’s largest free blues festival in early June.

The popular Navy Pier offers great dining and shopping plus such family attractions as an enormous Ferris wheel, an Imax® theatre, a children’s museum and a musical carousel. Throughout the summer outdoor concerts attract both locals and tourists, who can also rent four-person bikes, rollerblade or just enjoy the funfair atmosphere along the sparkling lakefront. Getting around Chicago is easy with a choice of trams, double-decker buses, boats or bikes.

Beyond the city lies Chicagoland, an area of peaceful suburbs, independent cities, quaint villages and towns and

SUPER STARS ★ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND RONALD REAGAN U.S. presidents associated with, respectively, Springfield and other sites, and Dixon.

great shopping. For architectural gems, visit Oak Park, a must-see with the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned buildings plus the ★JOHN CUSACK, HARRISON FORD, ROBIN birthplace of author Ernest WILLIAMS AND MR. T Hemingway. For golfers, there Popular contemporary are more than 200 courses in film stars (all from and around Chicago.

Chicago except for Rockford, known as the ‘City Cusack who hails from Evanston) of Gardens’, has 7,000 acres of parkland and several ★OPRAH WINFREY most beloved TV presenter magnificent public gardens, (Chicago). including Anderson Japanese ★CARL SANDBURG Gardens, ranked the top Nobel Prize-winning poet Japanese garden in North and biographer of America.

Lincoln (Galesburg).

Take the ultimate American road trip along Route 66 to discover such quirky landmarks from a bygone era as small-town diners and great old gas stations. And, if you are there in late September, you can also enjoy Springfield’s International Route 66 Mother Road Festival and Car Show with its classic cars, 50s and 60s music, great food and celebrities.

Springfield is now attracting world attention with the opening of its state-of-the-art Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Visitors to the area can also take a journey through Lincoln’s life at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, the Old State Capitol and nearby New Salem where the president lived as a young man. Other Springfield attractions include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana Thomas House and the majestic State Capitol Building.

✈ Gateway from the U.K.: Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, served by American Airlines, bmi, British Airways, United Airlines and KLM/Northwest via Amsterdam.

The Indianapolis skyline from the Canal Walk

INDIANA

Lake Michigan and the Indiana Dunes

www.EnjoyIndiana.com

THE CROSSROADS OF AMERICA STAR ATTRACTIONS IS THE INDIANAPOLDY 500 AND THE IN ME HALL OF FA Tributes to the world’s most famous motor race, held annually at the Indianapolis motor Sppedway, and at Indianapolis’s Indy Hall of Fame. Tel:001 (317) 492 6700; www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

THE OTHER GREAT MOTOR MUSEUMS Other great motor museums in Indiana include the Door Prairie Auto Museum in La Porte, Auburn’s The National Automotive and Truck Museum of the U.S.A. and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. www.dpautomuseum.com, www.natmus.org,www.acdmuseum.org

THE AMISH COMMUNITIES These charming traditional communities are to be found in some of northern Indiana’s most beautiful countryside.

Tel:001 (574) 262 8161;www.amish Abe Lincoln country.org lived in Indiana

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Visitors from all over the world come to Indiana to experience a land of historic sites, covered bridges, Native American heritage and wide-open spaces. It’s also a great state for those who love to explore small town America and who are interested in American culture and the emergence of the motorcar. Indianapolis is not only the state capital, but also the home of the American Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Indy 500, which attracts 600,000 spectators annually. Sport is almost a religion in the U.S.A., and there is no better place to witness a myriad of sporting events than in Indiana.

As the birthplace of iconic Hollywood star James Dean, Indiana is also where cool was born. Every September his hometown of Fairmount throws a party to celebrate his life; in 2005 – the 50th anniversary of Dean’s death – film makers Warner Brothers will be sponsoring the event, so some 50,000 fans are expected to attend. June 2005 also promises to be an eventful month in Indianapolis with the Grand Prix and a Jazz Fest, which has in the past attracted top-name performers, and an array of motoring events.

Fly-drive holidays are popular throughout Indiana, particularly along the beautiful Ohio River Scenic Byway (www.ohioriverscenicbyway.com) with a possible stop-off in Madison. Other drives allow visitors to discover vast recreational areas, the homestead at Lincoln Homestead State Park where president Abraham Lincoln lived from age seven to 21, the second largest Amish community in the U.S.A, 19thcentury living history museums and such tributes to the motor car as Indianapolis’s Indy Hall of Fame Museum, La Porte’s Door Prairie Auto Museum, South Bend’s Studebaker National Museum and Auburn’s National

SUPER STARS ★ JAMES DEAN Hollywood’s iconic ‘rebel without a cause’ (Fairmount).

Automotive and Truck Museum of the U.S.A. and Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. ★ DAVID LETTERMAN – Other reminders of Indiana’s America’s answer to past include the 10 prehistoric Parkinson, or perhaps American Indian earthworks at Jeremy Clarkson Mounds State Park near (Indianapolis).

Anderson and the 600-acre ★ COLE PORTER Angel Mounds State Historic Composer and lyricist of Site near Evansville, which some of the world’s most sophisticated songs includes an American Indian (Peru). village. Nearby are the 42 ★ MICHAEL JACKSON picturesque covered bridges Enigmatic and around Rockville, and for a taste controversial pop of British history you can visit superstar (Gary).

Vincennes, the oldest city in ★ JOHN DILLINGER Indiana. It’s the site of a 1930s ‘Public Enemy Memorial Day weekend reNumber One’ enactment of a battle between (Mooresville). the British and French.

Columbus is a showcase for the buildings of worldfamous architects. The 19th-century communities of Madison and Nashville have evolved into charming 21st-century arts, crafts and tourist centres, and South Bend, Bloomington and Terre Haute are known for their universities – respectively, Notre Dame, of ‘Fighting Irish’ football team fame, Indiana University and Indiana State University.

The state also enjoys magnificent natural beauty plus a Real America trail of discovery from theme parks and sophisticated museums to historic communities full of friendly, easy-going people. It also has four distinct seasons with warm summers, lovely springs, moderately cold winters and autumns known for their brilliantly-coloured foliage.

Gateways from the U.K.: Indiana is easily accessible from Cincinnati and Chicago, both served by daily direct air services.

Point Betsie Lighthouse, Frankfort

The Fayette Historic Townsite

MICHIGAN THE GREAT LAKES STATE STAR ATTRACTIONS FORD ROUGTE FORD PLAN TOURS, DEARBORN By checking in at the Henry Ford Museum you can now tour the final assembly line of the Dearborn Truck Plant, which is 85 years old and in the process of a $2 billion update. Tel:001 (313) 982 6001, www.thehenryford.org

FERRY SERVICE FROM MICHIGAN TO WISCONSIN The Lake Express ferry, operating up to three times a day, eight months a year, now links the former lumberproducing centre of Muskegon on Michigan’s Lake Michigan coast with Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taking about two hours and 40 minutes, they can carry as many as 250 passengers and 46 automobiles. Tel:001 (866) 914 1010 or 001 (414) 286 3511,www.lake-express.com

Wooden Covered Bridge, Frankenmuth

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www.michigan.org

From lighthouses to opera houses Michigan has something for everyone seeking the real American experience. It also lives up to its name as the Great Lakes State, being surrounded by four of the five lakes and enjoying 3,200 miles of coastline and the world’s longest sandy beach.

