Itineraries Midwest Spring/Summer 2017

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ItinerariesMidwest.com | info@itinerariesinc.com 877-832-7267 | 56 South 33rd Ave - St Cloud, MN

LETTER FROM

the publisher

Coming Fall 2017!

Store-ing Up Great Memories: Shopping Midwest Explore the sights and tastes of a candy shop or chocolatier. Search one-of-a-kind finds at an antique shop. Peruse handmade Amish goods and furniture. Find that perfect unique accessory at a fashion boutique. Make your own goodies, such as candles, soaps, and pottery. The list goes on! A Midwest shopping tour needs one important thing to make it a great experience: hearing your groups say “I couldn’t get this at home!” Find out next issue why shopping is the perfect focal point for your next itinerary.

Dear Planner, The Midwest is truly a melting pot of heritage, and cultural tours are always a group favorite.

Whether the members of your tour group are looking to get in touch with their roots or to explore another culture entirely, you’ll find the perfect addition to your itinerary in this issue.

A cultural tour could include churches, festivals, reenactments, museums, ethnic restaurants, concerts, or architecture. The opportunities really are endless. For example, you might decide to spend your morning at a Native American heritage museum, followed by a Wild West reenactment, and then enjoy dinner at a German restaurant. Or perhaps you’d like to do some shopping? At Minnesota’s Down A Country Road, you can immerse yourself in Amish culture while shopping for handcrafted Amish goods. Or visit Wilber, “The Czech Capital of Nebraska,” and browse through collections of authentic Czech décor and crafts. With such a variety of cultural activities available, these tours are easy to customize depending on your group’s interests.

Irish, Swedish, Dutch, Norwegian, Polish, Greek, Native American, French, German, Czech, African American, Turkish… all of these cultures and more can be found in this issue of Itineraries Midwest. So read on, and start planning your next cultural group tour!

illinois . . . . . . . . 10

Best regards, Heather J. Lahren, CEO – Publisher

iowa . . . . . . . . . 11

table of contents On the Cover: Frankenmuth, MI: Willkommen to Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” In Frankenmuth, it’s Christmas time all year long as you experience everything German. Attend a beer festival, enjoy eclectic shopping, and take in the rich history and culture of this quaint riverfront community. This romantic town has also been referred to as the “handholding capital of Michigan” thanks to its picturesque wine and chocolate boat cruises and idyllic architecture that’s straight out of a fairytale. Recharge, renew, and refresh with Bavarian hospitality.

kansas . . . . . . . 17

spring/summer 2017

michigan . . . . . . 22

featuring 6 Cultural Tourism: What's In It For Your Group? columns 4 profile Chicken & Christmas in Little Bavaria 8 spotlight Heritage Festivals & Pageants

minnesota . . . . . 28 missouri . . . . . . . 36 nebraska . . . . . . 37 north dakota . . . 38 south dakota . . . 41 wisconsin . . . . . 43

PHOTO CREDITS

Heather J. Lahren | PUBLISHER heather@itinerariesinc.com Mackenzie Lahren | PROJECT MANAGER mackenzie@itinerariesinc.com Debi Burger | SALES | debi@itinerariesinc.com Kathleen Somers | SALES | kathleen@itinerariesinc.com Chris Reber | WEB DESIGNER/PROGRAMMER chris@itinerariesinc.com Ashley Nelson | ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER; MARKETING MANAGER | ashley@itinerariesinc.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Lahren, Kathleen Somers, Ashley Nelson and Mackenzie Lahren | Itineraries Inc.

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 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 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 COPYRIGHT 2017

Amy Rea, Big Island Rendezvous & Festival, Bluffscape Amish Tours, Branson/Lakes Area CVB, Castle Farms, Chalet Landhaus Inn, Cotter Pin, LLC, Country Bumpkin Farm Market, Deadwood Chamber, Dennis R.J. Geppert, Dodge City CVB, Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant, Frankenmuth Chamber & CVB, Frontier Village, Hansen's Dairy, Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, Iowa Rural Schools Museum, Iowa's Dairy Center, Kalona Historical Village, Kuchen Festival, LaClare Farms, Matchstick Marvels, Mary Delach Leonard, Megan Bannister, Mid-Continent Railway Museum, Milwaukee Food & City Tours, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, New Glarus Hotel Restaurant, Norsk Hostfest, Old Creamery Theatre, Polish Fest, Polish Heritage Trail, Skokie Festival of Cultures, The State Journal-Register, St. Cloud CVB, Swedish American Museum, Swiss Historical Village & Museum, Tabor Area Chamber of Commerce, Tom Watson, Tour Kansas, US National Park Service, Wabasha Street Caves, Wall Lake Historical Society, Wellington Farm Park, Westby House Inn & Restaurant, Wetherby Cranberry Co., Wilber, Windsor River Cruises, Wurst Festival

PROFILE

BY KATHLEEN SOMERS

Chicken & Christmas IN LITTLE BAVARIA

If you think Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”—the quaint town of Frankenmuth—is famous for serving up chicken dinners and year-round Christmas shopping, then you’d be right. But if you think your group has had the true Frankenmuth experience—shopping the world’s largest Christmas store and then indulging in an all-you-can-eat world famous chicken dinner—then you’ve missed the boat.

Literally! The boat is an authentic paddlewheel riverboat named the Bavarian Belle. Treat your group to a fabulous narrated tour of Frankenmuth along the Cass River. The family-owned Bavarian Belle is handicap accessible and holds 150 passengers. You may even choose to do a little wine and chocolate pairing while aboard. This serene cruise is the perfect way to introduce your group to Frankenmuth and discover its rich history.

Like so many good stories, it’s best to start at the beginning. The roots of this German community go back to 1845 when a small group of German-Lutheran missionaries migrated to the area to teach Christianity to the native Chippewa people. But while the colonists were busy settling in, clearing the land and building their houses, the nomadic Chippewa were leaving the Frankenmuth area in search of hunting grounds. They had no interest in being “Germanized and Lutheranized.” Undeterred, those early settlers managed to construct a combination church-school-parsonage log cabin. The church was named St. Lorenz, after their mother churches (there were three of them) in Bavaria. Only about 35 Native Americans were taught and baptized at the little church, and eventually the Chippewa mission in Frankenmuth closed. Yet the immigrant congregation continued to prosper and grow.

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CHICKEN & CHRISTMAS IN LITTLE BAVARIA

The name Frankenmuth combines two German words: Franken represents Franconia, the Bavarian province where the settlers came from, and muth means “courage.” The direct translation means “courage of the Franconians.” It was to be an exclusively German-Lutheran community where colonists remained loyal to their home country and faithful to her language. Today you will see that influence all over town: in the architecture, the festivals, attractions, food, and so much more. There’s the famous holz-brücke, or covered bridge, made completely of wood and spanning 239 feet across the Cass River. Many groups like to tour the sanctuary of the beautiful and historic St. Lorenz Lutheran Church. You can even attend service there if your stay includes the weekend. For an authentic German experience, take your group to the monthly German service on the second Sunday of the month at 11am. Anytime is a good time to hunt for gnomes and their homes. Check with the visitor’s center for details. There is enough to do in Frankenmuth to keep your group delighted for days. Hey! How about that Christmas store?

Tell a Michigander you’ve just returned from Frankenmuth and the first thing they’ll ask is “Did you go to Bronner’s?” You’ll want to include lots of time in your itinerary for Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. A wonder indeed, as this “world’s largest Christmas store” is the size of one-and-a-half football fields! The Frankenmuth staple is a shopper’s delight, with over 50,000 items to choose from. Your group will thank you if you plan time for a return trip the next day. And as long as you are right there on Christmas Lane— which, by the way, is illuminated nightly—why not visit the Silent Night Chapel? It’s an exact replica of the one in Obendorf, Austria where the Silent Night hymn was first sung in 1818.

The chapel collects translations of the song

in every language possible and they’re all on display.

Christmas might be big in Frankenmuth, but can anything ever really top how groups feel about food? Let’s face it: good food added to any group adventure makes the experience all the more memorable. Frankenmuth hospitality won’t let you down. German brats and entrées, Michigan’s finest craft breweries, samples of sweet cupcakes from an awardwinning bakery, and Bavarian style treats are great for starters. You’ll find confectioners offering melt-in-your-mouth fudge or chocolates, taffy pulling, premium ice cream, and luscious coffee or hot cocoa to perk up the weary shopper.

Of course you’ll need to include one of those world famous chicken dinners. The tradition dates back to 1856 when the Exchange Hotel first opened. Chicken dinners were more of a luxury than beef or steak back then. Serving all-you-can-eat, family style meals was a nod to the farm life where owners got their start.

Today, the town has two restaurants offering these famous chicken dinners: Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth.

So large are these eateries, that combined, they could serve the entire population of Frankenmuth all at once, seating 2,700.

Your group will enjoy lightly breaded, fried chicken with all the sides: garlic toast, cheese, noodle soup, cabbage salad, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with gravy, and sherbet.

Yum! Oh, there’s more, but my mouth is watering so much that I just had to stop here and mention that both places also serve lunch and dinner, plus a gluten free menu.

For something extra special, you might like to engage your group in a hands-on activity,

such as roll-your-own German pretzels. The short lesson uses a German children’s poem to teach the art of pretzel knotting. Take a group lunch break while your pretzels are baking.

The town’s Woolen Mill offers free tours that include a narrated explanation of wool processing. View century-old machinery that transforms raw materials into products for bedding, as well as an assortment of yarns for roving and hand spinning. Ninety years of manufacturing wool-filled bed products makes for a very entertaining tour. Oh, and be sure to plan a little time for Glockenspiel Tower, located at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

Its 35-bell carillon and beautiful figurines tell the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin—a great photo op! Across the street in front of Zehnder’s Restaurant, find another photo op at the fountain constructed in 2012 to celebrate the city’s 50-year partnership with sister city Gunzenhausen, Germany.

From its many popular festivals to its variety of museums, including the Military & Space Heroes Museum (housing the country’s largest collection of medals of honor), Lager Mill Brewing Museum (honoring the city’s long tradition of brewing), Frankenmuth Historical Museum (highlighting community history), to wineries, shopping, and Bavarian architecture, Frankenmuth is always the delight of motorcoach groups. Perhaps because of the charming Bavarian architecture, or maybe it’s the beautiful cascading flowers and landscapes, but it’s like taking a step back to a more peaceful, friendlier time. Come for a day or a week and never run out of attractions your group will love. Take your time. In such a comfortable, picturesque setting, you might even enjoy a hub-and-spoke tour just as an excuse to stay a little longer.

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What’s your surefire, guaranteed-to-not-miss strategy for a successful and sold-out group tour? I’m betting many of our readers have a “secret weapon,” a trip that works every time. I am equally sure we can all use more ideas that work that powerfully. So let’s talk about cultural tourism.

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by KATHLEEN SOMERS

Attempts to define cultural tourism have resulted in a wide range of definitions, from a narrowly focused subset of cultural/heritage travel to a broader, more encompassing definition. For our purposes here, let us agree that cultural tourism is a type of special interest tourism that includes viewing or experiencing the distinctive character of a place, its people, and/or its products or productions. Cultural tourism could be historic cities, with architectural sites, cathedrals, or even battlefields.

It might take you to excursions of museums, trips to sample typical regional foods, or tours of ethnic neighborhoods. Such travels might take you to music festivals and cultural performances, or visits to indigenous villages, or even cultural farming practices such as wild rice harvesting. The possibilities seem almost endless, making cultural tourism a perfect fit for the group market.

With cultural tourism emerging as a popular theme for group tours, I might add that it works well as the focus of an entire trip or just as a single aspect of a trip. For example, you might take your group to Norsk Høstfest in Minot, North Dakota where the entire theme is all things Scandinavian (food, entertainment, arts, and more), or you might simply stop for lunch at a German restaurant on your way to a contemporary theatrical production. However you decide to weave culture into your group’s itinerary, you can be sure of a winning experience every time.

Our country is a melting pot of heritage. From the Native Americans who were here first, to the Europeans fleeing persecution and seeking a new life, to more recent immigrants arriving for more modern reasons, you’ll always be able to attract groups who are looking to touch something real and meaningful about their past. Cultural tourism isn’t just sightseeing and visiting historical places. It’s actually enjoying past human accomplishments and rediscovering the achievements of our ancestors. It’s stories and traditions, foods and sights coming alive and playing vividly with the passengers on your coach. Your group will thank you for the experience. So what kinds of things can you do with your cultural tour groups? That depends—how big is your imagination?

Attend

History comes to life through her stories. Watching these stories awaken through dramatic reenactments is an exciting way to pull your group into the experience. Historic Deadwood in South Dakota offers a drama-filled shootout that reenacts the slaying of Wild Bill Hickok as well as his murder trial. If you plan to be anywhere near Northfield, Minnesota the weekend after Labor Day (this year it’s Sept. 7-10, 2017), you can see street theatre at its best as part of Minnesota’s annual Defeat of Jesse James Days. Bullets fly and horses thunder during the many authentic bank raid reenactments of one of the Old West’s most dramatic episodes, the Great Northfield Bank Raid of 1876.

Keeping with that Wild West theme, Frontier Village in Jamestown, North Dakota does a shootout every other Saturday during the summer months as part of its recreation of prairie pioneer life.

Taste

The more senses you can use when experiencing another culture, the more vivid the experience. Nothing packs a wallop like food, and there are plenty of ethnic restaurants in the Midwest that would love to impress your group. The menu at Rockford, Illinois’ Stockholm Inn reflects the area’s Swedish heritage. From its world famous Swedish pancakes to the Saturday night all-you-can-eat Swedish Smorgasbord, you’ll be encouraged to ta mer (take more)! Modeled after the 400-year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich is the Hofbräuhaus Chicago, the area’s first and only German microbrewery, restaurant, and beer hall. Known for Bavarian cuisine classics like wurstplatte, Jagerschnitzel, or Bavarian potato salad, their menu items are prepared from Old World recipes.

Freshly baked Polish pastries are a daily find at the famous Market Square in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Or maybe you’d rather indulge in German “cake” at the Kuchen Festival in downtown Delmont, South Dakota. Beignets are French-style donuts dusted with powdered sugar. Look for this sweet treat at N’Orlins Beignets & Coffee tucked away at the River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Pella, Iowa is proud of its Dutch heritage. Its signature treat is the popular Dutch banketletter, made from puff pastry, baked into an S-shape and filled with almond paste. Yum!

Discover

We can discover what we’re made of when we explore cultural destinations that connect to a way of life gone by and the people who made it so. Enter a different world with your group when you visit Minnesota’s Norwegian-influenced Milan Arv Hus Museum, highlighting an arts community proud of its heritage. The Heritage House features the work of world famous Norwegian rosemalers and other cultural displays. Step back in time at Iowa’s Amana Colonies, founded by German immigrants in 1855, comprised of seven villages on 26,000 acres, and considered a treasure on the Iowa prairie today. Explore Native American sites throughout the Midwest. One such opportunity is Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park in Cass City, Michigan. Ancient rock carvings etched into a sandstone outcropping depict Native American activities. Advance registration is required for free interpretive tours that allow close-up views of the sheltered markings.

Learn

Come learn the story of DeZwaan—Holland, Michigan’s iconic windmill. Dutch for “graceful bird,” DeZwaan towers over the 36-acre Windmill Island Gardens as a symbol of the city’s Dutch beginnings.

Built in 1781 near Amsterdam, DeZwaan is the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States. When in Kansas be sure to learn about Ivan the T-Rex, Egyptian mummies, and early frontier life at the Museum of World Treasures in Wichita. A top-rated attraction, you’ll find your inner explorer, as there is something for all to learn.

This trip through time is one of the most interesting and exciting museums in Kansas.

Travel Back

The Great Platte River Road Archway in Kearney, Nebraska can take your group back in time for a 170-year tour of America’s westward movement as seen through detailed displays and harrowing stories.

Starting in the 1840s where the Oregon, Mormon and California Trails converged, you’ll hear stories of those early pioneers. The displays take you to a Pony Express rider, the first transcontinental telegraph and more—all in under an hour! Or visit the hustle and bustle of 1797 with the North West Company Rendezvous in Grand Portage, Minnesota.

