The Group Travel Leader October 2021

HELLO BLACK HILLS

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C OA S TA L W I L D L I F E

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A M E R I C A’ S H E A RTL A N D

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GROUPS A R E

B A C K

great outdoors

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OUTDOOR

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OCTOBER 2021

Monumental EXPERIENCE

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Custer State Park

With over 5 million acres of forest, prairie and mountain lands, your group will discover abundant natural beauty, Wild West towns, free-ranging wildlife, rich Native American culture, year-round festivities, modern-day attractions and meaningful adventure. Plan your tour today.

605.355.3600 // SeeTheBlackHills.com

Badlands National Park

Scan to view the Travel Professionals Guide

60 MILES OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER Top-tier facilities combine with endless things to do in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Your group belongs at The Beach. visitmyrtlebeach.com/groups

CONTENTS

GROUP TH E

TRAVEL LEADER

CHARTING THE EVOLUTION OF GROUP TR AVEL

COLU M NS

N EWS

6 Editor’s Marks

8 Family Matters

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ON TH E COV E R

Dawn brings pink skies over the autumn aspens on Colorado’s Maroon Bells in the Rocky Mountains.

Photo by Ron and Patty Thomas.

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OnSite in Gallup

Colorado Spotlight

VOL 30 | ISSUE 8

OUTDOOR

MAC T. LACY CHARLES A. PRESLEY BRIAN JEWELL HERBERT SPARROW DONIA SIMMONS

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W E T L AN DS W I LDLIFE

AMERICA’S HEARTL A ND

Breathtaking animal encounters await in these coastal destinations.

Art experiences and waterfront activities shine in the Midwest.

K E LLY T Y N E R 888.253.0455

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The Black Hills

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Founder and Publisher Partner VP & Executive Editor Senior Writer Creative Director

KELLY TYNER KYLE ANDERSON ASHLEY RICKS

SARAH SECHRIST CHRISTINE CLOUGH

kelly@grouptravelleader.com

VP, Sales & Marketing Director of Advertising Sales Graphic Design & Circulation Controller Copy Editor

The GROUP TRAVEL LEADER is published ten times a year by THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc., 301 East High St., Lexington, Kentucky 40507, and is distributed free of charge to qualified group leaders who plan travel for groups of all ages and sizes. THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER serves as the official magazine of GROUP TRAVEL FAMILY, the organization for traveling groups. All other travel suppliers, including tour operators, destinations, attractions, transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and other travel-related companies may subscribe to THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER by sending a check for $59 for one year to: THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Circulation Department, 301 East High St., Lexington, KY 40507. Phone (859) 2530455 or (859) 253-0503. Copyright THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of editorial or graphic content in any manner without the written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

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Celebrate the gifts of land and sea with epic Virginia Beach adventures the entire group can enjoy safely. With 400 square miles of wide open space, revel in hands-on experiences and unique access to a group tour that’s as safe as it is memorable.

VISITVIRGINIABEACH.COM/GROUPTOUR

}

EDITOR’S MARKS

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BY BRIAN JEWELL

he more I get to know you, the more I like you.

If you’ve been around tourism for more than a day or two, you know this business is built on relationships. We’re outgoing folks who enjoy meeting others. We’re talkative by nature. We’re “people people.” And many of our professional acquaintances end up becoming lifelong personal friends.

Meeting people has been one of the highlights of my career in travel journalism. In a good year, I’ll meet dozens — or maybe even a hundred — new people at conferences, trade shows and other tourism events. And I look forward to reuniting with many of those friends and colleagues as major tourism events ramp up again this fall and winter.

Many of the people I meet on the road work full time in travel, representing attractions, hotels, convention and visitors bureaus or other tourism marketing organizations. These professionals are ambassadors for their cities and states and go to great lengths to help groups discover and enjoy their destinations.

I’ve also met many tour operators, travel planners and group leaders — the people who do the hard work of planning, selling and executing trips.

These folks are often entrepreneurs at heart, and their love of travel is contagious. That’s why they’re so successful in convincing other people to take trips with them.

In the past several years, our OnSite familiarization program has taken hundreds of these travel planners on research trips to places across the country and around the world. (You can see one of our latest adventures in the article “OnSite in Gallup” on page 10.) It’s been a pleasure for me to travel with these delegations, both to enjoy the

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destinations and to get to know the people responsible for making group travel happen.

As I talk to travel planners, I’m struck by their gumption, their adventurous spirits and their innovative thinking. Travel comes with plenty of uncertainty, and arranging trips for dozens of people isn’t without risk. But our readers don’t shy away from risk, because they know it’s far outweighed by the rewards of travel.

Over the past 18 months, the pandemic has affected group travel more than perhaps any other industry. But in spite of this harsh blow, travel planners haven’t given up. They’re rising to the challenge, keeping their companies open and taking trips for those who are still willing to go.

This doesn’t mean they haven’t faced some economic difficulty. Over the past few months, I’ve talked to a lot of travel planners who have had to get creative to make ends meet during the pandemic. Some took to driving Ubers or delivering groceries. Others have accepted part-time jobs — sometimes at visitor centers or attractions — to generate extra income. Last month, I met a travel planner who opened an art gallery and used it to exhibit her travel photography, hoping the images would inspire others to book travel soon.

These won’t be long-term arrangements, of course. People who love travel will find their way back to the road. And tourism entrepreneurs will find their way back to profitability.

Until then, though, they’re doing what it takes to keep their travel enterprises alive. They’re dreamers, not quitters.

And that’s exactly why I love them.

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S E L E C T T R AV E L E R C O N F E R E N C E K I C K S TA R T S 2 0 2 2 ’ S R E T U R N T O T R AV E L SALEM, Ohio — Visit Cheyenne is inviting qualified travel planners to experience Wyoming at the Select Traveler Conference 2022. The Select Traveler Conference is an annual event where travel leaders representing bank clubs, alumni chapters, traveling chambers of commerce and international travel groups meet to network and plan travel programs.

In its 26th year, the Select Traveler Conference has evolved into the nation’s leading upscale group travel gathering, drawing delegates from over 25 states and numerus international destinations. The conference in Cheyenne looks to be no exception, with early delegate registration reportedly running well ahead of previous years.

“Location is always an important factor, and it seems that a lot of travel planners are interested in accepting Visit Cheyenne’s invitation to experience the Wild West,” said conference manager Janine Emanuel.

The Select Traveler Conference is limited to 100 travel planners and only 200 travel industry delegates. Travel industry delegates include destination marketing organizations, hotels, attractions, receptive operators, cruise lines and packaged tour companies.

The registration ceiling is designed to provide for increased networking and relationship development.

“Relationships are the base of group travel,” Emanuel said. “Our conference focuses on building new as well as maintaining existing relationships between travel groups and industry members.”

Delegates will discover Cheyenne, gain new travel ideas, network with likeminded planners and have a lot of fun, delivered by Visit Cheyenne. The Select Traveler Conference will be held March 28-30, 2022, at the Little America Hotel in Cheyenne. Call 800-628-0993 or visit selecttravelerconf.com to register.