Music fans flock to Michigan to pay homage to the stars of the past, present and future. Those brought up with the Motown Sound particularly head for Detroit, the city that launched the careers of such stars as Smokey Robinson, the Jackson Five (and Michael Jackson), the Temptations and the Supremes, and movie fans follow in the footsteps of Eminem’s biographic film Eight Mile. Michigan also enjoys new-found fame with sports fans as host to the 2004 Ryder Cup. Meanwhile, Detroit is revamping its downtown in preparation for the 2005 Major League Baseball ‘All Star Game’ and the 2006 Super Bowl.

The economic culture of Michigan is forever entwined with the history of the motorcar. Henry Ford invented his pioneering automobile in Detroit and lived in nearby Dearborn. It’s now home to the Henry Ford Museum, celebrating his life and work, and to the 12-acre Greenfield Village, filled with national treasures of Americana. The state also plays host to a number of festivals ranging from snowmobiling around the frozen Lake Cadillac to the Christmas Pickle Festival and the massive gatherings of the Scottish Clans for Highland Festival Games.

Another popular destination for British visitors is Mackinac Island, an unspoiled oasis where the motorcar is banned and visitors must explore on foot, by bicycle, or aboard a horsedrawn carriage. This Victorian living history museum is a conclave of artists, painters, writers and eccentrics where the place to be seen is the Grand Hotel’s front porch, the longest in

SUPER STARS ★ GERALD R. FORD America’s only nonelected president, he took over after President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew both left office (Grand Rapids).

the world. The property still retains much of its old world charm and has been a popular location for such films as Somewhere In Time, starring the late Christopher Reeve. ★ MADONNA Battle Creek, known as Superstar entertainer ‘Cereal City’ thanks to Kellogg’s and now U.K. resident headquarters, is great for families (Bay City). on the go as it has more than ★ JEFF DANIELS Actor in Gettysburg, Fly 7,000-acres of parklands. Golfers Away Home,Dumb and flock to the city Dumber (Chelsea). because of its great public golf courses, which ★ FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA Director of charge reasonable fees.

The Godfather and other The city also has one of films (Detroit). the biggest hot-air ★JOE LOUIS (born in balloon festivals in the Alabama, raised in Detroit) and Sugar Ray country, and the Robinson (Detroit). adventurous Binder Park Zoo, a Among the world’s most great all-day attraction for the famous boxers. whole family.

Along theern, 300-mile-long Lake Michigan shoreline are beaches, boating and a myriad of appealing towns, such as Dutch-settled Holland, known for its windmill and tulips, Grand Haven and Harbor Springs. Particularly unmissable is the lush Leelanau Peninsula, with its huge Sleeping Bear Dunes, wineries and cherry orchards, all easily reached by Traverse City.

Michigan is a year-round destination. In summer it offers play on 800 public golf courses. And when the water turns to ice it becomes the ‘Winter Sports Capital of the Midwest’ with numerous downhill and cross-country ski areas and 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails.

Gateway from the U.K.: Detroit International Airport, served by KLM/Northwest Airlines flights.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are full of museums and theatres

A paddlewheeler cruises down the legendary Mississippi River

MINNESOTA THE LAND OF SKY BLUE WATERS www.exploreminnesota.com STAR ATTRACTIONS ’S MINNEAPOLIS EXPANDED CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS

Visit the new Mill City Museum, highlighting Minneapolis’s beginning as a flour-milling centre, the expanded Walker Art Centre and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, both re-opening in Spring 2005; the expanded Minneapolis Institute of Art; and a new Guthrie Theatre opening in 2006. www.minneapolis.org

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK TOUR BOAT

From July 2005 onwards, you can tour America’s only water-based national park, located close to the Canadian border, in a new, 49-passenger boat with a viewing deck. www.nps.gov/voya

Minnesota has a wealth of American Indian heritage

Minnesota combines great shopping and the vibrant cultural life of the ‘Twin Cities’ of Minneapolis and Saint Paul with delightful small towns and an abundance of outdoor activities. There’s plenty of space for them all, for although this beautiful, spacious state is the size of Britain, it has only five million residents.

Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, dominates the 12,000 other lakes, rivers and streams, providing Minnesota with a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities. Nowhere is nature’s wonder more on show than at the Voyagers National Park and the majestic Boundary Waters Wilderness. You don’t have to be an outdoor buff to appreciate some of the world’s most magnificent scenery, although Minnesota’s has long been a favourite of hikers, bikers, canoeists and photographers. The North Shore drive along Lake Superior has even been designated an All American Road Drive for its unique scenic beauty.

Minnesota is also home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles, the symbol of the United States. Four distinct seasons provide temperate springs and summers so visitors can enjoy a relaxed outdoor holiday. Autumn foliage brings an explosion of golds and yellows, and in winter, Minnesota is a wonderland of skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides and ice fishing, a particular Minnesota tradition immortalised in the film Grumpy Old Men with Walter Matthau, Jack Lemmon and Ann-Margret.

The mighty Mississippi River rises in northern Minnesota’s Lake Itasca State Park and flows past the Twin Cities on its way south to the Gulf of Mexico. Many British

SUPER STARS ★ PRINCE The enigmatic musician lives in Minneapolis where he owns and runs a recording studio attracting many other high profile musicians.

visitors embark on a Mississippi river cruise from Red Wing’s picturesque launching point, heading south to St. Louis or all the way to New Orleans. ★ BOB DYLAN (AKA Minnesota is in that appealing ROBERT ZIMMERMAN) part of the U.S.A where east Iconic folk singer and west become Midwest, (Duluth, Hibbing, Minneapolis). towns become country, and prairie blends into stunning ★ JUDY GARLAND forests.

Singer and actress whose Saint Paul has an angelic voice is still luring us Somewhere intriguing history – Over the Rainbow (Grand sightseeing tours take Rapids). visitors back in time to the 1920s and 1930s ★ CHARLES SCHULTZ Creator of Charlie Brown when the city was and Snoopy (Saint Paul). considered the citadel of American ★ CHARLES LINDBERGH transgressions. For Aviation pioneer (Little Falls). modern-day sophistication, ★ GARRISON KEILLOR Minneapolis is home to such Prairie Home Companion impressive cultural facilities as radio and print humorist (Saint Paul).

The Walker Art Centre, the Guthrie Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company. More traditional architecture includes Saint Paul’s handsome State Capitol and its Cathedral of Saint Paul, modelled after St. Peter’s in Rome.

Nearby Bloomington is home to the Mall of America, a top U.S.A. visitor destination and the country’s largest shopping and entertainment complex.

✈ Gateway from the U.K.: Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport is served by Icelandair from the U.K. via Reykjavik and Northwest/KLM via Amsterdam.