Celebrate a fur traders’ depot and participate in a traditional Ojibwe pow-wow. Catch a glimpse of the past with interpretive programs and interactive workshops.

Of course this is just a small sampling of ideas for cultural travel with your group. As you think about your interests and that of your group, you’ll find so many more ways to incorporate culture into your motorcoach tours. Museums, architecture, festivals and events, food and drink, religious heritage, art and creativity, destinations for frontier tourism, costumes, music, folklore, reenactments, dance…well, the list just keeps going! And so should you!

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SPOTLIGHT

Norsk Høstfest

Heritage Festivals & Pageants What better way to experience the rich cultural heritage of a community or destination than with a festival or outdoor pageant? Add a special event to your next itinerary and celebrate the food, dance, music, art, and history of a particular culture.

The Midwest hosts a variety of heritage festivals throughout the year and many of these event directors love working with the group market.

Here are a few of our favorite group-friendly festivals. Be sure to call ahead and coordinate with the festival director or local CVB to find the best accommodations for your group.

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HERITAGE FESTIVALS & PAGEANTS

Norsk Høstfest

MINOT, ND Sept. 27–30, 2017 www.hostfest.com America’s premier Scandinavian festival celebrates the Scandinavian culture and cuisine of Nordic countries. Held annually in Minot, this festival is going into its 40th year. Enjoy one day or take in all four days to see several free stages of world-class entertainment and amazing performances in the Great Hall of Vikings. The individual styles of each country's entertainment, food, clothes, art, and jewelry can be found throughout Norsk Høstfest and also in the Scandinavian Heritage Park, the only park in the world representing all five Nordic countries. The food will not disappoint!

Polish Fest

MILWAUKEE, WI June 15-17, 2018 www.polishfest.org Many years ago, Polish Festivals Inc. recognized the importance of preserving the culture of Poland and passing this tradition on to our children. As a result, Polish Fest was developed in 1982. It’s EVERYTHING Polish at this popular festival. In 2018, celebrate the 37th anniversary of Polish Fest, America's Largest Polish Festival! Enjoy Polish folk dancing, polka music, a cultural village with exhibits, plus folk art demonstrators and artists. You’ll also experience the Sukiennice Marketplace, filled with over forty different vendors, full of Polish goods, plus lots of delicious Polish food!

Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant

MACKINAW CITY, MI May 26-28, 2018 (Memorial Day Weekend) www.visitmackinawcitymichigan.com Attend the longest running FREE Memorial Day historical program in the United States. This threeday event involves over 400 cast members bringing to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans. Cast members dressed in period costumes demonstrate the way of life for residents of northern Michigan in the 1760s. Tour the fort, then watch the 18th century fashion show at the parade grounds. There is a fee for the fort tour. Enjoy other activities at Voyageurs Camp.

Wurst Festival

AMANA COLONIES, IA June 17, 2017 (call for 2018 dates) www.amanacolonies.com Show your group the “wurst” time at the Amana Colonies’ Wurst Festival! This event—named Best New Event in 2015 by Iowa Tourism—celebrates all things sausage. Meet sausage makers from around the state and sample all types of handmade, small batch sausage. And what goes with sausage? Beer and wine, of course! Enjoy games and contests, or even get an education at Wurst University. Ladies, don your dirndls. Gentlemen, break out the lederhosen. If Oktoberfest is the best fest, then this is certainly the wurst!

Kuchen Festival & Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival

DELMONT, SD September 9-10, 2017 www.delmontsd.org It’s two festivals in one weekend! The Kuchen Festival celebrates the official state dessert of South Dakota: kuchen! Meaning “cake” in German, you can enjoy it by the slice or by the pan. Browse arts, crafts, quilt and fabric shows, along with a parade, musical entertainment, and museum tours. The Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest Festival includes antique tractors, old farm equipment demonstrations, a tractor pull, and old time fiddlers. Enjoy a BBQ pork supper and pancake breakfast at this historical farm west of Delmont.

Skokie Festival of Cultures

SKOKIE, IL May 2018 (call for dates) www.skokieculturefest.org The Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the largest ethnic festivals in Illinois since 1991, attracting more than 450,000 visitors and dozens of cultures, all representing the diversity of the area. Your group will enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, international games, Whole Foods Market, International Beer Tasting, a merchandise bazaar, and dozens of cultural booths and displays. All free to attend and held at Skokie’s 19-acre Oakton Park.

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SPRINGFIELD

Illinois State Museum

The Illinois State Museum features extensive collections and research activities that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. Marvel at the anthropology collection, consisting of more than 8 million archaeological specimens and ethnographic objects. View awe-inspiring decorative and fine arts, depicting the history of art in Illinois and the only public collection of its kind in the state. The botanical collection includes over 111,000 botanical specimens housed in the herbarium. Take in the sights and smells of exotic and ancient flora, including a fascinating collection of prehistoric cultivated plants— some of the earliest evidence of Native American plant domestication in the United States. Other exhibits at the museum focus on geology, history, and zoology. Educational programs, films, and special events will enhance your visit. Permanent exhibits include At Home in the Heartland (an exploration of household life over the past 300 years), Changes: Dynamic Illinois Environments (a hands-on tour of Illinois’ natural history), Peoples of the Past (featuring life-sized dioramas illustrating Illinois’ Native American heritage), and more. continue to discover the illinois melting pot…

Bishop Hill | Midsommar Music Festival Take part in a maypole celebration or an oldfashioned barn dance at this annual Swedish festival.

This all-day event features main stage performances from a variety of local acts. Immediately following the performances, everyone is invited to decorate the maypole with flowers and join in the procession led by accordionist Ernie Sandquist. At the Colony School, your group will enjoy maypole dancing and refreshments. Discover more Swedish heritage at the Bishop Hill State Museum, open for group tours by appointment. June 24, 2017

Chicago | Turkish Festival Held at the Daley Plaza, this annual festival features demonstrations of Turkish art, dance, music, gourmet food, and more. Experience Turkish hospitality at its finest while celebrating and learning about Turkish culture. Sip Turkish coffee, eat baklava and orchid ice cream, and shop for handmade crafts such as Turkish rugs, throws, bags, decorative pillows, glassware, ceramics, and jewelry. Enjoy authentic performances and see demonstrations of paper marbling, calligraphy, carpet weaving, silver filigree, and more. Admission is free! August 23 – 26, 2017

Spring-Summer Calendar May • HerrinFesta Italiana May 22-29, Herrin 618-942-5055

• Southern Illinois Music Festival May 29 - June 11, Marion 618-997-4030

June • Annual Rhubarb Festival June 2-3, Aledo 309-277-0937

• Superman Celebration June 8-11, Metropolis 800-248-4373

• 41st Annual Kane County Railroad Collectibles & Model Train Show June 11, St. Charles 847-358-1185

• Galesburg Railroad Days

June 24-25, Galesburg 309-343-2485

July • Francis Park 4th of July Celebration July 4, Kewanee 309-856-5336

• Rock Island County Fair July 18-22, Moline 309-796-1620

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Maifest May 6-7, Amana 319-622-7622

• Orange City Tulip Festival May 18-20, Orange City 712-707-4510

• Tivoli Fest

May 26-28, Elk Horn 712-764-7472

June • Steel Magnolias June 2-18, Des Moines 515-277-6261

• America’s River Festival

June 9-10, Dubuque 563-845-7698

• Des Moines Art Festival

June 23-25, Des Moines 515-278-5286

July • Ioway Culture Day July 15, Urbandale 515-278-5286

• Penny Gilley

July 20-21, Amana 319-622-6262

• Nordic Fest

July 27-29, Decorah 800-382-FEST

www.itinerariesmidwest.com

AMANA

Amana Colonies

Visit the Amana Colonies and you’ll swear you’ve entered a different world.

Founded by German immigrants in 1855, the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies have been collectively named a National Historic Landmark. Located just minutes from I-80, this treasure on the Iowa prairie invites your group to step back from life’s hustle and bustle and relax. Explore Amana’s flourishing artistic community, where many artists continue to practice traditional art forms, such as woodworking, willow basketry, and needlework. The Amana Heritage Museum, comprised of three 19th century buildings, features numerous artifacts and photos from the Colonies’ early days. Enjoy traditional, familystyle German dining at several restaurants throughout the region or sample award-winning wine from various local wineries. Schedule your group’s visit around one of the Amana Colonies’ unforgettable events such as Beckster Fest (featuring live polka music), Wurst Festival (featuring all things sausage), Apfelfest (Apple Fest), or their biggest event of all: Oktoberfest! Now in its 52nd year, this Bavarian style festival draws people from all over the world. Enjoy German music, a brat eating contest, local beer, and much more. continue to discover the iowa melting pot…

Elk Horn | Danish Windmill & Welcome Center Welcome to the only authentic, working Danish windmill in the nation! Originally built in 1848 in Norre Snede, Denmark, this historic structure was shipped (in pieces) to Elk Horn in 1976 and reconstructed with the help of over 300 volunteers. Now a welcome center, the windmill is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iowa. Tour the museum and learn all about Denmark, Danish customs, Scandinavian traditions and, of course, windmills. Additional packages are available for group tours of the Danish Windmill, Danish Immigrant Museum, and Bedstemor’s House.

Waterloo | Iowa Irish Fest Enjoy whiskey tasting, cultural events, and live performances across six stages, as well as endless amounts of Irish food. Don’t miss the Highland Games, featuring thrilling tests of strength and endurance. At the caber toss, participants balance a long tapered wooden pole, then run forward, attempting to toss the pole end over end so that it lands directly away. Other events include the sheaf toss, stone put, Scottish hammer throw, and weight throw. You don’t have to be Irish to attend, but when it’s all over, you might wish ITINERARIES MIDWEST FALL 2016 11 you were! August 4 – 6, 2017

Life Changing

IA

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Discover the Legacy of Odebolt

This sample itinerary is best during the spring, summer, and fall months.

Iowa Rural Schools Museum ODEBOLT, IOWA

Tour one of the many one-room school houses that once educated Iowa’s new immigrants as they settled the land. Our Museum holds items and artifacts, books, and more from the beginnings of these schools through the 1950s.

122 W Second Street - Odebolt, IA 712-668-4285 | iowaruralschoolsmuseum.net

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

9 – 10:00am Enjoy a morning stroll on the Memorial Walkway along Odebolt Creek. The walkway includes perennial flower gardens, benches, and gazebos for shade and relaxation.

10 – 11:00am Tour the First National Bank, which was originally known as Adams Bank when it was built in 1918. The lavish building’s interior is restored to its original 1900s style. Groups can tour the historic bank, as well as W.A. Adams’ town office and garage located behind the bank with prior arrangements.

11:00am – 12:30pm Stop at the Old Odebolt Bowling Alley Restaurant for a delicious lunch and salad bar, or arrange for a catered meal at the Odebolt Community Center.

12:30 – 3:00pm After lunch, visit Heritage Square. Groups can tour the Iowa Rural Schools Museum inside the restored Victorian-style 1883 Willow Tree School, which includes a collection of over 2,000 items from the 1870s to the 1950s. These captivating items will transport you back to the days of one-room schools. Further your experience with a video presentation of Iowa’s Unsung Prairie Transformation to Farms & OneRoom Schools. This documentary provides insight into Iowa’s farm settlement and the construction of 12,623 one-room schools by immigrant farmers. Next, tour the 1886 Peterson Pioneer Home—one of the first homes built in Odebolt. This house has been restored and furnished with antiques from the 1800s. Tour the Odebolt Historical Museum to learn about the Adams and Cook Ranches.

Displays feature military history, a 1900s kitchen, a barbershop, hospital equipment, school memorabilia, music section, many local artifacts, as well as historical items and photos from Odebolt’s past.

3 – 4:00pm Take an evening stroll through the fragrant and beautiful gardens of Prairie Pedlar. Groups can view phenomenal perennials, herbs, ornamental trees & shrubs, hanging baskets, and filled containers. Take a walking tour of more than 50 display gardens, visit the barn and gift shop, or see what events, workshops and gardening classes are available!

4 – 4:30pm Discover Odebolt’s ties to Cracker Jack and American Popcorn Companies. On Dewey Street you can view the Cracker Jack Company seed drying building, or drive a bit further out of town to visit historic corncribs used to dry ears of popcorn produced by local farmers. Odebolt was once known as the “Popcorn Capital of the World” for producing 3/4 of the world’s popcorn by 1915.

For more information, contact the Rural Legacy Project at 712-668-4285, or visit www.odebolt.net or www.iowaruralschoolsmuseum.net.

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History in Pottawattamie County

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

Welcome to Council Bluffs, Iowa—county seat of Pottawattamie County and overflowing with fascinating history. This sample itinerary includes several museums for your groups to enjoy, whether you’re staying for the afternoon or a few days.

day one

10:00am – 12:00pm “Squirrel Cage” Jail Museum is a one-ofa-kind structure that provides groups the opportunity to see firsthand a piece of cultural and architectural history. Built in 1885, this is the only three-story revolving jail ever built.

The cell section remains as it was in 1969 when the jail closed. Today it serves as a wellrestored snapshot of an interesting era of our society.

12 – 1:00pm Enjoy lunch at one of Council Bluffs’ groupfriendly dining options.

1 – 3:00pm RailsWest Railroad Museum is the last surviving passenger depot in the Council Bluffs area. The transcontinental railroad played a major role in the development of southwest Iowa. The museum includes a gift shop, railroad artifacts and exhibits, and the former ticket office. View dining car silverware, a telegraph office, a model railroad display, and much more.

3 – 5:00pm Choose from three tours for your group at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum.

The UP Railroad Museum Highlights Tour takes your group through both floors of the museum, exploring the rich history of the Union Pacific on a one-hour tour. Experience Lincoln’s 1859 visit as you and your group retrace his footsteps through Council Bluffs’ historic downtown on the Track Down Lincoln Walking Tour. Or choose the Westward by Rail tour, where you’ll explore the technological advances made during the United States’ westward expansion.

Historic General Dodge House

Couple in the World.”

12 – 2:00pm Take a lunch break at a Council Bluffs restaurant, such as Upstream Brewing Company or Quaker Steak & Lube.

2 – 4:00pm Grenville M. Dodge was a nationally known and respected military general, railroad builder and politician, and also one of the wealthiest citizens of Iowa. He created a home in Council Bluffs that incorporated many lovely woods

and rare amenities of central heating and hot and cold running water. The Historic General Dodge House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Pottawattamie County Historical Society at 712-323-2509 or visit www.thehistoricalsociety.org.

day two

10:00am – 12:00pm The Bregant House is a unique home that was custom built for Jean and Inez Bregant, who were just 45 and 42 inches tall. The house has furnishings and construction at heights and dimensions that were comfortable uniquely for them. The Bregants were spokespersons for the Woodward Candy Company of Council Bluffs and called “The Smallest www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Tour the one-of-a-kind “Squirrel Cage” Jail Museum & visit the RailsWest Railroad Museum Historical Society of Pottawattamie County | 712.323.2509 | TheHistoricalSociety.org

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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Iowa’s Dairy Center Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy

HUDSON Looking for an interactive farm experience for your groups? Hansen’s Dairy is a six-generation, family-owned dairy farm that makes and sells their own fresh dairy products to local communities.

Take a tour of the farm and see how milk gets from the cow to the table.

Walk-Through Tour This guided tour takes your groups through the process of getting milk from the farm to your table.

You will see the calves, milking parlor, cow barns, creamery—even kangaroos and goats! Top it all off with a delicious dish of homemade ice cream.

CALMAR In the heart of northeast Iowa’s dairy country, the Dairy Center sits on a hilltop just outside of Calmar, Iowa. Together the Dairy Center and Dairy Foundation work to offer education, demonstrations and research to foster the growth and prosperity of families making dairy farming their way of life.

Iowa’s Dairy Center is not only a working farm, but also a tourism facility where you can learn about modern dairy farming. Your groups will see the milking parlor, robotic milking system, freestall barn for the housing of cows, transition barn for calving, calf barn, and Iowa’s Dairy Museum. You can even make and enjoy your very own homemade ice cream by request!

Hands-On Tour The hands-on tour has all of the features of the walk-through tour, plus more. Your groups will take a trolley ride around the farm, feed a calf, make homemade butter, milk a cow by hand, and pet the kangaroos and goats.

