Itineraries Midwest Winter 2014 - 15

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56 South 33rd Avenue, #234 | St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301 320-259-1082 | 877-832-7267 | Fax: 763-201-7945 info@itinerariesinc.com | www.itinerariesmidwest.com

letter from

the publisher

Heather J. Lahren | PUBLISHER heather@itinerariesinc.com Lynn Gottwalt | TRAFFIC MANAGER lynn@itinerariesinc.com Mackenzie Lahren | PROJECT COORDINATOR mackenzie@itinerariesinc.com Eric Beuning | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Independent eric@itinerariesinc.com John Lundberg | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Independent john@itinerariesinc.com Chris Reber | WEB DESIGNER/PROGRAMMER chris@itinerariesinc.com Ashley Nelson | JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ashley@itinerariesinc.com Carinna K. Hard Bullemer | ART DIRECTOR HARD AT WORK Design, inc. | carinna@hardatworkdesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Lahren, Kathleen Somers, Lynn Gottwalt, and Mackenzie Lahren | ITINERARIES Inc. Britt Aamodt We make every effort to be as accurate as possible, but assume no responsibility for errors or omissions found in this magazine or any other corporate publications produced by ITINERARIES Inc. Proud Members of: Tour Minnesota Association (TMA) & American Bus Association (ABA) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ITINERARIES Inc. 56 South 33rd Avenue #234, St. Cloud, MN 56301 PHOTO CREDITS Front Cover: The Corn Palace, Albert Lea CVB, Bayfield Chamber, Buca di Beppo, Cloud County Convention & Tourism, Dietzler Farms, Inc., Discover Stillwater, Dyersville Area Chamber, Eagan CVB, Eminence Missouri Chamber, Emporia CVB, Fairmont CVB, Greater Des Moines CVB, Harold Gatson, Hays CVB, Henry County Tourism Bureau, Joplin CVB, Lake City, Lake Geneva Area CVB, Lakota Ways, Liberal CVB, Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, Merriam Visitors Bureau, Mitchell CVB, MN State Fair, MN Renaissance Festival, New Ulm CVB, North Dakota Tourism, Owatonna Area Chamber & Tourism, South Dakota State Historical Society Press, St. Cloud Area CVB, Tourism Portage la Prairie, Vinton Boom-Fest, Visit McHenry County, Visit Minot, Visit Saint Paul, Wabasha Street Caves, Wall Badlands Area Chamber, Washington County Historical Association, Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau, Worthington Area CVB COPYRIGHT 2014-15

Coming Spring 201 5 !

Dear Planner, Looking to steer your group away from the usual hustle and bustle of big city tours? Then this issue is right up your alley. We welcome you to discover all the excitement tucked away in the small towns of the Midwest.

Ever heard of Ogallala? As the “Cowboy Capital” of Nebraska, they offer lots of Old West activities for your groups and it’s a great place for tasty barbecue. Or how about a little town in Kansas by the name of Garnett? Aside from their many historic attractions, they boast a live dinner theater and an elk ranch. Did you know that just outside of Madison, Wisconsin lies America’s “Little Switzerland?”

Visit New Glarus for a whole lot of Swiss culture and even a brewery. The Midwest’s best-kept secrets have been right under our noses!

Sometimes the best group memories lie off the beaten path. It’s time to step away from the norm and take the road less traveled. Who knows what your group will discover next? illinois - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11 Best Regards, Heather J. Lahren, CEO - Publisher iowa - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 kansas

table of contents winter 2014/15

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michigan

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minnesota

featuring

8 Small Towns, Big Memories

missouri

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columns

4 6 8

profile Little House on the Prairie spotlight Going Native All the Way

north dakota

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south dakota

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destination highlight

The Corniest Facelift Ever

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nebraska

calendar of events

wisconsin - - - - - - - - - - - 47 central canada Farm to Table:

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on the cover

Agricultural Group Tours Tour working farms and ranches across the Midwest, and find out how the products get from the farm to the dinner table. Participate in hands-on chores, take a hayride through the fields, pick your own produce, enjoy a group meal, meet barnyard animals and so much more! Because more farmers across the Midwest are looking to diversify their operations, the world of agritourism is booming. So don’t miss out!

The Corn Palace - Mitchell, SD For over 120 years, the World’s Only Corn Palace has attracted the unusual, the notable, and the road-weary. This year, this whimsical building will undergo a royal transformation before your very eyes!

The theme of 2015 is “South Dakota’s 125th.” Come see – won’t you?

(Learn more on Page 8.)

Read ITINERARIES Midwest Online. Ads hotlinked to websites. www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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profile

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LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE

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spotlight

once read that a successful movie script gives its audience a glimpse into a world they wouldn’t otherwise experience. I can’t say I know much about movies, but I do know that giving your group an experience they won’t soon forget is a great way to build repeat business. And giving them an inside experience of the iconic, wide open spaces of Northern Great Plains Indian Country might just be that once-in-a-lifetime adventure you and your group have been looking for.

I

Oh sure, you know about Wall Drug in South Dakota and those fabulous homemade donuts. And the buffalo burgers and the shopping are always worth the stop. You may even have taken your group to the National Grasslands Visitor Center just up the block. But did you know there is a new attraction that is certainly going to up your game? I’m talking about Lakota Ways, a local Native-owned and managed authentic tribal visitor experience.

Actually, it is so new and so broad in its offerings, that it’s difficult to describe it in a way that would even begin to do it justice.

So let me introduce you to Kiri Close, PhD, founder and Vice Executive Director for Lakota Ways. Here is what Kiri had to say about the many opportunities they offer: “Raise a tipi, wear authentic tribal face paint, eat a buffalo burger, or dance at a powwow. Visit the most famous Native American reservation in the world: Pine Ridge. While there, pay reverent homage to the open air Wounded Knee Massacre site and be welcomed by friendly, expert informed local village descendants of the 1890 & 1973 Wounded Knee survivors. Your group tour experience

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B Y K AT H L E E N S O M E R S & K I R I C L O S E

cannot get any more ‘Native’ than that.”

Or can it?

Perhaps your group would enjoy the lively, authentic tribal culture and pageantry offered at the 2015 Annual Native American Day Parade in early October in downtown Rapid City right before/after your drive up into the majesty of the Black Hills to visit Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. And if you have a couple of hours (whatever time of year), enjoy the All Things Tribal Bus/Walk Tour – also in downtown Rapid City. On that tour your group will enjoy highly interactive cultural shows including singing, dancing, and drumming by the soaring Lakota eagles in the 30-minute Wanbli Eagle Show— exclusive to the Lakota-owned Potter Family Theatre that offers a later evening prime rib dinner show. The same tour also includes a stop at the Journey Museum/Sioux Indian Museum, Prairie Edge, and the Dakota Drum Company where visitors can observe the local owner creating her ancient percussions.

Others seek to actually relive and reenact the ancient, old world tipi days when tribes and legendary monsters battled in conflict.

Even school kids can join in on the fun as a camp or school group. That is, if the authentic American Indian Bow & Arrow or Native Hand Games tournament haven’t already captured their attention – all during the upcoming 2015 Annual Ancient Tribal Battles & Games Fest held right on the scenic Pine Ridge Indian Reservation at the White River Visitor Center (an easy, scenic drive out of Rapid City).

If a local buffalo burger is not enough eats

for your group, book a visit to the 2016 Annual Intertribal Food Fest (also near Pine Ridge) where Native foods from all over North America abound. Burn it all off at the 2016 Annual Wacipi Dance Fest (same venue, different date).

For those visitors looking to exercise their creative sides, spend 5 days under the tutelage of local Native American art masters by registering for a Year Round Native Art Studio Workshop/Retreat (prices include local hotel and meals as well as transport to/from Pine Ridge Reservation).

No time for a 5-day Native art retreat?

A fun, friendly On-Rez Tour to Pine Ridge Reservation just might be the thing when crunched for time. Spend a morning or an afternoon creating, moving, feeling and breathing in all the local Native American culture and art, which always includes a stop at the actual Wounded Knee Massacre Site, as well as the Badlands, and various other Native perspective locales.

Some folks only have an hour to spend while passing through Wall, South Dakota.

That’s plenty of time! Before or after your stop into the world-famous Wall Drug, stop in at Lakota Ways right next door to experience their Year Round Indoor Tour for hands-on activities such as tipi raising, tribal face painting, ancient games, Lakota language lessons, tribal dancing, tribal drumming, and more! After that step into the 14-year-old Wounded Knee Museum (located inside Lakota Ways) as well as the Rain Dancer Modern Fine Art Gallery (the only Native American modern art museum of its kind in the world). Coming in 2016 is a new tradition for your group: The 2016 Annual Wall Powwow. Don’t forget to

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GOING NATIVE, ALL THE WAY

catch any of the 15 to 25-minute interactive cultural day shows at Lakota Ways, with a one-hour finale evening show titled Crazy Horse: Tasunke Witko. Learn the story of the most iconic Native American who ever lived, performed mostly by his own Oglala Lakota band from the Pine Ridge Reservation, with parts of the script composed by actual descendants of Crazy Horse. Take a piece of Lakota Ways home with you by purchasing a genuinely local piece of beadwork, expertly crafted weaponry for your wall, or a spectacular piece of porcupine quillwork (that is, after you purchase a locally made Lakota star quilt) from the Wastela Indian Crafts Boutique.

All activities (their original Crazy Horse script included) are advised authentically by local Native American tribal Elders (as is the ancient tribal protocol that exists today). The staff and cast are all students at local tribal colleges who are majoring in fine art or Lakota studies – most have grown up right on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Only Lakota Ways activates such a friendly, positive, and authentic Native American experience for South Dakota visitors. You might also be interested in knowing that every penny of your visitor experience ends up directly into local Native communities. Lakota Ways was started to address two needs of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: 1.) to enhance and progress economics toward sustainable employment; 2.) the revitalization of indigenous cultural/linguistic expression in positive, uplifting, non-political, and non-revolutionary art forms.

Success has meant a win-win for you, your group, and your host. Start planning now.

As Kiri says, “Why come all the way to Indian country and never really see it?” V

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For tickets & information, visit www.lakotaways.com Annual Black Hills Powwow (Oct): www.blackhillspowwow.com Annual Lakota Nation Invitational (Dec): www.lakotanationinvitational.com

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Small Towns,

Big Memories Agritourism, Heritage Tourism and the Slow Food Movement point to a trend.

People are interested in local: small towns with local flavors, a gentle pace of life and down-home friendliness.

There’s no better time than now to introduce your group to the real deal— before it becomes the next big thing.

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…because the journey is the destination The Authentic Experience “Alma is for you!” says the sign that greets you as you enter Alma, Nebraska, a small lakeside community that knows how to start the day.

There’s a coffee shop with a photo gallery to peruse while you wait for espresso, a family restaurant and Fisherman’s Corner where your group can grab a cup of Joe, bone up on the fishing report and buy bait and tackle for a day on the lake.

Moments like these are doorways into small towns, which are more and more looking to discover what’s unique about their community and offer it to groups. What’s more, they don’t slick it up but give you an authentic experience of local culture in the here and now.

Want an example? Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. in Hays, Kansas. You might think Lb. is a typo, but staff will let you in on some little-known history. Way back, field workers couldn’t stop to eat so they drank their dinner instead.

“Lb.” stands for liquid bread dinner. The restaurant is open kitchen, so you’ll see how the chefs work their magic.

But why not schedule a demo of some of that famous local cooking?

Hands-on Heritage Small communities of 15,000 or less, sometimes as small as a few hundred people, have an advantage. You can always find people whose families have lived there for generations.

They add dimension to your guided tour or heritage festival because their families were

part of making that history.

New Ulm, Minnesota preserves its German roots with glockenspiel music, the Hermann the German monument and Oktoberfest.

Pre-fest, how about tapping a local for some quick polka steps? Meet the brewmeisters.

Get the scoop on barley, hops, and the secret family recipes that give beers a local flavor.

Want to get far from the maddening crowd? Head over to Eminence, Missouri where they’re not only famous for river fishing, but wild horses.

Find out how they got their wild population. Look into viewing options. And if your group’s in an adventurous mood, arrange rental horses— the tame kind—for trail riding.

You never know what’s hidden in out-of-the-way places until you ask and you might be surprised at some of the tour options. Alpena, Michigan has shipwreck tours on Lake Huron. Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin offers a lighthouse circuit. South Dakota retains a touch of the Cold War at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and Fort Frances, Ontario harbors the last working logging tug on Rainy River. Get the experts to customize tours for you.

Farm to Table If your group is eager to connect with the land, they can’t get much closer than agricultural tours. These types of opportunities are sprouting up all over and there’s a new crop every year. One twist on the agricultural tour is the u-pick farm. Want to know when cherries, blueberries or raspberries are in season?

They can tell you, and give your group a reason to drop by—and a sample.

In Illinois, Susie’s Garden Patch offers breakfast, a petting zoo and cow pie bingo. In Michigan, Joe’s Blues of Moss Funnel Farms has brought live musicians to the farm during picking time. That’ll make you whistle while you wander.

The Trappist monks at Our Lady of Prairies in Holland, Manitoba have been making cheese for years. They have an on-site master cheesemaker and the best washed-rind cheese in the Pembina Valley.

Their chapel rings with the singing of Gregorian chants.

Why not schedule a trip to include both?

Another thing urban centers can’t offer is a quiet afternoon on the farm. Your group may hail from the suburbs, but they can experience life on a dairy farm during milking season in Park Rapids, Minnesota. They can get up close and personal with a biodynamic farm, an emu ranch and a CSA garden from people to whom this is a way of life.

Dinners on the Farm in Champaign, Illinois is one of a number of farms that welcome groups to take a tour and then sit down for dinner. They specialize in multi-course slow food made from seasonal ingredients, many of them grown and produced right on that farm. You not only get to see the operations, but you also get to taste the results.

Each dinner has a theme and a featured guest farmer. Meals are enjoyed outdoors—except during inclement weather—so you’ll get the full experience of

food, a few flying insects and farm smells.

Mi Casa, Su Tour Group In our busy, fast-paced world, people are looking for connection. Small towns offer that connection. This is front-porch country at its best.

Not only can you sit down with farmers and share in their seasonal bounty but you can learn about the arts and history of a region from the masters.

Prairie Fire Pottery in Beach, North Dakota doesn’t stop at studio tours and clay throwing demos. They’ll also let you leave a message on the studio walls. What else would your group like to know about pottery? Or about 30-million-year-old fossils?

Bowman, North Dakota has one of the premier fossil labs in the United States and they’ll take your group on a dig.

Spillville, Iowa—population 367—exemplifies the small town experience. It’s a gem tucked in the Turkey River Valley. There’s a museum dedicated to the Bily Brothers and their enormous clocks in a house where Czech composer Antonin Dvorak stayed in 1893.

There’s a bandstand in the town square and a vintage Pfeffer pipe organ that’s still played.

Small town tours are a great option. They offer affordability, backroads and uniquely local culture. You have access to experts who can offer tips and help you customize the experience. And though your tour members don’t live locally, their connection to the town will make them feel like they do for the hours V they’re there.

BY BRITT AAMODT

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destination highlight

Before

The

Corniest Facelift Ever itchell, South Dakota is a small town (population: 1,500). But don’t tell them that. The people there think big, and they’ve been doing it for a long time. As far back as 1892 they got the crazy idea to attract more immigrant farmers to the area by showcasing the region’s major crop: corn.

They constructed a building, named it the Corn Palace, and things have just plain gotten out of hand since.

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By 1921 they were on their third Corn Palace, a uniquely designed structure looking oddly out of place in the prairie town. With its mosque-like domes and towers the colorful building looks more like a tribute to a Russian czar than the gateway to South Dakota’s major tourist attractions.

And the name Corn Palace? Well it’s not actually made of corn so much as adorned with corn. The building is made of steel and brick with huge plywood panels mounted on the exterior where beautiful murals of corn and grains are applied each year in an

artistic arrangement honoring a different annual theme. While the exterior gets a facelift every year, this year something new and very exciting is going on.