FMCSA COMES ABOARD FOR GTF CONFERENCES IN 2022 SALEM, Ohio — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will continue its outreach program to travel planners that charter motorcoaches throughout 2022, in an agreement with The Group Travel Family of Brands.

FMCSA is the nationwide agency overseeing equipment safety of motorcoaches, which are the backbone of transportation in the group travel industry and chartered by virtually all members of The Group Travel Family. FMCSA has developed a safety outreach program targeted to the decision-makers who charter motorcoaches to create awareness of safe travel.

The Group Travel Family of Brands reaches 25,000 travel planner members that charter an estimated 150,000 motorcoaches annually, taking over 6 million people on tours.

“It’s fairly easy to recognize our members’ need in awareness of travel safety, and the motorcoaches they charter are a top safety factor,”

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said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of The Group Travel Family.

This marks the fourth year that FMCSA has teamed with The Group Travel Family to elevate safe travel practices in motorcoach chartering. The Group Travel Family values the effort of FMCSA in maintaining safe travel standards.

“When we board a motorcoach in this country, there is an assumed level of safety that we take for granted,” said Ferguson.

“That state of mind allows for worry-free group travel, benefiting the tourist as well as the entire travel industry. It’s the effort of FMCSA that allows us that peace of mind.”

Travel planners will receive safety-related content designed

by FMCSA at every Group Travel Family event of 2022, as well as monthly safety updates and education delivered online and via this publication. fmcsa.dot.gov

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WELCOME BACK, ALEX!

ALEX LUCIANO SALEM, Ohio — Alex Luciano has rejoined the staff of The Group Travel Family as the organization’s official digital media guru.

“We are so pleased to have Alex back onboard,” said Jennifer Ferguson, general manager of The Group Travel Family. He brings a wealth of talent and knowledge.”

Luciano began his career in social media directly out of school and spent three years advancing the digital footprint of The Group Travel Family.

“Alex is a very unique person in that he possesses outstanding artistic talent combined with the complete understanding of how The Group Travel Family serves its group travel members,” said Charlie Presley, founder of the organization.

In his two-year sabbatical, Luciano took his graphic design talent to the music industry and developed his own brand of concert attire, as well as original music content. While with The Group Travel Family, Luciano will continue his music ventures.

Many of you will recognize Luciano from his presence at past travel conferences. Yes, he is the staff member sporting the “man-bun.”

Welcome back, Alex!

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GALLUP NEW MEXICO FAM

Native American art and culture infuse each day spent visiting Gallup, New Mexico.

“I had never been to the area before, so it was all very interesting.

The history of the tribes and their livlihoods were most interesting.”

— BEVERLY CARLSON BJC TRAVEL

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Tanner’s Indian Arts

Zuni Pueblo

ONSITE IN GALLUP, NEW MEXICO TR AV E L PL AN N E RS S PE NT FIV E DAYS E XPLO R I N G TH IS R I CH SO UTHWESTE R N CIT Y

COURTESY VISIT GALLUP NEW MEXICO

GALLUP, NEW MEXICO, SITS AT THE INTERSECTION OF ART, HISTORY, CULTURE AND SPECTACULAR SOUTHWEST SCENERY.

A Route 66 landmark PHOTOS BY BRIAN JEWELL, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED

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That’s what a select group of tour operator and travel planner readers of The Group Travel Leader discovered during a five-day familiarization tour to Gallup and surrounding areas in New Mexico and Arizona. Hosted by the Gallup Office of Tourism and Marketing, this trip introduced participants to Gallup’s world-class arts community, nearby Native American pueblos, Route 66 heritage and stunning natural beauty of the high desert.

During the trip, participants visited numerous trading posts and learned about their unique role in the community. They also admired the fine art of the Zuni and Navajo nations and spent time exploring the Zuni pueblo with a village leader. A downtown tour highlighted the art and architecture of Gallup, and excursions to nearby National Park Service sites and other natural attractions highlighted the diverse ecology of the area.

Follow along on this itinerary to begin planning a fascinating Gallup adventure for your travelers.

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“I loved touring the El Rancho Hotel and the history there, and I would use this for my groups.

Having the local teens dance was one of my favorite activities and something I would for sure hire for my groups.”

— CAROLYN KEMPF ELITE TRAVEL INC

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Pottery for sale at Richardson’s Trading Post COURTESY LRPTC

A Native American tapestry

• ARRIVAL IN NEW MEXICO • DRIVE TO GALLUP

Travel planners began their trip by flying to Albuquerque, New Mexico. About 140 miles east of Gallup, Albuquerque is the closest city with a major airport. The two-hour drive from Albuquerque to Gallup on Interstate 40 is filled with sweeping vistas, as well as charming towns and interesting stops. Travelers cross the Continental Divide en route to Gallup and can stop and pose for pictures at a sign marking the spot.

Group members who arrived early spent some time exploring Albuquerque. Once everyone had arrived, the group loaded into a luxury van and arrived in Gallup that evening. They enjoyed a good night’s rest at the Comfort Inn and Suites, home for the duration of the tour, and prepared to begin their Gallup adventure the next morning.

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Posing at Earl’s Restaurant

A breakfast burrito at Earl’s Restaurant

A group breakfast at Earl’s Restaurant

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Turquoise jewelry at Tanner’s Indian Arts

• BREAKFAST AT EARL’S FAMILY RESTAURANT • RICHARDSON’S TRADING POST • TANNER’S INDIAN ARTS • LUNCH AT OASIS MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT • DOWNTOWN ARTS TOUR • DINNER AND NATIVE AMERICAN DANCE PERFORMANCE AT EL RANCHO HOTEL

The first day of the trip introduced the group to some of Gallup’s calling cards: its Native American artisans, Route 66 heritage and distinctive downtown. Participants drove through town along Route 66 to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Earl’s Family Restaurant, famous for its oversized cinnamon rolls and green chile burritos. Next, they visited Richardson’s Trading Post for an introduction to the area’s arts and trading culture. From there they went to Tanner’s Indian

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Arts, a private dealer that specializes in museum-quality art and jewelry created by Native American artists from around the region.

The group enjoyed lunch at the Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant, which is run by a Palestinian family, and then proceeded on a walking tour through downtown Gallup that highlighted the artwork and heritage of some of the city’s historic public buildings. The day ended at the El Rancho Hotel, a Route 66 institution that has played host to movie stars and dignitaries. At the property, the group enjoyed a reception, a tour, dinner and a Native American dance performance.

Historic Richardson’s Trading Post

RICHARDSON’S TRADING POST Richardson’s Trading Post was first established in Arizona in the 1850s; it moved to its current location on Gallup’s historic Highway 66 in 1913. The oldest continuously operating trading post in the country, Richardson’s showcases the artwork of Navajo artists, as well as craftspeople from six other nearby tribes. The group was introduced to the beauty and variety of local native art — silver, turquoise, kachina dolls and Navajo rugs — and learned how the trading post serves as a safe storage place for the Native American community.

TANNER’S INDIAN ARTS In the 1800s, Seth Tanner and his son Joe began trading with Native Americans in the Southwest. Today, Seth’s great-greatgrandson Joe and his wife, Cynthia, along with daughter Emerald, continue that traditional at Tanner’s Indian Arts. At this gallery, the tour group saw the family’s museum-quality collection of turquoise jewelry and learned about the history of turquoise mining in the area. The Tanners also showcase artifacts such as Navajo wedding baskets, Native American silver jewelry and items that were sold at trading posts in the 19th century.