Marblehead Lighthouse overlooks Lake Erie

OHIO

The iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is in Cleveland

www.DiscoverOhio.com

MOTHER OF PRESIDENTS STAR ATTRACTIONS ADDITIONAL THEME PARK THRILLS Cedar Point Amusement Park’s Indoor Waterpark has a new fun-filled Splash Zone and a Caribbean-themed Castaway Bay Resort including spacious guest rooms, an indoor swimming pool, a spa and an amusement arcade. Paramount’s Kings Island near Cincinnati has not only opened a new Australian-inspired Boomerang Bay waterpark featuring thrilling rides, but also a high-speed stunt car adventure based on the film The Italian Job. www.pki.com/index.jsp

THE NATIONALD UNDERGROUN M DO RAILROAD FREE NATI CENTER, CINCIN

Opened in August, 2004, this unique, Smithsonian-affiliated centre is dedicated to the Underground Railroad network – much of it based in Ohio – which helped 19th-century African-American slaves escape to freedom. www.freedomcenter.org

An interactive display at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati

SUPER STARS ★ MARTIN SHEEN The star of TV’s The West Wing and of numerous films (Dayton).

Amusement Park near Movies, celebrities and history are never far from your Sandusky (also a terminus for mind in Ohio. Known as the ‘Mother of Presidents’ for the ferries to some of Lake Erie’s eight Ohio natives who held that esteemed role, the state ★ STEVEN SPIELBERG pretty, historic islands) and Six Director of such has long invested in the preservation and restoration of its fabulous films as ET, Flags Worlds of Adventure at heritage from its prehistoric sites to a new centre Close Encounters of the Aurora, south-east of dedicated to the emancipation of the slaves.

Third Kind and Saving Private Ryan Cleveland.

The long Lake Erie shoreline enriches the holiday (Cincinnati).

Other exciting cities experience with many beaches and recreational facilities. ★ THOMAS ALVA include the state capital, There are also nearly 900 miles of picturesque Ohio River EDISON Inventor of the Columbus; Akron, home of the incandescent light bulb, frontage, several popular family theme parks, one of the phonograph and National Inventors Hall of America’s largest state park systems, great cities, more (Milan).

Fame; Toledo, a historic port impressive prehistoric American Indian mounds, fertile ★ ORVILLE AND city, and Dayton, known to farmlands, the largest Amish population in the U.S.A., and WILBUR WRIGHT aviation buffs for charming small towns.

Pioneers of powered its huge U.S. Air As the home of the state-of-the-art flight (Dayton).

Force Museum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, ★ JOHN GLENN AND NEIL ARMSTRONG and for sites vibrant Cleveland is now well Respectively, the first associated with established as the home of U.S. rock and man to orbit earth and aviation pioneers roll. Also considered one of the ‘New the first man to walk on the moon (Cambridge Orville and Wilbur American Cities’, it has a rejuvenated and New Concord; Wright. Small town Wapakoneta and riverfront neighbourhood, great Geauga Lake rollercoaster America buffs are restaurants and huge entertainment Cleveland). also delighted by such complexes. Those lucky enough to enjoy a concert at ★ CLARK GABLE, PAUL NEWMAN attractive communities as Severance Hall will understand why the Cleveland AND HALLE BERRY Clyde and Berlin, the latter a Orchestra is revered as one of the best in the United Oscar-winning actors centre for the state’s large States. Add to this other cultural events and an (Cadiz, Shaker Heights and Cleveland).

Amish and Mennonite outstanding art museum and you can see why thousands communities. of British visitors enjoy a visit to this emerging destination.

In addition to its 74 state parks and numerous Speaking of films, who can forget the image of the allrecreational opportunities, including 797 golf courses – American actor Steve McQueen as The Cincinnati Kid? Well, 600 of them public – Ohio has 100 lakes, great fishing and kids of all ages still flock to ride the roller-coasters at the canoeing and plenty of hiking through countryside popular Paramount’s Kings Island amusement park, north featuring forests, waterfalls, cliffs and caves. of Cincinnati, as well as at the fabulous Cedar Point

✈ Gateways from the U.K.: By Continental Airlines into Cleveland International Airport to the north and by Delta Air Lines into Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to the south.

Amish communities in Lancaster County farm the traditional way

Pittsburgh is dramatically sited at the point where three rivers converge

PENNSYLVANIA AMERICA STARTS HERE STAR ATTRACTIONS THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ’S RY NATURAL HISTO LL DINOSAUR HA

Dinosaur Hall – Between 2004 and 2007 there will be a $37 million expansion of this Pittsburgh treasure house, renowned as the world’s third largest repository of dinosaur fossils as well as the world’s finest Jurassic dinosaur collection. Tel:001 (412) 622 3131,www.carnegiemuseums.org

THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY PUMP PARADE AND SEUM ROADSIDE MU

The Lincoln Highway Pump Parade and Roadside Museum – A series of artistdecorated vintage petrol pumps and a new museum pay tribute to America’s first (1913) coast-to-coast highway, now following much of Route 30 in southern Pennsylvania. Tel:001 (724) 238 9030, www.lhhc.org

THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER

This thrilling new museum brings the story of the U.S. Constitution and early American history to life in the heart of Philadelphia’s most historic district.

Nearby is the new home of the Liberty Bell, which rang in American independence, and Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Tel:001 (215) 409 6600, www.constitutioncenter.org;001 (800) 967 2283,http//reservations.nps.gov

www.visitpa.com

Pennsylvania’s gateway city, Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in America, is a dynamic place where big city excitement meets hometown charm. The ‘Cradle of Liberty’ offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks.

Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound, both in the city and its surrounding countryside.

Nearby Lancaster County, home of America’s oldest Amish settlement, invites visitors to enjoy a timeless countryside where the ‘Plain People’ still ride in horse-drawn carts, as they did in the film Witness, and windmills dot the landscape. And south-west Pennsylvania combines the bright lights and big city excitement of Pittsburgh with the quiet beauty of the surrounding Laurel Highlands.

Known as one of America’s top cultural destinations, Pittsburgh is home to the Carnegie Museum of Art, The Andy Warhol Museum, the internationally-acclaimed Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Ballet and outstanding theatrical productions. Its National Aviary, America’s premier bird park, is home to more than 200 species of colourful birds, and the panoramic view of the city and its three rivers – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio – from the 450ft Mount Washington Overlook has been voted one of the most beautiful views in America by USA Today.

In the beautiful, wooded mountains of the Laurel Highlands, visitors can experience two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpieces – Fallingwater, the only remaining Wright house with its setting, original furnishing and artwork still intact, and Kentuck Knob. The south-west is also home to a variety of elegant mansions, lovely farms, 18th-century inns and great shopping opportunities – at

SUPER STARS ★ GENE KELLY Tap dancer and actor in the classic musical Singing in the Rain (Pittsburgh).

quaint boutiques, antique shops and the Grove City Prime Outlets. (Shoppers take note – ★ SHARON STONE all clothing purchases in Sexy, sometimes Pennsylvania are tax-free!) shocking, Hollywood Vast and virtually superstar (Erie). undisturbed north-west Pennsylvania is full of outdoor ★ ANDY WARHOL adventure from biking and The prince of Pop Art (Pittsburgh). hiking trails to the beaches of Lake Erie, a well-known fishing ★ JAMES STEWART destination and a playground Tinsel Town’s version of for motorboats, sailboats and the small-town decent jet skis. Presque Isle State Park, guy (Indiana).