In addition to the yearly redecorating, there is also a major remodel under way for parts of the Corn Palace. New architecture, new interactive exhibits, and an all new welcoming design for the Corn Palace means all new reasons for you to bring your groups to the first major tourist destination when entering South Dakota from the east.

Yes, the people of Mitchell think big, so this remodel will offer you big reasons to veer your motor coach off Interstate 90 as your group heads west towards The Badlands, Wall Drug, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. The Corn Palace has always been whimsical, but soon will also feature larger exterior murals, a new marquee sign, custom-designed light-up domes, and a walk out balcony. As if all that’s not big enough, the interior will

feature a grand new lobby and a redesigned box office. It’s been decades since guests were invited to the second floor of the world’s only Corn Palace, but once the remodel is complete in April of 2015, you will be able to offer your group access to the second floor where the front balcony is as beautiful as an Oscar Howe exhibit.

Oscar Howe, the late Sioux artist and South Dakota Artist Laureate, created the permanent corn murals found on the first floor walls surrounding the auditorium, stage and gymnasium. His work honors the state’s history and depicts gold miners, hunters, Mount Rushmore, Native Americans and wildlife. It’s impressive.

As you might expect, the Corn Palace hosts a variety of entertainment and functions throughout the year. From sports activities to concerts and anything in between, the community keeps the Palace hopping.

Still, about half a million tourists manage to V visit annually.

To make the most of your time at the Corn Palace, contact Katie Knutson of the Mitchell Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.visitmitchell.com.

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more illinois small towns…

Alton Alton is located on a portion of the Great River Road designated as the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, where the Mighty Mississippi River converges with both the Illinois and Missouri Rivers and known for its historic qualities, recreation, and miles of scenic beauty during every season of the year.

Groups love to shop Alton’s “Antique Row” and the surrounding communities for one-of-a-kind finds. Concerts at Riverfront Amphitheater, Haunted Alton Tours, Lewis & Clark Departure Days, Riverside Flea Markets and Alton Little Theater plays will keep your calendar packed year round!

Galena With the “Best Main Street in the Midwest” according to Midwest Living Magazine, the preservation movement in this old lead-mining town has effectively defined the trend toward small towns reinventing themselves.

Framed by northwest Illinois hills, the business district’s century-old buildings now house more than 90 shops filled with antiques, home accessories, and art. Some 50 inns and hotels welcome travelers, and restaurants serve seemingly every taste. If Main Street or the many festivals get too crowded, escape with a hot-air balloon ride, carriage tour, spa treatment or pottery class, part of a thriving hands-on art scene.

Galena

Only here can your group have a professional photo taken with a 15-foot statue of America’s superhero: Superman! Enjoy a personal guided tour and learn about the history of this river town. A visit to Fort Massac State Park will delight your group as they learn the rich history and heritage of this fully replicated fort that stood through the War of 1812 and was used during the Civil War. For the gamers of your group, Harrah’s Hotel & Casino offers “high roller” style entertainment.

Located at the foot of Ferry Street on the majestic Ohio River, guests get spectacular views, exquisite dining options and non-stop fun.

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Woodstock

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Joliet 34 elcome to the historic Woodstock 80 ○ 80 Moline T Square, made famous in the 1992 Monee tKewanee t La Salle 55 34 67 movie Groundhog Day in its starring 57 39 Galesburg role as Punxsutawney, PA. Spend a 34 74 24 leisurely day shopping the unique stores Peoria ○ Macomb lining the Square’s brick-paved streets 24 ○ Bloomington t 155 136 amidst the charm of 19th century 136 136 74 51 Rushville architecture. You’ll find everything from 74 T 24 72 55 67 handcrafted pottery, apparel, gifts, original Champaign Jacksonville 36 74 r fine art, antiques, gourmet foods, and t 150 Springfield exquisite jewelry to an eclectic mix of Marshall 54 57 T 51 restaurants including a French creperie.

70 55 Throughout the year, Woodstock is host to many t Effingham 67 events, festivals, and fairs such as Fair Diddley, 70 45 50 Dick Tracy Days, HarvestFest and of course, ○ t50Highland Collinsville Groundhog Days! The beautiful gothic-revival-style 57 Belleville 64 Opera House serves as the cultural entertainment 64 3 center, featuring plays, concerts, and performances ○ Whittington including the nationally renowned Woodstock Mozart Festival each summer.

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Take in classic Americana featuring some Route 66 restaurants, antique shopping and sightseeing in their historic downtown, sampling at nearby wineries, a walk on the beach and an overnight stay in one of their group-friendly hotels. Visit the History Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, newly opened in 2013. It’s designed to reflect the Route 66 era with a fun-filled walk down memory lane. Enjoy personal guided tours, local artifacts, and nostalgia from the Mother Road. Litchfield’s director of tourism loves to customize tours especially for your group!

spotlight illinois

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Not to be missed is Woodstock’s Victorian Christmas celebration, beginning each Thanksgiving weekend.

The Square glows with thousands of miniature lights illuminating the buildings and trees for the annual Festival of Lights.

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Illinois: Mile after Magnificent Mile.

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Mile after Magnificent Mile. hot

STOP

A Country Escape Awaits You In HENRY COUNTY ick a day or an entire weekend to escape the high-speed urban world and head down the back roads to a slower pace of life.

Experience Henry County’s rich agricultural

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and picturesque landscape offering authentic rural learning experiences and country life’s simple pleasures.

You’ll appreciate farming history as you watch wheat and oat threshing, blacksmithing, and creating lumber at the restored saw mill.

Autumn is a perfect time to step back in time to a period before electricity came to rural America at two distinctive festivals.

Agriculture Days are celebrated in Bishop Hill—a National Historic Landmark and Illinois Historic Site—with 19th-century harvest demonstrations and the making of bricks, apple cider, and sorghum. Sample a taste of Colony Stew while shopping the village park’s vendors’ offerings.

First, visit the Antique Engine Tractor Association Working Farm Show. Corn and soybeans are harvested with steam and gas equipment dating from the early to mid-19th century; you’ll even see horses and mules.

Stop by Country Corner Farm Market and meet Farmer Bruce. In October, Country Corner Farm Market booms with cannons flinging pumpkins. Enjoy a hayrack ride, take a dash through the corn maze, pick your pumpkin, and shop for fall produce including jams and jellies.

Enjoy farm-fresh fun while creating memories!

Bishop Hill is Henry County’s crown jewel, a carefully preserved glimpse into a 19th-century utopian community. Visitors can step back into a 19th-century setting, a timeless country village where descendants of the original colonists live and work to maintain a modern-day utopia through art, craftsmanship, and dedication to Swedish heritage traditions.

Sample authentic Swedish food; browse the shops for antiques, pottery, quilts, baskets, and Swedish imports. Watch blacksmiths and broom-makers at work, then stroll through five museums.

This state historic site and National Historic Landmark is brimming with events and celebrations all year long. Especially notable are Midsommar, a music festival on or near the summer solstice in June; Jordbruksdagarna, a Swedish-styled fall harvest festival in September; and Julmarknad, and Lucia Nights, authentic Swedish Christmas celebrations in late November and December.

Geneseo is a picturesque, vibrant, progressive arts community home to memorable festivals.

Located conveniently off U.S. Highway 6 or I-80, Geneseo is now recognizable on Interstate 80 by Windy Point, which features two new windmills at the southern edge of town. Take Exit #19 and drive north on Oakwood Avenue to State Street to experience the revitalized boulevard leading to Geneseo’s historic shopping district. The unique collection of specialty shops featuring art, clothing, and home décor is growing. Local restaurants feature a friendly ambiance in which to dine.

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2014-15

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Mile after Magnificent Mile.

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Kewanee made the things that make this country great! It is also a great place to visit and spend a day or two exploring and discovering unexpected surprises around every corner. You will find a variety of unique shops and local restaurants set along tree-lined streets with beautiful turn-of-thecentury architecture to enjoy.

Stroll through downtown Kewanee and learn about its history as you view the sixteen bright, freshly painted historic murals on downtown buildings. Learn about Kewanee characters Roger Reiman, Fred Francis, the Cole Brothers, and more. Visit Good’s Furniture and peruse the twelve restored historic buildings for your future home furniture purchase. Peek in one business and stay awhile at the longest and most beautiful mirrored, mahogany back bar in the country – spanning fifty feet!

A must-see attraction is the Woodland Palace

at Francis Park, the first “green” home in Illinois. This unusual home was built ahead of its time and is filled with engineering wonders. Fred Francis, a quirky and eccentric man, was an artist, poet, inventor, builder, mathematician, engineer, and naturist.

Visit the first Illinois home air-conditioned with no electricity, powered by a single windmill. Experience the home where everything works in harmony.

Henry County is located in western Illinois between the Quad Cities and Galesburg, Illinois. The fertile farmland is bisected by the Hennepin Canal and dotted with charming small towns replete with antique shops, bakeries, farm markets, and country cafés. For information on everything you need to plan a group getaway – including historic sites, attractions, and places to stay – contact the Henry County Tourism Bureau toll-free at 877-436-7926 or visit www.VisitHenryCounty.com.

AETA Working Farm Show

Geneseo Historical Mus eum

The Cellar

Autumn Agriculture Adventure This sample itinerary is best during the fall months, but can be customized for any time of year.

Bright sunny days and cool, crisp evenings beckon you to enjoy Henry County’s back roads and discover a country fall escape in Geneseo. Plan your next tour to reconnect with rural heritage and celebrate all things autumn.

day one Noon – 4:00 pm Attend the Antique Engine & Tractor Association’s (AETA) three-day working farm show held the third weekend in September near Geneseo. The 40-acre showground showcases mid-19th-century machinery and provides working demonstrations of corn and soybean harvesting.

4:00 pm Check in at the Best Western Geneseo Inn or America’s Best Value Inn. Freshen up and relax before dinner.

5:30 – 7:00 pm Dine in an historic atmosphere and enjoy aged, hand-cut steaks, freshly charcoaled and cooked to order in one of Illinois’s oldest supper clubs, The Cellar. A separate dining area is available for large groups with a full-service bar.

7:00 pm Experience colorful, live performances by the Richmond Hill Players with a theater in a converted dairy barn, atop the bluff in Richmond Hill Park.

Groups are welcome with ample room for bus

w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

parking. The season runs April through November, with performances scheduled Thursday through Sunday.

day two 8 – 9:15 am Awaken and enjoy a breakfast at the hotel, State Street Grill, or Parkway Grill and prepare for a day to explore and experience Geneseo’s historic downtown district.

9:15 – 10:30 am The Geneseo Historical Museum features 27 rooms in an Italianate-style home built in the mid-1800s.

View the area used as a safe haven for runaway slaves escaping north on the Underground Railroad.

10:30 am – 3:00 pm Walk the historic district and shop unique, locally owned boutique stores featuring home décor, art galleries, and apparel. Do the girls want to find their inner artists? Opportunities are available to learn a creative way to make a stylish hat at Smith Studio and Gallery or to create a colorful abstract 4x4 at the Geneseo Art League. Lunch and dine at many of the local eateries located throughout the historic downtown district.

For information on group customization for this sample itinerary or more for your groups, contact the Henry County Tourism Bureau at 877-436-7926 or visit www.visithenrycounty.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 888-895-8233 2304 173rd Street – Lansing, IL www.visitchicagosouthland.com Experience true Midwestern hospitality on your next motorcoach tour. The Chicago Southland CVB is the official, state designated, nationally accredited destination marketing organization (DMO) for Chicago’s 62 south and southwest suburbs. Discover the Chicago Southland Advantage!

Henry County Tourism Bureau

. . . . . . . . . . 877-436-7926 224 W Third Street – Kewanee, IL 61443 director@visithenrycounty.com www.visithenrycounty.com Reconnect along our back roads! Relive our heritage and explore our natural beauty and grand traditions.

Discover our restaurants and specialty shops and our warm, friendly hello! The welcome mat is out; the back roads beckon you to visit.

Illinois Bureau of Tourism www.enjoyillinois.com . . . . . . . . 800-2CONNECT

Visit Litchfield . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-733-5833 120 East Ryder St – Litchfield, IL 217-324-8147 tourism@cityoflitchfieldil.com Litchfield boasts a 1,400-acre public recreational lake, a historically preserved downtown area with many points of interest, Route 66 icons, antique shopping, a broad range of dining options, hotels, nearby golf courses and wineries.

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more iowa small towns…

Adel The charming, friendly, small town of Adel is full of unique shops, friendly service and welcoming hospitality.

The Raccoon River Trail runs through the town, which is home to several restaurants and taverns offering a wide variety of menus and drink specialties. You won’t find any big box stores here! What you will find is a variety of one-of-a-kind retailers offering unique and wonderful gifts, home décor, collectibles and antiques housed in historic buildings around the square and throughout the town. And don’t miss one of their annual festivals!

Keokuk Discover the charm of Mark Twain’s Mississippi at the George M. Verity Museum in Victory Park, a fascinating insight into river history for everyone.

Watch for bald eagles and other wildlife on the Observation Deck with views of the Mississippi River and Lock & Dam #19. Learn of the naming of the town and visit the statue of Chief Kiyo’kaga, later known as Chief Keokuk. Visit the Miller House Museum that was built

by Samuel Freeman Miller in 1859.

This federal-style house features 19th-century furnishings, a dentist’s office and more.

spotlight iowa

McGregor/Marquette Nestled between the Mississippi River and the towering bluffs of northeast Iowa are the communities of McGregor and Marquette. The streets are lined with 19th century buildings, antique & specialty shops, and restaurants. Enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, Mississippi River tours, shopping, a winery, brewery, casino and more. Enjoy the natural beauty of Effigy Mounds National Monument, Pikes Peak State Park and Yellow River State Forest. Lodging options include campgrounds and cabins, hotels and motels and quaint B&Bs. It’s a great mix of historic small town charm with a touch of big city flair!

Dyersville isit the family farm, complete with a baseball diamond, that played the starring role in the film Field of Dreams.

Bring your own equipment and play on this world-famous field. Dyersville is also known as the “Farm Toy Capital of the World” for its 3 toy companies, a National Farm Toy Museum, and the Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum. The National Farm Toy Museum has thousands of toys and exhibits.

Dyer-Botsford Doll Museum is a restored Victorian that features a rare revolving German feather Christmas tree and includes a collection of over 2,000 dolls. The Basilica of St. Francis Xavier is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Midwest. Also, check out the Becker Woodcarving Museum, one of Iowa’s most unique carving museums. If you’re up for an adventure, walk, bike or cross-country ski down the 26-mile all season Heritage Trail that reveals a unique cross-section of geological, natural, archaeological and human history.

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Iowa: Life Changing

Pella “Field of Dreams” Movie Site

Few rural Iowa communities offer all that Pella does: distinct cultural heritage, abundant recreation, and beautiful scenery. Your group will get a sensory experience of all things Dutch—food, architecture, history and hospitality. Visit the boyhood home of Wyatt Earp, located within the 1850s Historical Village, or catch a show and take a tour at the historic Pella Opera House. Plan your trip in May for their annual Tulip Time Festival. This well-known festival features a gingerbread-trimmed downtown, Dutch desserts, a re-created village and 80,000 tulips.

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Life Changing

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directory accommodations AmericInn of Ames . . . . . . . 515-233-1005 2507 SE 16th Street - Ames, IA 50010 ames.ia@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/IA/Ames Conveniently located near all the attractions and excitement in the area. Every guest is welcomed with a smile, great service, an inviting indoor pool, free hot home-style breakfast & a quiet night’s sleep! A perfect fit for any tour!

AmericInn of Spencer . . . . 712-262-7525

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SAVE THE DATE! August 28-29, 2015

BOOM-Fest ust 30 miles north of Cedar Rapids, the town of Vinton (population: 5,200) wakes up with a pyrotechnic experience as the annual Boom-Fest kicks off. And just like many other small towns with a festival weekend, the community population really grows.

Or should we say, explodes? But no pun intended…

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Bring your group to this typical small town in Iowa and be awed by the booms and colors.

You will see displays from “home-made” shell builders as well as an electronically fired pyrotechnic show. This is an opportunity for the Iowa Pyrotechnic members to really show off their craft to an audience.