Inside Iowa’s Dairy Museum your groups will find a collection of dairy memorabilia, including early tools of the dairying trade that teach past-topresent lessons on Iowa’s dairy industry. The display features collections of milk bottles, butter presses, breed magazines and much more, including the original pieces of the Iowa Holstein Museum.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday, from March to November by appointment only. Call Hansen’s Dairy at 319-988-9834 to make a reservation, or visit them online at www.hansendairy.com.

For more information or to book your group tour, contact Iowa’s Dairy Center at 866-474-4692 or visit them online at www.iowadairycenter.com.

Tours offered weekdays and Saturdays at 12:30pm.

Book yours today!

Tour a dairy farm!

Learn about modern dairy farming at Iowa's Dairy Center’s working farm!

H Trolley ride H Cows, calves H Creamery H Kangaroos H Ice cream &

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

WALL LAKE

Birthplace of Andy Williams Howard Andrew “Andy” Williams was born in Wall Lake, Iowa in 1927 and lived with his grandpa at the top of the hill overlooking the Chicago & North Western Depot at 102 East First Street. This home has been restored to the late 1920s and early 1930s era for your groups to visit. The grounds have been landscaped, a smokehouse re-assembled, and a summer kitchen brought in from the country and converted into a gift shop. And of course there’s the proverbial outhouse! The home is full of memorabilia from the many decades of Andy’s music and television career. Busloads of visitors have enjoyed learning about the Williams family through photos documenting the Williams brothers’ careers and the beautiful restoration of the house.

Chicago & North Western Depot The depot played an important role in the economic growth of Wall Lake as sixteen passenger trains per day stopped here. The restoration of the depot has taken it back to the remodeling completed in 1913.

The depot has another direct connection to Andy Williams, as his father was employed as a mail clerk on the C & N.W. Railroad during Andy’s early years.

For more information, contact the Wall Lake Historical Society at 712-664-2691 or 712-664-2585.

Andy Williams Birthplace

cheese curds

Bus tours: $7/person 8461 Lincoln Road, Hudson, Iowa 319-988-9834 • HansenDairy.com

Wall Lake Historical Society

102 East First St.

866-474-4692

1527 Hwy 150 S - Calmar, IA iowadairycenter.com newiowadairyfoundation

ChicagoNorthwestern Depot

105 South Center St.

WALL LAKE IOWA Call to schedule your next group tour!

Wall Lake Historical Society Janice 712.664.2691 | Kathie 712.664.2585

1-887-832-7267

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Kalona Historical Village

Swedish American Museum

SWEDESBURG Visit the Swedish American Museum in Swedesburg and immerse your groups in 19th century Swedish heritage. Housed in the former Farmers Union Exchange building, you’ll be able to view authentic items from Swedish immigrants, such as farming implements, homemaking necessities, school materials, and other 19th century artifacts. Find out what sort of food these immigrants brought with them for their long journey to the United States, such as bread, grain, butter, cheese, and potatoes. Visitors will learn about the Swedish settlement in the area and about early farming practices. Don’t forget about Ole, a 14-foot-tall reddish-orange fiberglass Dala horse.

These colorful horses originated in the Dalarna Province in Sweden, and have become the symbol of the entire country. If anyone in your group is interested in tracing their roots, library volunteers can assist in searching through genealogical records from the area.

KALONA Leave behind the stress of today’s world and savor the family values, work ethic, and unpretentious lifestyle of an earlier age. At the Kalona Historical Village, your groups will stroll through a scenic 1800s village and explore pioneer life through 13 authentic buildings. Each of these structures is restored and filled with interesting and informative displays depicting the rugged years immigrant settlers spent taming the Iowa prairie. The village encompasses the eras from the earliest frontier days of the Snyder Log Home, to the Victorian influence of the lovely Wahl House.

Dubbed the “Quilt Capital of Iowa,” Kalona is home of the Quilt & Textile Museum located in the Kalona Historical Village Welcome Center. View two nationally acclaimed galleries: one for Amish textiles, and the second featuring English pieces.

Matchstick Marvels Tourist Center

Visit and learn about the local Amish settlement, which is one of the largest west of the Mississippi River. Groups can discover the great respect the Amish have for family and their elders, and the considerate way the Amish provide care for the senior generation in grandpa house.

GLADBROOK Over five million wooden matchsticks have gone into Iowa artist Patrick Acton’s 70 incredibly detailed scale models of life-like sculptures, complex machines, and world-renowned architecture. The tiny 2-inch-long sticks have been used to build huge models, like his 13-foot true-toscale model of the battleship USS Iowa, and a 12foot lighted model of the United States Capitol.

The Matchstick Marvels display continues to draw visitors from all over the world.

If you visit during June or December, take part in Swedesburg’s Midsummer Fest and St. Lucy’s Day celebrations.

Learn about another culture in the Iowa Mennonite Museum & Archives, where you will find many historical artifacts related to the Mennonite culture and Mennonite history. The Archives is also a rich repository of Mennonite genealogical records, past and present. Groups can also enjoy a meal served in a conservative Mennonite home, and learn more about the intriguing traditions of the Amish and Mennonite cultures.

You can see many of Acton's most intricate creations at the Matchstick Marvels Tourist Center, as well as drawings and plans for many of the models, plus tools and equipment used in construction, and a video documentary of Acton's unusual hobby. More of Acton’s unique models can be seen in museums around the world. Many are featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not museums in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact the Swedish American Museum at 319-254-2317 or find them on Facebook.

For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact the Kalona Historical Village at 319-656-3232 or visit www.kalonaiowa.org/khv.htm.

Groups can schedule tours any time, year round.

For more information or to customize a tour for your group, contact Matchstick Marvels at 641473-2410 or visit www.matchstickmarvels.com.

SWEDISH AMERICAN MUSEUM artifacts from early farming, homesteads, general store, church, tin smith and shoe cobbler on display

HOURS April - December Monday,Tuseday, Thursday-Saturday 9AM - 4PM January - March Thursday-Saturday 9AM - 4PM Tour groups welcome April - December by appointment.

319-254-2317 107 James Ave - Swedesburg, IA

www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Pioneer Village • Quilts • AmishTours kalonaiowa.org 319-656-3232

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Amana Colonies: The Handcrafted Escape

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

The Amana Colonies have been a treasure on the Iowa prairie for over 150 years, offering unforgettable experiences as unique as your group. Located just minutes from I-80, the seven villages of the Amana Colonies offer groups the opportunity to step back from today's busy pace to relish in the comfort of locally crafted foods, furniture, art, and more.

The area offers a unique history and culture found nowhere else in the world. The Amana Colonies have something for everyone, and they can handcraft an experience just for your group!

While you are in the area, be sure to check out one of their famous festivals. Autumn brings the popular Oktoberfest, serving up a true German ambience. Visiting in December?

Enjoy the Prelude to Christmas, featuring the awe-inspiring Tannenbaum Forest.

12 – 6:00pm The Amana Heritage Society collects, preserves, and interprets the cultural heritage of the Amana Colonies National Historic Landmark. Discover the history of this German communal settlement at the Amana Heritage Society Museum. View thousands of artifacts and see an actual piece of the Amana Meteorite of 1875. The exhibit also features maps, charts, and contemporary documentation of this world famous meteorite. Tour four other historical sites including: The Amana Community Church, High Amana General Store, Communal Kitchen & Cooper Shop Museum and the Homestead Blacksmith Shop.

To customize a tour for your group, contact the Amana Heritage Society at 319-6223567 or visit www.amanaheritage.org.

6 – 9:00pm The Old Creamery Theatre is dedicated to performing high quality live professional theatre for audiences of all ages and interests. Located in the Amana Colonies, they strive to make every group event one to remember. In fact, every guest has the opportunity to shake hands with the cast!

In 2017, the company is celebrating 46 years of bringing live theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. They offer a wide variety of plays each season, as well as many different educational opportunities. Featuring approximately 200 performances in 2017, the 300-seat Main Stage season features favorite comedies, musicals, mysteries, and more. The Old Creamery Theatre is Iowa’s longest-running professional theatre. All actors, directors, designers, and technicians are paid professionals. These professionals are gathered together from all over the country to provide a high-quality theatrical experience for the audience. Since opening its doors in 1971, just over two million patrons have enjoyed live performances by The Old Creamery Theatre.

For more information or to schedule a visit for your group, contact The Old Creamery Theatre at 319-622-6262 or visit www.oldcreamery.com.

Amana Heritage Society Come visit our 7 Heritage Sites • Group Rates • Step-On Guides • Custom Tours

319-622-3567

WWW.AMANAHERITAGE.ORG

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Old Creamery Theatre 2017 Schedule MAIN STAGE Making God Laugh | April 20 – May 14 Million Dollar Quartet | June 8 – July 2 Guys on Ice | August 3 – 27 Footloose | September 7 – October 1 The Church Basement Ladies In: Rise Up, O Men October 12 – November 12 A Christmas Carol | November 16 – December 17 SPECIAL EVENTS Hank Williams Tribute: The Lonesome Tour – Direct from the historic stages of Nashville Saturday, May 20 at 7:30pm That’ll Be The Day: A Tribute to Buddy Holly and The Crickets July 7 at 2:00pm and July 8 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm Penny Gilley July 20 at 2:00pm and July 21 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm Carpenters: Once More | Saturday, July 29 at 7:30pm

Directory attractions Amana Heritage Society PO Box 81 - Amana, IA 52203 . 319-622-3567 www.amanaheritage.org

Hansen’s Dairy . . . . . . 319-939-2187 8461 Lincoln Rd - Hudson, IA 50643 www.hansendairy.com

Iowa Rural Schools Museum 122 2nd St - Odebolt, IA 51458 712-668-4285 www.iowaruralschoolsmuseum.net

Iowa’s Dairy Center . . . 563-534-9957 1527 IA-150 S - Calmar, IA 52132 www.iowadairycenter.com

Kalona Historical Village 715 D Ave - Kalona, IA 52247 319-656-3232 www.kalonaiowa.org/khv

Matchstick Marvels . . 641-473-2410 319 2nd Street - Gladbrook, IA 50635 www.matchstickmarvels.com

Old Creamery Theatre Co. 39 38th Ave - Amana, IA 52203 319-622-6262 www.oldcreamery.com

Pottawattamie County Historical Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . 712-323-2509 226 Pearl St - Council Bluffs, IA 51503 www.thehistoricalsociety.org Groups can tour the one-of-a-kind “Squirrel Cage” Jail Museum and learn about an interesting era of our history. Check out the restored depot that was built in 1899.

Swedish American Museum 107 James Ave . . . . . . . . . . 319-254-2317 Swedesburg, IA 52652

Wall Lake Historical Society 102 E 1st St - Wall Lake, IA 51466 712-664-2691 1-887-832-7267

Spring-Summer Calendar May • 28th Kansas Sampler Festival May 6-7, Winfield 620-221-2420

• Millfest

May 6-7, Lindsborg 785-227-3595

• 45th Annual Square Fair (Crafts Festival) May 13, Garnett 785-448-6767

June • Grassland Heritage Festival June 1-4, Elkhart 620-360-0037

• Washunga Days

June 16-18, Council Grove 620-767-5413

• Midsummers Festival & Kubb Tournament

June 17, Lindsborg 888-227-2227

July • Sundown Salute June 30 - July 4, Junction City 785-238-3103

• Dodge City Days Festival July 28 - August 6, Dodge City 620-227-3119

DODGE CITY

Boot Hill Museum

Kansas certainly isn’t shy about its Wild West culture, and at Boot Hill Museum, you’ll travel back to the gun-slinging days of Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill Cody.

Located on the original site of Boot Hill Cemetery in Dodge City, this museum features exhibits, programs, and colorful entertainers that tell the story of Dodge City’s wild beginnings. See a vast collection of Old West firearms, Native American artifacts, buffalo bones and hides, clothing, and more. Tour the Fort Dodge Jail, one-room schoolhouse, Boot Hill Cemetery, and an 1878 Victorian home. Stroll down Front Street and visit the Rath General Store, Long Branch Saloon, dry goods store, Tonsorial Parlor, and doctor’s office. The 2,000-square-foot gift shop offers unique western themed items; many of which are handcrafted right in Kansas. Summer activities at Boot Hill include gunfight reenactments, can-can lessons, deputizing, buckaroo lessons, and stagecoach rides.

Spend your summer evening feasting on a country-style dinner and enjoy the Long Branch Saloon Variety Show—offering entertainment like none other! continue to discover the kansas melting pot…

Hays | Historic Churches of Ellis County The first churches of Ellis County were built during the 1870s and 1880s. Most of these original churches were small wooden frame structures that were later replaced with larger, more impressive limestone rock buildings. Today, Ellis County boasts more German limestone churches than any other county in Kansas. View beautiful altars, stained glass windows, meticulous craftsmanship, and hand-carved statues as you tour these gothic style buildings found throughout the Hays area. Be sure to call ahead before your visit.

Wichita | Mid-America All-Indian Center & Museum This awe-inspiring facility is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of American Indians in North America. Indoor and outdoor exhibits feature traditional artifacts, full-sized tipis, grass houses, and contemporary art. See the 44-foot-tall “Keeper of the Plains” statue and view two memorial gardens along the way. The Gallery of Nations exhibit features a collection of flags created to help visitors understand the strength and traditions of North America’s native people. The gift shop offers handcrafted jewelry, beadwork, books, baskets, pottery, music, and more.

As Big As You Think

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Tour Kansas

Relive history. Hike the Flint Hills. Shop until you drop. Rough it on a ranch. Whatever your cup of tea – or cowboy coffee – you’ll find the perfect adventure that’s right for your group. Kansas is known for their frontier history, Wild West legends, and abundant hunting and fishing. They are also home to the only underground salt museum in the Western Hemisphere as well as natural geological wonders, which will make you stop and question if you’re even in Kansas anymore.

Atchison Area

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Experience Haunted Atchison! Take a walking tour of Mount Vernon Cemetery. As one of the oldest cemeteries in Atchison, you will encounter impressive monuments and presentations of funeral and mourning customs. Dive in a little deeper and do some ghost hunting yourself ! Ghost Hunting 101 will explain all you need to investigate on your own. Dinner is full of excitement with Murder Mystery Dinners. This interactive scenario lets you solve the mystery with your group, along with a scrumptious buffet meal.

800-234-1854 | www.visitatchison.com

Explore the only limestone house in Dodge City at the Home of Stone, or marvel at the unique architecture of the Carnegie Arts Center.

800-OLD-WEST | www.visitdodgecity.org

to September, with a variety of herbs, produce and other seasonal favorites.

800-245-3678 | www.fortscott.com

Fort Scott Area

The Big Well in Greensburg is a marvel of pioneer engineering that was completed in 1888 as the town’s original water supply. At 109 feet deep, this is a breathtaking sight to see and one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. This new museum opened in May of 2012 and allows visitors to descend a spiral staircase into the Big Well and view exhibits that feature Greensburg’s history. Learn how the city rebuilt itself as a sustainable community after a tornado destroyed 95% of Greensburg in 2007.

620-723-2751 | www.greensburgks.org

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Fort Scott has a variety of fun agri-tourism outings for your groups. Milk a cow at Foster Dairy Farm.

Discover the science of elk breeding at Anderson Elk Ranch. Learn how to grow lavender and other plants, or simply stroll through Fort Scott’s unique gardens. The Farmers’ Market takes place on Skubitz Plaza in front of the Fort from May

Chanute Area

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Tour the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum! With four main touring areas including the Johnson Exhibition Gallery, Selsor Special Exhibits Gallery, Imperato West African Exhibit Gallery, and the 30-seat Snark Theater, this museum will keep your group entertained all day long. The Chanute Art Gallery hosts exhibits and unique art. Learn the history of the area at the Chanute Historical Museum or relax at Cardinal Drug Store with an old-fashioned soda!

620-431-3350 | www.chanutechamber.com

Hays

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU With easy access from the interstate, fun attractions, motorcoach-friendly lodging facilities, and unique restaurants, who wouldn’t want to visit Hays? Pet and brush the little Arabian horses at Blue Sky Miniature Horse Farm and learn how these petite little creatures are trained. Historic Fort Hays welcomes groups to view exhibits and artifacts about the Fort and its military history.