DOWNTOWN ARTS TOUR Art pervades public life in Gallup, and the travel planners saw evidence of that during a guided walking tour downtown. The tour started at the McKinley County Courthouse, a Works Progress Administration building constructed in 1938. Wall paintings throughout the courthouse’s corridors were created by Navajo artists and reflect the Navajo sand painting tradition. In the main courtroom, a 2,000-square-foot mural depicts the history of human civilization in the Southwest. From the courthouse, the tour proceeded to showcase murals on downtown buildings and the historic El Morro Theatre.

EL RANCHO HOTEL When they came to New Mexico to shoot Western movies, Hollywood royalty of the 1930s and 1940s stayed at the El Rancho Hotel, a Gallup property on Route 66. Today, the hotel remains a Gallup landmark, with rooms named for celebrity guests such as John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, Doris Day and Lucille Ball. The group toured the property to learn about its history and see its gallery of art and artifacts from the golden age of film. After a tour and dinner, the travel planners were treated to a Native dance demonstration presented by a group of high school students from the nearby Navajo nation.

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Pottery education at Richardson’s Trading Post

Richardson’s Trading Post’s rug gallery

McKinley County Courthouse

A ceremonial headdress at Richardson’s Trading Post

Courtroom murals

Admiring native art at Tanner’s

A courthouse mosaic

Oasis Mediterranean Restaurant

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El Rancho Hotel on Route 66

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A guestroom at El Rancho Hotel

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A Navajo dance performance

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission at Zuni Pueblo

Zuni Pueblo demonstration COURTESY VISIT GALLUP NEW MEXICO

The FAM group in front of the Zuni mission

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TOUR AND LUNCH AT ZUNI PUEBLO EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT ICE CAVE AND BANDERA VOLCANO DINNER AT SAMMY C’S

On the second full day in Gallup, the group ventured out to visit nearby highlights. This began with a tour of the Zuni Pueblo, led by a tribal elder and archaeologist. After the tour, the group enjoyed a traditional Zuni lunch prepared by women in the village.

Upon leaving Zuni Pueblo, the group traveled about 35 miles east to El Morro National Monument and enjoyed a short hike around this striking natural landmark. From there they continued another 15 miles east to Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, a privately owned attraction that showcases a volcanic crater and other fascinating ecological phenomena. The group then returned to Gallup and had dinner surrounded by sports and music memorabilia at Sammy C’s, a favorite local casual restaurant.

ZUNI PUEBLO The group began the day traveling 35 miles south of Gallup to the Zuni Pueblo. This reservation encompasses 450,000 acres and is the center of Zuni art, culture and religious practices. At the visitor center, the group met a tribal elder and archaeologist who would guide them on a tour of the village. A highlight of the tour was Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, a 1631 Catholic church that was later decorated with murals depicting native life and religious rituals. After touring the church and the village’s central plaza, the group returned to the visitor center to enjoy an authentic Zuni lunch of tamales, hominy soup and roast beef.

EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT Gallup is surrounded by numerous natural wonders, and the group spent the afternoon exploring two of them. El Morro National Monument sits in the high desert southeast of Gallup and preserves a 200-foot-high sandstone promontory and the ancient pueblo built atop it in the 13th century. The group enjoyed a short hike to the pool of water at the base of the rock, which served as a landmark where explorers and pioneers left more than 2,000 carvings.

ICE CAVE AND BANDERA VOLCANO From El Morro, the group continued east for a short drive to Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano. This privately held attraction preserves the site of a 10,000-year-old cinder volcano, as well as an ice cave that formed inside one of its lava tubes. The group enjoyed the short hike to the top of the volcano crater, where they could see evidence of the massive eruption, and the descent into the ice cave, where temperatures remain under 31 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

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A traditional lunch at Zuni Pueblo

• BREAKFAST AND TOUR AT HILTON GARDEN INN • PERRY NULL TRADING POST • ELLIS TANNER TRADING POST • LUNCH AT PEEWEE’S KITCHEN • CITY ELECTRIC SHOE SHOP • PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK • DINNER AT DICKEY’S BARBECUE PIT

On their next day in Gallup, the group spent some time touring local hotels, with a tour and breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn. From there, they visited two more trading posts, each with its own specialties, before enjoying Navajo tacos and other regional specialties at Peewee’s Kitchen.

After lunch, the group made a stop at the City Electric Shoe Shop, which is famous for boots and moccasins; they then traveled 70 miles west from Gallup and into Arizona for a driving tour of the spectacular Petrified Forest National Park. Upon returning to Gallup, they ended their day with a relaxed dinner at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit. PERRY NULL TRADING POST The group spent the final full morning in Gallup immersing itself in the area’s art and culture. The first stop was Perry Null Trading Post, where founder and owner Perry Null escorted the group around the shop and demonstrated how raw silver and turquoise are used by Native American artists to craft exceptional jewelry and other art. The trading post also operates the largest rodeo pawn in the area, and the group explored the storage room where community members have brought hundreds of saddles and valuable ceremonial items for safekeeping.

COURTESY VISIT GALLUP NEW MEXICO

Taking a break at Bandera Volcano

El Morro National Monument

Precious stones at Perry Null Trading Post

Entering the ice cave at Bandera Volcano

The saddle room at Perry Null Trading Post

Zuni architecture COURTESY VISIT GALLUP NEW MEXICO

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A tree remnant at Petrified Forest National Park

City Electric Shoe Shop

Petrified Forest National Park

Ellis Tanner Trading Post

Posing at the entrance to Petrified Forest National Park

ELLIS TANNER TRADING POST Ellis Tanner Trading Post represents a modern approach to a New Mexico trading post. In addition to handmade, high-quality jewelry, the store also stocks local specialty foods, traditional herbal medicines and other Native American staples not available at area supermarkets. The group took some time for a tour and shopping and learned about the murals around the building, which honor the achievements of Native Americans in U.S. society.

CITY ELECTRIC SHOE SHOP Since it was established in 1924, the City Electric Shoe Shop has been the go-to source for shoes, boots, moccasins and other apparel in Gallup. The tour group enjoyed browsing the showroom and touring the basement factory with one of the shop owners to learn how belts, moccasins and other goods are made on-site with antique machinery.

PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK The group spent its last afternoon in the area traveling an hour west of town and across the Arizona border to Petrified Forest National Park. The park preserves 346 square miles of rugged landscape that includes desert plains and colorful painted badlands. During a driving tour of the park, the group enjoyed stopping for photos at some of its scenic overlooks and examining some of the petrified wood deposits for which the park is named. A large visitor center at the park entrance offers exhibits, a gift shop and other amenities.

5 • SIGHTSEEING EN ROUTE TO

ALBUQUERQUE

• DEPART FOR HOME WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

WITH THE GROUP TRAVEL LEADER

VISIT GALLUP

JENNIFER LAZARZ 505-863-1227 TOURISM@GALLUPNM.GOV

VISITGALLUP.COM

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On the last day of the trip, participants departed Gallup and made their way back to Albuquerque for their departure flights home. Along the way, some stopped at attractions such as the Continental Divide and the Route 66 Arch in Grants, as well as a drive through El Malpais National Monument, which sits about halfway between Gallup and Albuquerque.