It all started 5 years ago. The annual meeting of the Iowa Pyrotechnic members had been held on private property for years. But due to membership growth in 2007, they decided to move the event elsewhere. After contacting the small town of Vinton about holding a community event in conjunction with their annual meeting, Boom-Fest/Boomtown was created. This all-volunteer event welcomes visitors from all over the Midwest.

Group-friendly, you ask? This is one of those events where group seating is offered.

Be sure to book early!

For more information on Boomtown and Boom-Fest, contact Melissa Schwab at Vinton Unlimited: 319-472-3955, melissa@vintonia.org, and visit online at www.iowapyro.com, www.vintonboomfest.com, and www.vintonboomtown.com.

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1005 13th Street SW - Spencer, IA 51301 spencer.ia@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/IA/Spencer Count on us to be your best lodging choice in the Iowa Great Lakes area. With unmatched service and amenities that include free hot home-style breakfast, indoor pool and WiFi. Visit Arts on Grand, retail, golf, Clay County Fair and more!

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . 515-233-3935 2605 SE 16th Street - Ames, IA 50010 Debra.Pratt@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/amesia Situated by Interstate 35, our location puts you within easy reach of Jack Trice Stadium, Reiman Gardens, Iowa Arboretum, Adventureland theme park, White Oak Vineyards and much more. Enjoy our indoor pool, WiFi, daily Manager’s Cocktail Reception and complimentary hot breakfast.

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . . 319-545-8464 2571 Heartland Place - Coralville, IA 52241 cx_crvl@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/coralvilleia Just off I-80/I-380 an ideal location for experiencing the Amana Colonies, Englert Civic Theatre, Coral Ridge Mall, Wilson’s Orchard, Iowa City Community Theatre, and the University of Iowa. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and indoor pool.

Country Inn & Suites . . . . . . 641-236-9600 1710 West Street South - Grinnell, IA 50112 cx_grin@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/grinnellia Grinnell has been named one of the Top Ten Coolest Small Towns in America! Come see all there is to do!

Just minutes off I-80 we pride ourselves on warm hospitality. Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi and indoor pool.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Council Bluffs CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-228-6878 ext 130 149 W. Broadway – Council Bluffs, IA 51503 dhestness@councilbluffsiowa.com www.councilbluffscvb.com Allow the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau to make planning your next group tour a little easier!

Designing itineraries, suggesting dining options, organizing entertainment, and coordinating lodging are just a few of the services offered through the CVB.

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more kansas small towns…

Abilene Tour bus operators love planning trips to Abilene. Known for its historic mansions and buildings, Abilene boasts 21 structures on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a tour of the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, along with several other historic museums. Top it off with an incredible meal at one of Abilene’s “destination” restaurants such as The Brookville Hotel. Famous for their family-style fried chicken dinners since the 1870s, they’ve become a Kansas tradition and were named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine. Seasonally, consider an excursion train ride through the Smoky River Hill Valley.

Garnett The art culture in Garnett is one of their best-kept secrets. From the live dinner theatre to the Walker Art Gallery and a variety of artisan events throughout the year at both restaurant venues and festivals, the arts are alive and well here. Take a trip back in time by visiting one of their many historic attractions. Get outside at the Valley View Elk Ranch. Take the tram ride out to see the elk and learn about the many health benefits of elk meat. See firsthand how these animals are raised and view them standing tall in the fields.

spotlight kansas

Independence

Hays

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heir motto – “Small town charm, big time fun!” The brick streets of Downtown Hays play home to an array of businesses for shopping, dining, art, and entertainment for your group. Spot the newly constructed limestone markers created from the old Hays Opera House as your motorcoach navigates through the Chestnut Street District.

The refurbished downtown is home to the award-winning Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. They pay homage to the bygone days of the settlers where beer and bread sometimes played interchangeable roles. When in the field, workers couldn’t always stop to eat lunch, so they drank it instead! Hence the “Lb.” for “liquid bread.”

From hand-painted murals to industrial agricultural lighting, the brewery and diner convey an industrial farm look for a fresh, yet traditional, atmosphere that is Hays’ alone. The Huffington Post says it’s “the one thing you must do” in Kansas!

Kansas: As Big As You Think

Limestone Markers

Independence’s newest feature is one of its oldest. A self-guided brochure of some of the town’s oldest and most beautiful historic homes is now available. Call in advance to schedule your group’s guided tour. The Little House on the Prairie Museum has an authentic log cabin located near the original site where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived as a child. It also includes an 1872 schoolhouse, post office, and gift shop. Their Neewollah Festival (Halloween spelled backwards) is Kansas’ largest annual festival.

Held the last week of October, Neewollah’s musical stage shows, carnival, concessions, entertainment and grand parade attract more than 80,000 visitors each year.

Merriam Experience the down-home friendliness of Merriam with a “made in Merriam” tour. Groups come from across the nation to experience these tours. View world-class stringed instruments at K.C. Strings Violin Shop, nationally known for making beautiful instruments, or create sensational handmade candles at Mixture using naturally derived ingredients. Turn things up with a stop at GuitarLamp. Follow owner Dan Leap through a 30-minute guided tour of his shop where he crafts the famous guitar lamp featured on MTV and HGTV. Then relax with a homemade soda at Georgetown Pharmacy Old Fashioned Soda Shop.

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As Big As You Think

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day one

The Land of Oz & Dorothy’s House -Liberal

Charming Kansas This 4-day itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

If it’s the Yellow Brick Road or Dorothy Gale you’re looking for, TourKansas has the tour for you! Here is just a sample of what these charming cities have to offer you and your groups. This itinerary can be easily arranged to create a circle tour of Kansas. Be sure to also check out Yellow Brick Road Trips and Grand Central USA itineraries.

1 – 3:00 pm Discover why “there’s no place like home” in Liberal, Kansas. The Land of Oz & Dorothy’s House consists of 5,000 square feet of animated entertainment—good and bad witches, Munchkins, talking trees, winged monkeys, and of course, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto too! Dorothy’s house has been carefully restored and furnished to replicate the house shown in the movie.

3 – 5:00 pm Check in to your hotel and relax before dinner. Liberal has a nice selection of group-friendly hotels.

5 – 7:30 pm Dining in Liberal is easy with many casual and fine dining, group-friendly options.

day two 9 – 10:30 am Have breakfast at the hotel or The Pancake House, an “almost-everything-made-from-scratch” dining experience with over 30 varieties of pancakes, crepes and waffles. Head east to Emporia and stop along the way for lunch.

3:30 – 5:30 pm In Emporia you’ll find several blocks of historic buildings and unique architecture. Discover local eateries, chocolate & coffee shops, antiques, and boutiques. After the long ride, stretch out those legs.

5:30 – 8:00 pm After dinner your step-on guide will take you around town telling of the area’s history, ghost stories, military and political tidbits. Learn about one of Kansas’ most famous people with a guided tour of the state historic site: the William Allen White House.

day three 8:00 am Head to Merriam. Just minutes from all major metro favorites—including casinos, museums, attractions, restaurants, and shopping—Merriam offers full or half-day itineraries for groups of all ages.

9:30 – 11:00 am Start your day at Georgetown Pharmacy Old Fashioned Soda Shop. Is it a soda or a nice latte that gets your group going in the morning? Either way, they will love this shop in downtown Merriam. And be sure to take some time to do a bit of shopping.

11:00 – 1:30 pm Head 180 miles east to Salina.

1:30 – 3:30 pm Located in the heart of Kansas, Rolling Hills Zoo awes and inspires visitors with more than 300 animals representing over 100 different species exhibited in a park on 100 acres of Kansas prairie. Have a group lunch while you’re here.

3:30 – 4:30 pm Head north to Cloud County.

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As Big As You Think

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directory attractions Rolling Hills Zoo Salina . . . . . 785-827-9488

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Cloud County Convention & Tourism Concordia . . . . . . . . 785-243-4303 Merriam

National Orphan Train Museum

Discover Oakley Oakley . . . . . 785-671-1000 Emporia Convention & Visitors Bureau Emporia

se -Emporia William Allen White Hou

. . 800-279-3730

Liberal CVB Liberal . . . . . . . . . . . 800-LIBERAL Merriam Visitors Bureau Merriam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-707-6534 Continued from Page 17: Charming Kansas

4:30 – 5:00 pm Check into your hotel and relax before dinner on your own. There are many options to choose from and your group can get some shopping and walking in while they’re at it.

day four 9 – 11:00 am Take a short drive to Clyde to see Bob’s Toy Barn.

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This collection will amaze you. You will see toys from tractors to space ships. It’s a trip back to childhood you will not soon forget.

11:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch break.

1 – 4:00 pm Tour the National Orphan Train Museum in Concordia, Kansas. From 1854 to 1929 over 250,000 orphaned or abandoned children from New York were

taken on trains to new homes all over the United States. Nominated as one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas History,” a visit will amaze and touch your heart like no other museum.

For additional tour ideas, contact Kelli Hilliard at 785-296-4922, Kelli.Hilliard@TravelKS.com, or each community directly.

1-877-832-7267

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more michigan small towns…

Alpena Nestled between the shores of Lake Huron and the Thunder Bay River, historic downtown Alpena provides old-fashioned personal service.

Planter-adorned light posts, a farmers market, events, and music carried on the breeze from Bay View Park greet summer visitors. Climb on the Wine & Hops Trail out of Alpena and head north to Thunder Bay Winery, Fletcher Street Brewing Company, and Stoney Acres Winery.

Once you’ve toured Shipwreck Alley aboard Alpena Shipwreck Tours, head west for a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride at Thunder Bay Resort where you’ll be treated to a gourmet dinner and locally-made wine.

Welcome to Marquette, a place that puts everything into perspective.

Found on the shimmering shore of Lake Superior in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Marquette offers life at a different pace surrounded by nature’s best at every turn. Enjoy fine dining, modern accommodations and a myriad of events. Catch a freighter at the docks, enjoy a harbor cruise, or take an “Anatomy of a Murder” tour.

Groups can enjoy the sights as they dine on some of the best food they’ve ever had. Marquette is a city of serenity and natural beauty with something for everyone.

Sault Ste. Marie There’s more to see and do in Sault Ste Marie than you can imagine.

Wonders unfold with each season, bringing something along worth remembering. Historic landmarks, scenic vistas, casino action, and one-of-a-kind tourist attractions await your group. The downtown serves as the community’s showpiece, full of independent business owners who provide excellent shopping and dining. Bring your appetite when you visit, because you’ll want to sample some of the local specialties. It’s a favored destination among meeting planners and group tour operators.

Traverse City Welcome to one of the most charming small towns in America!

The steep water-cradled slopes that make Traverse City the “Cherry Capital of the World” are also producing some of the best wines in the country. Their wineries are located on two beautiful peninsulas, each with their own stunning wine trail. Downtown features several art galleries plus an eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty shops.

Fine-dining eateries are always a stone’s throw away. With its fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, Traverse City has become known as a top foodie town.

spotlight michigan

Marquette

Mackinac Island

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rrive in a living Victorian village as you step off the Island Ferry Dock. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot, surrounded by water, Mackinac Island has escaped the vast changes of time.

Enjoy the downtown hustle and bustle of the early 1800s and don’t miss the beauty of the Island’s interior and peaceful lakefront perimeter path. Visit their famous fudge shops, a tradition since the late 19th century.

They don’t claim to have created fudge, but after one taste, you’ll agree that it was perfected here. The unworldly flavors have made it the island’s most popular and delicious souvenir.

The calendar of events on Mackinac Island is highlighted by the Annual Lilac Festival, climaxed with one of the largest “All Horse Hitch” parades known. The American Bus Association has designated Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival as one of the nation’s Marquette County CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-544-4321 top 100 tourist attractions.

Pure Michigan

337 W Washington St - Marquette, MI 49855 / www.travelmarquettemichigan.com We’re here to help you plan a trip for the memory books. We offer customized itinerary planning, step-on guides, reservation assistance, digital images, familiarization tours and more—all at no charge!

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more minnesota small towns…

Ely Perched on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Ely is home to the International Wolf Center, the Cabin of the Root Beer Lady, the North American Bear Center, the Brandenburg Gallery, a brewpub, and more. Let the restaurants, shops, world-renowned attractions, and historic places become memories that bring a smile to you. Ely restaurants offer fine dining with Northwoods favorites such as walleye, wild rice & one-of-a-kind sandwiches.

Discover paintings, photography, jewelry, glassware and fiber art by local artisans and locally made clothing and winter footwear. This Minnesota wonderland is the largest wilderness area east of the Rockies.

spotlight minnesota

Lanesboro

Stillwater elcome to the 1848 birthplace of Minnesota!

The timber of the St. Croix River Valley on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border built the fortunes behind Stillwater’s Victorian mansions. The historic downtown, sprinkled with antique shops and bookstores, attracts collectors from all over the world. The forest and craggy river valley still supply the scenery that visitors love: a place where paddleboats, riverboats and gondolas glide the waters, and unique shopping, dining, lodging and entertainment are yours wrapped inside this quaint and charming river town where time stands still. Groups can take pleasure in all four seasons in Stillwater, with the robust colors of the bluffs in the fall, winter days showcasing holiday shopping & tours, spring flowers blooming in their many parks for scenic viewing, and warm summer air welcoming outdoor art fairs, sidewalk cafes, festivals and fireworks. The town where it all began is still the place to be!

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Explore Minnesota

Nestled in the beautiful Driftless Region of southeast Minnesota, Lanesboro is the premier small town Arts & Culture Destination of the Midwest. The internationally recognized Commonweal Theatre is famous for its annual Ibsen Festival.

The St. Mane Theatre provides a variety of entertainment, from opera performers to the kitschy “Over the Back Fence” show, performed live by their many talented local citizens.

Savor the culinary delights at their fine restaurants, uncover unique treasures found in the downtown stores and galleries and step back in time with a tour of a flourishing Amish community. Come and experience small town life at its best!

New Ulm Embrace your German roots with a trip back to the old country! New Ulm, located in the Minnesota River Valley, has held onto its heritage like none other, boasting a Glockenspiel, Hermann the German monument, the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the US, German restaurants, beautiful architecture and assorted polka-and-beer festivals. New Ulm is unique, distinctive, and historic.

Most importantly, it’s still a place where friends, old and new, are greeted with a warm welcome.

New Ulm loves groups!

Park Rapids The natural beauty of the Park Rapids Lakes Area, along with dining, shopping, attractions and quality lodging, make any trip to Park Rapids memorable. For something different try their Town & Country Tours. Depending on your interests and time of year, a little planning can add excitement to your visit and help your group learn more about the area’s natural beauty and culture.

Some rural residents have found creative ways to make a living off the land and offer tours including: milking time at a large dairy, a biodynamic farm & CSA garden, bison and emu ranches, and a winery. Your groups won’t forget this trip!

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Explore Minnesota

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Cathedral of St. Paul

Gangsters, Caves and History This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one 1 – 3:00 pm Groups love to visit the Landmark Center located in downtown Saint Paul. Built in 1902, it was originally used as the Federal Courthouse and Post Office for the upper Midwest. Landmark Center also houses Anita’s Cafe, Landmarket Gift Shop, and five gallery spaces. General tours for groups of 10 or more typically begin at the Landmarket Gift Shop on the first floor and focus on the building’s history, architecture, restoration, preservation, and famous and infamous personages.

3 – 4:00 pm Located just a few blocks from the Landmark Center is the Cathedral of St. Paul. The Cathedral dominates the skyline and is situated on the highest point in downtown Saint Paul. Each year, the Cathedral of St. Paul welcomes over 200,000 visitors. Tours are free of charge, though donations are gratefully received.

4 – 9:00 pm Take a Gangster Tour of Saint Paul courtesy of Wabasha Street Caves and Down in History Tours. Explore the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings, and gun battles associated with 1930s gangsters like John Dillinger, Ma Barker and Babyface Nelson. After your tour enjoy dinner in the “caves.”

Hear more gangster stories and enjoy fabulous food and drinks.