Hays is also home to many art galleries and studios to venture through. Learn the history and heritage of the area with a stroll through downtown.

785-628-8202 | www.haysusa.net

Dodge City

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU As you walk the streets of Dodge City and experience their rich cowboy history, you’ll wonder what it was really like in the Old West. Located in southwest Kansas, just a few short hours from the big city, you can step back in time to a more laidback lifestyle with a touch of cowboy flair.

Explore the city’s National Historic District with the Trail of Fame walking tour or hop on the Dodge City Trolley for a one-hour narrated tour!

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City of Greensburg

Kansas City

The Big Well - Greensburg

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Meet the legendary Kansans and historical figures that make up Kansas City’s rich history. See the place where Lewis and Clark camped and tour Legends Outlets Kansas City to learn about Dwight Eisenhower, Amelia Earhart, Bob Dole and other great Kansans. Visit the many historical 1-887-832-7267

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plus a hands-on science hall. Relax at the Baker Arts Center and browse through the library of numerous art and art-related books. Be sure to stop by the International Pancake Day Hall of Fame!

800-LIBERAL | www.visitliberal.com

Manhattan

Cider Hill Family Orchard - Kansas City

sites that set this city apart from everywhere else.

For a farm adventure take a hayride through Cider Hill Family Orchard!

913-321-5800 | www.visitkansascityks.com

Leavenworth

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU “The First City of Kansas” is home to historic Fort Leavenworth, the oldest active military post west of the Appalachian Mountains. Visit the Frontier Army Museum or take a tour of the Fort to learn about its history and why it’s known as the “Intellectual Center of the Army.” The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is a new facility that features a fully operational, newly restored 1913 C.W. Parker Carousel.

913-758-2948 | www.firstcityofkansas.com

Liberal

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Discover the history of Seward County and learn about the area’s first European settlers at the Coronado Museum. Then take a guided tour through Dorothy’s House & the Land of Oz with Dorothy herself ! At the Mid-America Air Museum, you’ll see over 100 unique aircraft,

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center! Group tours are always astounded by the Immersive Experience Theater, as well as temporary exhibits like Design Zone & Brain Teasers, where visitors go behind the scenes to see how creative problem solvers use math to innovate and design.

Temporary exhibits are rotated every few months, while permanent exhibits describe the geology of the Flint Hills region – the last remaining vestige of tallgrass prairie in North America.

Visit Manhattan for the complete tallgrass prairie exhibit experience.

785-776-8829 | www.visitmanhattanks.org

Merriam

VISITORS BUREAU There’s so much to see and do in Merriam! Pop into Georgetown Pharmacy Old Fashioned Soda Shop to enjoy a REAL old-fashioned soda and learn the history of the fountain. Entice your senses with a group tour of Mixture, a candle and bath & body manufacturing facility. LEE® Jeans Heritage Hall is also a must. Learn about the legendary LEE Jeans brand in a self-guided tour.

913-403-8999 | www.exploremerriam.com

Salina Area

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Located at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135 in central Kansas, Salina is an easy destination and well worth the journey! Take an interactive trip around the world at the wildlife museum of Rolling Hills Zoo and see 64,000 square feet of exhibits that are sure to fascinate and educate. Take a stroll downtown to find a wide selection of unique shops, delicious eateries, entertaining theatres, historical museums and one-of-a-kind local art!

785-827-9301 | www.visitsalinaks.org

Directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . 800-234-1854 200 S 10th St – Atchison, KS 66002 www.visitatchison.com

Chanute Chamber of Commerce 21 North Lincoln . . . . . . . . . 620-431-3350 Chanute, KS 66720 www.chanutechamber.com

Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . 800-OLD-WEST 400 W Wyatt Earp Blvd – Dodge City, KS 67801 www.visitdodgecity.org

Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . 800-245-3678 231 East Wall Street – Fort Scott, KS 66701 www.fortscott.com

Greensburg . . . . . . . . . 620-723-2751 300 S Main – Greensburg, KS 67054 www.greensburgks.org

Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau 2700 Vine Street . . . . . . . . . 785-628-8202 Hays, KS 67601 www.haysusa.net

Kansas City Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 913-321-5800 755 Minnesota Avenue – Kansas City, KS 66101 www.visitkansascityks.com

Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . 913-758-2948 100 N 5th St Room 104 – Leavenworth, KS 66048 www.firstcityofkansas.com

Liberal Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 620-626-0170 1 Yellow Brick Road – Liberal, KS 67901 www.visitliberal.com

Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 785-776-8829 501 Poyntz Ave – Manhattan, KS 66502 www.visitmanhattanks.org

Merriam Visitors Bureau 6304 East Frontage Road . . . . 913-403-8999 Merriam, KS 66202 www.exploremerriam.com

Salina Area Chamber of Commerce 120 W Ash . . . . . . . . . . . . 785-827-9301 Salina, KS 67402 www.visitsalinaks.org

Tour Kansas . . . . . . . . . 913-403-8999 501 Poyntz Ave - Manhattan, KS 66502 www.tourkansas.org

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum - Leavenworth

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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Live the Adventure!

Chanute, KS

• Home of the world-famous Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum, housed in a former Santa Fe Railroad Depot • The Chanute Art Gallery • Chanute Historical Museum • Cardinal Drug Store Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain • Summit Hill Gardens, handmade soap shop in an historic setting Let us help you plan your next travel adventure. information@chanutechamber.com www.chanutechamber.com 1-620-431-3350

• All-terrain ATV Ranch Tours • Secret Garden Tours • Farm Winery • Elk Ranch • Lavender Patch • Cheese Making • Petting Zoo • Pumpkin Patch • Beekeeping • Dairy Farm

Est. 1842

620.223.3566 • 800.245.3678 grouptours@fortscott.com | www.fortscott.com

Walk down into this marvel of pioneer engineering, The Big Well. At 109 feet deep, this experience will take your breath away! www.greensburgks.org

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"The First City of Kansas" Kansas City Kansas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.

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Contact us today to help plan your next Group Tour!

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Little Apple...

BIG ADVENTURE

YOUNIQUE Itineraries

Manhattan has so much to offer!

The Flint Hills Discovery Center will inspire you, sing with your favorite artist at Country Stampede; savor our local dining; wander into our quaint shops, eclectic art galleries, museums and great outdoors.

Public Art & Museums Art Center & Cinema Theatre & Festivals Water Park & Zoo Local & Regional Dining Create memories

YOUNIQUE

to your adventure!

www.VisitManhattanKS.org Free Visitors Guide - 800-759-0134 Manhattan Convention & Visitors Bureau 501 Poyntz Ave • Manhattan, KS 66502

877. 425. 4625

HOLLAND

Nelis’ Dutch Village

Is it a museum? An amusement park? A heritage site? How about all three? Step back into the life of a Netherlands village of 150 years ago. The costumed associates at Nelis’ Dutch Village (complete with wooden shoes) bring the history and culture of the Dutch to life. Amid authentic Dutch architecture, flowering gardens, canals, and windmills, your group members will experience photo-worthy events all day long. Enjoy interactive activities such as Dutch dance lessons, stroopwafel cookie making, or learn a few Dutch words. You’ll also learn how wooden shoes, blue delft pottery, and Dutch cheeses are made. Demonstrations occur throughout the day and can be scheduled for special times exclusively for your group! The Hungry Dutchman restaurant serves up authentic Dutch dishes and many American favorites.

Dine on saucijzebroodjes (pork sausage baked in pastry dough), erwtensoep (hearty pea soup), and other specialties.

Purchase wearable or souvenir wooden shoes at the Klompen Shop, as well as other Dutch keepsakes. The shops at the Dutch village are open year round, while the park is open seasonally. continue to discover the michigan melting pot…

Detroit | Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Located in the heart of midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center, this 125,000-square-foot museum houses over 35,000 artifacts depicting the African American experience. Highlights of this interactive museum include the Ford Freedom Rotunda and its 65-foot-high glass dome, Ring of Genealogy (a 37-foot terrazzo tile creation surrounded by bronze nameplates of prominent African Americans throughout history), a library & research center, 317-seat theater, and a museum store.

Plymouth | Taste of Greece Opa! Journey to Greece without ever leaving the Midwest with this unforgettable cultural festival, now in its 13th year. Enjoy live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, homemade Greek food such as gyros and saganaki (that’s flaming cheese), as well as Greek pastries including loukoumathes (Greek doughnuts). Stroll through the marketplace, stop at the Greek taverna for an ouzo slushy, or relax at the coffee house. A large tent cover outside means this is a rain-or-shine event! August 25-27, 2017

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Tulip Time Festival May 6-14, Holland 616-396-4221

• World Expo of Beer

May 19-20, Frankenmuth 888-805-1504

June • Curwood Festival June 1-4, Owosso 989-723-2161

• Royal Oak Clay, Glass and Metal Show June 10-11, Royal Oak 313-486-2666

July • 2017 Sault Trip Pow Wow and Summer Gathering July 7-9, Sault Ste Marie 906-635-6050

• Ann Arbor Art Fair

July 20-23, Ann Arbor 734-994-5260

• 48th Bronson Polish Festival July 20-22, Bronson 517-369-7334

• Michigan Brewer’s Guild Summer Beer Festival

July 21-22, Ypsilanti 734-483-4444

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Farmin’ the Way They Used To

While Visiting Northern Michigan, DON’T MISS

WELLINGTON FARM

Wellington Farm Park – Grayling, MI

Nestled in the highlands of Crawford County in central northern Michigan, Wellington Farm, USA is easily accessible from M-72, M-55, I-75 and US-127. In addition to its central location, Wellington Farm provides a unique atmosphere, completely unlike any other facility you may be considering.

Wellington Farm Park sends visitors back to a time when rural American folk persevered through the Great Depression. Rather than a mausoleum of toil and despair, the 60-acre interpretive farm museum exhibits the tools of forebears' success and the fruits of their great ingenuity. Enjoy the fresh air and breathe in an educational experience unique to the northern Michigan countryside.

The onsite museum provides a comprehensive, firsthand experience of the history and heritage straight from the heartland. It includes: a blacksmith shop, grist mill, the Stittsville Church, sawmill, loom house, carpenter's shop, machine shed, livestock barn, summer kitchen, broom shop, and basket maker's shop. All of the buildings are fully functioning and often in operation. During the farm tour, volunteers costumed in Depressionera clothing foster an interactive learning www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Where it’s always 1932

experience by not only demonstrating the methods of production, but also by engaging visitors in discussion about the ins and outs of rural life in the early 20th century.

The Perry Lamkin Historic Display features unique artifacts you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Visitors can also take advantage of northern Michigan's beautiful outdoors by exploring Wellington’s endless nature trails. Then, relax at the pavilion or enjoy an Amish-baked pastry or two at the Visitor's Center, which offers more modern amenities.

The perfect blend of education and outdoor recreation, Wellington Farm Park is an essential stop when traveling through Michigan. The picturesque landscape is a perfect setting for adventures of both body and mind. Mere photographs alone cannot do justice to one of the most significant periods of American history.

Experience Farm Life During the GREAT DEPRESSION Visit the Artisans on Crafters Alley 9AM - 5PM May 23-June 22, Open Friday - Monday June 23 - Sept 20, Open Every Day Sept 23 - Nov 1, Open Wednesday - Sunday

989-348-5198 www.wellingtonfarmpark.org

For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact Wellington Farm Park at 989-348-5187 or visit www.wellingtonfarmpark.org.

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800-fun-town it's not

just our Phone

N.2umber

Bavarian Belle Riverboat

Holzbrücke (Covered Bridge)

Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland

World Famous Chicken Dinners

Welcome to Michigan’s Little Bavaria, where we proudly greet hundreds of motorcoach groups each year.

Add the charm, discovery and small town moments of Frankenmuth to your next itinerary. frankenmuth.org

800-FUN-TOWN

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Willkommen to Frankenmuth!

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

Frankenmuth offers a variety of year-round activities for your groups. Enjoy Bavarian hospitality as you recharge, renew, and refresh. Experience fantastic festivals, eclectic shopping, wonderful indoor waterparks, and rich history and culture in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.”

10:00am – 12:00pm Begin your day at the world’s largest Christmas store! Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the size of one-and-a-half football fields, celebrating Christmas all year long. With over 50,000 trims and gifts, it really is a shopper’s dream, surrounding you in the sights and sounds of the Christmas spirit. Need a break from shopping? Season’s Eatings offers light refreshments for the weary shopper.

Christmas Lane is illuminated nightly and Bronner’s Silent Night Chapel is open year round.

12 – 1:00pm Recharge with a world famous, all-youcan-eat chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant or Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth!

1 – 3:00pm Take in three spectacular museums during your Frankenmuth visit and leave with a wealth of knowledge and fond memories. The Frankenmuth Historical Museum tells the story of this charming German town, from its beginnings to present day. Its sister museum, the Lager Mill Brewing Museum, tells the story of the area’s rich brewing history.

At Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum you can view over 140 displays and a collection of over 700 exhibits devoted to the wartime experiences of men and women from the state of Michigan.

3 – 6:00pm Head to the River Place Shops for over 40 unique stores and attractions! Be sure to tour the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. The tour includes a fabulous narrated story of Frankenmuth on the Cass River aboard the family-owned, 150-passenger authentic paddlewheel riverboat, the Bavarian Belle.

6 – 8:00pm Taste Frankenmuth’s finest beer at the Frankenmuth Brewery and take a tour of the facility. This microbrewery was founded in 1862, which makes it the oldest microbrewery in America! This is also Michigan’s original craft brewery. They welcome your groups to drink, dine, and relax while experiencing over 150 years of brewing traditions.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce & CVB at 800-386-8696 or visit www.frankenmuth.org. www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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History & Charm at Castle Farms Charlevoix, MI

Tour operators love Charlevoix, and can you blame them? Nestled between three lakes of crystal clear water, Charlevoix is a traveler’s dream.

The charming three-block downtown is easy to navigate and offers unmatched views of the park, marina, and drawbridge. Perhaps the best part of Charlevoix is its location; seated conveniently one hour from Traverse City, Gaylord, and Mackinaw, Charlevoix is an ideal hub for a group tour.

Downtown Charlevoix offers visitors the chance to

window shop, sample ales, view art galleries, stroll along the waterfront, watch the bridge raise, and so much more. Step-on guides from the Historical Society guide buses along the local streets to view the famous Mushroom Houses.

The crown jewel of Charlevoix is less than five minutes from its downtown: Castle Farms. Built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, acting president of Sears Roebuck Co., the Castle was originally a working model dairy farm to showcase farm equipment

Castle 231-237-0884

Farms

5052 M-66 North Charlevoix, Michigan 49720

CastleFarms.com

available in the Sears catalog. Local fieldstone was used to create graceful arches, soaring towers, and picturesque courtyards reminiscent of designs from Normandy, France.

After the Great Depression, the Castle fell into disrepair. It saw a renaissance in the ‘60s as an artist mecca and, believe it or not, as a rock concert venue in the late ‘70s to early ‘90s. Famous bands including Aerosmith, The Doobie Brothers, Beach Boys, Willie Nelson, and Tina Turner, all rocked the Castle.

Group tours of the property include a narrated tram tour of the exterior and a walking tour of the interior. Microphoned guides are knowledgeable in not just historical points but also personal stories and tailor each tour to the abilities and interests of the group.

Castle Farms is handicap accessible and has wheelchairs available, so no one is left out of the tours. Paved paths and extensive gardens enchant guests, while a World War I museum will take them back to another era. Private collections and numerous displays are showcased throughout the Castle, including antique toys, castles, and royalty memorabilia from around the world. For groups wanting more, catered meals are available, ranging from lunches to farm-to-table dinners.

Another fan favorite is the outdoor Model Railroad, the largest in Michigan. Over 70 trains travel 2,500 feet of track from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting. HO and G-scale trains run along historical replicas as well as up fanciful towers and through hedges and flowers.

Experience Charlevoix, Northern Michigan’s resort town on three lakes, and while you’re there, don’t miss nearly 100 years of history at Castle Farms.

For more information or to schedule a tour for your group, contact Castle Farms at 231-237-0884 or visit www.castlefarms.com.