Erie’s National Landmark, has seven miles of sandy, surf beaches, picturesque lighthouses, more than 500 plants and at least 330 species of birds.

A little farther east, the ‘Pennsylvania Wilds’ offers more than two million acres of public land, countless miles of rambling rivers and scenic streams and a herd of some 800 magnificent elk.

Pine Creek Gorge, also known as ‘Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon’, is 47 miles long, up to 1,400 feet deep and full of 350-million-year-old rock formations. Hyner View State Park, a favourite spot for hang-gliding enthusiasts, also provides a spectacular overlook for the Branch of the Susquehanna River and part of the Sproul State Forest. And Cherry Springs State Park, an official dark-sky park, encourages stargazers to camp out and enjoy the star-filled view with zero light pollution.

So why not head to Pennsylvania for a short city break or for a journey back into the real America?

✈ Gateways from the U.K.: Philadelphia International Airport is served by US Airways and British Airways.

The St. Josaphat Basilica is a Milwaukee landmark

Wisconsin is full of tranquil rural sites such as Dells Mill

WISCONSIN GLACIER GRANDEUR STAR ATTRACTIONS THE OVERTUREE CENTRE FOR THN ARTS, MADISO Opening the first phase of its major expansion in autumn of 2004, this arts centre will, by 2006, encompass seven performance stages, five art galleries, a lecture hall and the new Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. Tel:001 (608) 258 4177, www.overturecenter.com

THE WISCONSINY MICHIGAN FERR SERVICE The new Lake Express ferry, operating up to three times a day, eight months a year, now links Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with Muskegon on the other side of Lake Michigan. Tel: 001 (866) 914 1010 or (414) 286 3511,www.lake-express.com

Hiking along the Mississippi River

✈

www.travelwisconsin.com

Bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the east and the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers to the, Wisconsin’s fertile, green countryside was settled by, first, Native Americans and then by thrifty Germans, Swiss and Scandinavians, who turned it into ‘Dairyland’, a major producer of cheese and butter as well as beer.

Lively Milwaukee, well known for its breweries, German ambience and as ‘The City of Festivals’, offers ethnic and music festivals year-round. Scenically set where three rivers flow into Lake Michigan, it also has beautiful botanical gardens, unique architecture, extensive parks and good shopping and great nightlife. Among its attractions are a pub- and restaurant-lined Riverwalk, the new Miller Park stadium and the recent Calatrava expansion to the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has generated international acclaim. Visitors can see an American icon in the making at the nearby Harley-Davidson plant. Other cities of note include the state capital, Madison, scenically sited between two lakes and home to the University of Wisconsin. This is where Nick Nolte and Julia Roberts starred inI Love Trouble.

The cities of Prairie du Chien and Green Bay have associations with 17th-century French fur traders – and, in the latter’s case, with one of America’s most famous football teams, the Green Bay Packers. This is also the site of The National Railroad Museum, which has its own fully restored turn-of-the-century train. Here visitors can relive an Old-style train robbery.

Nearby Racine is home to two handsome Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, and you can also visit the great architect’s house, studio and architectural school. They are near Spring Green, of Madison, as is the landmark House on the Rock, a popular tourist attraction. In the south-eastern part of the state

SUPER STARS ★ HARRISON FORD The popular action hero attended Ripon College (Ripon).

are the pretty riverside Wisconsin Dells, packed with family-oriented attractions such ★ SPENCER TRACY as Baraboo’s Circus and The The star of such great films as Adam’s Rib and Circus World Museum. Also in Pat and Mike was born in this region is the historic resort Milwaukee and attended community of Lake Geneva, Ripon College. known for its millionaires’ ★ ORSON WELLES mansions, watersports and The great director and actor, best known for world-class golf resorts.

Citizen Kane, was born in At the opposite end of the Kenosha. state, Bayfield is the launching ★ FRANK LLOYD point for ferries to Lake WRIGHT WorldSuperior’s 21 Apostle Islands, renowned, pioneering architect (Spring Green, which claim more lighthouses Racine). than any other coastline in the U.S.A., plus cave kayaking, sailing ★ LAURA INGALLS WILDER Author of the and charter fishing. To the Little House on the Prairie north-east, Door County, books (Pepin). located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, is known for its wealth of lighthouses, beaches, quaint towns and charming inns. At its northern tip is Washington Island, home to one of America’s oldest Icelandic communities.

Wisconsin is full of state parks, excellent golf courses, fishing and boating lakes (particularly huge Lake Winnebago), and trails for hiking, snowmobiling, dog sledding and cross-country skiing. Throughout the state there are picturesque villages, homes, museums, cultural centres and the largest number of American Indian tribes and bands east of the Mississippi River. Where better to go for a relaxing holiday away from the stress of big city life?

Gateways from the U.K.: Although there are no direct flights from the U.K. into Wisconsin, all its premier vaction destinations can be reached by flights from the U.K. into Chicago or Minneapolis/Saint Paul, which are one to two hours' drive away.

SHOPPING FIT FOR THE STARS No part of America has more opportunities for great shopping than the Great Lakes region. The big cities offer major department stores, vertical malls and the type of chic boutiques that attract film stars, models and other celebrities. The suburbs are full of large shopping centres, including outlet malls that promise – and deliver – dramatic discounts.

And throughout the region are tempting speciality shops displaying unique Chicago gifts, art, crafts, such as An enthusiastic young shopper in collector’s-quality Amish quilts, and gourmet treats, such as locally produced wine and cheese.

Much of this shopping is Minnesota's Mall of America is the easily accessible to the overseas visitor. For country’s largest shopping and entertainm ent complex instance, the amazing Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the U.S.A. and one of the country’s top visitor attractions, is now linked by light rail with both Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport and with Minneapolis itself. Not only does the mall feature 520 stores but a seven-acre amusement park, numerous restaurants and cinemas, an aquarium and a virtual reality motor-racing attraction. There are also numerous other shopping opportunities in Mills, which is scheduled to open in the ‘Twin Cities’ area and elsewhere in Minnesota – spring 2005 some 16 miles north-east of the city. plus no sales tax on clothing or shoes!

Its sister shopping centre, Franklin Mills, 15 Pennsylvania is another such tax haven, miles north of Philadelphia, delivers saving of up to offering a wide range of shopping in and around 60 per cent, which is doubtless one of the reasons it such major cities as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia as well as in Lancaster County, renowned for its Amish attracts 19 million visitors annually. Philadelphia’s downtown Gallery at Market East is the nation’s arts and crafts. Pittsburgh has three top largest city shopping centre, and the area’s Plaza department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, in and the Court at King of Prussia, just north-west of its downtown ‘Golden Triangle’ area, plus Philadelphia, is the largest shopping complex on numerous other city centre shops and area malls. the U.S.A.’s East Coast with eight department stores, Among them are the Prime Outlets at Grove City, including Macy’s and Lord & Taylor, 365 speciality 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh

shops and 40 restaurants.