Cafesjian’s Carousel

Como Zoo

Down in History Tours

day two 9 – 11:30 am Feel like a kid again with a visit to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo. Take a step back in time and ride Cafesjian’s Carousel located in the $1.1 million copper-roofed pavilion just steps from the entrance to Como Zoo. Tickets are only $1.50!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact your tour operator or Wabasha Street Caves at 651-292-1220, or visit www.wabashastreetcaves.com.

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Explore Minnesota

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JOIN IN TOGETHER AT THE “Great Minnesota Get-Together”

PB&J French Toast

TRAVEL TOGETHER! Groups arriving at the fair by bus may use the University of Minnesota Transitway to avoid traffic. Plus, bus parking is free!

PLAY TOGETHER! Their hospitality staff has a variety of resources to make your day at the fair even more fun. They can help you organize a fairgrounds scavenger hunt or a trivia contest, provide self-guided tour maps for the fair’s beautiful gardens and tree sculptures or help you plan your activities with a sample itinerary. They also provide daily entertainment and activity schedules so you won’t miss a thing! Most exhibit buildings are open from 9 am to 9 pm.

For early arrivals, there is plenty of activity in the livestock area as animals are groomed and readied for judging.

toward purchases at more than 35 concession locations. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash; however, change will be given. Fairborne Bucks are available for purchase only through the State Fair’s Group Hospitality Department.

SHOP TOGETHER! Save big, buy Blue! The State Fair Blue Ribbon Bargain Book has 126 coupons worth over $500 in savings on food, merchandise and attractions at the fair.

Pass the books around and let everyone clip their favorite coupons or give the books out as prizes or gifts! Books are available wherever pre-fair tickets are sold for only $4; during the fair the price is $5.

JOIN IN TOGETHER! Free admission and a free t-shirt are available to everyone in your group if they lend a hand to the children at “Little Farm Hands!” Groups of 15-25 volunteers are needed in four-hour shifts to guide the kids through this hands-on exhibit that teaches the agricultural process from farm to market. “Day of Volunteers” sponsorship opportunities are also available with additional benefits.

Groups can also eat, shop and save together with additional options available.

Just contact 651-632-2689 or email groups@mnstatefair.org for all the details.

EAT TOGETHER! Reward your group with Fairborne Bucks!

Fairborne Bucks are the perfect way to treat members of your group to food and beverage options throughout the fairgrounds. Each of these dining vouchers has a value of $2.50 and may be used

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Explore Minnesota

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Just 10 Minutes South of the Twin Cities IS GROUP-FRIENDLY EAGAN hot

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Groups are Like Family at BUCA DI BEPPO! reate some big memories in Eagan, Minnesota where you can take in some of the most beautiful sights just south of the Twin Cities. Take a stroll through Caponi Art Park, a picturesque sculpture garden filled with incredible artwork created by the founder and resident artist, Anthony Caponi. Feeling adventurous? Lebanon Hills Regional Park will outfit you for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the gorgeous trails through nearly 2,000 acres of recreational paradise. With over 50 parks, 300 lakes and ponds, and a lovely landscape of trees throughout, Eagan continues to be nationally recognized and ranked in the top 20 “Best Places to Live” by CNN’s Money Magazine. Editors noted they were impressed with the abundance of green space and recreational opportunity while being so close to a major metropolitan area. While soaking up the beauty, group tours need not worry about transportation and lodging in Eagan. 15 incredible hotels and the lowest lodging tax rates are in

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store for you as well as free on-site motorcoach and vehicle parking at each property. Most hotels also offer free shuttle service to the MSP Airport, Mall of America® and Eagan’s newest attraction, Twin Cities Premium Outlets®.

This brand new outlet mall features wonderful year-round shopping at over 100 world-class shops such as Michael Kors and J. Crew – and remember, there’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes! With shopping comes dining and Eagan doesn’t skimp on the variety of restaurants for you to choose from. Visit Ze’s Diner, a quaint and delicious homestyle restaurant full of classic diner cooking or have a steak and a cocktail at Casper’s Cherokee of Eagan, a neighborhood favorite. Just 10 minutes south of the Twin Cities, Eagan will feel like your home away from home and the Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau will help make that happen. Your unforgettable experience starts at eaganmn.com; contact Denise Olsen today (651-675-5542 or denise@eaganmn.com)!

ere at Buca, we love any reason to celebrate and we definitely know how to have a good time! Our high-energy staff and unique décor will entertain groups of all ages.

Our group-friendly and reasonably priced menu packages offer a large selection of great Italian dishes – big enough to feed a tour bus!

When planning your next tour, look no further than the ultimate celebratory restaurant: Buca di Beppo. Dishes enjoyed for generations in villages throughout Italy inspire our menu, giving Buca its authentic Italian fare. We continue to innovate and create recipes beyond our traditional style by adding new menu items inspired by Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Come indulge in the Buca experience of unforgettable appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrées, desserts, beer and fine wine.

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Buca di Beppo has five convenient locations in Minnesota’s Metro: Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

For more information on our banquet packages or to book your next event, call Buca di Beppo at 877-955-2822, email groupreservations@bucainc.com or complete the online form at www.bucadibeppo.com.

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The Heart of It All

Kiln Kreations Fort Snelling

Joke Joint Comedy

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

Welcome to the Saint Paul & Minneapolis Metro.

Located at the intersection of Interstates 94 and 35, the Metro is the center of life in Minnesota.

day one 9 – 11:00 am Start out your morning at the Historic John H. Stevens House Museum. Here you will explore the history of Minneapolis, the place where ordinary people dreamed up a brand new city and turned it into reality. Learn the courage and imagination that turned a lonely prairie into a bustling metropolitan city!

11:00 – 1:00 pm Dine in an eclectic, vintage setting at Buca di Beppo.

Buca’s Italian family-style dishes are perfect for groups of all sizes!

1 – 3:00 pm A short trip to Mendota to visit Minnesota’s first official

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historic site will start out your afternoon. In the early 1800s Mendota was a major center of the region’s fur trade. The Sibley House Historic Site is the home of Henry Hastings Sibley, who was the regional manager of the American Fur Company & Minnesota’s first governor.

3 – 4:30 pm Discover the 1820s military outpost of Fort Snelling.

Once the focus of a small settlement, the fort is now at the center of Minnesota’s Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Fort Snelling is not only at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, but it is also the confluence of peoples.

4:30 – 6:00 pm Head back to your Eagan hotel to rest before your evening begins. Don’t forget! $250 cash rebate with 20 or more rooms booked in Eagan!

6 – 9:00 pm Enjoy an evening of laughter at the Joke Joint Comedy

Club. Start out with dinner and then sit down to be entertained by live stand-up comedy with nationally touring headliners and featuring the best local talent of the Twin Cities.

day two 10:00 – 1:00 pm Head over to Kiln Kreations where your group can paint their own ceramics, make candles, paint on canvas, and more! Kiln Kreations offers a fun and relaxed environment for people of all ages to come and express their creativity.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or Denise Olsen at the Eagan CVB, 651-675-5542 or denise@eaganmn.com.

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hot

Fairy Wing Forest

STOP

Experience THE REALM August 22nd through October 4th, plus Labor Day & Festival Friday, 2015 o back in time to the Renaissance era at the 45th Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival! Enjoy food, clothing, attitudes, entertainment, and crafts fashioned from the era. Get the full experience by checking out the mystical activities below.

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Mermaid Cove Watch as they dive, twirl and swim majestically through the water. If you are lucky, they may even share a piece of their magic with you!

Dr. Thora Pandora’s Chemistry Experience

Experience science demonstrations and physics, including gas bombs, snake bubbles, elephant toothpaste and Newtonian beads.

Wishing Well

Drop a coin and make your dreams come true! The Wishing Well is partnered with Angel Foundations to support families with cancer.

Cupcake Battle

Whip up your tastiest and most creative Renaissance themed cupcakes! You could win great prizes and the title of “Best Cupcake in the Realm!”

Fairy House Competition

Patrons big and small are invited to make their own unique fairy house and share it at the festival. Top fairy houses will win great prizes!

Throne of Swords

Experience the infamous, ominous Throne of Swords. Be wary of the One-Eyed Ravens!

Fairy Wing Forest

Maypole

Venture into the garden that has been transformed and filled with fairies, pixies, and magical creatures that now call the forest home.

Maypole dancing is a form of folk dance from Germany, England & Sweden. Come relive the traditional folk ribbon dance celebrating the seasons!

For more information regarding daily events, themed weekends, entertainment, and shopping, contact the Minnesota Renaissance Festival at 952-445-7361 or online at www.renaissancefest.com.

hot

STOP

TMA & You! stablished in 1974, the Tour Minnesota Association is dedicated to the Minnesota tourism industry.

TMA is a professional organization with members from both the public and private sectors, united to represent the very best that Minnesota has to offer.

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As a Group Tour Director: Together, TMA and its members provide existing and beneficial services to tour groups and leisure travelers. Check out the website at www.tourmn.org for a list of members, including convention & visitors bureaus, that will help you with itineraries & accommodations. In addition, you will find a list of coach/tour companies for your transportation or guided tour needs.

As a Member: TMA strives to satisfy the needs of its members through support, promotion, networking, partnerships and education.

Membership will bring you into Minnesota’s very active travel trade industry. Contact TMA at 952-406-8832 if you have questions, or by email to elainembalk@aol.com for more information about TMA. If you're in Minnesota and in Group Travel...you need to be a member of Tour Minnesota Association!

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Guthrie Theater

Tour the Twin Cities!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one 3 – 5:30 pm Check in to the Country Inn & Suites in Shoreview, conveniently located off I-35W and featuring a complimentary hot breakfast, 32” flat screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, heated pool with whirlpool and a waterslide.

5:30 – 10:00 pm Dinner and a show! Visit downtown Minneapolis and dine at Sea Change inside the beautiful Guthrie Theater along the Mississippi River.

Take in a back stage tour before the show.

Test your factual knowledge of the Mall of America with a customized 32-question challenge using iPads to track your answers and take pictures along the way. Groups can stay for delicious meal at Dick’s Last Resort and view their team photos on the restaurant’s big screens. Have some fun with this one-of-a-kind way to see Mall of America.

3:30 – 5:30 pm Return to Shoreview and get ready for an evening

of entertainment.

5:30 – 10:00 pm Enjoy dinner at the Green Mill Restaurant & Bar followed by a show at the legendary Plymouth Playhouse. This is an evening you won’t soon forget!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator.

Backstage tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how Guthrie shows are taken from script to stage. In 45 minutes, you’ll visit the Guthrie’s signature thrust and proscenium stages; enter the expansive scene shop where sets are built and painted, and learn how they’re transported to each stage; visit the shop where costumes are expertly stitched, fabrics dyed and wigs constructed; and explore the rehearsal rooms where company members prepare for performance.

day two 8 – 9:30 am Relax and enjoy your morning with a Country Inn & Suites complimentary Be Our Guest breakfast before you head out for some shopping.

9:30 – 12:00 pm Shopping at IKEA is always fun when you’re shopping with a group. If it happens to be a Monday, remember that it’s Senior Day. Visitors 55+ can save in the IKEA Restaurant.

12 – 3:30 pm Just across the way is the famous Mall of America. Have shopping bags in tow and find that special gift that only the Mall of America can offer.

SCAVENGER HUNT AT MALL OF AMERICA Head down to Dick’s Last Resort at Mall of America for the ultimate competitive adventure.

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Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum

Cabela’s

Only in Owatonna!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

Welcome to Owatonna! With all the unique places Owatonna has to offer, your group is in for one adventurous trip!

8 – 10:00 am Inspiration starts here. Owatonna Arts Center is a local community arts center for all ages, all artists—all people! Take a class, enjoy a concert,

attend a special event or visit their historic building.

10:00 – 12:00 pm Find something unique at Uncle Tom’s Antique Mall. With an inventory that continues to change on a daily basis, Uncle Tom’s is a great place to look for those unusual items you need for gifts, weddings and many items that are perfect for any repurposing project. Step back in time for treasured

memories and to take a relaxing look around.

12 – 1:00 pm Enjoy an Italian feast at Rose Street Pizzeria for lunch. Their menu includes specialty pizzas, calzones, pasta, and much more.

1 – 3:00 pm Relive history at Minnesota State Public School Orphanage Museum. Pictures, artifacts, and personal stories await you from orphaned, abandoned, or abused kids from 1886 to 1945.

Don’t miss the newly restored Cottage 11, State School Kids’ Memorial, Children’s Cemetery, Flag Pole Plaza, and Rock Garden. An outdoor audio tour will guide your group across the campus, with stories of children’s lives.

3 – 7:00 pm Shop in one of the largest fishing, hunting and outdoor gear retail stores in the Midwest at Cabela’s. Inside the store, a mountain features 100 game mounts from throughout North America.

Museum-quality dioramas feature African plains game and the Big Five of African game. Three aquariums—holding over 54,000 gallons—display panfish, trout, gamefish and predator fish. Head on over to the Northwoods Cache Restaurant inside the store, for dinner with a view of the mountain.

7 – 9:00 pm Stop by the Little Theatre of Owatonna for a memorable production. Organized in April 1966, the Little Theatre brings culture and entertainment to Owatonna.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Gainey Conference Center at 855-446-4460 and gainey@stthomas.edu, or the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 800-423-6466 and oacct@owatonna.org.

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MN River Valley Scenic Byway

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STOP

Lac qui Parle Mission – Explore exhibits and artifacts illuminating the history of this reconstructed 1835 mission.

Birch Coulee Battlefield – Guideposts pinpoint the U.S. and Dakota positions at the site of one of the hardest-fought battles in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Lower Sioux Agency – Learn about the causes of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 through special programs and exhibits in the place where the war's first attack took place.

Fort Ridgely – Built in 1853 as a police station, it withstood several attacks in the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862.

Harkin Store – Step into an authentic general store, just as it was in the 1870s.

Traverse des Sioux – At this Minnesota River crossing you can walk the trails and view exhibits featuring the 1851 U.S.-Dakota land treaty, Dakota culture and the fur trade.

W.W. Mayo House – Take a tour of the 1859 home with knowledgeable guides and hear stories of the Mayo and Cosgrove families.

To find out more, contact the MN Historical Society, 888-601-3010 or www.mnhs.org.

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Visit the “Most German City in America!”

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one 10:00 – 12:00 pm Begin your visit at the spacious Visitor Center for a welcome reception of coffee, lemonade and mini-apple strudel. All the expected amenities are also on hand. Your experienced tour guide will meet you for a City Tour around this beautiful river valley town of 13,000 people.

12 – 12:15 pm You must stop at the Glockenspiel for a performance of the mechanical characters in the tree-lined plaza downtown.

12:30 – 1:30 pm Enjoy a meal at the venerable Kaiserhoff Restaurant

with selections of group-friendly meals. They have been serving groups since 1938 and know what they’re doing! German and American fare is available, as are several group menus.

1:45 – 3:15 pm You simply must tour the August Schell Brewery and leave time for their garden and gift shop. This is the second-oldest family brewery in America and the prettiest, as you’ll agree!

3:45 – 5:00 pm Visit the fascinating Harkin General Store from 1870. It is located along the banks of the Minnesota River 8 miles upriver from New Ulm on a pretty river valley road. About half the items

inside are from the 19th century and along with the costumed guides, it’s guaranteed to please your group!

6:30 – 8:00 pm Supper tonight is at historic Turner Hall where you will be amazed at the 1873-era murals of scenes of Germany in an authentic German-style ratskeller room. Enjoy an explanation and mini-tour of this founding institution of New Ulm before your meal.

This is a great place to have any number of musical acts entertain your group, ranging from concertina soloists to the 40-person Concord Singers who will serenade your group with their upbeat German folk songs. Hire the fun-inspiring, wooden masking group, The Narren, and your performance will turn into a party! Sleep will come easy tonight with great dreams of their day spent in New Ulm.

day two 9:30 – 12:00pm Tour the intriguing Minnesota Music Hall of Fame for a taste of the talents of the 160 inductees and their fascinating stories and artifacts. Then visit the elegant Governor John Lind’s home for a look into life in the 1800s and his beginnings in Sweden and end of career exploits in Mexico as personal envoy to President Wilson! Arrangements can be made for a light lunch with desserts before moving on.