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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Directory attractions Castle Farms . . . . . . . . 231-237-0884

5052 M66 North – Charlevoix, MI 49720 www.castlefarms.com One of northern Michigan’s premier historic attractions – open year-round for group tours.

View soaring towers, charming courtyards and magnificent gardens. Collections on display include royalty memorabilia, antique toys and castles, plus a model garden railroad.

Wellington Farm Park 989-348-5187

6944 South Military Road – Grayling, MI 49738 www.wellingtonfarmpark.org Wellington Farm, USA is a 60-acre open-air interpretive museum designed to provide an educational opportunity for visitors to experience life as it was in rural mid-America during The Great Depression through displays, exhibits, and more.

Windsor River Cruises 519-258-0911

1 Festival Plaza – Windsor, ON www.windsorrivercruises.com Located right across the banks of Detroit, Michigan, Windsor, Ontario welcomes you to enjoy a day on the water with one of their many cruise options.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Frankenmuth Chamber & Convention & Visitors Bureau 635 S Main St . . . . . . . . . . 989-652-6106

Frankenmuth, MI 48734 www.frankenmuth.org With festivities year round, Frankenmuth welcomes visitors with Bavarian hospitality regardless of the season. Whether you're planning a day trip or weekend retreat for your groups, Frankenmuth is the perfect destination to recharge, renew and refresh.

Windsor River Cruises: A Cruise for Every Occasion

DINNER/DANCE CRUISES Spend the evening aboard the Macassa Bay and take in the sights, sunset, laughter, dancing, twilight, and a gourmet meal all in one location!

Windsor, Ontario

Get away in Canada! Windsor River Cruises takes your groups north of the border while staying right next to home. Located across the banks of Detroit, Windsor welcomes you to enjoy a day on the water with one of their many cruise options.

RIVERBEAT CRUISES A true passenger favorite, RiverBeats can be enjoyed throughout the entire summer. Enjoy spectacular entertainers from Windsor and surrounding areas, combined with a 3-hour sunset cruise. This is a memorable evening your groups will not soon forget.

SIGHTSEEING CRUISES Looking for an affordable tour? Windsor’s sightseeing cruises are a great way to get your groups out on the water and enjoy the scenic Detroit River. Light lunch or snack options are available while listening to an audio commentary

of the history and cultural significance of the river and surrounding areas.

AMHERSTBURG DAY CRUISES Step back to the days of the Bob-Lo Steamers and see them in person in the Wilkinson Channel. Your groups will step aboard the Macassa Bay and enjoy a gorgeous day in historic Amherstburg. You will see Fort Wayne, the town of Sandwich, Wyandotte, Michigan, Fighting Island and so much more!

LUNCH & BRUNCH CRUISES Looking for a unique cruise? Enjoy a scrumptious lunch or brunch along the Detroit River, aboard the Macassa Bay. This cruise offers your groups a unique and memorable experience in the Windsor-Essex County region. Enjoy views of GM Headquarters, Millionaires’ Row, Chrysler Canada Headquarters, Ambassador Bridge and many more.

For more information or to schedule an experience for your group, contact Windsor River Cruises at 519-258-0911 or visit www.windsorrivercruises.com.

Dinner Dance Cruises, Lunch Buffets, Sightseeing Cruises, Special Events and Private Charters 519.258.0911 | WindsorRiverCruises.com

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GRAND PORTAGE

Rendezvous Days & Pow-Wow

August 11-13, 2017 Load up your motorcoach and prepare to embark on a historic adventure in Grand Portage, Minnesota. In 1797, the hustle and bustle of summer activity peaked with the North West Company Rendezvous; a time when furs from wintering posts were delivered down the Grand Portage Trail. That annual celebration continues today at the Grand Portage National Monument. Voyageur songs, Ojibwe drums, and highland bagpipes mix as the Montreal canoe brigades, native people, fur traders, and North West Company partners gather for their annual rendezvous and traditional Ojibwe pow-wow.

While you’re here, visit the 18th century Ojibwe village, cobbler, tinsmith, and blacksmith. Explore a reconstructed 1790s fur trade depot, try your hand at making birch bark pop boxes, start a fire with flint and steel, and see the roughest men of the Old Northwest and the daintiest of ladies compete in the Voyageur Pentathlon. This free event is open to everyone, with storytelling, a scavenger hunt, a bead hunt, and a cornhusk voyageur/doll workshop. continue to discover the minnesota melting pot…

Milan | Milan Arv Hus Museum Founded in 1879 by Norwegian immigrants, the city of Milan has flourished into a peaceful arts community, proud of its heritage. At the Arv Hus Museum, located downtown, you’ll see a vast collection of Norwegian antiques, photos, and pioneer items. Browse the exhibits featuring world famous works by Norwegian rosemalers and view the sawdust artwork created by owner and curator, Billy Thompson. Also at the museum is the Billy Maple Tree’s gift shop.

Minneapolis | Twin Cities Polish Festival Enjoy a kaleidoscope of activities along Historic Main Street at the Twin Cities Polish Festival! Fill your senses with the tantalizing tastes and smells of traditional Polish cuisine, such as bigos (Polish hunter’s stew), golabki (cabbage rolls in tomato sauce), and pączki (fried dough). Hear the melodies of traditional Polish songs, folk musicians, Chopin concertos, and polka favorites. There’s even an amateur polka-dancing contest! Sip on Polish beer and view traditional Polish art, or view submissions for the Polish FilmFest. August 11-13, 2017

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Festival of Nations May 4-7, St. Paul 651-647-0191

June • Annual Lower Sioux Wacipi June 9-11, Morton 507-697-6185

• The GAI’s Deutsche Tage (German Days) 2017 June 10-11, St. Paul 651-222-7027

• Finnish Midsummer Weekend June 23-25, Ely 218-235-0138

• Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Vikings Festival June 23-24, Moorhead 218-299-5452

July • Prairie Island Indian Community Pow Wow July 7-9, Red Wing 651-267-4020

• Bavarian Blast

July 13-16, New Ulm 507-233-4300

• Kolacky Days - Czech Festival July 28-30, Montgomery 507-953-0094

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GAMMELGÅRDEN MUSEUM: A Tribute to Swedish Immigrants SCANDIA, MN What was life like for early Swedish immigrants in Minnesota? What did they bring with them from across the ocean? What did they leave behind?

What awaited them at their destination? Learn how these early families lived, worked, and played back in Minnesota’s frontier days on your visit to the Gammelgården Museum in Scandia.

Gammelgården means “old small farm,” and this museum is the only such open-air facility in the United States devoted to Swedish immigration.

Its preserved and restored buildings date back to the 1850s, when Minnesota’s first Swedes settled in the area.

ON YOUR VISIT TO GAMMELGÅRDEN, YOU CAN:

you may find yourself hauling water, making butter, doing laundry, or playing games as you step into the shoes of a recent immigrant making a new life on a small farm.

teas where Swedish specialties are served. The year winds down with a traditional Meatballs and Lutfisk Dinner, and finally Lucia Dagen, bringing light to the dark days of December.

• Celebrate the long days of summer with traditional Swedish music and dances as the Majstång is raised on Midsommar Dag in June.

The Scandia Butik offers a selection of gifts, including fine Scandinavian imported food and gifts, sweaters, linens, books, and cards.

• Spelmånstamma, or the “Gathering of Fiddlers,” is held in August. It celebrates a long tradition of fiddlers gathering, playing tunes, and teaching each other new music.

Museum open daily, Monday-Saturday from 10am to 4pm, Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.

Gammelgården also offers Swedish language classes, sausage-making classes, and coffees and

For more information or to book your group tour, contact the Gammelgården Museum at 651-433-5054, or visit them online at www.gammelgardenmuseum.org.

• Hear stories of the families who lived in the Immigrant Hus and the Pråst Hus, the oldest existing parsonage in Minnesota.

• Get a close look at the tools stored in the barn, and listen to farmers’ stories in the Ladugård.

• Attend a service in the GammelKyrkan, the oldest Lutheran church building in Minnesota.

Gammelgården’s calendar includes several special events, which are held on the museum’s green, shady, and well-kept grounds: • During the Immigrant for a Day event in May, www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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Wabasha Street Caves What better way to show your groups the history of St. Paul than with the Wabasha Street Caves? Carved out of sandstone and dating back to the 1840s, these caves have been used for numerous activities including: growing mushrooms, storage of food and belongings, music, and dancing. Legend has it that gangsters Ma Barker & John Dillinger visited the Castle Royal nightclub in the caves.

Tours available for groups of 25 or more anytime!

Historic Cave Tours As seen on the History Channel “Secret Passages” Hear, see, and explore stories of the sandstone caves. Hear the legends of mining, mobster massacres, and ghostly lore in a truly unique setting.

HISTORIC CAVE TOUR Come hear and see the history of these sandstone caves. Explore the original mined caves and see the finished caves, formerly home to the romantic Castle Royal nightclub. Hear the legends of the mobster massacres and ghostly lore in a unique setting.

GHOSTS & GRAVES TOUR This 2-hour motorcoach tour is designed to give you shivers! Hear stories of haunted sites and historic murders, visit a haunted cave, and learn about the history of a local St. Paul cemetery.

· 45 minute walking tour - Handicap Accessible · Give us a call · We Love Groups!

LOST SOULS TOUR On this walking tour you will hear of the mysterious sightings in the Wabasha Street Caves. If you have always wanted to know what goes on inside these caves, this is your chance.

Check out our website for additional tours! www.wabashastreetcaves.com

·

Wabasha Street Caves 651-292-1220

215 Wabasha Street South, St. Paul, MN

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ST. PAUL GANGSTER TOURS Explore the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings, and gun battles associated with 1930s gangsters like John Dillinger, Ma Barker and Babyface Nelson. Discover where the gangsters lived it up as they planned and executed some of their most notorious crimes.

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

TWIN TOWN TACKY TOUR Join the Gundersons—Gloria, Gordy, Glen or Gladys—on a journey to the tackiest places in St. Paul & Minneapolis. This 2-hour motorcoach tour will take you to sites that no other tour of the Twin Cities would dare to venture.

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THE UFF DAH! TOUR Set out to discover how and why immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland came to settle in St. Paul and Minneapolis. Learn about Swede Hollow and Old Muskego Church.

MILL CITY MOBS TOUR This tour shows you the MiniApple when it was rotten to the core. There were gangsters in St. Paul, but Minneapolis had rackets and mobsters. This 2-hour tour will tell you the stories and show you the sights on the other side of the tracks—or river.

RIVERS & ROOTS TOUR Learn about the formation of the Twin Cities around the Mississippi River. Have you ever wondered how Minneapolis and St. Paul got their names? Learn about the two cities and catch beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

THE NO BLARNEY TOUR See how Irish immigrants influenced architecture, politics, and religion in St. Paul’s past.

F. SCOTT FITZGERALD TOUR This 2-hour bus tour will take you around St. Paul to the spots where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived and hung out.

THE ST. PAUL VICTORIAN TOUR Learn some secrets of the Victorian Era and see some of St. Paul’s hidden historical treasures on this tour.

For more information or to make reservations for your group, call 651-292-1220 or go online to wabashastreetcaves.com. See you underground.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival 2017 Open Weekends Aug 19 – Oct 1, Labor Day & Festival Friday (Rain or Shine) The Minnesota Renaissance Festival began in September of 1971 on a 22-acre field in Jonathan, MN. More than 25,000 people visited the twoweekend grand opening of the festival, then named “A Celebration of Nature, Art, and Life!”

That celebration has since relocated to Shakopee, MN and has grown to be the largest Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000.

2017 THEMED WEEKENDS: • Silk Road: Discover the Riches Aug 19-20 • Highland Fling Aug 26-27 • Passport to Adventure Sept 2-4 • Wine, Chocolate & Romance Sept 9-10 • Pet Fest Sept 16-17 • Shamrocks & Shenanigans Sept 23-24 • Festival Friday Sept 29 • Oktoberfest Sept 30 - Oct 1

GROUP OUTINGS Save big and have fun with your groups!

PICNIC PACKAGES All-inclusive picnic packages are a popular option for group events during the festival. Four different packages are available for large groups and can accommodate any type of event you plan to host.

The Picnic Package includes: admission into the festival, two hours under one of their tents, group name listed on the broadsheet, and a buffet lunch including hot dogs, hamburgers, coleslaw, seasonal fruit and cookies.

FEAST OF FANTASY Held daily at Bad Manor, the Feast of Fantasy is a two-hour comedy show that includes select entertainment acts, a six-course meal, two unique gifts, and an experience you will never forget!

Save on admission by purchasing through group sales!

For more information contact the Minnesota Renaissance Festival at 952-445-7361 or visit www.renaissancefest.com/groups.

We e k e n d s f r o m A u g u s t t o O c t o b e r • Savings on Groups of 10 or more • Unique Setting • Live Entertainment • Picnic Package • Complimentary Tickets for Drivers & Coordinators M i n n e s o t a R e n a i s s a n c e Fe s t i va l • A u g u s t 1 9 t h - O c t o b e r 1 s t 800.966.8215 • renaissancefest.com M i c h i g a n R e n a i s s a n c e Fe s t i va l • A u g u s t 1 9 t h - O c t o b e r 1 s t 800.601.4848 • michrenfest.com K a n s a s C i t y R e n a i s s a n c e Fe s t i va l • S e p t e m b e r 2 n d - O c t o b e r 1 5 t h 800.373.0357 • kcrenfest.com S t . L o u i s R e n a i s s a n c e Fe s t i va l • S e p t e m b e r 1 6 t h - O c t o b e r 1 5 t h 800.373.0357 • stlrenfest.com

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Going Back to St. Cloud’s Roots This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

St. Cloud invites your groups to learn about the cultural significance of central Minnesota.

Discover how a variety of cultures and ethnicities have shaped the history of this storied region.

day one

9 – 10:00am Explore the famous grasshopper plagues of the 1870s with a visit to the Assumption Chapel—also known as the Grasshopper Chapel—located on the outskirts of Cold Spring. The original chapel was named Maria Hilf, meaning “Mary’s Help” in German. The chapel was reconstructed in 1952 and is still used today for mass ceremonies on the hill, celebrating a safe planting season and good harvest.

10:00am – 1:00pm Travel to Waite Park and visit Quarry Park & Nature Preserve. Granite—formed by intense heat within the earth—was the foundation of a major Minnesota industry. The first granite quarry in central Minnesota was opened in 1863 by two Scotsmen. This specific land is where a type of stone known as “Saint Cloud red granite” was quarried. The land has gradually reverted back to a more natural state, but features remnants of the old days of quarry mining and many beautiful trails to explore.

1 – 3:00pm Your next stop is right next-door in St. Cloud.

The Stearns History Museum is located in a 100-acre nature park in the middle of a bustling city. View the many historical exhibits that feature Stearns County’s past, such as the Pan Motor Company Exhibit, Flowing Through Time Exhibit (showing the impact of settlement in Stearns County as the area expanded), and the On Solid Ground Exhibit—a newly renovated display about the granite industry. Before you leave, watch the Jewel of St. Cloud Munsinger & Clemens Gardens film in the Pantown Theater to learn the history of your next stop!

3 – 4:00pm Travel back to the public works era at Munsinger & Clemens Gardens! These beautiful gardens are adjacent to each other, along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Munsinger Gardens is an informal garden that dates back to 1915 when the city purchased the former site of a sawmill as a park.

Clemens Gardens is a formal European-style garden donated by Bill and Virginia Clemens in the 1990s.

4 – 6:00pm Take a short trip to the heart of St. Cloud. The Downtown Historic District continues to expand, with new boutiques and restaurants springing up each year. Take a self-guided walking tour among the quaint shops and

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Assumption Chapel

view art sculptures along the way.

6 – 8:00pm Continue your evening downtown with a stop at Beaver Island Brewing Co. for a craft beer and learn the history of the Beaver Islands of the Mississippi River. Then enjoy an authentic Irish meal at the Olde Brick House, featuring delicious entrees and Irish décor.

8:00pm Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Paramount Theater or Pioneer Place on Fifth. Both venues feature concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy throughout the year.

day two

11:00am – 2:00pm Take a short drive along I-94 to Sauk Centre and visit the Sinclair Lewis Interpretive Center/Historic Site. Sinclair Lewis was the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and your groups can visit his boyhood home right here in central Minnesota.