Although the sheer quanity of goods on offer in these shopping centres is impressive, they also excel in quality of goods, featuring such names as Calvin Klein, Chanel, Bulgari, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Tiffany & Co, Liz Claiborne, Brooks Brothers and Versace, often at heavily discounted prices.

Chicago is worldrenowned for the huge array of department stores, vertical malls, speciality shops, and chic boutiques on – and just off – the ‘Magnificent Mile’ of North Michigan Avenue. Other iconic department stores, such as Marshall Field’s, are found on State Street, and the surrounding suburbs and independent cities and towns are also crammed with everything from five-star malls to discount shopping centres. Among them are Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall with its 285 shops, and Aurora’s new Chicago Premium Outlets, featuring name-brand merchandise and savings of between 25 and 65 per cent.

Indiana also has two tempting Premium Outlet shopping centres – Edinburgh Premium Outlets, south of Indianapolis, and Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets in Michigan City. There are other Premium Outlet Centres in Wisconsin and Ohio, such as Johnson Creek Outlet Center midway between Milwaukee and Madison, and Aurora Farm Premium Outlets within easy reach of both Cleveland and Akron. And Michigan is proud of its discount and antique malls, unique specialty stores, outdoor shopping districts, and quaint, speciality shops.

Wherever you go in the Great Lakes Region there is one thing you are bound to buy – an extra suitcase to hold all the wonderful purchases you plan to take back home.

GREAT LAKES

STAR-SPANGLED HOLIDAYS

The Great Lakes region is full of attraction-packed touring options. Some of the itineraries below, or similar ones, can be booked through select U.K. tour operators: THE RED CARPET LAKE MICHIGAN TOUR Day 1 ARRIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Arrive in Chicago and spend your first night at one of its extraordinary downtown hotels, or try a resort in Dupage County, in a B&B in Oak Park or elsewhere in Chicagoland.

Day 2 CHICAGO Spend the day touring Chicago’s many attractions such as the Chicago Botanical Gardens, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago and the new Millennium Park – or take a Chicago Architecture Foundation cruise on the Chicago River.

Overnight: Chicago.

Day 3 CHICAGO to ELKHART, INDIANA Travel east along Lake Michigan to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park, stopping at South Bend to view the handsome campus of the University of Notre Dame and – if interested in automobile memorabilia – the Studebaker National Museum. Then continue eastward through Amish Country to Elkhart, site of several museums.

Overnight: Elkhart ★ 96 miles.

11 Days/10 Nights Fly/Drive

arriving in Petoskey, known for its gas-lit streets and unusual polished corals.

Overnight: Petoskey. ★ 204 miles.

The Buckingham Fountain in Chicago

Day 6 PETOSKEY to MACKINAC ISLAND, MICHIGAN Continue north to Mackinaw City to visit various historic sites and to take a ferry to the 19th-century resort of Mackinac Island, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride (automobiles are not allowed).

Overnight: Mackinac Island ★ 36 miles.

Sault Ste. Marie

MINNESOTA

Day 4 ELKHART to GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN Continue north along Lake Michigan to Saugatuck, a charming artists’ community, and Holland, which celebrates its Dutch heritage with a Netherlands Museum, a Dutch village, a 225year-old windmill and tulip fields – at their most magnificent in May. Then continue to Grand Haven, known for its excellent sandy beaches.

Overnight: Grand Haven. ★ 128 miles.

Day 5 GRAND HAVEN to PETOSKEY, MICHIGAN Travel up the coast of Lake Michigan to Sleeping Bear Dunes, a picturesque National Park, before

7 6 Mackinac Island 5 Petoskey

WISCONSIN

Door County

8 9

Milwaukee

10 1 2

4

Grand Haven

MICHIGAN

3

PENNSYLVANIA

Park near Newberry. Then continue south along the Lake Michigan shore to Wisconsin’s picturesque peninsular Door County.

Overnight: Door County ★ 350 miles.

Elkhart

Chicago

OHIO

ILLINOIS INDIANA

Day 7 MACKINAC ISLAND to SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN Travel across the famous Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. At Sault Ste. Marie, right on the Canadian border, you can admire the impressive views of the Soo Locks and take the Soo Tour Train through downtown and across the bridge into Canada.

Overnight: Sault Ste. Marie ★ 58 miles.

Day 8 SAULT STE. MARIE to DOOR COUNTY, WISCONSIN Head along Lake Superior to visit Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore and, to the south, the two impressive waterfalls in Tahquamenon Falls State

Day 9 DOOR COUNTY Spend the day relaxing and exploring the quaint harbour towns and sandy beaches of Door County. For dinner, enjoy a traditional fish boil.

Overnight: Door County.

Day 10 DOOR COUNTY to MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Follow the Lake Michigan shoreline to lively, culturally rich Milwaukee, where you can tour a Harley-Davidson plant and several breweries. Try one of the ethnic neighbourhood restaurants and then take a cruise on Lake Michigan.

Overnight: Milwaukee ★ 170 miles.

Day 11 MILWAUKEE to CHICAGO Continue south along the lake to Chicago, perhaps stopping at one of Chicagoland’s numerous shopping malls before departing for home from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. ★ 92 miles.

GREAT LAKES

The magnificent Wisconsin State Capitol is in Madison

STAR-SPANGLED HOLIDAYS

Visit the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn

THE OSCAR-NOMINATED GREAT CIRCLE TOUR Day 1 ARRIVE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Transfer to your Chicago hotel and spend the afternoon discovering the city’s excellent museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, and shop like a celebrity at Marshall Field’s. In the evening enjoy a famous Chicago-style pizza and afterwards check out some of the many famous blues and jazz clubs.

Overnight: Chicago.

16 Days/15 Nights Fly/Drive

Snoopy, and Underwater World, there’s no shortage of attractions. Overnight: Saint Paul.

Day 5 MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL to GRAND RAPIDS, MINNESOTA Travel north through the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ to Grand Rapids, the birthplace of Judy Garland. Nestled in tall timber on theern edge of the Mesabi Iron Range, the city is rich with the dual heritage of iron mining and logging.

Overnight: Grand Rapids ★ 173 miles.

Day 2 CHICAGO to MADISON, WISCONSIN Begin your morning with a walking tour of Chicago, noted for its stunning architecture and outdoor sculpture; great shopping, particularly along the Grand Rapids ‘Magnificent Mile’ of North Michigan Avenue; and for 5 MINNESOTA the waterfront parks along Lake Michigan. Take in 6 7 Marquette 8 9 Ashland some of the best views of the city from the top of the Minneapolis 3 4 St. Ignace WISCONSIN John Hancock Observatory or the Sears Tower Saint Paul Skydeck. In the afternoon drive to Madison, the capital Madison 2 MICHIGAN of Wisconsin, beautifully sited between two lakes. View Dearborn 10 the handsome State Capitol and the University of 11 1 16 Cleveland Chicago Wisconsin campus. Overnight:Madison ★ 196 miles.