12:00 pm Move on to the rest of your itinerary or continue seeing neighboring sites, such as the Sod Houses

by Sanborn, the Norwegian village of Hanska, the stunning church and museum in Sleepy Eye, the intriguing Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls and the cute Alpaca Farm in Morgan. Ask for help with the “Hub and Spoke” brochure for more ideas!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the New Ulm CVB at 888-463-9856 or visit www.GermansHaveMoreFun.com.

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Explore Minnesota

Dinner and a Show!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

BenLee’s Café

Welcome to Worthington! The perfect destination, located on Interstate 90, just minutes away from the South Dakota and Iowa borders. Its residents are helpful and friendly to visitors, and the Worthington Convention & Visitors Bureau staff can help make your group’s stay memorable.

Dayton House

1 – 2:00 pm Begin your time here with a visit to the Dayton House, built in 1890 as a residence for the George Draper Dayton family. George Dayton was a banker and real estate developer in Worthington before moving to Minneapolis shortly after 1900 to start Dayton’s Department Store. The Dayton house served as a family home for many years, and was later used as a nursing home. The house was purchased and restored

by Historic Worthington, Inc. and is available for tours.

2 – 3:00 pm Take a step back in time to the Pioneer Village. This popular attraction contains 40 restored buildings plus a museum of farm machinery reflecting the early years of Nobles County. Located adjacent to the Nobles County fairgrounds, the village is open weekdays and Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day. 3 – 4:30 pm Spend some time downtown and enjoy the quaint lighting, comfortable benches, decorative columns and pleasant music, all giving ambience for the wide variety of unique shops found downtown.

4:30 – 5:30 pm Check into your hotel. Worthington offers a variety of lodging choices to make your group comfortable.

5:30 – 7:00 pm Have a glass of wine and dinner at Worthington’s Ground Round Bar & Grill. Serving up a variety of delicious foods for all appetites!

7:15 – 9:15 pm Enjoy tonight’s performance at the Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center. Constructed in 1931, the renovated and newly restored building is one of the largest auditorium facilities in a wide region of Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Memorial Auditorium is a classic art deco performance center owned and operated by the City of Worthington.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact the Worthington Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-279-2919 or www.worthingtonmnchamber.com.

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Historic Fairmont This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

Fairmont is located off of I-90. Step off the beaten path as your group journeys through the many historical buildings that Fairmont has to offer.

Red Rock Center for the Arts

8 – 10:00 am Start out your morning at Martin County Historical Society: Pioneer Museum & Parsonage. This museum is filled with artifacts, documents and pictures that are arranged in historic displays that show the history of Martin County, MN. 10:00 – 12:00 pm Your next stop is at the Chubb House. Built by Dr. O. P. Chubb, this house was built using bricks fired locally from the clay of the banks of Buffalo Lake in 1867. The house began to be restored in 1992 after it had stood idle for quite some time.

12 – 1:00 pm Seek out one of Fairmont’s many local restaurant options such as The Ranch Family Restaurant or Bean Town Grill.

1 – 4:00 pm Take a tour through Yesteryear’s Pioneer Village at Heritage Acres. Heritage Acres is an agricultural interpretive center that is designed to tell the ongoing story of farming. Your group will explore a living rural experience on forty acres of rich Martin County prairie overlooking Fairmont’s beautiful Lake Sisseton.

4 – 6:00 pm Indulge in some fine art at the Red Rock Center for the Arts. This beautiful 1898 historic building is proud to display a wide variety of fine art from emerging to experienced artists. A new visual artist is featured every month. The Red Rock Center also offers a wide variety of entertainment for groups of all tastes.

6 – 7:00 pm Stop for supper at Serenade’s by the Lake and enjoy a classy lakeside dining experience.

Serenade’s Steakhouse & Grill is working hard to provide excellent service and great food in a spacious, relaxed environment.

7 – 9:00 pm The “Jewel of the Prairie” will provide you with historical arts and entertainment for the evening.

The magnificent Fairmont Opera House was erected in 1901 and is brimming with history to share with your group.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or the Fairmont Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-657-3280 or www.visitfairmontmn.com.

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directory Freeborn County Museum

accommodations metro

Country Inn & Suites Shoreview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-784-6000 5995 Rice Creek Parkway – Shoreview, MN 55126 carl.eriksson@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/shoreviewmn Easy access to Twin Cities attractions, such as U of M, Mall of America, National Sports Center, American Wings Air Museum, and minutes from downtown, count on us to be your best lodging choice in the area. Free hot breakfast, indoor pool and WiFi. Myre Big Island State Par k

Albert Lea Art Center

The Story of Freeborn County

Freeborn Cty Museum

8 – 10:00 am Welcome to Albert Lea! Start your day with a dive into Freeborn County’s history at the Freeborn County Museum, Library & Historical Village. The museum has unique, professionally designed exhibits that tell the story of a time when eight grades were educated in one room, the general store covered the needs not found in the vegetable garden, and when one horse-power was a luxury. Room settings, display cases, open exhibits, and miniature business settings create educational and fun experiences for your group.

10:00 – 12:00 pm Venture to the Antiques of the Midwest Mall located downtown to find a 6,000-square-foot multi-dealer mall with a complete general line of antiques, including furniture, toys and more.

12 – 1:00 pm Try out some local cuisine in downtown Albert Lea.

. . . . . . . . . . .651-439-4662 110 South Greeley Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 justformespa@justformespa.com / www.jusstformespa.com Your group will love an afternoon, evening or an entire day with a Just For Me Spa package. Our Spa packages are designed to guide your group on a journey of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Use of our whirlpool, pool and sauna is complimentary with all treatments.

Lowell Inn

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

Albert Lea, known as “The Land Between the Lakes,” is located at the intersection of I-35 and I-90.

Just For Me: the Spa

1:00 – 4:00 pm Get ready to spend an afternoon outside at Myre Big Island State Park. Visiting during the fall and spring will allow you to view the many species of migrating birds that use the wetlands, prairies and woodlands.

The state park is also home to the Esker Trail and the Big Island Trail and has a 6-mile paved trail that connects to the Blazing Star State Trail.

4 – 6:00 pm Learn about Midwest artists at the Albert Lea Art Center and Art on Broadway Gift Shop. The Art Center has a permanent collection of Midwest artists on display in its Hall Gallery. Each month different Midwest artists are invited to show in the Herfindahl and Storrer Galleries. In the Love Gallery, the Art Center invites new and upcoming artists to display their work. The gift shop includes unique gifts from jewelry to pottery, art supplies and special orders.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Albert Lea CVB at 800-345-8414 or visit www.albertleatourism.org.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-439-1100 102 2nd St N – Stillwater, MN 55082 / www.lowellinn.com Established in 1927, the Lowell Inn offers fine dining for groups and thirty-five newly restored rooms in beautiful downtown Stillwater. We are uniquely qualified to make your group’s experience with us perfect. We also can accommodate formal events and business meetings.

Water Street Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-439-6000 101 Water Street S – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.waterstreetinn.us The Water Street Inn is a distinctive and romantic 41-room Historic Inn located on the St. Croix River in Downtown Stillwater. Our accommodations, restaurant, Irish pub and conference facilities graciously blend the ambiance of an era gone by with the comforts of modern amenities. We know how to make your group’s experience memorable!

northern

AmericInn of Grand Rapids

. . . .218-326-8999 1812 Pokegama Ave S – Grand Rapids, MN 55744 grandrapids.mn@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/mn/grandrapids The birthplace of Judy Garland; drive the Wilderness National Scenic Byway, discover the history of the logging era at the Forest History Center. Enjoy the area’s 1,000 lakes or relax by our pool. Wake up to a free hot home-style breakfast.

AmericInn of Sartell . . . . . . . . . . . .320-259-0877 119 LeSauk Drive – Sartell, MN 56377 sartell.mn@americinn.com www.americinn.com/hotels/mn/sartell Stay at the hottest spot in the St. Cloud area, the AmericInn of Sartell. We’re on the border to everywhere. Experience a quiet night’s sleep with our soundguard guestrooms and wake up to our free enhanced continental breakfast.

AmericInn Silver Bay . . . . . . . . . . . 218-226-4300 150 Mensing Dr – Silver Bay, MN 55614 800-634-3444 www.americinn.com/hotels/mn/silverbay We are located in the heart of the North Shore, half of a mile from Lake Superior and minutes from the Superior National Forest. We are proud to provide the amenities you want most and deliver them at the highest level.

Country Inn & Suites, Baxter . . .218-828-2161 15058 Dellwood Drive N – Baxter, MN 56425 cx_baxt@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/baxtermn Enjoy being near state parks like White Sand Lake & Crow Wing, the Brainerd International Raceway and Paul Bunyan Land at This Old Pioneer Village, plays, arts exhibits, concerts, museums or relax by our pool. Wake up to a free hot breakfast. w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

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directory continued Country Inn & Suites Duluth North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218-740-4500 4257 Haines Road – Hermantown, MN 55811 cx_duln@countryinns.com www.countryinns.com/duluthmn_north From boats, trains and carriage rides to arts, theatre, and historical tours, there’s nothing like a visit to Duluth. We’ll provide the comforts of home and free hot breakfast so you can experience the scenic wonders.

Country Inn Walker

. . . . . . . . . . . .218-547-1400 442 Walker Bay Blvd. – Walker, MN 56484 manager@walkercountryinn.com www.walkercountryinn.com Minutes from downtown Walker’s unique shopping you will find something for everyone. Experience classic rock festivals, tour Forest Edge Winery or Leech Lake Brewery. Our warm décor, comfortable accommodations, complimentary breakfast and friendly staff are sure to make you feel right at home.

Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior. . 800-258-8736 5700 W Hwy 61, PO Box 9 – Lutsen, MN 55612 sales@lutsenresort.com / www.lutsenresort.com Historic property, located on Lake Superior’s shore, a spectacular stop for any group. Great lakeside restaurant, pub, massage services and beautiful grounds. There is a large beach, with evening campfires and frequent guest programs.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-4375 75 West 5th Street – Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.landmarkcenter.org Landmark Center serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and public forums, and hosts countless special events. Groups are always welcome!

Lift Bridge Brewing Co. . . . . . . . . 888-430-BEER 1900 Tower Drive West – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.liftbridgebrewery.com Tap into a different experience. This Micro Brewery is open year round for your group to experience a 45- 60 minute tour.

Learn the history of this brewery and how it went from brewing beer in a basement into a full-fledged brewery. . . . 651-259-3444 345 West Kellogg Blvd – Saint Paul, MN 55102 www.mnhs.org Chief caretaker of Minnesota’s story and the History Center is home to the Society’s vast collections. Within our archives reside artifacts ranging from American Indian moccasins and artwork to furniture and photographs. Civil War-era flags and a wealth of genealogical information.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival 952-445-7361 1244 Canterbury Road South #306 – Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com

Mystic Lake Casino - Hotel

Barb Oswell (contact) / www.odysseyresorts.com A Collection of Minnesota’s finest resorts. Outdoor beauty to indoor luxury. From the North Shore of Lake Superior to the banks of Leech Lake, the outdoors offers something for every group.

Northern Vineyards Winery

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218-326-8501 2301 S Highway 169 – Grand Rapids, MN 55744-9501 sawmill@uslink.net / www.sawmillinn.com

southern

Prior Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-496-7345 . . . . 651-430-1032 223 Main Street North – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.northernvineyards.com From the moment you enter our tasting room, feel the energy and enjoy the personal attention from our experienced tasting team. Have a glass or bottle of our award winning wine while relaxing on our deck overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River.

Saint Croix Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3310

attractions

6428 Manning Avenue North – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@scvines.com / www.scvines.com One of Minnesota’s largest and well known wineries. Your group will taste our wines, take a stroll in the vineyards and tour the winery. Our international award winning wines range from the intense, oak-aged Frontenac to our refreshing La Crescent Dessert Wine.

metro

St. Croix Boat and Packet . . . . . . 651-430-1234

Microtel Inn & Suites Mankato

. . . .507-388-2818

Microtel Inn & Suites Springfield . . .507-723-8200

BierCycle Adventures, LLC . . . . . 651-300-2202 222 Commercial Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.biercycleadventures.com BierCycle Adventures is Stillwater’s own multi-person pedal bike! Experience this small historic town in a way you never have before.

Cooks of Crocus Hill

. . . . . . . . . . . 651-228-1333 877 Grand Avenue – Saint Paul, MN 55105 www.cooksofcrocushill.com Engage, connect and explore with our culinary workshops! We’ve created an interactive experience that allows for creativity and takes the mystery out of Italy’s most famous eats. Cooks will prepare the salad & dessert and guests dig in & roll out a variety of homemade pastas or design their own flavor of pizza to share.

Foodies on Foot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-236-6343 Stillwater, MN / www.FoodiesOnFootMN.com Experience the tastes of Stillwater on one of our Guided Tours.

Enjoy our MN rich culinary heritage through an exclusive adventure where your group will experience Stillwater’s distinctive food & warm hospitality...One bite at a time on foot!

Gondola Romantica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-439-1783 425 East Nelson Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@gondolaromantica.com / www.gondolaromantica.com

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2014-15

Lutsen Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-406-1319 Lutsen www.lutsen.com The highest peak in MN. Stunning views of Lake Superior.

The 200-mile Superior hiking trail and some of the finest accommodations on the North Shore. Ski it in the winter, see it all from the gondola in the summer, plus so much more.

Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery Kimball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-398-2081

southern

Wanda Gag House New Ulm. . . . . . . 507-359-2632

Minnesota Historical Society

Odyssey Resorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-728-8060

Sawmill Inn

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Landmark Center

525 Main Street South – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwaterriverboats.com At St. Croix Boat & Packet we offer daily public lunch and dinner cruises, as well as private charter cruises. Our beautiful paddlewheel riverboats can accommodate groups of 25 to 675. Contact us today, we would be happy to assist you in planning a group tour.

Stillwater Trolley Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-0352 400 Nelson Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwatertrolley.com

Wabasha Street Caves . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-1220 215 Wabasha Street South – Saint Paul, MN 55107 www.wabashastreetcaves.com Down In History has exciting historic tours done by costumed characters. Historic Walking Cave Tours in Saint Paul and Stillwater. Motorcoach Gangster Tours, Irish Tours, Tacky Tours, Ghost & Graves Tours, & More! We make history fun!

northern

Fond-du-Luth Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 218-720-5113 129 East Superior St – Duluth, MN 55802 / www.fdlrez.com Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Duluth and offering guests a variety of gaming entertainment choices for adults 21 and older. It’s all provided in a clean, friendly and comfortable environment!

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers metro

Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-675-5546 1501 Central Parkway – Eagan MN 55121 denise@eaganmn.com / www.eaganmn.com Eagan makes planning your next group outing easy! Personal service includes custom and creative itineraries, FREE welcome bags and FREE Mall of America coupon books ($9.95 value) You’ll also enjoy our low 3% lodging tax. Ask how to qualify for our $250 cash rebate.

Stillwater & Oak Park Heights CVB . . . . . . . .651-351-1717 PO Box 2025 – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.discoverstillwater.com Historic Stillwater, Minnesota is located along the banks of the scenic St. Croix River. Our many unique shops, restaurants, lodging establishments & attractions make a perfect group destination. Located within 30 min. of most major Twin Cities metro attractions.

Tour Minnesota Association . . . .952-406-8832 PO Box 11682 – Saint Paul, MN 55111 info@tourmn.org / www.tourmn.org TMA members provide exciting destinations and top quality services for tour groups. Our member organizations include Attractions, Lodging, Dining/Catering, CVB’s, Transportation and Tour Operations. Check out the website for a full list of members.

northern

St. Cloud Area Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-251-4170 525 Hwy 10, Suite 1 – St. Cloud, MN 56304 800-264-2940 jean@granitecountry.com www.granitecountry.com Among the many attractions are world-class gardens, history, granite, and great places to stay and eat. The St. Cloud CVB takes pride in helping you plan the perfect getaway. Creativity is key to the success of your group tour.