As they boarded their flights home, the travel leaders were already busy planning their group trips back to Gallup.

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Explore Gallup, New Mexico Home to Route 66 charm, Native American culture and Western heritage

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 Fill up on breakfast at your home for the week – the historic El Rancho Hotel before

Day 3 Gallup is conveniently located to act as a hub and spoke to more than ten national

starting the first day around town. Gallup is home to more than 100 trading posts sharing

monuments, parks, and cultural attractions. Head out of town for the day and

art and jewelry from nearby Navajo and Zuni artists. Step inside Tanner’s Indian Arts and

start with a tour of El Morro National Monument. Explore the sandstone bluff and

City Electric Shoe Shop and see where more than 80% of the world’s authentic Native

waterhole that acted as shade and drinking source for travelers during the 1500s

American art comes from. For lunch, Don Diego’s Restaurant and Lounge will showcase

before cooling of yourself at Ancient Way Café for lunch next door. Next, stop at

the local New Mexican fare of the area. Continue relishing in the art, history, and culture of Gallup by visiting the El Morro Theatre, downtown murals and galleries and the collection of WPA art in the public library.

Day 2 Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime by seeing Gallup from above. Watch the sun rise over the beautiful red sandstone canyons and rock spires from the basket of a

New Mexico’s “Land of Fire and Ice” at the Bandera Volcano and Ice Cave. End the day with stunning views at El Malpais National Monument and take the short car ride back to Gallup for dinner.

Day 4 Before checking out of the El Rancho and heading home, opt for a sunrise hike at Red Rock Park to take in last-minute views of Gallup. Have one last bite of New

hot air balloon. This bird’s eye view ensures a unique look at the natural beauty of the

Mexican cuisine at Panz Alegra Restaurant before a drive to the Albuquerque

region. Clean up at the hotel and refuel with Gallup Coffee Company. In the afternoon,

airport and return home.

head to Zuni Pueblo, the largest New Mexican Pueblo, for an archaeology tour. Stay for dinner at Chu Chu’s in Zuni Pueblo before heading back home for the night.

VisitGallup.com

s d o P AND

PONIES

Groups visiting Key West can enjoy dolphin-watching cruises in crystal-clear waters.

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OUTDOOR

ISSUE

W I L D L I F E WAT C H I N G R O C K S O N T H E C O A S T

BY RACHEL CRICK

A

trip to the coast is fun for obvious reasons, such as the long days spent sunning yourself on the beach and the thrill of playing in the surf. But there’s also plenty to see for those with a love of nature and a keen sense of adventure.

In between your days of rest and relaxation at the beach, your travelers can awaken their inner explorer by visiting these coastal attractions, which give visitors an up-close look at the local wildlife.

These destinations aren’t aquariums or zoos; they allow you to witness the majesty of these wild animals without disturbing their natural habitat.

Learn about and connect with a surprising variety of animals and the land — and sea — they inhabit by checking out the following attractions.

San Diego W hale Watch

COURTESY FURY WATER ADVENTURES KEY WEST

SA N D I EGO

When it comes to viewing wildlife, it doesn’t get any grander than a trip to see the largest animal in the world. With a whale-watching cruise, visitors have the thrilling opportunity to feel the ocean spray on their face and see these awe-inspiring animals from close range. There are many whale-watching boat tours, but San Diego Whale Watch was the first company to begin offering this experience year-round in the San Diego area. The waters off the coast are teeming with marine life, making it likely you will see some form of whale on your voyage. Blue whales, the world’s largest mammals, can be encountered during the summer months; gray whales are more commonly seen during their migration in the winter months. Other species of whale, such as fin, minke and humpback, can be seen more rarely. It’s also common to see large pods of dolphins alongside the boat, as well as sea lions and many varieties of birds.

Groups have their choice of indoor or outdoor seating on the historic company boat, which was the first boat to be used exclusively for whale watching in the area. San Diego Whale Watch is passionate about educating guests of all ages about the wonders of the ocean and the many creatures that inhabit it.

Each three-hour tour is narrated by certified marine biologists that are experts at spotting the variety of wildlife and provide engaging facts about the animals to go with the breathtaking views of the Pacific.

S DW H A L E WATC H .C O M

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center S U R F C IT Y, N O RTH C A RO LI N A

The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center opened in 1997. The center, named for the late founder of the Topsail Turtle Project, aims to continue her legacy of caring for and protecting sea turtles. This legacy is being fulfilled; the center is now a 13,000-square-foot hospital and rehab center for sea turtles where they can recover from injuries and illnesses. It cares for 100 to 150 sea turtles each year. When the turtles are rehabilitated, they’re released back into their natural habitats, and sometimes the releases are even open to the public.

“You get to see animals that are wild animals but need a little extra intervention from people to help them get back into the wild,” said Kathy Zagzebski, the center’s executive director.

Visitors are organized into small groups for guided tours of the facility. Groups can first stop for photo ops with the center’s ocean-themed mural. Then they can view the educational exhibits that are designed to teach visitors all about sea turtles and the center’s mission.

However, the favorite part of the tour for many guests is the end, when they get to take a closer look at some of the hospital’s patients in various stages

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BY CHARLIE CHUL SUNG, COURTESY EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in North Carolina

Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves

of healing, including the center’s resident turtle, Lennie. The center also educates about efforts to protect sea turtle nests and help the hatchlings get to the ocean. It’s all part of its mission to save the species and advocate for conservation.

“It also gives you a sense of some of the bigger issues and dangers that these sea turtles are facing,” said Zagzebski.

Whether you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and animal rescue or you just want to see these incredible animals up close, a trip to this sea turtle hospital is sure to inspire awe and delight.

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Assateague Explorer Nature Cruises and Kayaking C H I N COTE AG U E , V I RG I N IA

When you think of coastal wildlife, you likely think of animals with fins, flippers and gills. But on Assateague Island, a barrier island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland, herds of wild ponies graze 20

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on the marsh grasses and play in the sun. Legend has it that these ponies were introduced to the island after a Spanish shipwreck in the 16th century and have populated the island ever since; other theories hold that they were introduced and abandoned by mainland farmers in the 17th century. Assateague Explorer offers visitors a chance to see them.

“There’s nowhere else where you can really go to see these wild horses,” said Mark Coulbourne, the founder of Assateague Explorer.

As a native of neighboring island Chincoteague and a former park ranger on Assateague Island, Coulbourne, also known as Captain Mark, is familiar with the wildlife and the area. Over 20 years ago, he recognized the need for a service that allowed visitors of the island to appreciate its natural beauty and unique wildlife, so he founded Assateague Explorer and remains its primary tour guide. His experience living in the area and guiding tours each day makes him an expert on the area and seeking out the wildlife for groups to see.

The island itself is a national park and features picturesque beaches and the Assateague lighthouse.