His novel Main Street was inspired by the small-town life of Sauk Centre and led to his worldwide fame. The restored home features antiques and furnishings from his era.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the St. Cloud CVB at 320-251-4170 or visit them online at www.visitstcloud.com.

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Living History at the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival October 7-8, 2017 – Albert Lea, MN

Voted one of the "Best 100 Festivals in North America" by the American Bus Association and voted one of Minnesota’s top 25 festivals, this interactive event brings pioneer history to life. Hundreds of re-enactors from all over the United States arrive in Albert Lea each October to recreate American history. Meet presidents, cowboys, fur traders, soldiers, Native Americans, and everyday citizens, who are eager to teach and entertain. See demonstrations of tipi construction and birch bark canoe making. Pioneers set up a chuck wagon camp and craftsmen showcase their skills in blacksmithing, woodworking, farming, candle making, silversmithing, spinning, painting, potting, weaving, and more. Visitors can sift for gold, learn how to throw an ax, watch a real Civil War cannon being fired, and much more.

Enjoy live music and dance, including Celtic, bluegrass, Gaelic, old-time country, gospel and Cajun. Various community groups offer a selection of specialty foods, including kettle corn, ribs, fry bread, homemade root beer, stuffed baked potatoes, pork chops on a stick, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, wild rice soup, and smoked turkey legs. Purchase goods from local artisans and enjoy street entertainment throughout the festival grounds.

This living history adventure runs 9am–7pm Saturday and 9am–4pm Sunday. Admission is $12 per adult with group tour packages available, as well as step-on guides and courtesy passes for drivers.

For more information, contact the Big Island Rendezvous & Festival at 800-658-2526 or visit www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org. www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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MN

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AWAKEN YOUR SENSES Western Minnesota Prairie Waters The Prairie Waters region invites you to relax, travel slowly, and discover the essence of this oneof-a-kind area. Live life in the slow lane and take time to tune into your senses.

SEE an awe-inspiring sunset across a horizon so wide, you have to turn your head to take it all in.

View breathtaking waterways, flowing through channels cut more than a hundred centuries ago when the last great Ice Age receded the area.

Take in the beauty of artistic masterpieces at the Meander Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl, or get a glimpse of Prairie Waters history throughout the dozens of buildings on the National Historic Register.

HEAR the call of a Canada goose, a western grebe, or a cinnamon teal. Listen to the rustling trees and the rippling waters as you stroll along the Minnesota, Chippewa, Pomme de Terre, or Yellow Medicine Rivers. Hear the lowing of cattle at Moonstone Farm, or the clucking of free-range chickens at Pastures A Plenty.

SMELL the fresh air throughout the fields of corn, soybeans, and sugar beets. The irresistible aroma of festival foods welcomes you at the Big Stone, Yellow Medicine, Chippewa, Swift, and Lac qui Parle County Fairs. Hike the trails of a city park and take in the scent of wildflowers, or smell the salty, sea-like air at the Salt Lake Wildlife Management Area—Minnesota’s only alkaline wetland. | CHIPPEWA | YELLOW MEDICINE | SWIFT BIG STONE | LAC QUI PARLE

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

TASTE the fresh produce at a local farmers market, or participate in a winetasting at Headwater’s Jailhouse Winery. Sample new and unique brews at Talking Waters Brewing Company. Dare to take part in a lutefisk-eating competition in Madison, “The Lutefisk Capital of the USA,” or grab a salty treat at the Kiwanis Popcorn Stand in Granite Falls.

FEEL the cool breeze on your face as you paddle the rivers, lakes, and streams of the region. Handle an off-highway vehicle through the rough terrain of the Appleton Area OHV Park, as the dirt and dust fly all around you. Warm yourself in an icehouse as you fish on a frozen lake, or dunk your toes in a cool, freshwater stream.

Enjoy the Kick Back Experience with Western Minnesota Prairie Waters. For more information contact their office at 866-866-5432 or visit their website www.prairiewaters.com.

1-887-832-7267

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Directory attractions

Southern

Metro

Bluffscape Amish Tours: A Step Back in Time LANESBORO, MN

Bluffscape Amish Tours of Lanesboro will take your group on a fun, educational experience through the Amish countryside of southeastern Minnesota. Your tour will depart from Lanesboro and travel to an Amish farm community where you will browse Amish-made quilts, stop at an Amish farmers market filled with fresh baked and canned goods, peruse Amish hand-made baskets, admire the craftsmanship of Amish wood furniture, munch on buttery, sweet cashew crunch you may find along the way, and purchase fruits and vegetables from Amish gardens while in season. As you travel to each Amish farm, your Bluffscape step-on guide will discuss Amish culture and the families that you will visit. History buffs will enjoy a non-Amish stop at the oldest church in Fillmore County.

Bluffscape Amish Tours are about three hours long and provide an abundance of information about the Old Order Amish of southeast Minnesota. Call for details and lunch suggestions for your group.

Gammelgarden Museum 651-433-5053 20880 Olinda Trail N - Scandia, MN 55073 www.gammelgardenmuseum.org

Wabasha Street Caves . . . 651-292-1220 215 Wabasha St S . . . . . . . . . . . 888-679-9896 St. 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 & Graveyard Tours, & More! We Make History Fun!

Southern Bluffscape Amish Tours . . 507-467-3070 102 Beacon St E - Lanesboro, MN 55949 www.bluffscape.com

Western Minnesota Prairie Waters 323 W Schlieman Ave . . . . . . . . 866-866-5432

Appleton, MN 56208 www.prairiewaters.com Explore the serene prairies, meandering canoe routes on breathtaking rivers, and indulge in the rich ethnic & cultural heritage, festivals and recreational opportunities that the Western Minnesota Prairie Waters region has to offer.

festivals and events Metro Minnesota Renaissance Festival 12364 Chestnut Blvd . . . . . . . . . 952-445-7361

Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com Eat, drink, and be merry! The 16th-century atmosphere features more than 250 artisan booths, 16 stages of live entertainment, free parking, and food fit for a king!

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers

Southern

Northern

1725 West Main Street - Albert Lea, MN 56007 www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org

Big Island Rendezvous . . 800-658-2526

St Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 320-251-4170 1411 West St. Germain Street . . . . 800-264-2940

Suite 104 - St. Cloud, MN 56301 www.visitstcloud.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.

2017 Tours: April 8–October 31, Mon–Sat, 10am and 1:30pm. No Sundays or religious holidays.

Tours depart from Stone Mill Hotel & Suites in Lanesboro. Reservations recommended.

For more information or to schedule a tour for your group, contact Bluffscape Amish Tours at 507467-3070 or visit www.bluffscape.com.

507-467-3070 102 Beacon St E | Bluffscape.com bluffscape@hotmail.com

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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ST. LOUIS

The Griot Museum of Black History & Culture

In some African countries, the “griot” (pronounced GREE-OH) is a highly respected member of the community who collects, preserves, and shares the stories and objects of the community. Through core exhibits, The Griot Museum of Black History & Culture seeks to do just that.

Featuring life-sized likenesses of African Americans throughout history, the facility celebrates Missouri’s rich and enduring African American heritage. Visitors can “meet” such legendary figures as Carter G. Woodson, Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Miles Davis, Elizabeth Keckley, and others. The Griot also features an authentic slave cabin, originally built on the Wright-Smith Plantation in Jonesburg, Missouri. For a truly powerful experience, guests can “board” a scale model section of a ship that is the actual size used to transport Africans during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Motherland Museum Shop features clothing, jewelry, figurines, books, and more. Guided and self-guided tours are available, as well as a “History Hunt,” which encourages visitors to locate answers found throughout the exhibits. continue to explore the missouri melting pot…

Bethel | Historic Bethel German Colony Located 45 miles west of Hannibal, this authentic German village was founded in 1844. Today, this tiny community is home to 117 residents and a whole lot of German pride. Go back to a time when colonists shared crops, clothing, crafts, and even their earnings. Explore this 1800s colony and follow a mapped walking tour, visit German shops and museums, and enjoy a home-style meal at Fest Hall (offering a smorgasbord on Sundays).

Bethel frequently hosts festivals, workshops, and seminars throughout the year.

Novinger | Novinger Coal Miners Museum Coal mining played a major role in shaping Missouri’s culture at the turn of the century. Between 1880 and 1966, this area was home to more than 50 recorded coal mines. The Billy Creek Coal Mine—the last deep shaft mine in the state—was located just west of Novinger and closed in 1966.

Today, the museum contains a simulated coal mine, blacksmith shop, antique farm tools, memorabilia from local businesses, and more. The Novinger Log Homestead allows guests to get a glimpse of what life was like for a coal miner in Missouri’s early years.

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Old Mill Days at Montauk State Park May 12-13, Salem 573-548-2225

• St. Louis County Greek Fest May 26-29, Town and Country 314-966-2255

June • 23rd Annual Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival June 2-3, West Plains 888-256-8835

• Firecracker Extravaganza June 23-24, Festus 636-937-4694

• ORMC 16th Annual Rock Show June 23-25, Eldon 417-532-4367

July • Heritage & Freedom Fest July 2-4, O’Fallon 636-379-5606

• Heart of the Ozarks Fair July 17-22, West Plains 888-256-8835

• Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail July 29-30, Hermann 800-932-8687

Spring-Summer Calendar May • The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska May 6-14, Papillion 402-331-5500

June • Rock Island Rail Days June 3-4, Fairbury 402-729-5131

• Omaha Summer Arts Festival June 9-11, Omaha 402-345-5401

• NEBRASKAland Days

June 14-24, North Platte 308-532-7939

July • Living History Weekend July 1-2, Steele 402-729-5131

• GermanFest 2017

July 8, Syracuse 402-269-7489

• 2017 Riverfest

July 21-23, Bellvue 402-898-3000

WILBER

Walking Tours of Wilber

Welcome to the “Czech Capital of Nebraska,” located 36 miles southwest of Lincoln. As you arrive downtown, you’ll hear traditional Czech music filling the streets and notice many storefront signs written in the Czech language.

The Wilber Chamber of Commerce offers “A Day to Remember” walking tours for groups of all sizes. Your day begins at the Czech Museum, where your group will enjoy coffee and kolace, a Czech pastry, followed by a visit to the Wilber Bakery.

Next, you’ll take a trip to the Wilber Meat Market, where you can see traditional Czech meat specialties being made from original recipes. Then it’s on to Barnas Drug for a lesson on hand-blown glass and the history of garnets. Enjoy an authentic Czech lunch, tour the historic Hotel Wilber, a bed and breakfast inn, and view Czech costumes at the Czech Craft Shop. Then return to the Czech Museum for a guided tour of its three floors. View textiles, a doll collection, blacksmith shop, and harness repair shop, interpreting the town’s Czech culture and history. View demonstrations of loom rug making and be sure to visit the gift shop! continue to discover the nebraska melting pot…

Oakland | Swedish Heritage Center Oakland is proud of its Swedish heritage, with Swedish artwork and messages of “Valkommen!” found all over town. At the Swedish Heritage Center, your group will learn about the community’s history through a variety of exhibits. View old photographs, cornhusk ornaments, antique wedding gowns, handmade candelabras, and straw-made dalas (Swedish decorative horses). A variety of folk costumes are also on display. Handcrafted Swedish goods are available in the gift shop!

Omaha | El Museo Latino El Museo Latino first opened its doors in 1993 as the first Latino cultural center in the Midwest.

Today it is one of only seventeen Latino museums in the United States. View world class permanent and traveling exhibits featuring local, national, and international Latino art and culture. Bi-lingual educational programs are offered year round, as well as workshops, lectures, and demonstrations.

Schedule your visit around one of the many performances and concerts hosted by the museum, or take part in an art, music, theatre, or dance class.

JAMESTOWN

Frontier Village

Trade in your motorcoach for a stagecoach as you and your group travel back to North Dakota’s Wild West days. The Frontier Village is a recreated prairie town featuring original buildings filled with antiques and artifacts that bring the world of prairie pioneers to life.

Tucked at the end of the Village Boardwalk is the Louis L’Amour Writer’s Shack, celebrating Jamestown’s most famous son, Louis L’Amour, with a collection of his work on display. The Village features several shops selling handmade goods and souvenirs. Enjoy a light lunch and snacks at the General Store, and take in some live entertainment at the outdoor amphitheater.

Every other Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, catch a Wild West shootout. Be sure to check out the World’s Largest Buffalo Monument and the National Buffalo Museum. Discover the history and significance of the bison (American buffalo) through interpretive panels, artifacts, and original artwork.

The highlight of this facility is the herd of live bison roaming the land nearby, including a rare white buffalo named Dakota Miracle. continue to discover the north dakota melting pot…

Dickinson | Ukrainian Cultural Institute Featuring Ukrainian folk art exhibits, religious displays, and a research library, this cultural center is unlike any other in North Dakota. View the beautiful hand-painted “Psyanky” Easter Eggs, each one individually created with Ukrainian themes and stories. The walls are adorned with embroidered cloths and heritage paintings of early settlers. Pyrohy, or “cheese buttons,” are produced in the kitchen each day. The buttons are packaged in two-pound plastic bags and distributed in stores throughout the Upper Midwest. Attend the Ukrainian Festival in July.

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Junk Market May 6-7, Fargo 701-356-6600

• Sky Fest Over Fort Stevenson May 27-29, Garrison 701-337-5576

June • FM Crossroads Contest Powwow June 2-4, Fargo 701-356-7656

• Grand Cities Art Festival June 10-11, Grand Forks 701-772-3710

• Scandinavian Hjemkomst & Midwest Vikings Festival June 23-24, Moorhead 218-299-5452

July • Downtowners German Days July 13-15, Bismarck 701-223-1958

Minot | Scandinavian Heritage Park Welcome to the only outdoor museum in the world that features all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The park, located in the heart of the Magic City, includes a 240-year-old Norwegian log house, a replica stabbur (a Norwegian shed used for storing grain), 27-foot-tall Swedish dala horse, the Gol Stave Church Museum, Finnish sauna, Danish windmill, statues, and more. The Plaza Scandinavia is a beautiful work of art, 75 feet in diameter, and made entirely of colored granite tiles.

• 2017 North Dakota Ukrainian Festival July 21-23, Dickinson 701-483-1486

• North Dakota State Fair July 21-29, Minot 701-857-7620

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Hopperstad Stave Church

Scandinavian Heritage in Clay County This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County invites you to explore the history and rich heritage of the area. With a variety of exhibitions, cultural festivals, films, lectures, and historical sites, your groups will receive a full immersion in the culture of FargoMoorhead and the Red River Valley.

10:00am – 12:00pm Your adventure begins at the Hjemkomst Center. Get an up-close view of the jawdropping Hjemkomst, a 76-foot-long Viking ship, complete with Igor, the dragon figurehead. In 1982 the ship sailed from Duluth to Norway after local educator Robert Asp built it in a Hawley potato shed. His family and friends completed the voyage in 72 days. Explore the ship gallery and learn this 20th-century Viking saga, worthy of a Norse legend. Follow that story with a guided tour of the Hopperstad Stave Church, a replica of the Viking-age stave church located in Vik, Norway. Discover more of the strong Scandinavian culture of the region and learn about the craftsmanship that went into the detail of this local wonder.

12 – 1:00pm The Minnesota culture doesn't stop there.

Take a seat at the Rex Café under the Hjemkomst Center atrium and indulge in some local fare like the Messy Sven, Ole's Potato Salad Sandwich, or Mosquito Bites.

The café now sits at the site of the former Rex Hotel, a prominent locale built by The Duluth Brewing & Malting Co., named after one of their beers, and rich with the sordid history for which Moorhead was once famous.

1 – 3:00pm After lunch, continue your journey into Fargo-Moorhead’s local history and culture.

Take a stroll through the rest of the fantastic exhibitions, but start with Wet and Dry: Alcohol in Clay County, 1871-1937. This local exhibition runs until January 8, 2018 and www.itinerariesmidwest.com

details the role of booze in a city that started with a railroad and a gunfight, continued through Prohibition-era speakeasies, and still exists as one of the binge-drinking capitals of the U.S. Explore the spirited debates surrounding the issue in three major periods: Settlement, the Saloon Era, and Prohibition.