Little Falls CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-616-4959 606 1st Street SE – Little Falls, MN 56345 www.littlefallsmn.com Visit our historic attractions and museums, experience the town’s original murals and frescoes or take in the great outdoors. We’re happy to customize a tour for your group!

Warroad Area Chamber . . . . . . . . . 218-386-3543 311 State Avenue North – Warroad, MN 56763 www.warroad.org

1-877-832-7267

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Explore Minnesota

Read ITINERARIES Midwest Online.

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directory southern

entertainment & theater

Rafters Restaurant Night Club & Event Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-342-1502

Albert Lea CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-373-2316

metro

317 South Main Street – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.stillwaterrafters.com Take advantage of our beautiful view of the St. Croix River in our historic building for all your private parties and events. Our events team can help you plan the perfect event. Extensive menus and of course our 24 craft beers on tap and creative cocktails will leave an impression on you …and best of all: we do all the work!

102 W Clark Street – Albert Lea, MN 56007 800-345-8414 cvbdirector@albertlea.org / www.albertleatourism.org Located 90 minutes from Minneapolis, where I-90 & I-35 intersect, featuring small town hospitality with big city amenities. Plus additional lakes and 38 city parks hosting various outdoor activities.

Explore Southern Minnesota Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-868-7476 ext 162 115 East Hickory #403 – Mankato, MN 56001 www.exploresouthernminnesota.com You’ll be surprised…at what you’ll find in southern Minnesota!

With many scenic byways, festivals, parks & trails, historic sites, caves, bluffs, waterfalls & so much more, it makes a perfect destination for any group.

History Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-4323 30 10th Street East – Saint Paul, MN 55101 jvaughn@historytheatre.com / www.historytheatre.com

northern

Pioneer Place on Fifth. . . . . . . . . . 320-203-0331 St. Cloud, MN 56301 The intimate space means the audience is up close and personal with the performers. The statement of “not a bad seat in the house” certainly holds true for Pioneer Place.

A Professional theater experience for your group without the hassle of metro traffic.

Fairmont CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-657-3280 323 East Blue Earth, PO Box 976 – Fairmont, MN 56031 www.visitfairmontmn.com Fairmont the “City of Lakes” awaits your arrival. Located in southern Minnesota on Interstate 90 we have a range of lodging and dining options to fit your needs. Lakes, history, open spaces, discover Fairmont!

New Ulm CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507-233-4300 1 North Minnesota, PO Box 862 888-463-9856 New Ulm, MN 56073 / www.newulm.com Enjoy the “Most German City in America” with a complete tour operation, including Welcome Reception, ample restrooms, experienced guides, and personalized itinerary assistance.

Your group will love the numerous genuine attractions and evening entertainment options.

Northfield Area Chamber of Commerce

. . . . . . . . .800-658-2548 205 3rd Street West – Northfield, MN 55057 www.northfieldchamber.com Located just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities along the shores of the Cannon River. Whether you enjoy the arts, history or nature, you’ll find multiple outlets for education as well as opportunities for relaxation and live entertainment.

Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce

. . . . . . . . .507-451-7970 320 Hoffman Dr – Owatonna, MN 55060 800-423-6466 www.owatonna.org Located in south central MN, 45 minutes from Mpls/Saint Paul on I-35. Come “discover our faces & places” - filled with historical, recreational & cultural opportunities as well as nearly 700 guest rooms to accommodate any group.

Preston Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

. . . . . . . .507-765-2100 PO Box 657 – Preston, MN 55965 www.prestonmntourism.com Preston is a vibrant community in the heart of bluff country, known as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital”, and home to the Forestville Mystery Cave. Preston welcomes groups offering a variety of entertaining, educational, and recreational activities.

Willmar Lakes Area CVB . .800-845-8747 ext 79 2104 Highway 12 East – Willmar, MN 56201 www.willmarlakesarea.com Visit the Willmar Lakes Area. Only 2 hours west of Minneapolis/Saint Paul. 360 lakes, 36 parks, 81 holes of golf – and that’s just on the drive in! Let our staff help put together a getaway for your group.

Worthington Area CVB

. . . . . . . . . . .507-372-2919 1121 Third Ave – Worthington, MN 56187 www.worthingtonmnchamber.com Worthington is a friendly community in the Southwest corner of MN. Bring your group here for some fantastic tours, including the Pioneer Village, Historic Dayton House, and War Memorial Auditorium. w w w. i t i n e r a r i e s m i d w e s t . c o m

festivals & events metro

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

. . . . . . . . . . 952-445-7361 1244 Canterbury Road South #306 – Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com

Minnesota State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . 651-632-2689 1265 Snelling Avenue North – Saint Paul, MN 55108 www.mnstatefair.org The great Minnesota Get-Together. Local, national and internationally-known entertainers, horse show and rodeo performances, Mighty Midway and Kidway rides, competitions, exhibits, attractions and concessions.

southern

Wilder Pageant Walnut Grove. . . . . . . 888-859-3102

restaurants metro

Buca di Beppo

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 952-892-7272 14300 Burnhaven Drive – Burnsville, MN 55306 www.bucadibeppo.com In the spirit of Italian culture, our dishes are served family-style, ideal for sharing. We can accommodate any group event or budget - so sit back, relax, and let us do the planning. Salute!

Cherokee Tavern Saint Paul. . . . . . . . 651-457-2729

northern

Café Renaissance Waite Park . . . . . . 320-253-9300 Coyote Moon Grille

. . . . .320-258-4653 ext 113 480 55th Ave SE – St. Cloud, MN 56304 Overlooking the beautiful Territory Golf Course with a view second to none. Conveniently located on the East side of St. Cloud near the Paramount Theater, Munsinger Gardens, and other local attractions. Inclusive group pricing on lunch buffet and plated dinner menus. Private rooms available.

Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse

. . . . . . . 320-252-3838 Waite Park / www.fujisushihibachi.com

Mr. Twisty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-310-0314 5821 Ridgewood Road – St. Cloud, MN 56303 www.mrtwistyicecream.com St. Cloud’s coolest hot spot! Serving up delectable ice cream creations, this walk-up shop is reminiscent of the ones you rode your bike to as a kid. The treats, low prices and friendly atmosphere keep guests coming back.

Nick’s Third Floor at D.B. Searle’s St. Cloud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-253-0655

southern

Pub 500 Mankato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-625-6500 Veigel’s Kaiserhoff New Ulm

. . . . . . 507-359-2071

shopping metro

Northland Visions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 612-872-0390 1113 E Franklin Avenue – Minneapolis, MN 55404 Specializing in Native American art from the Woodlands and Plains tribes. Sculptures, paintings, beadwork, jewelry, native foods, original native and traditional art, gifts of the northlands, offering unique, all Minnesota gifts.

The Dock Café

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3770 425 Nelson St E – Stillwater, MN 55082 / www.dockcafe.com Your group will love our scenic views of the St. Croix River Valley during their dining experience. With our wonderful food and professional service, your event is sure to be a success.

Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter

. . . . . 651-439-7128 8390 Lofton Avenue North – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.gasthausbavarianhunter.com

Grand Banquet Hall and Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-3770 301 2nd Street South – Stillwater, MN 55082 www.grandbanquethall.com Our services and menu are available for locations throughout Stillwater and the surrounding area to accommodate all of your group needs. Or you may want to enjoy our ballroom with beautiful stained glass décor, with space for over 300 guests and a generous dance floor and antiqued bar.

tour operators metro

Foodies on Foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 855-236-6343 Stillwater, MN / www.FoodiesOnFootMN.com

Valley Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-439-6110 101 Pine Street West #4 – Stillwater, MN 55082 info@valleytours.com / www.valleytours.com Let us help you show your group the best sightseeing tours of quaint Stillwater and other rivertowns. Visit Victorian homes, historic sites and attractions. Tours include professional guides in Victorian dress, lodging, dining, riverboat cruises, etc. We make arrangements for bus groups, senior citizens, corporations, churches, etc.

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more missouri small towns…

Hannibal This community is best known as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain and as the setting of his famous novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Sample cave-aged cheese or take in some fine art and relax on a cruise down the Mississippi. There are many fun things to see and do in Hannibal.

Learn more about the Titanic’s Unsinkable Molly Brown, enjoy some mini golf, tour a historic mansion or go hunting for spirits from beyond.

Once your group arrives, you’ll discover friendly people, rich history and unique experiences.

Lake of the Ozarks / Osage Beach Lake of the Ozarks’ central location, affordability, and unique attractions make it the perfect destination for a motorcoach stop. They have something for everyone, like shopping trips for the ladies at the largest outlet mall in the state. Plan golf trips for golf groups and choose from 15 championship courses. Or plan a wine lover’s delight on their six-winery wine trail. Or maybe just relax on a scenic cruise on the lake or take in a great music show at Main Street Music Hall.

spotlight missouri

Parkville

Eminence estled in the heart of the Missouri Ozark hills, Eminence is a quaint town with big opportunities. With the Jack’s Fork River flowing into the Current River, Eminence abounds with natural beauty and is home to many amazing springs that rank among the world’s largest!

The abundant caves, waterfalls and springs offer numerous opportunities to view wildlife, including wild horses! There are quaint shops downtown and a diverse array of restaurants, as well as plenty of group-friendly lodging options. Visit the 100-year-old gristmill at Alley Spring with its beautiful turquoise water (open Memorial Day through Labor Day). Take a tour and view exhibits describing the historic milling process and visit the one-room schoolhouse located 1/8th mile from the mill. Other Eminence activities include a 9-hole golf course, rental horses for a trail ride, and of course the many picturesque springs. Come visit this small town where the hills and rivers meet.

N

Missouri: Close to home. Far from ordinary.

Historic Downtown Parkville is filled with an eclectic array of shops.

Whether you’re looking for art, antiques, one-of-a-kind boutiques, gadgets, home décor, fashion, embellishments, or collectibles, you’ll find it here. The restaurants and eateries provide a wide range of dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, French or good ol’ American fare, this is the place for you. Be sure to visit during one of their fun festivals. From music and beer festivals, to classic car shows, to Christmas on the River, Historic Downtown Parkville has events to suit all groups!

St. Charles With big city amenities and small town charm, St. Charles has what it takes to be your go-to destination for group travel with attractions and activities to entertain any group.

St. Charles is known for its historic architecture, specialty stores and antiques, lovely parks, and various recreation complexes. Shop your way down Main Street, savor the local restaurants, take a carriage ride along the historic brick-paved streets, or gamble in the casino. Travel a short distance to the rolling hills of Historic Missouri Wine Country, where you'll discover tranquil towns, an array of award-winning wines, scenic vineyards, fabulous food, and more.

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Close to home. Far from ordinary.

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Candy House Chocolate Factory

Art & Chocolate in Joplin!

This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

Welcome to Joplin! Centrally located at the intersection of interstates 44 & 49 and the birthplace of Route 66, Joplin has unique history you won’t find anywhere else.

8 – 10:00 am Start off your morning of murals at Joplin’s Welcome Center. Here you will find a mural that draws from the stories, natural formations, and interests of the region.

Kansas City artist Matthew Dehaemers created this mural that captures the imagination of visitors while piquing curiosity about Joplin culture. The left half of the mural glorifies the history of the area, while the right half showcases outdoor treasures.

10:00 – 12:00 pm Venture over to City Hall where you will find three murals: Joplin at the Turn of the Century, Evolution of a Mural, and Route 66. Through these murals your group will get a taste of who artist Thomas Hart Benton was, and how Anthony Benton Gude—his grandson— perceived Joplin in the mid-20th century.

12 – 1:00 pm Enjoy lunch at one of Joplin’s many restaurants.

1 – 3:00 pm This afternoon starts at the birthplace of Historic Route 66. Between 7th Street and Schifferdecker

Avenue, lies some of the first roadway laid for Missouri’s Route 66. This strip linked Oklahoma and Kansas to Joplin and became America’s Main Street.

3 – 5:00 pm Stop for a snack at the original Candy House two miles south of Joplin and then back into town to visit the Candy House Chocolate Factory. With windows made for watching candy makers in action, this facility includes a large retail showroom for sharing Candy House treats. Be sure to check out the free samples, large sugar-free selection, Route 66 treats, and in-store specials at both locations.

5 – 8:00 pm Wind down and take a stroll through the Sandstone

Gardens. As the premiere home and garden destination in the Midwest, Sandstone Gardens amazes. Wander through handmade Euro-stone collections and botanicals and explore the 38,000-square-foot home interiors gallery. Enjoy an exquisite meal at Sandstone Bistro before your departure.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for you group, please contact your tour operator or Carrie Puffinbarger at the Joplin CVB by phone at 800-657-2534, email at cpuffinba@joplinmo.org, or online at www.visitjoplinmo.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Joplin CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-657-2534 602 South Main Street – Joplin, MO 64801 cpuffinba@joplinmo.org www.visitjoplinmo.com Joplin, located near the crossroads of I-44 and Hwy 71, is perfect for your group destination. Call for your group tour services and custom itinerary planning.

St. Joseph CVB . . . . . . . . . . . 800-785-0360 109 South 4th Street – St. Joseph, MO 64501 cvb@stjomo.com www.stjomo.com/stjogrouptours.aspx Recently named America’s “Top Ten Western City” by True West Magazine, we are a city abounding in 19th century charm and timeless beauty.

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more nebraska small towns…

Cambridge This beautiful small town in southwestern Nebraska is located right off of historic U.S. Route 6 & 34 and is home to the Medicine Creek State Recreation Area. Touted as Nebraska’s “Most Scenic Lake” by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, the area boasts 29 miles of shoreline and encompasses some 8,500 acres of public land and water.

Enjoy a lively array of restaurants, stores and services, as well as the longest 18-hole public golf course in the state. Don’t miss Christmas in Cambridge – annually in December.

spotlight nebraska

Nebraska City Nebraska City has history around every corner. Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center that sits on a scenic wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri River. 90 acres of Nebraska City is home to the Kimmel Orchard Educational Foundation. They hold varieties of pick-your-own seasonal fruits and have delicious goodies in the historic Apple Barn. The town’s newest museum chronicles the evolution of firefighting and fire safety by the city’s 150-year-old fire department. Enjoy a meal in Lied Lodge’s on-site restaurant, the Timber Dining Room. Local, sustainable food is served under soaring timbers and alongside sweeping views of Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.

Ogallala

Fort Calhoun

F

ort Calhoun is rich in history and is home to the Lewis & Clark Council Bluff, the historic Frahm House and the Washington County Museum, housing prehistoric artifacts, Native American clothing and relics, and early farm tools and equipment.

A Thomas Edison exhibit is also on display. In close proximity to Fort Calhoun are Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge, Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, and Desoto Bend National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, city parks, trails and views of the Missouri River Valley are abundant. Discover pioneer life in the 1800s at Fort Atkinson, one of Nebraska’s premier historical sites and the state’s first military post. Visit the workshops of the blacksmith, carpenter, tinsmith, cooper, and more. Several living-history weekends are scheduled throughout the year, and their annual Candlelight Tour features scripted, first-person mystery dramatizations of actual historic events that took place on the grounds.

Nebraska: Possibilities…endless

If your group is looking for Old West history, then Ogallala is for you! View art created from petrified wood, as well as an impressive collection of Native American arrowheads and artifacts at the Petrified Wood Gallery.

The Front Street Steakhouse & Crystal Palace Saloon houses a museum of local antiques and artifacts, as well as an old time saloon that hosts a nightly revue in the summer. Enjoy grass-fed beef and hand-cut fries at the homemade and locally sourced Open Range Grill. The cows are raised just 20 miles outside of town, for a burger like no other!

Valentine From the rolling Sandhills to the winding Niobrara River, there’s always adventure to be found in Valentine. The history of Sandhills ranch life is on display at Arthur Bowring Ranch State Historical Park.

The ranch was preserved as a turn-of-the-20th-century working cattle ranch and living history museum. A driving tour through Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge allows your group to find a herd of bison, elk, and a prairie dog town.

On display in the visitor center are fossils of long-jawed mastodons, giant bison, and three-toed horses.

Or visit Centennial Hall, the oldest standing high school building in Nebraska—rumored to be haunted!