In addition to the wild ponies, visitors can also expect to catch glimpses of other wildlife, such as dolphins,

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bald eagles and sting rays, on the nature cruise. After the nature cruise around the island, groups can also take a kayak tour, where they can get even closer to the animals. Views of the island and the animals are particularly spectacular on the sunset tours.

A S S AT E AG U E E X P LO R E R .C O M

Fury Water Adventures Key West Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour K E Y WEST, FLO R I DA

In case you needed another reason to go to Key West, how about the opportunity to see bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat? Fury Water Adventures Key West makes it possible to view the dolphins and the beautiful ecosystem they inhabit in a responsible way.

These curious and intelligent animals can be found swimming in pods in the turquoise waters surrounding the island. The Dolphin Watch and Snorkel Tour is a three-hour tour that takes visitors into the heart of dolphin territory and then allows them to snorkel in the shallow backcountry, where fish, sting rays and isolated coral formations can be found in the clear waters. The tour is an obvious choice for those that not only like wildlife but also are conscious of protecting it.

“We want to do everything the right way as far as making sure that we’re not harming the environment but educating people as well,” said Kyra Gorman, marketing coordinator for the agency.

Fury Water Adventures Key West offers the only Dolphin Smart certified tours in the region. This means they meet the standards for responsible dolphin-watching based on a national program created by conservation groups and marine sanctuaries. Reefsafe sunscreen is provided to guests to minimize the presence of harmful chemicals in the water.

In addition to sunscreen, snorkeling equipment and instruction are provided so guests can enjoy their

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COURTESY FURY WATER ADVENTURES KEY WEST

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Dolphin watching with Fury Water Adventures

own underwater adventures in the protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico. On the way back from snorkeling and viewing the dolphins, guests can enjoy a chilled beverage with their tour.

The view of the turquoise waters surrounding the island is almost unbeatable, but sunsets at Key West may rival it. From spring to fall, visitors can sip complimentary champagne on the agency’s sunset tour and enjoy all the natural beauty Key West has to offer.

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Sea Lion Caves FLO R E N C E , O R EGO N

Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve on the Oregon coast that was first discovered in 1880. It’s the largest sea cave in the U.S., approximately the size of a football field. As the name suggests, it’s also one of the best places to see Steller sea lions and their cubs.

Though you can find the sea lions here year-round, you’re most likely to see them in the fall and winter months, when hundreds of the animals seek refuge in the caves. In the spring, it’s possible to glimpse them on the rock ledges near the cave, where they spend the breeding season. These carnivorous animals are impressive to behold, with adult males weighing up to 2,500 pounds and measuring 11 feet long.

“The animals here are wild animals,” said Jim McMillan, general manager of the attraction. “We’re the ones behind the fence.”

Visitors can take a self-guided tour through the premises, enjoying views of the coast, where they may be able to spot a whale or two. Several species of birds frequent the area, making their home on the same rookery where the sea lions breed. Visitors can explore the cave, where an elevator, added in 1961, lowers visitors more than 200 feet into the massive cave for a better view of the sea lions. After a look around the cave, visitors can check out the gift shop for trinkets to commemorate the time spent visiting the sea lions.

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Kayaking with wild ponies on Assateague Island

Whale watching in San Diego

BY BOB GRIESER, COURTESY SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY

BY MARK COULBOURNE, COURTESY ASSATEAGUE EXPLORER

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nown far and wide for its natural wonders, Colorado would make for a great group getaway if nature was all it had to offer. But as anyone who has traveled within the borders of the Centennial State can attest, it is also blessed with crackerjack cultural attractions, exceptional eateries and even one of the best music venues on the planet.

Overwhelmed by all the possibilities? Check out the guide below for can’t-miss additions to your tour’s itinerary.

The snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains define the Breckenridge skyline.

COURTESY BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT

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ARTWORK BY DONIA SIMMONS

By Jill Gleeson

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Skiing in Breckenridge

National WWII Museum

Denver Art Museum

BY JEFF WELLS, COURTESY DENVER ART MUSEUM

POPULAR DEMAND GREAT OUTDOORS

Blessed with four celebrated national parks and dozens of ski resorts, Colorado is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

But with so many activities and amenities from which to choose, deciding where to bring your group and what to do there can be difficult. For downhill fun or just a rollicking apres-ski scene, you might want to think about planning a stop in Breckenridge, which boasts a charming and historic town to go along with its mountain majesty.

Or head to Rocky Mountain National Park for 355 miles of hiking trails, fishing, wildlife-watching and more.

COURTESY BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT

A concert at Red Rocks near Denver COURTESY VISIT DENVER

RED ROCKS PARKS AND AMPHITHEATRE

The best way to experience the acoustically perfect Red Rocks Amphitheatre is by seeing a concert under the stars, but there’s plenty else to do there even for groups that don’t have tickets for a live performance.

Guided morning tours offer a look at the stunning ochre sandstone outcroppings that act as the venue’s “walls”; the tours include tales of the musicians who have graced Red Rocks’ stage. Or groups can take a walk through the 30,000-square-foot visitor center, which has a performers Hall of Fame. Red Rocks is tucked away in Morrison, about 17 miles from Denver.

DENVER ART MUSEUM

Colorado wildlife

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Boasting a show-stopping titanium-clad building designed by legendary architect Daniel Libeskind, the Denver Art Museum also gives group visitors a gander at some 70,000 works of art from around the world and throughout the ages. Look for a massive renovation to the Gio Ponti-designed building on the north end of campus to debut by late October; improvements will include new and expanded gallery spaces and a new welcome center with two eateries. The Denver Art Museum offers private, docent-led tours to groups.

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Pikes Peak Summit Visitors Center

UP AND COMING PIKES PEAK SUMMIT VISITOR CENTER

PALISADE PLUNGE

Mountain bikers and hikers in your group will go gaga for Palisade Plunge, a brand-new downhill single-track trail that descends a whopping 6,000 feet from the top of Grand Mesa to the town of Palisade. Along the pathway’s 32 miles, bikers will ride through the gorgeous Grand Mesa National Forest on just about every kind of terrain imaginable, including desert, forest, meadow and lava field. Few mountain bike trails in the country can match this one for length, scenery and net descent.

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Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Hotel Boulderado

COURTESY VISIT COLORADO SPRINGS

The much-anticipated Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center opened this summer, featuring accessible elevated pathways that wrap around the exterior of the building. The views from the top of the 14,115-foot mountain are breathtaking, but groups should be sure to take in the center’s interactive digital displays, which explore Pikes Peak’s history, geology and more. Though the Pikes Peak Highway restricts the use of some motorcoaches, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway has just reopened to ferry passengers on a thrilling and scenic ride from Manitou Springs to the summit.

MEOW WOLF

After gangbuster installations in Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico, the immersive arts and entertainment company Meow Wolf launched a new, mind-bending bag of treats and tricks in the Mile High City. The four-story “Convergence Station” features the work of 300-some creatives and 110 artists that have given birth to more than 70 colorful installations, some soaring three stories high. Psychedelic and not a little surreal, Meow Wolf offers groups a mysterious, magical experience they’ll never forget.