When you're finished with that, check out the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Artists BIG Art Show (April 17 to June 9), History and Heritage: Celebrating 125 Years of Concordia College (March 18 to June 15), The Red River Watercolor Society's 24th Annual National Show (June 19 to August 5), Quilt National '15 (July 1 to October 20), The Red River Valley Regional Masters Art Show (November 2 to December 31), and HCSCC's major exhibition of the year: Illuminating the Word: The Saint John's Bible, a showcase of 68 original, calligraphed, and hand-illuminated calfskin vellum pages of The Saint John's Bible (October 2 to December 31).

3 – 5:00pm If you're not enjoying one of HCSCC’s major cultural festivals or sticking around for a special event or lecture, then check out their historical sites (The Bergquist Cabin, the Comstock House), or explore the rest of the Fargo-Moorhead community. Take your new knowledge of alcohol in the region to one of the area’s fantastic local breweries, stop in at a top-notch museum, and finish the day with a meal from Fargo-Moorhead’s famous restaurant scene.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County at 218-299-5511 or visit www.hcscconline.org.

Exhibitions ¬ Cultural Festivals ¬ Local History Archives ¬ Cafe ¬ Gift Shop

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

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Legendary

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Directory attractions Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County . . . . . . . . . 218-299-5511 202 First Avenue North – Moorhead, MN 56560 www.hcscconline.org Explore the history and rich heritage of the area.

With many activities and places to visit, your groups will get a feel of what the ancestors of this area accomplished.

festivals and events Norsk Høstfest . . . . . . 701-852-2368

1020 S Broadway St – Minot, ND 58701 www.hostfest.com Nosk Hostfest is celebrating 40 years of pure scandimonium in 2017! Featuring world-class entertainment, authentic Scandinavian cuisine, Scandinavian culture on display, handcrafted Norsk merchandise, plus a fine dining establishment lead by guest chefs. September 27-30, 2017.

Norsk Høstfest

40 Years of Pure Scandimonium!

September 27-30, 2017 – Minot, ND

Four days of fun and adventure await your groups at North America’s largest Scandinavian festival!

Their 40th anniversary celebration this year brings some big acts to the Great Hall of the Vikings.

See the Oak Ridge Boys, Celtic Thunder, Amy Grant, Jeff Dunham, Joe Diffie, John Michael Montgomery, The Doobie Brothers, and Little River Band.

While the big entertainment draws the crowds at Norsk Høstfest, there are plenty of other things to see and do. Bring your groups to the Nordic Kitchen to learn new culinary techniques, shop for one-of-a-kind gifts among hundreds of vendors, indulge in Scandinavian cuisine, or enroll in Høstfest University classes and become educated in artisan crafts from an expert instructor. In the Author’s Corner, guests can meet some of their favorite authors such as Lauraine Snelling and Astrid Karlsen Scott.

The proud heritage of Scandinavia is alive and on display at all the shopping booths at Norsk Høstfest. From the Clog Shop to the Import Shop to the Sølje Shop and the General Store, unique and fascinating stores are easily found in the International Marketplace. Purchase silver jewelry, Norwegian sweaters, authentic Scandinavian gifts, fine arts, souvenirs, and much more. The handcrafted items you'll find for sale are like the experiences you'll have at Høstfest: truly one-of-a-kind!

Vendors at Høstfest come from all five Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and Finland. Every year, an elite team of Norwegian chefs arrives and serves at the festival’s pop-up restaurants: Scandi and En To Tre. Scandi serves traditional, homemade Norwegian cuisine, while En To Tre offers a stylish, fine dining experience (reservations required).

Norsk Høstfest is fjordified with fun and Nordic culture.

September 27-30, 2017 40

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

minot, north dakota, usa 701.852.2368 • hostfest.com

At the Tromsø Cultural Village, your groups will find presenters and Viking re-enactors from Arctic Norway, along with Vikings from Scandinavia, the U.S. and Canada. Watch real sword battles and learn about their culture.

For more information contact Norsk Høstfest at 701-852-2368 or visit www.hostfest.com.

1-887-832-7267

Spring-Summer Calendar

DEADWOOD

Historic Deadwood

June 10-11, Sioux Falls 866-489-9241

The discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 led to one of the last major gold rushes in U.S. history. When miners moved into the northern Black Hills in 1876, they came across a gulch full of dead trees and a creek full of gold. The town of Deadwood was born. Now a National Historic Landmark, this Wild West town once drew legions of adventurers in search of fortune. Characters like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane helped to make this town legendary. Watch a drama-filled shootout on Main Street, reenactments of the slaying of Wild Bill Hickok, and the trial of his murderer. At the Days of ’76 Museum, view exceptional displays of carriages, firearms, American Indian artifacts, and exhibits illustrating Deadwood’s enduring friendship with Buffalo Bill Cody. The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. Located in downtown Deadwood, the facility explores larger-than-life legends while preserving the history of the Black Hills. Narrated bus tours and step-on guide services are available through the Deadwood Chamber.

June 16-17, Tabor 605-463-2478

continue to discover the south dakota melting pot…

May • Fruhlingsfest and Spring Market May 6, Rapid City 605-716-7979

• Annual SDRA Foothills Rodeo May 27-28, Wessington Springs 605-770-4370

June • Fort Sisseton Historical Festival June 2-4, Lake City 605-448-5474

• Siouxland Renaissance Festival • Czech Days

July • 98th Annual Black Hills Roundup June 30 - July 4, Belle Fourche 605-723-2010

• Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo July 13-16, Mitchell 605-770-4919

• Annual Gem & Mineral Show July 22-23, Rapid City 605-269-2015

Chamberlain Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center This interactive facility is more than just a museum; it’s an experience that provides visitors with a lesson on the Native American way of life, both past and present. The 14,000-square-foot museum features artifacts and educational displays depicting the proud heritage of the Lakota people. Visitors also benefit from educational films in the mini-theater, EnglishLakota descriptions, an outdoor Medicine Wheel Garden, and a gift shop featuring unique Native American-made products.

Delmont | Delmont Kuchen Festival Kuchen, the German word for “cake,” is a delicious mash-up of cake and pie and topped with creamy custard. It’s also South Dakota’s official state dessert! At the 21st annual Kuchen Festival in downtown Delmont, visitors will find kuchen by the pan or slice, along with a German lunch, crafts, quilts, and an art show. Then tour the historic Pumphouse Museum, which still holds the tank that once supplied water to the early residents of Delmont. September 9, 2017

Great Faces. Great Places.

SD

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69th Annual Czech Days Celebration June 16-17, 2017 – Tabor, SD

Celebrate South Dakota’s Czech heritage with music, entertainment, dancing, traditional Czech foods, and fun at the 69th Annual Czech Days in Tabor! In as early as 1869, settlers began arriving from Bohemia to this small South Dakota community. Throughout the years, this annual festival has celebrated the heritage of those early founders, and has attracted as many as 10,000

Czech Days

Tabor, South Dakota June 16 & 17, 2017 taborczechdays.com /TaborCzechDays

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visitors to this little town of 400+ people.

Entertain your groups with anything and everything “Czech.” Start out with the fireworks display on Thursday evening. Don’t miss the colorful parade on Friday, and the kiddie parade on Saturday morning. Have a seat in Sokol Park for free entertainment and watch the Beseda, a traditional Czech dance performed by 238 dancers, young and old. Do you like polka music? Enjoy plenty of toe-tapping polka played throughout this celebration. Take part in a Polka Mass that features area singers and musicians performing traditional Czech music. After the service, enjoy more music and dancing with a live polka band.

Other activities throughout this event include the Kolache Krawl 5k Run/Walk, a craft fair, pedal tractor pull, chainsaw carving, Czech heritage pioneer reenactment, and the Czech Days Queen Coronation Pageant.

And let’s not forget the traditional Czech food!

At Beseda Hall enjoy a Czech dinner, which includes roast pork or beef, dumplings, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, bread, a kolache (the famous

ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Czech pastry), and coffee or tea. The Information Center features a Kolache Baking Demonstration and, last but not least, be sure to take home a fine handmade souvenir from the Tabor community.

For more information contact the Tabor Area Chamber of Commerce at 605-463-2478 or visit www.taborczechdays.com.

Directory festivals and events Tabor Czech Days . . . 605-463-2478

PO Box 21 - Tabor, SD 57063 www.taborczechdays.com This celebration honors the heritage of the early founders of Tabor who came from Czechoslovakia as early as 1869. Music, parades, entertainment, 5K, carnival, dancing and food. June 16-17, 2017.

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1-887-832-7267

Spring-Summer Calendar May • Syttende Mai Festival May 19-21, Westby 608-634-4011

• Chocolatefest

May 26-29, Burlington 414-256-4813

June • Festa Italia June 2-4, Fitchburg 608-258-1880

• Fiesta Waukesha

June 9-11, Waukesha 262-547-0887

• Polish Fest

June 16-18, Milwaukee 414-529-2140

• Greek Festival

June 23-25, Racine 262-632-5682

July • Red Cliff Traditional Pow-wow

STEVENS POINT

Polish Heritage Trail

Take a relaxing motorcoach ride through the countryside of this scenic area—the first rural Polish settlement in the state and the second in the U.S. The quiet, rural roads winding through glacial terrain and wooded hills, lakes, and farmland are reminders of the Polish heritage of the area.

The quaint communities, roadside churches, and Polish shrines create a spiritual landscape similar to the Kaszuby region of northern Poland from which the earliest settlers came beginning in 1857. Tour the convent grounds of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, home of the first Polish parochial school in the state. Students were primarily of Polish descent, but Native American students were welcome as well. Visit more churches along the way as you travel to Steven’s Point. Tour the famous Market Square where Polish farmers sold their produce and animals. Located just off the square is a bakery, serving freshly baked Polish pastries each day. You’ll also see a statue of a young Polish soldier, Count Casimir Pulaski, who came to America to fight the Revolutionary War against the British.

The Polish Heritage Awareness Society offers complete maps of this picturesque driving tour.

June 30 - July 2, Red Cliff 800-226-8478

continue to discover the wisconsin melting pot…

July 14-16, Colby 715-223-8509

Brussels | Belgian Heritage Center Located in the Namur Historic District in the former St. Mary of the Snows Church—the cornerstone of this historic Belgian settlement—is the Belgian Heritage Center. Documenting the history of Wisconsin’s Belgian ancestors, the museum features exhibits on immigration, architecture, economic development, women’s unique role in the family, and the Great Peshtigo Fire (in 1871, it was the deadliest wildfire in recorded history). Celebrate Belgian culture with food, beverages, languages, and customs. Narrated tours of Belgian settlements are available.

• Colby Cheese Days • German Fest

July 28-30, Milwaukee 414-464-9444

New Glarus | Swiss Historical Village Museum Experience 1850s Swiss pioneer life while exploring the 14 artifact-filled buildings at this recreated village. Tour the settler’s cabin, collectibles shop, school, blacksmith, bee house, church, and more. Some of these buildings are replicas, while others are original structures. Each one features rich layers of Swiss furnishings, tools, implements, books, and textiles that were once used in everyday settlement life. Discover how the brave immigrants to this area lived and worked.

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Cotter Pin, LLC

Southwest Wisconsin Getaway

This sample itinerary is best during the late summer and fall months.

day one

10 – 11:30am Your southwest Wisconsin itinerary begins with a scrumptious brunch at Borgens Café in Westby. They invite you to gather at their table for great food and great service in a casual and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy their locally sourced salad bar that includes seasonal produce, complete with homemade soups and salads. For more information, contact Borgens Café at 608-634-4003 or visit www.borgenscafe.com.

11:30 – 11:45am Travel 11 miles to Cashton, WI. 11:45am – 5:45pm Chuck and Kathy Kuderer, along with their family, invite you to visit their farm near

Westby House Inn & Rest

Cashton, in the heart of Wisconsin’s largest Amish community. Nestled among the gorgeous rolling countryside of Wisconsin’s driftless region, the Kuderer farm is home to The Village Shops at Down A Country Road. Sense the quiet tranquility of a day in the country as you explore this family farm.

The Kuderers have established a special friendship with many of the Old Order Amish families that surround the Cashton area.

The Village Shops reflect this long-standing friendship, selling homemade goods from approximately 45 Amish families in the region.

You’ll find a wide variety of Amish-made furniture, quilts, rugs, baskets, homemade candies, jams and jellies, maple syrup, honey products and so much more! The Kuderers

aurant

also work with many other local artisans who bring their wares to the gift shops to market to people from around the world. The family is proud to offer these items, in addition to unique giftware Kathy has sought out from the many markets she attends.

Amish Tours With Down A Country Road Learn the rich history of the Amish with a guided tour through Wisconsin’s Amish country. Your groups will learn how this heritage has survived many, many generations and thrives today in the midst of the modern world. Hear of the traditions and customs of the Amish, including why they dress the way they do, their courtship and marriage practices, what it's like to attend Amish church

Luncheon Tours at the Historic Westby House Inn • Tour bed & breakfast guest rooms • Easy walking to shops - one block from inn • Located in a quaint town with strong Norwegian heritage 9 miles south of Cashton Amish community, 6 miles to vineyard tours/tastings, 20 miles southwest of La Crosse www.westbyhouse.com info@westbyhouse.com 608-634-4112

wine & craft beer • unique gift shop • local foods

608.487.8118 | thecotterpinllc.org 20671 State Highway 27 - Sparta, WI

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Homemade Comfort Food •Banquet & Meeting Rooms • Vacation Rental Apartments 608-634-4003 | borgenscafe.com Like us on Facebook|109 Main St - Westby, WI

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services in the home, and what an Amish funeral is like. All of these experiences are related through the eyes of your experienced tour guide. You’ll make stops at one or more Amish farms, depending on the time you have allotted for the tour. For more information or to schedule your group tour, contact Down A Country Road at 608-654-5318 or visit www.downacountryroad.com.

5:45 – 6:00pm Travel 15 miles to Leon, WI. 6 – 8:00pm Deep in the heart of downtown Leon, you’ll find The Cotter Pin, LLC, a unique place to soak up the local flavors. They offer a variety of wines, craft beers, and light meals to enjoy while you browse the unique gift shop, or just sit back and relax. They also have off-sale retail sales of wine and beer if you would rather enjoy them at home. For more information, contact The Cotter Pin at 608487-8118 or visit www.thecotterpinllc.org.

8 – 8:30pm Travel 19 miles back to Westby, WI. 8:30pm Find history, comfort, and hospitality in one of the best places to stay in Wisconsin.

Westby House Inn & Restaurant is a restful and relaxing alternative to hotels in the area.

Return to simpler times and indulge in modern luxuries at this beautiful bed and breakfast.

The inn includes three separate buildings that offer nine guest rooms. Each building is

Wetherby Cranberry Co.

complete with its own style and atmosphere.

All rooms come equipped with many conveniences you would find in a modern hotel, but with all of the added comforts of home. For more information, contact Westby House Inn & Restaurant at 608-634-4112 or visit www.westbyhouse.com.

day two

8:00am – 12:00pm Wake up and enjoy Westby House Inn & Restaurant’s four-course gourmet breakfast, beginning with fresh juices and coffee, pastries and fresh fruit, and a main entrée to

down a country road the village shops at

608-654-5318 • www.DownACountryRoad.com 12651 State Hwy 33 • Cashton, WI 54619

The Amish Shop

The Little Red Shed

Emma’s Kitchen

Hand-crafted treasures made by the local Amish families.

Homemade soaps, lotions and perfumes, as well as a variety of other giftware.

Jams and jellies, homemade candies, maple syrup, pancake and bread mixes and other food products.

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complete this delectable meal. Spend some time at the local shops in Westby and stop back in to the Westby House Inn & Restaurant for lunch or tea before heading to your next destination. Their on-site restaurant serves some of the finest meals and baked goods in the region. The menu selections focus on simplicity and freshness. Enjoy house-made soups and salads, mouthwatering entrées, and fresh Cedar Crest Ice Cream for dessert.

12 – 1:00pm Travel 54 miles to Warrens, WI. 1 – 2:30pm Let your groups loose with a self-guided ...continued on page 46

YOUR NEXT MOTORCOACH TOUR DESTINATION! providing bus tours since 1994

Let our experienced guides share the rich history of the Amish, dating back to the Anabaptist movement of the 1500s. Here, a non-Amish family has established a special friendship with many of the Old Order Amish families that surround the Cashton area. Your group steps back in time and will feel the quiet tranquility of a time gone by.