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north dakota small towns…

Harvey Did you know that Harvey has its own coffee roaster? Have the owner at The Grain Bin Coffee show you around the place and try some of their famous blends. Stop by Soo Line Park and take a group photo with the old 440 Soo Line steam engine. This 1903 classic is a featured stop on North Dakota’s Railroad History Trail. If you’re looking for the perfect gift, antique or jewelry, visit Ta Ahni, Inc. In addition to great shopping, they have a fantastic wine bar, coffee bistro and lounge area, so be sure to sit a spell in this tranquil setting.

Pembina was first inhabited by indigenous people like the Assiniboine, Chippewa, and Lakota, and became a stop for many early explorers and fur traders due to the Hudson Trading Company’s bustling trading post. The small town is home to a Motor Coach Industry plant that builds intercity buses and the Pembina State Museum, which offers a seven-story observation tower with views of the Red River Valley. See its permanent and rotating exhibits featuring regional history and purchase handcrafted local items in the gift shop. This place is truly a hidden gem.

Portal North Dakota has more golf courses per capita than any other state and getting tee times is unbelievably easy. Portal offers a unique golf experience at Gateway Cities Golf Club. This course is right on the border of Canada and the United States. The big attraction for this 9-hole course is that eight holes are in Canada and one is in the United States. The course even spans across two different time zones! The clubhouse is located on the United States side. Golf groups would love the uniqueness of this stop!

Wahpeton On the grand scale of things, Wahpeton is still a small town.

It sits at the head of the Red River and its downtown district retains much of its older historic buildings and offers many locally owned, unique shopping and entertainment opportunities. Visit the Red Door Art Gallery, showcasing a wide variety of items mainly from local artists. A totally reconstructed main street – Dakota Avenue – has been developed into a beautiful streetscape and cultural center for businesses, visitors, and residents.

And we can't forget the Chahinkapa Zoo, where 200 animals representing 6 continents and 70 species reside.

spotlight north dakota

Pembina

Regent

T

here’s something to be said about trying to keep the spirit alive in a small town. The Enchanted Highway is a great example of this effort! Groups will love the tour along this highway—a 32-mile stretch of paved county road between Regent and Gladstone. View gigantic, north-facing tin sculptures along the interstate including the world’s largest outdoor sculpture: Geese in Flight. There’s also a depiction of Teddy Roosevelt riding a bucking horse, a covey of pheasants, and the world’s largest grasshopper. It’s all part of the Enchanted Highway Collection, conceived by sculptor Gary Greff, who completed his seventh and most complicated sculpture in 2007 called Fisherman’s Dream.

This impressive piece of art features metal fish leaping 70 feet through a metal pond surface.

The next Enchanted Highway project will be a giant spider web crawling with metal arachnids.

Oh boy, look out for that one along the highway!

North Dakota: Legendary

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Legendary

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Minot: The Magic City!

This sample itinerary is best in the fall months, but can be customized for any time of year.

Visit Minot is happy to extend your group an invitation to explore the magic of Minot! Centrally located in the beautiful state of North Dakota and surrounded by Midwest hospitality, you are sure to find a home away from home. Minot is home to North America’s Largest Scandinavian Festival, Norsk Hostfest, held each fall.

This festival features world-class entertainment and authentic Scandinavian cuisine and culture from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Minot offers over 3,000 hotel rooms and a one-of-a-kind bed & breakfast to accommodate groups of all sizes with a variety of convenient amenities.

10 – 11:00 am Welcome to Minot! Your group’s first stop is at the Dakota Territory Air Museum. This museum shows the rich and varied story of the region’s aviation history. In addition to a replica of the Wright Flyer, the museum displays military and civilian aircraft from 1903 through the present. There are exhibits, narratives, kiosks, military uniforms, aviation items, memorabilia, paintings, photographs and a gift shop.

11:00 am – Noon Stop at Ebeneezer’s Eatery & Irish Pub for a pint and some authentic bangers and mash!

Noon – 2:00 pm Enjoy the outdoors at Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only outdoor museum in the world that features all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Located in the heart of the Magic City, the park includes a 240-year-old log house from Norway, a replica stabbur, 25-foot-tall Swedish Dala horse, the Gol Stave Church Museum, Finnish sauna, Danish windmill, statues, map plaza, picnic shelter, walking path, and gift shop.

2 – 3:00 pm Visit the Old Soo Depot Transportation Museum & Western History Research Center, housed in the handsomely restored 1912 Soo Line Depot. The museum focuses on the history of transportation in the American West including railroads, automobiles, buses, and aviation.

3 – 5:00 pm Get ready to walk through a piece of history in Eastwood Park National Historic District. The development of Eastwood Park began in 1906 and by the mid 1920s it was home to many of Minot’s founding families. Architectural styles represented in the area include Princess Anne, English Tudor, and craftsman style bungalows. A walk through Eastwood

Park, from the Central Avenue Bridge, west to Roosevelt Park, is a walk through a piece of history preserved for the future.

5 – 8:00 pm Enjoy an evening of entertainment at Norsk Hostfest!

This annual fall tradition celebrates the proud Scandinavian heritage of Minot and is the largest festival of its kind in all of North America.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact Visit Minot at 701-857-8206 or go to www.visitminot.org.

To schedule a group tour for the Pure Scandimonium of Norsk Hostfest, please call 701-852-2368 or visit www.hostfest.com.

directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 800-235-7654 2001 44th Street South – Fargo, ND 58103 www.fargomoorhead.org The Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau is eager to assist with your tour planning. Whether you are looking for a group-friendly restaurant, accessibility to the interstate, motorcoach parking or full continental breakfast, your tour experience is our priority.

Visit Minot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 800-264-2626 Minot / visitminot.org Whether you’re in town for the day, weekend or longer, we invite you to explore the magic of our city. Take a leisurely walk at one of our historic parks, visit exotic animals at the Roosevelt Park Zoo and then treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of our local restaurants. Unwind and spend the night at one of our many hotels and start making plans for the following day.

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south dakota small towns…

Canton Stroll the historic main streets of downtown Canton, across from the Village Square. Browse Canton’s different stores, stop for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, and enjoy the beautifully restored downtown district at your leisure. Discover that “just right” piece of china in one store, or an elusive article of Stickley furniture in another. Or just window shop! Enjoy a delicious hand-cut steak dinner at their Black Angus Steakhouse. Make a day of it! Groups are always welcome at Canton Square.

Custer is the oldest town in the Black Hills. Located in the heart of the Black Hills National Forest, it’s just minutes from the adventures of Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and two national caves. Explore the history of the Black Hills and Dakota Territory at the 1881 Courthouse Museum, one of several museums in the area.

Do some shopping! Antiques and custom-made jewelry, fur hats, and bear claws are just a few of the treasures waiting for you. When you get hungry, enjoy homemade pies, chuckwagon suppers, and buffalo burgers. Let Custer make your trip to the Black Hills unforgettable.

Elk Point Nestled on Main Street, you’ll find Edgar’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain. This is an Elk Point treasure that brings back the images and tastes of yesteryear. The soda fountain features everything you would have expected around the turn of the century: handmade ice cream treats, dog-eared soda fountain manuals, a white marble countertop and vintage iron rod tables. It’s a special place, a place to remember a better, simpler time.

Their soda, phosphate, and ice cream creations have recipes, many of which date back to the turn of the century. Your group will love this trip down memory lane!

Hill City With access to the Mickelson Trail and close proximity to western South Dakota’s wondrous caves, adventure is always within reach in Hill City.

Enjoy a ride on the 1880 Train, a helicopter ride, or a thrilling outing on a zipline. Experience the Old West with a meal at the Circle B Chuckwagon, see where the scenes of some major Hollywood movies were filmed, or hop in the saddle for a trail ride! Hill City asserts itself as a primary location for regional art of all mediums. Take a gallery walk on Main Street to see the five art galleries.

spotlight south dakota

Custer

Wall part from the great scenery found in this area, Wall offers a warm and welcoming small town atmosphere.

The town resides on the “wall” of the Badlands and is aptly named. Wall is “The Window to the West, Gateway to the Badlands,” and home to the world-famous Wall Drug Store.

From their beginning in 1931 to today, Wall Drug has evolved into a 76,000-square-foot wonderland of FREE attractions and a shopping emporium of 26 stores! Groups can easily spend a couple hours here and still not see it all. This American experience includes the Western Mall, Western Art Gallery, and a restaurant that seats 520 guests!

Enjoy hot roast beef sandwiches, buffalo burgers, 5-cent coffee and homemade donuts and rolls, some of which have been filmed for the National Food Network!

Hear the story of how it all began. It’s a made-in-America story of the finest kind.

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South Dakota: Great Faces. Great Places.

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Great Faces. Great Places.

Read ITINERARIES Midwest Online.

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www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Crazy Horse Memorial

America’s Favorite Roadside Attraction!

This sample itinerary is best spring through fall.

9 – 9:30 am Begin your day with a peek into the famous Wall Drug.

Enjoy 5-cent coffee and homemade donuts and rolls.

9:30 – 10:30 am Walk next door to Wounded Knee, The Museum. This location serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives at Wounded Knee Creek, December 28, 1890.

Watch a short informative movie, visit with a tribal member and browse their gift shop. Adjacent to Wounded Knee is Lakota Ways, who will set up something special for your group, involving their culture, their craft and dances.

10:30 – 11:30 am Also just a few steps away is The National

Grasslands Visitor Center. Their great staff at this modern center focuses on interpreting and providing information on the National Grasslands. It features over 20 exhibits highlighting a variety of subjects.

Learn about all the grasslands and how important it is to keep these special places for the plants and animals that live there. Find out why The Badlands are surrounded by grasslands. The gift shop is a must-stop on your way out.

11:30 – 2:30 pm Time for lunch! Walk back to the Western Art Gallery Restaurant, featuring the largest privately owned western and illustration art collection in the country, and famous for its hot beef sandwiches, buffalo

burgers, and of course that 5-cent coffee. Browse their shopping area to find a great selection of Western items, authentic native South Dakota Jackalopes, exquisite fine art and a unique assortment of souvenirs.

2:30 – 3:30 pm Set your course upon the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. This approximately 30-mile drive cuts through the middle of breathtaking formations of Badlands National Park. As the byway follows the natural contours of the Badlands escarpment, it also weaves in and out of the native grasslands and scenic overlooks, with names like Seabed Jungle, Pinnacles and Prairie Wind, offering outstanding photo opportunities.

3:30 pm Welcome to Rapid City! Centrally located in the wonders of the Black Hills, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial, Rapid City provides unique historic attractions and one-of-a-kind views, all for a low group cost. With an abundance of accommodations, restaurants, activities, shopping and a great central location, it’s the perfect hub for time spent touring the marvels of the Black Hills. Enjoy your time in Rapid City!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact your tour operator or visit www.LakotaWays.com.

directory attractions Lakota Ways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 866-601-5103 600 Main Street 303 – Wall, SD 57790 www.lakotaways.com Raise a tipi, wear authentic tribal face paint, eat a buffalo burger, or dance at a powwow. Visit the most famous Native American reservation in the world: Pine Ridge. While there, pay reverent homage to the open air Wounded Knee Massacre site and be welcomed by friendly, expert informed local village descendants of the 1890 & 1973 Wounded Knee survivors. Your group tour experience cannot get any more ‘Native’ than that.

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more wisconsin small towns…

Hayward Come enjoy the serenity of the North Woods in Hayward. Look for the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum that showcases North America’s fishing heritage with 100,000 artifacts and a 40-foot fiberglass muskie! Feel like a true northerner in Lumberjack Village where you can find dining, shops, and Scheer’s Lumberjack Show.

Enjoy one of many places to eat such as The Landing, Hayward Bakery & Cheese Shop, Rookery Pub, West’s Hayward Dairy, and The Steakhouse & Lodge. When you’re ready to settle down for the night, check out the Treeland Resort – a true North Woods resort on the lakefront.

New Glarus

Stockholm Explore the Great River Road along Beautiful Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River to find the small town of Stockholm. Stockholm is a Swedish-founded town with galleries and shops, Scandinavian foods, and festivals that combine old-world heritage with new creative expression.

Shop Abode Store & Gallery to find a variety of original river themed art.

Get a taste of Wisconsin at Stockholm General, with cheeses and collections of Wisconsin-made wines and beer. Stockholm Pottery & Mercantile sells beautiful, functional stoneware. Have lunch at the Stockholm Pie Company where you can get potpies and savory pies—or just skip right to dessert!

Sturgeon Bay Sturgeon Bay has three darling lighthouses, a beautiful waterfront setting, a downtown full of interesting shops, excellent places to eat and nearly two-dozen Bed & Breakfasts – plus it’s sandwiched between two gorgeous state parks. With the 1899 lighthouse tower behind it, the canal station on Lake Michigan is a twofer for lighthouse fans, and there’s a third lighthouse at the other end of town, on Green Bay’s Sherwood Point. Downtown includes dinner options and shopping.

Don’t miss Christmas By the Bay, annually in November!

spotlight wisconsin

Welcome to America’s Little Switzerland! This town near Madison, once almost wholly Swiss, has hung onto its heritage with a vengeance.

In New Glarus, being Swiss means much more than cuckoo clocks, cowbells and fondue. There are many reasons to visit, but it’s worth a stop just to pick up a bag of pastries, Linzer bars, or nut horns from the New Glarus Bakery. Have a pint of Edel-Pils from Puempel’s Tavern or schedule a tour of the New Glarus Brewery, located on the outskirts of town.

Bayfield t the top of Wisconsin is the beautiful, down to earth town of Bayfield. With no drive-thru meals, it is here where stress and schedules drift away on the sun-kissed waves of Lake Superior. Visit Maggie’s—Bayfield’s original legendary eatery—or Greunke’s Restaurant & First Street Inn for some delicious whitefish livers.

In fact, one of the town mottos is “Real Tourists Eat Whitefish Livers!” Bayfield has a few blocks of shops, most displaying the work of North Woods artists, and coffeehouses, which sell pastries made with the marvelous organic strawberries, raspberries and apples grown on the ridge above town. On Madeline Island, visit beautiful beaches at a state park, or travel to the Apostle Islands for sea caves, sand dunes and shipwrecks. Walk along the bay, or on a nature trail around a restored 1912 iron bridge. Big Top Chautauqua brings foot-stomping musicals or enjoy a funky nightspot at Tom’s Burned-down Café.

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Travel Wisconsin

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Travel Wisconsin

Wisconsin Dells Indoors This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of the year.

House on the Rock

Read ITINERARIES Midwest Online.

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Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World” located off of I-90 on the Wisconsin River.

8 – 11:00 am Start your morning out in Spring Green at The House on the Rock. Alex Jordan’s retreat was built atop a chimney of rock. Alex expanded his vision beyond the house and collected and built on a massive scale, creating an attraction with some of the world’s most unique collections. Head into Wisconsin Dells for the rest of your day.

11 – 1:00 pm Spend lunch at the Cheese Factory Restaurant.

A popular and frequent stop for families craving healthier food, you will find lunch served in a warm, well lit, converted old cheese factory building

surrounded by lush gardens.

1 – 3:00 pm Take a slow train ride at the Mid-Continent Railway Museum. The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/short line way of life during the “Golden Age of Railroading.”

3 – 5:00 pm Visit Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark at the Kalahari Resort. Even if it is cold outside, inside you can enjoy a full summer experience with slides, lazy river, spas, activity pools and so much more!

5 – 6:00 pm Enjoy Top Secret, A Highly Classified Experience tour through an upside down White House! See the White House basement where all the Top Secret information is stored.

6 – 7:30 pm Fine dining awaits your group tonight at Copper Oak Steak House. An open-flame grill features a fine selection of beef charbroiled over Wisconsin hickory and Texas mesquite. You can find extensive selections of export and import wines, hearty appetizers, delicious homemade soups, and freshly prepared specialty salads. The Copper Oak proudly features specialty desserts created in their own bakery.

7:30 – 9:00 pm One last stop brings you into H.H. Bennett Studio.