15 ILLINOIS

Day 3 MADISON to MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA Continue your travels north-west across Wisconsin, America’s freshwater playground, to the ‘Twin Cities’ of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Suggested stops along the way include Baraboo’s Circus World Museum and the resort towns of the Wisconsin Dells where you can take a scenic boat or amphibious duck tour along the Wisconsin River.

Overnight: Saint Paul ★ 270 miles.

Day 4 MINNEAPOLIS/SAINT PAUL Take a morning tour of the two handsome cities, located across the Mississippi River from one another.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Mall of America located in Bloomington just to the south. With 520 stores, numerous movie theatres, Knott’s Camp

Indianapolis

INDIANA

Michigan’s picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula, viewing historic Fort Wilkens and the Delaware Copper Mine before continuing via the L’Anse Indian Reservation to Marquette.

Overnight: Marquette ★ 185 miles.

Day 8 MARQUETTE to ST. IGNACE, MICHIGAN Follow scenic State Road 28 east to Munising where you can take a Lake Superior cruise past the dramatic sandstone cliffs, caves, arches and columns of Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore. Then continue south-east to Tahquamenon Falls State Park near Newberry to see two magnificent waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River before arriving at St. Ignace overlooking the straits between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Overnight: St. Ignace ★ 162 miles.

Day 9 ST. IGNACE Take the ferry and spend the day on Mackinac Island, a timeless, 19th-century resort island where no motor vehicles are allowed. Take a horse-drawn carriage or rent bicycles, visit Fort Mackinac, perched on a bluff overlooking the harbour, and the Grand Hotel, which provides magnificent views from its veranda. Return to St. Ignace in the late afternoon.

Overnight: St. Ignace.

PENNSYLVANIA

12 13 Pittsburgh

14 Dayton OHIO

Day 6 GRAND RAPIDS to ASHLAND, WISCONSIN Travel south-east past the great inland port of Duluth to Ashland, Wisconsin, set beside the world’s largest freshwater lake, Superior. Then take a lake cruise from nearby Bayfield, past the wild and scenic Apostle Islands, later taking a ferry to the largest of the group, Madeline Island, to view its old trading post and American Indian burial grounds.

Overnight: Ashland ★ 175 miles.

Day 7 ASHLAND to MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN Travel further north-east along Lake Superior to

Day 10 ST. IGNACE to DEARBORN, MICHIGAN Journey through Michigan to Detroit, home of Motown and Motor City, U.S.A., and nearby Dearborn.

While there visit the fascinating Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, an outdoor living history museum exploring the industrial revolution and achievements of famous Americans such as the Wright Brothers and Thomas Edison.

Overnight: Dearborn ★ 288 miles.

The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh

Cool music in the Blue Chicago nightclub

Day 11 DETROIT to CLEVELAND, OHIO Drive south from Detroit and then east along Lake Erie to Cleveland. Particularly if travelling with children you might want to stop by Toledo’s Zoo or Sandusky’s Cedar Point Amusement Park, which is full of exciting new attractions. Then, in the evening, enjoy the restaurants and nightlife in the restored riverfront Flats area or Warehouse District.

Overnight: Cleveland ★ 181 miles.

Day 13 PITTSBURGH Take a boat cruise or a cable car ride to the top of Mount Washington for a panoramic view of the ‘Renaissance City’, dramatically sited at the point where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers merge to form the Ohio River. Then visit the Carnegie Museum of Art or the Andy Warhol Museum and enjoy shopping and dining in the attractive downtown area. Overnight: Pittsburgh.

Day 12 CLEVELAND to PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA In the morning get an overview of the city from the top of the Terminal Tower, stroll through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum overlooking Lake Erie or visit the Museum of Art overlooking a lagoon and then head east past Erie, Pennsylvania and south to Pittsburgh. Overnight: Pittsburgh ★ 228 miles.

Day 14 PITTSBURGH to DAYTON, OHIO Travel west through Columbus, Ohio’s largest city and state capital, admiring the Ohio Statehouse before continuing west and then south to Dayton where you can visit the impressive U.S. Air Force Museum and sites associated with aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright.

Overnight: Dayton ★ 262 miles.

THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING MUSIC TOUR Day 1 ARRIVE IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon on a sightseeing tour, visiting such places as the Sears Tower, America’s tallest building, and the Shedd Aquarium. In the evening, enjoy a famous Chicago blues or jazz club. Overnight: Chicago.

Day 15 DAYTON to INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA If you’ve timed your trip to arrive in Indiana’s state capital, Indianapolis, over the late May Memorial Day weekend – and have booked your tickets – you can view the Indianapolis 500, the world’s most famous auto-race. Otherwise, you could possibly view another exciting, but lesser-known, motoring event as well as taking in the Indy Hall of Fame Museum or, during the summer, the spectacular Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Overnight: Indianapolis ★118 miles.

Day 16 INDIANAPOLIS to CHICAGO Drive north to Chicago for your flight back home from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. ★ 179 miles.

7 Days/6 Nights Fly/Drive evening try your luck at the Windsor Casino, just across the river in Canada. Overnight: Detroit

MINNESOTA

Day 2 CHICAGO Take a music tour of Chicago with stops such as the Chess Records Building and, for shopping, at the Music Mart. In the evening stop by the famous BLUES or Blue Chicago night clubs. Overnight: Chicago.

Day 3 CHICAGO to DETROIT, MICHIGAN Drive south along the shore of Lake Michigan, east through northern Indiana and on to Detroit, Michigan, home of infectious Motown music and of the U.S. auto industry. In the evening dine in

Day 5 DETROIT to CLEVELAND, OHIO Drive east along the shore of Lake Erie to Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Detroit Fame and Museum, which traces the roots 3 4 PENNSYLVANIA of rock music through exhibits, live 5 Cleveland 1 2 OHIO broadcasts and videos.

Chicago 6 7 Overnight: Cleveland ★ 174 miles.

ILLINOIS South Bend

WISCONSIN

MICHIGAN

INDIANA

Greektown, a thriving, fun area of Detroit.

Overnight: Detroit. ★ 278miles.

Day 4 DETROIT Tour the Motown Museum and re-live the history of the world-famous rhythm and blues sound (Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Supremes).

Afterwards, visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in nearby Dearborn. In the

Day 6 CLEVELAND to SOUTH BEND, INDIANA Head back east through northern Ohio to South Bend to visit the renowned University of Notre Dame and the Studebaker National Auto Museum. Overnight: South Bend ★ 258 miles.

Day 7 SOUTH BEND to CHICAGO Stop for a stroll through the scenic Indiana National Dunes Lakeshore before arriving back in Chicago for your flight back home ★ 289 miles.

Published on behalf of the Great Lakes of North America by Phoenix International Publishing Ltd,PO Box 615,Horsham,Sussex RH 13 5WF,E-mail: postmaster@phoenixip.com.Editor:Mary Moore Mason,Tel + 44 (0) 207 243 6954, E-mail: marymooremason@phoenixip.com.Although every effort has been made to achieve accuracy,the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any mistake or omissions.The publication may not be reproduced,stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the publishers.