Meow Wolf’s “Convergence Station” in Denver

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BY KATE RUSSELL, COURTESY MEOW WOLF

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O V E R N I G H T S E N S AT I O N S THE BROADMOOR

On the shores of a man-made lake in Colorado Springs, the celebrated Broadmoor has been welcoming guests into its gracious and glamorous confines since 1918. World and national championships in a wide range of sports that includes skating and golf have been held in the Broadmoor’s facilities, and other activities available to guests include falconry, fly-fishing, tennis, zip lining and rock climbing. The resort also boasts an award-winning spa and 19 boutiques, with the cog railway to Pikes Peak less than 10 miles away.

HOTEL BOULDERADO

Sure, the Hotel Boulderado’s location, a block from Boulder’s famed Pearl Street, is ideal. But the interior of this gem is what really dazzles. The property, which was built in 1909 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, incorporates jaw-dropping design elements like a sweeping grand staircase and a stained-glass canopy ceiling in the atrium lobby. Guests can even hop aboard the original Otis elevator. The Hotel Boulderado’s star-studded history is impressive, too; Louis Armstrong, Helen Keller and Clarence Darrow have all walked its hallways.

A golf course at the Broadmoor COURTESY THE BROADMOOR

Dushanbe Teahouse COURTESY DUSHANBE TEAHOUSE

MEMORABLE MEALS SPENCER’S STEAKS AND SPIRITS

A favorite with Breckenridge locals for its allyou-can-eat lunch buffet, Spencer’s Steaks and Spirits sits happily ensconced inside the town’s Beaver Run Resort. In the warmer-weather months, groups will want to sit on the restaurant’s outdoor deck overlooking Peak 9 — it’s been called the best mountainside deck dining in Breck. Your group can check out the magnificent views while munching on goodies like steak and burgers. After all, ordering beef is a must while in Colorado, one of the country’s top cattle producers.

DUSHANBE TEAHOUSE

Given to Boulder from its sister city, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the brilliantly colorful, intricately handpainted and -carved Dushanbe Teahouse is one of the most beautiful spots to dine in Colorado.

Made in Tajikistan following a nearly 2,000-yearold artistic tradition and then reassembled by its master woodcarvers in Boulder, the teahouse serves not only its titular beverage to groups but also brunch, lunch and dinner. In keeping with its theme of global friendship, dishes take their inspiration from a variety of countries, among them India, Japan, Morocco, Korea and Peru.

Outdoor dining at Spencer’s Steaks and Spirits TOURCOLORADO.ORG COURTESY SPENCER’S STEAKS AND SPIRITS

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BAD AND BEAUTIFUL THE BLACK HILLS ARE FOR WA N D E R I N G A N D WO N D E R I N G

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BY TOM ADKINSON

he Black Hills of South Dakota could be a professional laboratory for tour planners and tour operators in training.

There is so much travel inventory on the shelves here that all manner of itineraries could be concocted — and for all manner of groups.

You can contemplate the cultures of peoples who lived here long before Europeans and Americans “discovered” it, pose with a statue of a U.S. president, watch an Old West shootout in the streets of a town that modern-day gambling revived, tour America’s first nationally protected cave, wonder about missiles tipped with nuclear warheads right under your feet and snap a selfie with a giant tortoise almost as big as a Volkswagen Bug. “What people really like is that there is so much to see and do in a [relatively] small area — and at the same time, there is room to roam,” said Michelle Thompson, president of the Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association.

Groups can have up-close encounters with buffalo at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

S TA R T W I T H T H E OBV IOUS

There’s no avoiding Mount Rushmore National Memorial — not that anyone would want to miss this tribute to the birth, growth, development and preservation of the United States as represented by gigantic carved faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.

Regardless of season or time of day, “The Four Faces of Freedom” grab your attention and give you pause. Just how did 400 carvers accomplish their work dangling off the side of a mountain and not experience a single fatality? Their labor spanned 14 years: 1927-1941.

Mount Rushmore has become an enduring symbol of the nation, and time should be allotted for more than just the long-distance view. Very different perspectives are available on the Presidential Trail, which is 0.6 miles long with 422 stairs.

Rapid City, South Dakota, population 75,000, is the region’s hub with plenty of lodging, dining and attractions, and it capitalizes on Mount Rushmore through its own tribute to our chief executives with its City of 26

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Presidents bronze statues. These are life-size figures on nearly every corner downtown. Find your hero — or perhaps one of the obscure ones — for a shared photo.

The Secret Service won’t keep you away.

CON T I N U E TO T H E L E S SE R K NOW N

Mount Rushmore and the Badlands are just the start of National Park Service (NPS) treasures in the Black Hills. Two of them hide their most spectacular attributes.

One is Wind Cave National Park, north of Hot Springs. It was the first cave in the world to become a national park and is known for calcite formations called boxwork and frostwork. Approximately 95% of the world’s known boxwork formations are here.

The other is Jewel Cave National Monument. Until 1959, only about two miles of passages were mapped.

That number has skyrocketed to 208 miles, making Jewel Cave the third longest in the world.

Speaking of skyrocketing, the newest NPS destination is Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. A new visitor center at this site explains the system of 1,000 Cold War

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nuclear missiles hidden in plain sight in underground silos.

One is available for your inspection, along with the weighty thought of warheads capable of destroying civilization.

Many people believe that Custer State Park warranted national park status along the way, but South Dakota is quite happy to keep it as the crown jewel of its own park system.

It’s big — 71,000 acres — and it is famous for at least 1,300 reasons. That’s the number of free-ranging bison, second only to Yellowstone National Park.

There’s a thundering-herd, Western movie, earth-rumbling roundup every September that attracts plenty of human spectators, but many more people observe the bison during the year on Jeep safaris across the rolling landscape. Seeing the cinnamon-colored calves every spring is a treat.

Beyond the bison, park diversions include fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, horseback riding and simply chilling out at four historic lodges. The Game Lodge was President Calvin (Silent Cal) Coolidge’s “Summer White House” for three months in 1927. That’s when he dedicated the Mount Rushmore site.

PR E S S ON W I T H T H E QU I R K Y

Every destination deserves a few aspects that are slightly offbeat, and the Black Hills is no exception.

In this category is Deadwood, South Dakota, a town born in the fever of an 1876 gold rush. It then had more booms and busts than residents care to remember. Its early years were wild, wooly and violent: It was here that Wild Bill Hickok was shot and where Calamity Jane is buried.

It was uber-wealthy in the Victorian era, which accounts for today’s amazing architecture. The town was almost a goner by the 1980s, but legalization of gambling transformed it into a major destination that continues to generate millions of historic preservation dollars for itself and communities statewide.

For groups, it’s a blast. Cowboy re-enactors have repeated shootouts in the street. Restaurants are more plentiful than expected in a town of 1,000 residents.

Music is abundant, and history tours tell the real stories. The entire town is a National Historic Landmark District, and it received a Phoenix Award for its revival from the Society of American Travel Writers.

You should expect the cowboy/gold rush/Wild West aura in Deadwood, but almost everyone wonders about Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota. The roots of this highly popular roadside attraction date to 1935 when teenage tour guide Earl Brockelsby thrilled — and shocked — guests at another local attraction by removing his hat to reveal a live rattlesnake coiled on his head.

An idea was born, and he opened Reptile Gardens in 1937. Today, it boasts the world’s largest reptile collection, according to Guinness. On the very sedate side, Reptile Gardens also is famous for its tropical botanical gardens.