H.H. Bennett—landscape photographer, inventor & promoter—was “the man who made Wisconsin Dells famous.” Tour Bennett’s 1875 photography studio and explore 6,000 feet of interactive exhibits. Experience the 3-D effect of Bennett’s stereo photographs using handheld 19th century stereoscope and 21st century high-resolution computer monitors. Learn how Bennett brought visitors to Kilbourn (now Wisconsin Dells).

For more information contact Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau at 800-223-3557 or go online to www.wisdells.com.

directory accommodations AmericInn of Beaver Dam

. . . . . . . . . . . 920-356-9000 www.americinn.com/hotels/wi/beaverdam We know there’s no place like home, but with our newly updated furnishings, room décor, flat screen TV’s and cozy Serta® Perfect Sleeper beds, the AmericInn Beaver Dam will feel like your home away from home.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Wisconsin Dells Visitors & Convention Bureau . . . . . 608-254-4636 Wisconsin Dells / www.wisdells.com Wisconsin Dells may be known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®”, but our world-famous waterparks aren’t the only reason to visit. As one of the most popular Wisconsin tourism destinations, there are many other reasons to love the Dells. Like scenic tours, thrilling attractions, lux to cozy accommodations, and dining options to please any palate.

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central canada small towns…

Dryden Come discover Dryden, a unique destination on Wabigoon Lake, where tourism, natural beauty and recreation facilities abound. Lakes, trails, beaches, and parks surround this small, serene community, beckoning visitors to sample a wide range of activities and annual celebrations. Cross the Roy Wilson Suspension Bridge over the Wabigoon River. The bridge is 111.5’ and offers a great view of the rapids.

The Dryden & District Museum has various artifacts and theme rooms.

See a majestic whitetail buck that was almost a world record in size.

Guided tours are available.

Flin Flon is the only city named after a science fiction character. Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin (“Flinty” for short) came to us through a novel, The Sunless City. The chamber had the statue constructed and moved to its present location at the Flin Flon Tourist Park where Flinty overlooks the perimeter on Highway 10.

Constructed in 1962, the statue guards the entrance to the city.

Flin Flon possesses a number of fine restaurants, nightspots, a scenic golf course, a boardwalk, a fitness trail, a wildlife sanctuary, and numerous lakes with sandy beaches.

The natural splendor of the area brings your imagination to life!

Gimli Gimli is a small town on the shores of Lake Winnipeg and is the largest Icelandic community outside of Iceland. The town’s name means “home of the gods” or “great hall of heaven” where brave men gather with the Norse god Odin. The town has a Viking statue and the oldest Icelandic cemetery in Canada.

In the summer, Gimli comes to life as visitors and cottagers flock to this area to enjoy the beaches. One of the annual highlights is the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, known as Islendingadagurinn. The festival is a fun event for everyone with all kinds of activities and entertainment.

St. Andrews Experience Lower Fort Garry, North America’s only restored stone fort from the fur trade era. Buildings and walls that have stood on the bank of the Red River for over 180 years tell inspiring tales of innovation, discovery, and struggle. Let their costumed guides familiarize you with the Fort. Enjoy specialized presentations or come for one of their many special events! A guided tour of Lower Fort Garry is an excellent introduction to the story of this historic treasure. Group tours are available in the spring, summer and fall.

spotlight central canada

Flin Flon

Portage la Prairie

T

he town’s name dates back to the days of explorer and fur trader de La Vérendrye when it was the portage resting area between the Assiniboine River and Lake Manitoba. The town is now in the middle of the richest farmland in Manitoba and lies on the Trans-Canada Highway. The city’s chamber of commerce offers walking tours of the city’s historic buildings. Annual events include the Strawberry Festival and the Portage Industrial Exhibition (Western Canada’s oldest continuous fair). Visit Manitoba’s Museum of the Titanic—the only museum developed to R.M.S. Titanic with one of the largest exhibits of Titanic artifacts. See directory over 150 items from survivors and victims, including pre-voyage promotional items and convention & visitors a deckchair. (Open April through October). bureaus and chambers Portage la Prairie offers an array of shopping Tourism Thunder Bay. . . . . 800-667-8386 and restaurant experiences that will satisfy PO Box 800 – Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5K4 any group’s palate or taste!

P.S. See if you can find the world’s largest Coca-Cola can!

Canada: Keep Canada: Keep Exploring Exploring

cpresenger@thunderbay.ca www.VisitThunderBay.com/GroupTravel Located just minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, Thunder Bay offers numerous attractions, exceptional accommodations and sensational shopping and culinary delights. Contact us for marketing tools or any of your group tour planning needs.

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Frontier Christmas –Lake City, SD

Saint Paul Winter Carnival –Saint Paul, MN

Holly & Ivy Tour –Des Moines, IA

calendar of events 2014-15 [ december – january – february – march ]

C O N TA C T A R E A C H A M B E R S A N D C V B S F O R C O M P L E T E C A L E N D A R S .

illinois

illinois

december • Aurora’s Holiday Festival of Lights November 28-December 28, Aurora 630-256-3861 • White Christmas December 4-14, DeKalb 815-758-1940 • WinterFest in Downtown Oak Park December 6, Oak Park 708-383-4145 • Christmas Trolley Lights Tour December 13-23, Oglesby 815-220-7386 january • Antiques & Collectibles Market January 3-4, St. Charles 715-526-9769 • Bald Eagle Days Environmental Fair January 9-11, Rock Island 309-788-5912 • Paramount Theatrical Production: The Who’s Tommy January 14-February 15, Aurora 630-896-6666 february • The Old House New House Home Show February 6-8, St. Charles 630-584-6300 • Chicago Auto Show February 14-22, Chicago 312-791-7000 • Chocolate Fest February 21, Homewood 708-798-3000 • Kane County Flea Market February 28-March 1, St. Charles 630-377-2252 march • Festival of Arts and Crafts March 7-8, St. Charles 630-443-7158 • 16th Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show March 14, Frankfort 815-469-9400 • Danville Symphony Orchestra Presents “Heroes and Heroines” March 14, Danville 217-443-5300 • Paramount Theatrical Production: Les Miserables March 18-April 26, Aurora 630-896-6666

iowa

iowa

december • Holly & Ivy Tour December 5-7, Des Moines 515-274-1777

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• Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland December 13-14, Le Mars 712-548-4971 • The Nutcracker Ballet December 13-21, Dubuque 563-588-1305 january • Showcase Chamber Series: Madness & Musings January 9-10, Cedar Rapids 319-366-8203 • Cherokee Jazz and Blues Festival January 16-17, Cherokee 712-225-6414 • DIAVOLO January 17, Des Moines 515-246-2300 • FROST/NIXON

by Waterloo Community Playhouse January 23-30, Waterloo 319-291-4494 february • Owl Prowl February 6, Honey Creek 712-545-3283 • The Great Gatsby February 12, Ames 515-294-3347 • Public Planetarium Program February 22, Cherokee 712-225-3922 • BMAI Des Moines Area Bluegrass Festival February 27-28, Johnston 641-799-1442 march • Maple Syrup Festival March 7-8, Cedar Falls 319-277-2187 • 55th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration March 13-14, Emmetsburg 712-852-4326 • North Iowa Figure Skating Show March 28-29, Mason City 641-420-0243

kansas

kansas

december • 35th Annual Pittsburg Christmas Parade December 1, Pittsburg 620-231-8310 • FrostFest December 5-6, Hays 785-621-4171 • Festival of Nativities December 6 – 28, Lawrence 785-843-1756 • 23rd Annual Candlelight Vintage Homes Tour December 14, Leavenworth 913-682-7759 january • “Barefoot in the Park” January 9 – 25, Salina 785-827-3033

• Elk Days January 17-24, Canton 620-628-4455 • Maniacal 4 January 22, Iola 620-365-4765 february • Hidden Art Locked Away February 6-7 , Leavenworth 913-682-4459 • “Clybourne Park” February 13-28, Salina 785-827-3033 • Lincoln Days – Annual Lincoln Reenactment February 13-14, Lincoln 785-524-5133 march • La Maleta (The Suitcase) March 1, Junction City 785-238-3906 • Taste of Adventure March 8, Salina 785-827-9488 • 30th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17, Leavenworth 913-682-2566 • Annual Pleasantview Spring Celebration March 28, Hutchinson 620-662-0559

michigan michigan december • Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village December 5-27, Dearborn 800-835-5237 • Holiday Express Train Ride December 6-7, Coldwater 574-215-0751 • Up on the Rooftops Tour December 12, Downtown Holland 616-796-1210 • Great Russian Nutcracker December 21, Detroit 313-471-3200 january • Charlevoix Bridge Drop Dececmber 31-January 1, Charlevoix 231-547-2101 • Ice & Spice Festival January 16-17, Bay Harbor 231-439-2422 • Snowfest 2015 January 21-26, Frankenmuth 800-863-7999 • Harlem Globetrotters 2015 World Tour January 23, East Lansing 517-432-1989 february • The Wizard of Oz February 6-8, Frankenmuth 989-652-6351 • 54th Annual Snowfest February 13-16, Cedarville 906-484-3935

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• Winter Beer Festival February 27-28, Comstock Park 517-327-5004 march • Livingston County Home & Garden Show March 13-15, Howell 517-546-3920 • Ultimate Sport Show 2015 March 19-22, Grand Rapids 800-328-6550 • Michigan Gem & Mineral Show March 20-22, Jackson 517-522-3396 • Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show March 27-29, Traverse City 517-349-8881

minnesotaminnesota december • Holiday Bazaar Downtown December 5-6, Albert Lea 507-373-2316 • Arli-Dazzle December 6, Arlington 507-964-2809 • Fezziwig’s Feast December 10-12, Saint Paul 800-838-3006 • Family New Year’s Eve Party December 31, Eagan 952-891-7000 january • Ice Fest January 9-11, Breezy Point 800-432-3777 • Urban Expedition: Austria!

January 18, Saint Paul 651-292-3063 • Saint Paul Winter Carnival January 22-February 1, Saint Paul 651-223-7400 • Winterfest January 30-31, Worthington 800-279-2919 february • Winter Festival February 5-15, Ely 218-365-7669 • Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival February 13-15, Meadowlands 218-749-8161 • Fasching February 14, New Ulm 507-354-8850 • Grumpy Old Men Festival February 28, Wabasha 800-565-4158 march • Fargo Film Festival March 3-7, Moorhead 701-235-4152 • International Festival of Owls March 6-8, Houston 507-896-6957 • Soar with the Eagles March 7-29, Wabasha 651-565-4989 • Kowz & Krue Home and Recreation Show March 27-29, Owatonna 507-444-9224

missouri

missouri

december • 33rd Annual West Plains Holiday Season Arts and Crafts Show & Sale December 6-7, West Plains 888-256-8835 • Old Fashioned Holiday Stroll December 9, O’Fallon 636-379-5574 • Candlelight Tours at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site December 12-13, New Madrid 573-748-5340 • Kansas City Ballet: The Nutcracker December 6-24, Kansas City 816-994-7200 january • Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days January 3-4, Lake Ozark 573-964-1008 • Whiskey Fest 2015 January 17, Springfield 417-883-7417 february • Civil War Times February 14, Cape Girardeau 573-651-2265 • Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. February 27-March 8, Springfield 417-869-3869 march • The Phantom of the Opera at the Fabulous Fox March 4-15, St. Louis 314-534-1678 • SMHBA Home & Garden Show March 7-8, West Plains 417-256-2422 • Mid-Missouri Collectors Show March 21-22, Osage Beach 620-423-6600

nebraska nebraska december • Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights December 5-20, Nebraska City 402-873-8733 • Joslyn Castle Holiday Historic Home Tour December 5-6, Omaha 402-595-2199 january • Northern Lights Festival January 23-24, Omaha 402-345-0606 february • 49th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo/16th Annual Lawn Flower & Patio Show February 5-8, Omaha 402-346-8003 march • 49th Annual Triumph of Ag Expo March 11-12, Omaha 402-346-8003 • 2015 Crane Watch Festival March 20-29, Kearney 308-237-3101 • Motown the Musical March 25-29, Omaha 402-345-0606

north dakota north dakota december • Spring Lake Park Holiday Lights Drive November 29-December 31, Williston 701-774-9041 • Dickens Village Festival December 5-13, Garrison 701-463-2345 • Medora’s 19th Annual Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas December 5-7, Medora 701-623-4830 january • Wine & Cheese Tasting January 17, Jamestown 701-251-2496 • Mardi Gras January 23-25, Dickinson 701-483-6081 • Winter Wonderland January 23, Bismarck 701-258-1975 • Winter Wheels Car Show January 31, Jamestown 701-252-8088 february • Cabin Fever Days February 6-15, Jamestown 701-252-3982 • Mama Won’t Fly – Theater Production February 12-14, Jamestown 701-252-3467 • Red River Valley Home & Garden Show February 27-March 1, Fargo 701-232-5846 march • Fargo Film Festival March 3-7, Fargo 701-239-8385 • Prairie Quilt Festival March 20-22, Minot 800-435-5663 • 2015 Home & Garden Show March 27-29, Grand Forks 701-792-1200 • NanoDays March 28, Bismarck 701-258-1975

south dakota south dakota december • Miracle on 34th Street December 4-7, Yankton 605-665-4711 • James Valley Model Railroad Open House December 6, Aberdeen 605-226-2139 • Frontier Christmas December 13, Lake City 605-448-5474 • Sip ‘n’ Shop at Prairie Berry Winery December 20, Hill City 605-574-3898 january • Nice Ice Ice Carvers January 10-11, Watertown 605-882-3877 • Sisseton Winter Show January 23-24, Sisseton 605-698-7261 • Glacial Lakes Beer Fest January 24, Watertown 605-886-6127 • Living History Fair January 31, Watertown 605-881-1758 february • Winter Big Boy Toy Show February 14-15, Aberdeen 605-229-3632 • Wessington Springs Farm & Home Show February 16, Wessington Springs 605-539-1929 • Home Builders Show February 28-March 1, Watertown 605-886-5814

march • Land in Her Own Name Exhibit March 1-April 4, Brookings 605-688-6226 • Spring Craft Show March 21-22, Watertown 605-882-1734 • WineFest Renaissance 2015 March 28, Aberdeen 605-225-8714

wisconsin wisconsin calendar december • Wisconsin Christmas Carnival of Lights November 29-December 31, Caledonia 262-835-2565 • Holidazzle December 5, Beloit 608-365-4838 • A Charlie Brown Christmas December 11-14, La Crosse 608-784-9292 • Marvel in Manitowish Waters December 26-31, Manitowish Waters 715-543-8488 january • Bald Eagle Watching Days January 16-17, Prairie Du Sac 608-643-4168 • Wine Around the World January 24, Fond Du Lac 920-624-2273 • Chili-Fest January 31, Oconomowoc 262-567-5755 february • Winterfest & US National Snow Sculpting Championship Competition Jan 28-February 7, Lake Geneva 262-248-4416 • Fire & Ice February 13-15, Sturgeon Bay 920-743-6246 • Fun on the Frozen Flambeau February 20-22, Tony 715-403-0316 • Bockfest 2015 February 28, Middleton 608-826-1092 march • Bayfield Winter Festival March 6-8, Bayfield 715-779-5408 • 25th Annual Farm Toy and Craft Show March 15, Ripon 920-748-6764 • Hartford Home Improvement Show March 21-22, Hartford 262-673-7193

central canada central canada december • The Heart of Robin Hood December 2-6, Winnipeg 204-942-6537 • Canad Inns Winter Wonderland December 5-January 5, Winnipeg 204-888-6990 • Parade of Lights December 6, Thunder Bay 807-625-2230 • New Year’s Eve Family Frolic December 31, Thunder Bay 807-473-2333 january • Dali Up Close January 1-25, Winnipeg 204-786-6641 • Driving Miss Daisy Jan 29-February 14, Thunder Bay 807-625-2230 february • Festival du Voyageur February 12-22, Winnipeg 204-237-7692 march • RWB presents Swan Lake March 4-8, Winnipeg 204-956-0183 • Doubt: A Parable March 5-21, Thunder Bay 807-625-2230

Winterfest –Lake Geneva, WI

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