FABULOUS FESTIVALS The Great Lakes Region of North America really knows how to have fun! Here is just a sample of the annual festivals.

ILLINOIS Winter Delights, Chicago, January-February – A citywide celebration of Chicago’s culture, shopping and nightlife. www.gochicago.com.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Chicago, always held the Saturday in March before St. Patrick’s Day – A free event featuring fabulous floats, marching bands and great frivolity. www.gochicago.com On the Waterfront, Rockford, the last weekend of August – A celebration covering 20 downtown city blocks and featuring 50 food vendors, 10 music stages and 150 musical acts. Tel: 001(815) 963 8111. www.onthewaterfront.com Annual Route 66 Mother Road Festival, Springfield, the last weekend in September – America’s most famous road is saluted by a classic car show, celebrity appearances, 50s and 60s music and great food. www.route66fest.com

INDIANA Parke County Maple Fair, Rockville, February-early March – A tribute to the American tradition of making maple syrup. www.coveredbridgs.com Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis, May – The world’s most famous motor racing event held since 1909 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tel: 001 (317) 492 6700, www.indy500.com Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, August – Family entertainment, food, animals, and music.

Tel: 001 (317) 927 7500, www.indianastatefair.com James Dean Festival, Fairmount, September – Featuring everything from films to a parade, in 2005 this annual festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of Dean’s death. Tel: 001 (765) 948 4555, www.jamesdeanartifacts.com

MICHIGAN North American Snowmobile Festival, Cadillac, February – Enjoy Michigan’s largest snowmobile shindig, including safaris through area forests and a torch-lit snowmobile parade. Tel: 001 (616) 775 0657, www.cadillacmichigan.com Tulip Time Festival, Holland, May – Go delightfully Dutch in the middle of 1,500 wooden-shoed dancers and six million blossoming tulips. Tel: 001 (800) 822 2770, www.tuliptime.org National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, July – Concerts, pie-eating concerts, fireworks and more in the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’. Tel: 001 (800) 872 8377, www.cherryfestival.org

America’s Thanksgiving Parade, Detroit, November (Thanksgiving Day) – Join more than a million spectators at a spectacular parade of floats, giant balloons and marching bands along Woodward Avenue, America’s first paved road. Tel: 001 (313) 923 7400, www.theparade.org

MINNESOTA Saint Paul Winter Carnival, January-February – Spectacular ice carving and snow sculpting, plus car racing on ice. Tel: 001 (651) 223 4700, www.wintercarnival.com Festival of Nations, Saint Paul, April – A colourful display of folk dances, art and food presented by more than 90 ethnic groups. Tel: 001 (651) 647 0191, www.festivalofnations.com SPAMtown USA Celebrations, Austin, July – Remember the tinned meat everyone had to eat in World War II? Here, it’s the inspiration for cooking contests, a parade, fireworks and a military plane flyover. Tel: 001 (507) 437 3448, www.austincoc.com Minnesota State Fair, Saint Paul, AugustSeptember – Entertainment, rodeo, amusement rides and great food! Tel: 001 (651) 603 6814, www.mnstatefair.org

OHIO The Memorial Golf Tournament, Dublin, MayJune – The PGA’s best players battle it out for a coveted title. Tel: 001 (800) 245 8387, www.dublin.visit.org Twins Day Festival, Twinsburg, August – Yes, you will see double at the talent contests, parades and other events at the world’s largest gathering of twins, triplets, quadruplets, etc. Tel: 001 (330) 425 3652, www.twinsdays.org The Circleville Pumpkin Show, Circleville, October – This annual tribute to great orange orbs weighing up to almost 1,000 lbs includes beauty pageants, hog calling and a variety of delicacies made from pumpkins. Tel: 001 (740) 474 7000, www.pumpkinshow.com Legendary Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill, Clifton, November-January – More than 3.2 million lights transform America’s largest working waterpowered gristmill and its surroundings into fairyland. Tel: 001 (937) 767 5501, www.cliftonmill.com/calendarpage.htm

PENNSYLVANIA Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney, northwest Pennsylvania, February – Join the celebrations when resident groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his winter retreat to foretell by his shadow (or lack thereof) continuing cold weather or an early spring. Tel: 001 (814) 938 7700, www.groundhog.org The National Road Heritage Festival, Route 30, May – Wagon trains and other celebrations are part of the “world’s longest festival”, organised by communities all along the 300 miles of the Historic National Road. Tel: 001 (724) 437 9877, www.nationalroadpa.org Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pittsburgh, June – Free performances, plus arts, crafts and great food offered at Gateway Plaza and Point State Park. Tel: 001 (412) 281 8723, www.artsfestival.net Fort Ligonier Days, Ligonier in the western Laurel Highlands, October – Reenactments of a strategic 1758 French and Indian war battle, plus crafts exhibits, entertainment, food and a huge parade.

Tel: 001 (724) 238 9701, www.fortligonier.org/fortdays.htm

WISCONSIN 31st Annual Subaru American Birkebeiner, from Cable to Hayward, February – One of only eight International Ski Federation Marathon Cup events, this 51-kilometre marathon held in north-west Wisconsin attracts cross-country skiers from throughout the world. Tel: 001 (715) 634 5025, www.birkie.com Door County Festival of Blossoms, at communities throughout Door County, May – Tours of the area’s cherry and apple orchards, lighthouses and shipyards. Tel: 001 (800) 527 3529, www.doorcountry.com Summerfest, Milwaukee, June-July – More than 2,500 national, regional and local acts perform on 13 stages and feature everything from jazz, country and blues to big bands and comedy acts. Tel: 001 (414) 273 3378, www.summerfest.com Oktoberfest, La Crosse, September-October – Held along the shores of the Mississippi River and steeped in German tradition, this festival features Bavarian music, ethnic food, carnival rides, torchlight parades and a beauty pageant. Tel: 001 (608) 784 3378, www.oktoberfestusa.com

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The Trident Centre, Port Way Ribble Docklands Preston, Lancshire PR2 2QG Tel: 0870 700 0514 www.airline-network.co.uk

★★

Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth West Drayton UB7 0GB Tel: 0870 243 4224

BON VOYAGE

★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★

16-18 Bellevue Road, Southampton Hampshire SO15 2AY Tel: 0800 316 3008 E-mail: usa@bon-voyage.co.uk www.bon-voyage.co.uk

CAN AMERICA

★

★

★★★★★

★★ ★

★★ ★

★

JUST AMERICA

★

★

★

★★

Wren Court, 17 London Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1DE Tel: 0208 464 3444 Fax: 0208 695 4316 E-mail: admin@cosmostourama.co.uk www.cosmostourama.co.uk

★

★★★★

★★

Tabley Court, Victoria Street Altincham, Cheshire WA14 1EZ Tel: 0870 333 3303 www.crestaholidays.co.uk

★

★★

★★★

★

★

★

★

★★

★

★

★

★

★

★

★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★

Thomson Holidays, Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7SD Tel: 0870 403 0650 www.thomson.co.uk