The mythical jackalope is a star at another world-famous roadside attraction: Wall Drug, out near Badlands National Park. The drugstore that still famously gives away free ice water, a treat when it opened in 1931 in “the geographical center of nowhere,” gradually morphed into a business that pulls in 2 million visitors a year to get doughnuts, enjoy a full meal, buy souvenirs and ride the giant jackalope. It’s too kitschy to bypass.

L E A R N F ROM T H E PA S T

Silliness, fun and games aside, the Black Hills are a place to learn about the native cultures that have revered this land for millennia.

Not 20 miles from Mount Rushmore is another heroic mountain carving: the world’s largest mountain carving, a work in progress that depicts Oglala Lakota leader and warrior Crazy Horse. The larger mission of the Crazy Horse Memorial is to protect and preserve the culture, tradition and living heritage of North American Indians.

The campus includes not just the mountain carving, but also the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Educational and Cultural Center, the Laughing Water Restaurant and retail space that features Native American art.

Prairie Edge Trading Post, a Native American gallery in downtown Rapid City, operates with a similar mindset: educating visitors about the heritage and culture of the Northern Plains Indians and providing Northern Plains Indian artists an outlet for their finest work. You may not see a prettier art gallery anywhere, certainly not one with a story as compelling as this one.

Yet another destination to learn about Native American culture is the Oglala Lakota Living History Village. This new attraction — it opened in 2019 — is a project of the Oglala Lakota Nation and the Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce.

Re-enactors in Deadwood

A tortoise at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City COURTESY TRAVEL SOUTH DAKOTA

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BY TOM ADKINSON G R O U P T R AV E L L E A D E R . C O M

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THE HEARTLAND WOWS GROUPS ON THE WATER

Kayaking in Wisconsin

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t may not have ocean access, but America’s Heartland offers an abundance of lovely waterfront locales.

There’s plenty to do and see in places like the Chicago Riverwalk; the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities and St. Louis; Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan; and the three rivers of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

These attractions are interesting enough to draw visitors to the region and can be the keystone to a great group getaway in the Midwest.

L a ke M ich i g a n Wat er T ra i l Wi scon si n

A Door County paddling adventure

COURTESY DESTINATION DOOR CO.

Wisconsin may not boast as many lakes as neighbor Minnesota, but it does have Lake Michigan, the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world and home to the amazing Lake Michigan Water Trail.

Eventually, this watery paradise will be the aquatic version of the legendary Appalachian Trail and the longest continuous loop water trail in the world. When completed, it will comprise a 1,600-mile waterway that hugs the Great Lake’s scenic shoreline.

The Wisconsin section of the trail starts near Kenosha on the east side of the Badger State and runs all the way around the Door Peninsula, the so-called Cape Cod of the Midwest, for roughly 525 total miles. Natural highlights along the route include the hidden gem Rock Island State Park in Door County, the sand dunes at Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan, and Manitowoc’s Two Creeks Buried Forest, a petrified pine forest under the waves.

Door County Kayak Tours can accommodate groups of up to 24, though most companies prefer to keep it closer to 15 because that’s how many fit into the small shuttle buses used to ferry guests to the water. For those who prefer an urban excursion, Brew City Kayak has both simple rentals and guided tours of the Milwaukee waterfront. The Milwaukee Kayak Company can also accommodate groups of up to 22 and has the most guided tour options in the city.

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Th ree R ivers of For t Way ne For t Way ne, I nd ia n a

Indiana’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne, is situated on three rivers, which helps to create a dynamic downtown environment groups will love. The St. Mary’s, Maumee and St. Joseph rivers come together to form eight miles of riverfront in this Hoosier State destination. Much of that riverfront remains in its natural state, making it ripe for paddlers, including up to 20 kayakers with River City Fort Wayne. Stand-up paddleboards, canoes and small boats offer other ways to ride the river. For a motorized option, Fort Wayne’s replica canal boat fits up to 38 passengers; groups of 25 or more can charter a full boat.

Travelers interested in hiking can enjoy the Rivergreenway Trail, which follows the river all the way to nearby New Haven. Additionally, Promenade Park is where the city meets the natural world and has

The Fort Wayne waterfront

COURTESY VISIT FORT WAYNE

Celebration Belle in the Quad Cities

Exploring Door County sea caves COURTESY DESTINATION DOOR CO.

Groups have numerous ways to enjoy the urban Illinois River in the Windy City.

COURTESY TRAVEL IOWA

a kids’ canal, a tree canopy trail, porch swings, an amphitheater, a pavilion and more to keep groups of all ages entertained.

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M i ssi ssippi R iver Q ua d Cities, Iowa

BY ALICE ACHTERHOF, COURTESY CHOOSE CHICAGO

The Riverwalk boasts multiple public art installations and a massive nighttime digital art project.

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The Quad Cities comprise Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island and Moline on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

Between them runs the mighty Mississippi River, the second-longest waterway in the United States. In addition to this quartet of cities, small nearby town Le Claire has a cute main street and serves as a jumping-off point to explore the water in two ways.

First, the Riverboat Twilight offers one- and two-day cruises on a refurbished Victorian-era riverboat and cruises from May to October.

For those with less time to spend in the Quad Cities region, a 90-minute sightseeing option is also a great way to get a taste of the river town.

Another way to get on the water is through Celebration River Cruises, which also has a Le Claire port as well as another Quad Cities port on the Illinois side. This large paddle-wheel boat can accommodate up to 800 passengers, making it the biggest nongaming riverboat in the northern reaches of the river. Groups can take sightseeing cruises or enjoy a meal on lunch and dinner cruises.

Small groups of six can book the Tiki Tavern in nearby Princeton, Iowa, an island-themed boat experience that comes with a captain. Tours vary in length from two to four hours for this tropical good time. Active groups can consider a guided kayak tour through Quad Cities Kayak River Adventures, which has Rock Island and Mississippi River tours of varying lengths, from two and a half hours to eight hours.

For a beverage after the tour complete with gorgeous river views, groups can head to the small-batch Mississippi River Distilling Company in Le Claire.

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A Chicago architecture cruise

BY RANVESTEL PHOTOGRAPHIC, COURTESY CHOOSE CHICAGO

While the Windy City may be better known for Lake Michigan, its Chicago Riverwalk along the eponymous river is another impressive spot. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., this 1.25-mile pathway winds through four districts. The Riverwalk boasts multiple public art installations such as murals and Art on the Mart, a massive nighttime digital art project that may be the largest of its kind in the world.

Groups can book a Chicago architecture cruise on the water through First Lady Tours, which can accommodate private groups of as few as two to as many as 250. For those who’d like to power their own exploration, consider a Chicago Cycleboats trip for as many as 26 passengers.

Both guided tours and solo rentals, even first-time paddler options, are available at Urban Kayaks at their Riverfront location.

An extra-sustainable waterfront experience can be curated by the zero emission-certified Chicago Electric Boats, which has the option to rent a self-guided vessel for up to 12 visitors. Groups should enjoy the numerous restaurants and bars that pepper this 1.25-mile stretch of the Chicago River, as the city is a major culinary and beverage capital.