Call today to share this special experience with your groups!

Country Corner Ice Cream Shoppe

Kinner Korner Children’s Shop

Not So Plain & Simple

We'll entice you with several flavors of "Made in Wisconsin" ice cream.

An array of furniture and gift items for the wee ones in your life.

Hand-made purses, jewelry, scarves, lotions, potions and fun and inspirational giftware.

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continued from page 45... tour of the interactive Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center Exhibit Hall. Visit the gift shop, bakery, and vintage soda fountain for cranberry ice cream, cranberry baked goods, wine tasting, and sampling of unique cranberry salsas, dips, chutneys and other treats. The Center offers a menu of lunches, bakery items and desserts if your group needs a snack before heading to your next destination. For more information, contact the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center at 608-378-4878 or visit www.discovercranberries.com.

2:30 – 6:00pm Continue on from the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center to the nearby Wetherby Cranberry Company marsh. See the marshes firsthand during your tour and enjoy fresh cranberries during harvest as well as Wetherby cranberry wine! For more information, contact Wetherby Cranberry Co. at 608-378-4813 or visit www.freshcranberries.com.

If you visit during the last weekend of September, stop by the Warrens Cranberry Festival! This festival features more than three miles of shopping and more than 1,500 booths. Enjoy tasty cranberry dishes and desserts while you shop!

Explore the world of Cranberries

Country Bumpkin Farm Market WISCONSIN DELLS, WI Open Daily, late April - October 31

Bring out your group’s inner child! At Country Bumpkin Farm Market, your groups can enjoy farm rides, pet animals, pick fresh produce, or enjoy fresh food and desserts.

FARM ADVENTURES Experience fun on the farm with a zipline, pedal kart raceway, or a tractor-pulled train. Ride the Country Bumpkin Express Train around the 30acre farm and stop for a treat of berries, watermelon, or raw sweet corn. Meet the animals and their babies—you may even pet and feed them! Visit in the fall and partake in a pumpkin catapult, corn maze, haywagon ride, and a campfire with s’mores.

FARM STORE & BAKERY Try some homemade treats from the bakery.

Cream pies are their specialty and, depending on the time of year, they may include strawberries, red raspberries, or other delicious fruit. Their farm store offers many local foods; many of which are grown right on the farm.

U-PICK, WE-PICK Bring home some fresh produce! Country Bumpkin Farm Market offers U-pick and We-pick services daily. This includes many fresh berries, vegetables, pumpkins and more!

For more information contact Country Bumpkin Farm Market at 608-254-2311 or visit www.countrybumpkinent.com.

VISIT THE FUN ON THE FARM!

378-4878 • discovercranberries.com

• Lil' Bumpkin Play Village & Petting Farm • Farm gift shop and bakery • U-pick and We-pick berries, fresh produce & pumpkins • Pedal kart raceway, zipline, trail rides, special events & more!

204 Main Street • Warrens • WI

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST SPRING/SUMMER 2017

Open daily, late April - October 31 E9745 County Rd P Wisconsin Dells, WI

countrybumpkinent.com 608-254-2311

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LaClare Farms: Taste Something out of the Ordinary MALONE, WI

LaClare Farms is a family-run dairy goat farm located in southeastern Wisconsin. Spend a few hours or the whole day exploring this beautiful, group-friendly facility.

Larry and Clara Hedrich (the “La” and “Clare” of LaClare Farms) started their dairy goat operation in the late ‘80s. After a few years of showing their goats throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, they decided to go commercial, milking goats by machine. After working with a local dairy plant, they crafted their first batch of Evalon, their trademark cheese made from 100% LaClare Farms milk. This signature cheese went on to win several awards, and soon this operation became a household name in the cheesemaking world.

See Larry and Clara—along with their five grown

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children—operate this family business, which now houses a state-of-the-art dairy goat operation, farmstead creamery, Retail Shoppe, and Café serving up mouth-watering menu items that feature award-winning cheeses made fresh from goat, sheep, or cow milk. Tours are offered from Memorial Day weekend through October. Choose from daily guided tours (11am and 2pm) that will take your group through the cheesemaking process.

See the milking facility where up to 400 goats are milked daily. You’ll also have the opportunity to pet and feed the baby goats on this one-hour tour.

Self-guided tours are also available during business hours, seven days a week from 10am to 7pm.

Day on Farm Tours are offered from mid-August through October and are available for groups of 20 or more on Mondays and Tuesdays. This tour takes

Tours

you through The Little Farmer—also located in Malone—in addition to LaClare Farms’ dairy goat operations.

Be sure to check out the many events held throughout the year at LaClare Farms. Experience a Meet the Producer Dinner event, hosted yearround on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Enjoy a multi-course dinner made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with a local brewery or winery. It’s truly an evening you won’t forget!

For more information or to schedule a tour for your group, contact LaClare Farms at 920-670-0051 or visit www.laclarefarm.com. Please note there are no cheesemaking activities on Saturdays or Sundays.

OPEN ALL YEAR

EDUCATIONAL book now!

w2994 cty rd hh|malone, wi|920.670.0051 Sun 9a-7p|mon-sat 10 A-7pm | www.laclarefarms.com www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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Swiss Hospitality in New Glarus Experience the exquisite Swiss charm of the Chalet Landhaus Inn while exploring the Swiss culture and history of the New Glarus area. Plan your group’s overnight stay at this traditional chalet-style inn, open year round. Built in 1980, the Chalet Landhaus Inn has been a treasure for visitors

from all over, offering a touch of Switzerland right here in the Midwest. Custom-made furniture and European-style décor transport guests to the Swiss Alps. The Chalet Landhaus Restaurant serves up breakfast buffets all week long, in addition to Swiss dinner specialties, such as piccataschnitzel,

wienerschnitzel, and rahmschnitzel. American favorites like New York strip steak and cheese curds are available as well. If your tour allows you to be here on a Thursday, then you won’t want to miss their Swiss Cookouts, held from the beginning of May through October, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. rain or shine.

Whether you’re on a one-day or two-day tour, the Älpli Bar adjoining the Chalet Landhaus Inn is a favorite spot among locals and visitors. Sit back and enjoy a Wisconsin Spotted Cow or cocktail of your choice.

Welcome to the Chalet Landhaus Inn, where traditional Swiss hospitality and charm welcome you all year round. The Chalet Landhaus is built with a perfect blend of modern convenience and old-fasioned Swiss decor to give you a touch of Switzerland close to home.

801 Hwy 69 - New Glarus, WI | 608-527-5234 | chaletlandhaus.com

Enjoy the charm and hospitality of Switzerland without leaving the States!!

Dine, drink, and relax in the warm glow and ambiance of our charming dining room, or experience the New Glarus villagescape against our welcoming interior balcony.

100 6th Ave - New Glarus, WI | 608-527-5244 | newglarushotel.com

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For more information or to book a stay for your group, contact the Chalet Landhaus Inn at 800944-1716 or visit www.chaletlandhaus.com.

Indulge in authentic Swiss cuisine prepared by trained chefs at the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant and escape to Switzerland without ever leaving the heart of Wisconsin. Signature dishes like geschnetzlets, rösti, beef fondue bourguignonne, spätzli, raclette, along with locally made cheeses and sausages, will delight your palate. Built in 1853, this historic building began its life as a hotel, housing salesmen and travelers awaiting services from nearby livery stables. Today it primarily serves as a restaurant, known to only three generations of owners. The cultural history and stories keep this restaurant unique, with authentic Swiss style. In fact, the main dining room once served as an opera house. Friday and Saturday evenings feature live polka music, for a truly memorable experience.

For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact the New Glarus Hotel Restaurant at 800-727-9477 or visit www.newglarushotel.com.

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Milwaukee Food & City Tours MILWAUKEE, WI

Milwaukee Food & City Tours offers delicious tours exploring neighborhoods originally settled by Italian, Irish, Polish, and German immigrants. On all of their food and cultural tours of Milwaukee, they point out architectural highlights, cultural hot spots, and great restaurants and shops while your groups sample flavors from eateries along the way.

They have many themed tours created especially for larger or older groups. These options involve minimal walking and are fully customizable for your specific group.

PROGRESSIVE ETHNIC MEAL (Lunch or Dinner) | 5 hours Experience Milwaukee’s German, Irish, Polish, and Italian influences and taste food to match in each of the unique stops on this tour.

CHRISTMAS BAKERY BUSES (Milwaukee or Racine) | 4-5 hours Visit 5-8 bakeries and shops during this sweet tour. Along the way, learn of Christmas holiday traditions from the Polish, Germans, Italians, Irish, Danish and more!

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & DESSERTS 2.5 hours A perfect mix of history, Milwaukee Christmas traditions, tasty treats, and a dash of lighthearted holiday spirit.

BIKES, BRATS & BEER TOUR | 5 hours Check out the Harley-Davidson Museum, venture through Milwaukee’s Beer Baron history, tour Lakefront Brewery, and discover Milwaukee’s finest Usinger brats!

along the Milwaukee RiverWalk, delve into a “custard crawl,” and enjoy a historical tour of the Village of Greendale.

TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS TOUR | 6 hours Visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and turnof-the-century businesses downtown. Enjoy a sit-down lunch at an ethnic restaurant and a Milwaukee dessert.

CRAFT BREWERIES & COCKTAILS 5-6 hours Visit 4-5 craft breweries and distilleries of Milwaukee BEFORE they become famous! Along the way, enjoy a generous sit-down meal in the Miller Valley.

TRICK-OR-CHOCOLATE HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE | 5 hours Learn about Milwaukee’s spirits, experience a haunted city tour via your motorcoach, and enjoy a lunch at a historic (perhaps haunted) hotel. Stop at several chocolatiers to sample treats!

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY IN MILWAUKEE | 6 hours View significant churches in the community, enjoy lunch at an African American-owned restaurant, watch a drum and dance presentation, and conclude your day with dessert and shopping.

For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact Milwaukee Food & City Tours at 262-853-5239 or visit www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/group-travel.

or 262-853-5239

RACINE CITY TOUR & KRINGLE EXPERIENCE | 6 hours Learn about Racine’s Danish history, landmarks, and founders. This tour includes lunch at Reefpoint Brewhouse and kringle-making demonstrations, samples, and treats!

CHURCHES & CHOCOLATES TOUR 5.5 hours Visit and tour churches, enjoy lunch at one of Milwaukee’s ethnic restaurants, and a visit to a chocolatier to learn their craft and receive samples.

CUSTARD CAPITAL OF THE WORLD 5 hours Start with lunch at Miss Katie’s Diner, visit Fonzie www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Swiss Historical Village & Museum NEW GLARUS, WI

Get lost in the Swiss immigrant history of this community known as “America’s Little Switzerland” at the Swiss Historical Village & Museum in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Your guide will captivate your group with educational and entertaining stories depicting the history of this community, founded in 1845. The guided tour is 1.5 hours, or if you’d prefer, a self-guided tour through the village is also available.

Trace the colony’s growth from its humble beginnings to the dairy farming community it has become today as you explore 14 historic buildings— some replicas and some original structures—filled with furnishings and tools once used during the days of Swiss settlement. Explore a print shop that began producing newspapers back in 1897, as well as a schoolhouse, blacksmith, church, bee house, settler’s cabin, and more. Each will leave you with the knowledge of how these Swiss immigrants lived and worked back in the day.

History buffs, charters, sightseeing groups, and school groups come from all over to experience the living history and vibrant Swiss heritage so prominent in New Glarus today.

Tour groups are welcome from 10am to 4pm daily, May 1 – October 31. For more information contact the Swiss Historical Village & Museum at 608527-2317 or visit www.swisshistoricalvillage.org.

Memories Are Made Here

Gain a new perspective on Wisconsin’s Swiss heritage.

• Custard Capital of the World • Churches & Chocolates • Christmas Bakery Bus

MILWAUKEEFOODTOURS.COM/GROUP-TRAVEL grouptours@milwaukeefoodtours.com or 262-853-5239

Swiss Historical Village & Museum 612 7th Avenue, New Glarus, WI (608) 527-2317

www.swisshistoricalvillage.org

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Directory accommodations Chalet Landhaus Inn . . 608-527-5234 801 WI-69 – New Glarus, WI 53574 www.chaletlandhaus.com

The Cotter Pin, LLC . . 608-487-8118 20671 WI-27 – Sparta, WI 54656 www.thecotterpinllc.org

New Glarus Hotel Restaurant 100 6th Ave . . . . . . . . . . . 608-527-5244 New Glarus, WI 53574 www.newglarushotel.com

Westby House Inn . . . 608-634-4112 200 W State St – Westby, WI 54667 www.westbyhouse.com

attractions

Mid-Continent Railway Museum

Country Bumpkin Farm Market, LLC E9745 Co Rd P . . . . . . . . . 608-254-2311

The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is an outdoor, living museum and operating railroad recreating the small town/shortline way of life during the “Golden Age of Railroading,” with operating trains, educational exhibits, and displays of restored rolling stock.

Down A Country Road 608-654-5318

NORTH FREEDOM, WI

M ID -C ONTINENT RAILWAY MUSEUM ®

20 miles southwest of Wisconsin Dells Take a 55-minute, 7-mile roundtrip ride aboard 100-year-old railcars Take the self-guided tour through the railroad museum displays Guided tours available with advance notice Browse the gift shop inside an 1894 depot Group rates available Free bus parking, free picnic area Open Daily: June 3 through Sept. 4 Open Weekends: May 13 through Oct. 15 Open other dates by appointment

(608) 522-4261 or (800) 930-1385 Midcontinent.org

E8948 Museum Road, North Freedom, WI 53951

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Take your groups for a memorable, 7-mile, 55-minute round-trip train ride on a former branch line of the Chicago & North Western Railway, nestled in a valley between the Baraboo Hills of rural Sauk County. Passengers ride in restored steel coaches built a century ago. An authentically attired conductor will call “all aboard!” before the train leaves from a historic wooden depot, built in 1894.

Mid-Continent is much more than just a train ride.

The Coach Shed is filled with restored wooden passenger cars, freight cars, and displays from the turn of the century. There you will find examples of Mid-Continent’s nationally renowned wood car restorations, such as the Badger #2 “Fish Car,” the exquisite Art Nouveau-motif of the Milwaukee Lake Shore & Western #63, and the 1903-built Copper Range Coach #60. In the outdoor display yard, you can inspect steam locomotives up close, including Copper Range Locomotive #29, Soo Line #2645, and Kewaunee Green Bay & Western #49. In all, there are nearly 40 train cars and locomotives on prominent display with many more awaiting restorations.

2017 SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE Snow Train February 11-12 Train rides amid a winter wonderland Stars and Stripes Special July 1-2 Celebrating freedom at North Freedom Vintage Rail Car Tours September 23-24 Tours inside Mid-Continent’s best restorations Autumn Color Weekend October 6-8 Train rides amid brilliant hues of fall Pumpkin Special October 14-15 Train rides to the pumpkin patch

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Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 www.countrybumpkinent.com

12651 WI-33 – Cashton, WI 54619 www.downacountryroad.com

LaClare Farms . . . . . . 920-670-0051 W2994 County Rd HH – Malone, WI 53049 www.laclarefarm.com

Mid-Continent Railway Museum . . 608-522-4261

E8948 Museum Rd . . . . .

North Freedom, WI 53951 www.midcontinent.org

Milwaukee City & Food Tours 2419 N 62nd St . . . . . . . . . 414-255-0534 Milwaukee, WI 53213 www.milwaukeefoodtours.com

Swiss Historical Village 608-527-2317 612 7th Ave – New Glarus, WI 53574 www.swisshistoricalvillage.org

Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-378-4878 204 Main Street – Warrens, WI 54666 www.discovercranberries.com

restaurants Borgens Café . . . . . . . 608-634-4003 109 S Main St – Westby, WI 54667 www.borgenscafe.com

Santa Express November 25-26 Train rides with Old Saint Nick For more information or to customize an experience for your group, contact the MidContinent Railway Museum at 608-522-4261 or visit www.midcontinent.org.

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