★

THOMAS COOK SIGNATURE Thomas Cook Business Park Coningsby Road Peterborough PE3 8XP Tel: 0870 443 4454 E-mail: talktoholidays@thomascook.com www.thomascooktours.com

★★

★

136-140 London Road Leicester LE2 1EN Tel: 0870 010 6393 Fax: 0870 010 6465 E-mail: gprix@pagemoy.com www.1st4FI.com

★★★★★★★

Premier Travel Centre, Westbrook, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 1YG Tel: 0870 889 0850 Fax: 0870 889 0859 E-mail: book@premierholidays.co.uk www.premierholidays.co.uk

Hitours House, Crossaks Lane Surrey RH1 5EX Tel: 01293 440 033 Fax: 01293 450 502 E-mail: reservations@titantravel.co.uk www.titantravel.co.uk

★

Grange Mills, Weir Road LONDON, SW12 0NE Tel: 0870 444 8735, Fax: 0870 444 8728 E-mail: info@trekamerica.co.uk www.trekamerica.co.uk

THOMSON AMERICA

28-34 Fortress Road, Kentish Town, London NW5 2HB Tel: 0207 393 1080 www.majortravel.co.uk

TITAN TRAVEL

★★

The Globe Centre, St James Square Accrington, Lancashire BB5 0RE Tel: 0870 751 0003 www.tradewinds.co.uk

★★★★ ★★ ★★

QUEST TRAVEL

★★

4/10 Richmond Road Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT2 5HL Tel: 0870 442 3548 E-mail: travel@questtravel.com www.questtravel.com

UNITED VACATIONS

★★★★★★

PO Box 377, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LY Tel: 0870 606 2222 Fax: 0208 313 3547 www.unitedvacations.co.uk

★

Miry Lane, Wigan WN3 4AG Tel: 01942 244 246 Fax: 01942 829 760 www.shearingsholidays.com

★

★

TREKAMERICA

SHEARINGS HOLIDAYS

★

Tailormade Holidays City & Resort Stays Fly Drive Coach Tours Apartments/Villas Motorhome Special Interest Bed & Breakfast Activity/Adventure Holidays

TRADEWINDS

14 Greville Street, London EC1N 8SB Tel: 0871 222 3423 Fax: 0207 400 7088 E-mail: sales@travel4less.co.uk www.travel4less.co.uk

PREMIER HOLIDAYS

★

Compass House, Rockingham Road Market Harborough Leicestershire LE16 7QD Tel: 01858 410 818 Fax: 01858 466 477 E-mail: telesales@travelsphere.co.uk www.travelsphere.co.uk

★★★★★

PAGE & MOY MOTOR RACING

COSMOS COACH TOURS LTD ★ ★

★

3A Gatwick Metro Centre Balcombe Road Horley, Surry RH6 9GA Tel: 0870 990 4885 www.travelcitydirect.com

TRAVELSPHERE LTD ★★

★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★

Clarendon House, Clarendon Road Eccles, Manchester M30 9TR Tel: 0870 121 2010 Fax: 0870 127 2010 E-mail: america@travelpack.com www.travelpack.co.uk

TRAVEL CITY DIRECT ★★★

★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★

5 Omega Park, Alton Hants GU34 2UP Tel: 0870 900 1352 Fax: 04120 567 960 www.travelbag.co.uk

TRAVELPACK

Sussex House, London Road East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1HJ Tailormade Tel: 0870 060 1218 Escorted Tel: 0870 162 3501 Fax: 01342 330 771 E-mail: tailormade@jetsave.co.uk www.jetsave.co.uk

MAJOR TRAVEL

Wells House, 15 Elmfield Road Bromley Kent BR1 1LS Tel: 0208 290 6422 Fax: 0208 225 4222 E-mail: travel@contiki.co.uk www.contiki.com

The Old Palace Chester CH1 1RB Tel: 01244 897 222 Fax: 01244 897 220 E-mail: enquiries@elegantresorts.co.uk www.elegantresorts.co.uk

★★

33 Swanley Centre, Swawnley Kent BR8 7TL Tel: 0870 787 7877 Fax: 0870 787 0790 E-mail: res@jetlife.co.uk www.jetlife.co.uk

LASTMINUTE.COM ★★

CONTIKI HOLIDAYS

ELEGANT RESORTS

★★★★★★

★★★★ ★★ ★★ ★

Hamlyn House, Macdonald Road, Highgate Hill London N19 5PR Tel: 0870 155 0066 Fax: 0207 561 2424 E-mail: marketing@travel2.com

TRAVELBAG

Lavant House, Lavant Street, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32 3EL UK Reservations Tel: 01730 266 588 E-mail: enquiries@justamerica.co.uk

CanAmerica House 67 Middle Abbey House Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: 001 353 872 0444 Fax: 001 353 872 0500 E-mail: info@canamerica.ie www.canamerica.ie

CRESTA

★★

172 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7LY Tel: 0870 787 4044 Fax: 0207 387 5711 E-mail: icelandairholidays@icelandair.is www.icelandair.co.uk

JETSAVE

BRITISH AIRWAYS HOLIDAYS ★ ★

★★★★★★

1 Elmfield Park, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LU Tel: 0208 313 0550 Fax: 0208 313 0620 E-mail: reservations@getawayuk.co.uk

JETLIFE HOLIDAYS ★★

TRAVEL 4

1 Elmfield Park, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LU Tel: 0208 466 0222 Fax: 0208 313 3547 www.funwayholidays.co.uk

ICELANDAIR HOLIDAYS ★★★★

★★★★

PO Box 45, Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN40 1PY Tel: 01424 224 400 Fax: 01424 223 300 E-mail: enquiries@holidays-america.net www.holidaysgroup.co.uk

5 Exchange Place, IFSC, DUBLIN Dublin 1 Ireland Tel: 001 353 673 3800

ARCHERS DIRECT

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS

HOLIDAY AMERICA

★★★

★★

Fleetway House, 25 Farringdon Street London EC4A 4AB Tel: 0870 888 7711 Fax: 0207 489 2200 www.ebookers.com

GETAWAY VACATIONS

1 Lonsdale, Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1XF Tel: 01892 511 894 Fax: 01892 779 904

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

EBOOKERS.COM

Tailormade Holidays City & Resort Stays Fly Drive Coach Tours Apartments/Villas Motorhome Special Interest Bed & Breakfast Activity/Adventure Holidays

Tailormade Holidays City & Resort Stays Fly Drive Coach Tours Apartments/Villas Motorhome Special Interest Bed & Breakfast Activity/Adventure Holidays

Great Lakes of North America U.K. Tour Operators WHO OFFERS WHAT?

★

★

VALLEY VACATIONS

★★★

Unit 21Hardmans Business Centre New Hall Hey Road Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 6HH Tel: 01706 212 333 Fax: 01706 235 010 www.valleyvacations.com

WALLACE ARNOLD TOURS Lowfields Road Leeds, West Yorkshire LS12 6DN Tel: 0113 231 0739 www.wallacearnold.com

★★★