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A Mississippi River cruise in St. Louis COURTESY EXPLORE ST. LOUIS

M i ssou r i R iverf ront St . L ou i s

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the United States is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. Adjacent to this urban national park, the 1.5-mile riverfront promenade is the site of community events such as music festivals throughout the year.

For visitors, the best way to get out on the water is via the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, which offers two multitiered replica paddle boats to cruise in style. Guests can experience an hourlong sightseeing cruise of the industrial riverfront or a skyline dinner cruise that features live music and a meal, among other specialty cruises held throughout the year. Past special events cruises have included Octoberfest, a Sunday chef’s supper club, ghost cruises and a blues cruise that paid homage to the long musical history of the Gateway City. Large groups can be accommodated with a private charter for up to 220 passengers.

On the land side, there’s a 12-mile St. Louis Riverfront Trail that runs from the Laclede’s Landing warehouse district all the way to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a Route 66 highlight. This bike and pedestrian path is part of the River Ring, a large network of trails administered by the Great Rivers Greenway.

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Visit Effingham... It’s what you’re craving.

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Start coasting.

Welcoming groups of all ages and sizes.

Make planning a breeze by visiting our site for itineraries and support options.

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Jackson St. Pier, Sandusky Goodtime I, Lake Erie Island Cruises

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FIND SOMETHING COOL IN THE HEARTLAND B Y K AT Y S P R AT T E J OYC E

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merica’s Heartland offers a treasure trove of creativity in every medium.

Group travelers can enjoy fulfilling hands-on art experiences across the Heartland states: pottery glazing workshops in Detroit; mural tours in Kansas City, Kansas; take-away textiles from Minneapolis; papermaking in Cleveland; a new artsy enclave in Omaha, Nebraska; and more. This mix of classic and modern art forms offers a glimpse into the creative spirit of the region while providing enriching educational experiences for all.

As an added bonus, each of the metropolitan areas showcased here is easy to access, making it even more convenient to encounter art in the Heartland.

Pott er y Gla zi n g at Pewa bic Pott er y — Detroit

Textile Center of Minnesota COURTESY MEET MINNEAPOLIS

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Detroit has enjoyed something of a renaissance of late, earning the nickname America’s Great Comeback City. Its art offerings have also blossomed, with a mix of longtime favorites and new kids on the block.

Female founded in 1903, Pewabic Pottery is a National Historic Landmark. Eagle-eyed travelers might recognize its products at spots such as Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium and numerous buildings at Michigan State University, though this world-class operation is still largely unknown outside the Wolverine State. Tile-glazing workshops are available at Pewabic and have proven to be an immensely popular activity. During a one-hour workshop, visitors get to pick a tile design and learn how to properly glaze it.

Besides offering these regular classes, Pewabic has a store, exhibitions and a museum with self-guided tour options. There’s also an option to tour Pewabic installations around Detroit with an online map tool. The Detroit Institute of Arts has a Pewabic exhibit, as does the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

E x plor i n g Street A r t K a n sa s Cit y, K a n sa s

The Kansas City area is a vast metro that extends into two states — Missouri and Kansas — and is known as the Paris of the Plains for its cultural jewels, which include a well-respected arts scene. The Kansas side boasts a great collection of street art, mainly clustered downtown.

One special project in this vein is the Avenue of Murals. Eight different murals, painted by local students and artists, help share the story of the various ethnic groups that have built a dynamic and diverse city.

A mural tour is fantastic for tour groups, since the murals are all outdoors. Additional murals can be spotted around town, including a couple in the cute Strawberry Hill neighborhood that overlooks the river and exhibits stunning skyline views, especially at sunset.

An art experience at the Textile Center of Minnesota

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Pewabic Pottery in Detroit

Textile Center of Minnesota

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Murals in Kansas City, Kansas, depict the area’s diverse ethnic heritage.

Minneapolis is a well-known artistic community, with stalwarts like the Guthrie Theater and the Weisman Art Museum, the only art museum in the United States designed by “starchitect” Frank Gehry.

A fun way to experience this art capital is with a visit to the Textile Center of Minnesota, considered a national destination for fiber art. It’s home to the largest-circulation textile library in the country, as well as a cool shop and multiple exhibitions.

Groups of four to 50 can enjoy the hourlong guided tour. The most exciting option, however, is the takeaway textile program, a hands-on experience for visitors. This is available for a minimum of eight guests, who can expect to spend two hours on this artsy activity.

Past workshops have covered topics such as the art of felt-making, as well as the ancient Japanese practice of shibori, which bears some similarity to tie-dye. Each art-making class includes a tour, so they do not need to be booked separately.

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Pap er m a k i n g at t he Morg a n Con ser vat or y — Clevela nd

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A mural tour is fantastic for tour groups, since the murals are all outdoors with plenty of space for bus parking.

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Cleveland is best known for its Great Lakes shoreline, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and its Emerald Necklace of verdant parklands.

However, its arts and culture scene deserves some attention as well.

Though the Buckeye State has numerous cities with respected art infrastructure, Cleveland’s Morgan Conservatory is something special and harks back to yesteryear. As the largest arts center in the nation dedicated to papermaking, letterpress printing and book arts, it’s ripe for exploration by group travelers.

Custom group workshops are available. Guests can learn lesser-known arts like bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, poster press printing, marbling on paper, paper casting and beyond.

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Cleveland’s Morgan Conservatory COURTESY MORGAN CONSERVATORY

A Kansas City mural

Known for its beef industry and world-class zoo, Nebraska’s largest city also has multiple neighborhoods devoted to the creative arts. The newest and most exciting artists’ hamlet is the aptly named New North Makerhood Arts and Trade District.

Designed as a central hub for the creative class, this north downtown neighborhood boasts communal artist studios great for group exploration.

When fully realized, the former blighted warehouse district area will cover about 30 acres, roughly 20 city blocks.

For now, pop into the multilevel Hot Shops Art Center for one of its regular open houses to see more than 80 artists at work. Among the most popular is the Crystal Forge, a glassblowing operation where you can watch the magic happen. Besides the forge, there are three other makers that put the “hot” in Hot Shops, among them a metal foundry, an iron forge and a ceramics studio. Hot Shops is itself a collection of dozens of artists’ studios and galleries.

Another co-working space that allows visitors is nearby Bench, which bills itself as a collaborative-use building for artisans and builders and offers monthly skills classes and access to a library of specialty tools.

The new Millwork Commons, headquarters of a locally grown tech company that also serves as a community-building space, contains the locally owned Hutch furniture shop, another great artsy stop in the area.

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Located in the historic downtown riverfront district, the La Crosse Center boasts the space, experience, and services to perfectly fit your needs. The La Crosse Center hosts a variety of events, such as:

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A convenient walk from numerous parking options, hotels, dining and cultural opportunities, the La Crosse Center offers entertainment/nightlife you and your guests will not forget.

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Columbus delivers experiences uniquely tailored to your groups. From traditional sites such as the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to far-from-ordinary experiences like pouring your own candle or taking a tour with your taste buds, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Citywide, our partners have taken the Live Forward Pledge to ensure health and safety protocols remain a priority for your group.

For guidance, visit experiencecolumbus.com/groups.