Itineraries Midwest Winter 2017-2018

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

LETTER FROM

the publisher Dear Planner,

Coming Summer 2018!

Center Stage Tours From classic Broadway hits, to outdoor amphitheater variety shows, this issue brings all sorts of great tours to the stage. See show-stopping musicals, intimate Black Box performances, sidesplitting comedies, classic Shakespeare plays, or even showboat entertainment! Whatever your group’s taste, this issue has it. So leave the drama to us as we put your groups center stage!

Group tours are often framed with a “Go, go, go!” mindset, but this issue of Itineraries invites you to step away from all that. Rather than trying to fit as many group activities as possible into a single trip, this issue encourages you to stop and smell the roses. Become one with nature. Take in aweinspiring views. Take a yoga class. Explore holistic healing remedies. Or simply relax at your deluxe hotel.

In the following pages, you’ll discover ways to recharge and renew with your groups. Visit the unique town of Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, where locals are so committed to a healthy mind and body, that the sale of non-organic food has been completely banned within city limits. National parks are another great way to put life in perspective. At North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park, you’ll see sweeping vistas of one of the last remnants of wilderness in the Northern Great Plains. Or how about a winery? Missouri’s Augusta Viticulture Area is a haven for wine-lovers. Wine sampling and boutique shopping are a great way for groups to recharge while treating themselves.

So read on to discover how you and your tour groups can relax, renew, recharge, and rejuvenate across the Midwest!

Best regards, Heather J. Lahren, CEO – Publisher

illinois . . . . . . . . 10 iowa . . . . . . . . . 12

table of contents On the Cover: Nebraska River Tanking - Tanking takes place on many of Nebraska’s meandering rivers. This unique experience requires zero paddling, as the shallow river pulls your group lazily along. Enjoy the scenery and soak up a beautiful day as you breathe in the fresh air and hear the water flow beneath you. Start with a plastic or metal livestock water tank, then outfit it with chairs, a cooler, or even a table. Multiple tanking experiences are available along Nebraska’s Cedar, Calamus, Niobrara, and Elkhorn rivers. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Heather J. Lahren | PUBLISHER heather@itinerariesinc.com Mackenzie Lahren | SENIOR EDITOR 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 | GRAPHIC DESIGNER; MARKETING MANAGER | ashley@itinerariesinc.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Heather Lahren, Kathleen Somers, Ashley Nelson and Mackenzie Lahren | Itineraries Inc.

kansas . . . . . . . 16

winter 2017-18

michigan . . . . . . 20

featuring 6 Rest. Renew. Rejuvenate.

minnesota . . . . . 24

columns 4 profile Linger at Lied Lodge 8 spotlight Take It Easy, Nebraska-Style

nebraska . . . . . . 36

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 2018

missouri . . . . . . . 33

north dakota . . . 39 south dakota . . . 41 wisconsin . . . . . 43

PHOTO CREDITS

Aaron Anders - Salina Journal, Badlands National Park, Bluffscape Amish Tours, BVH Architecture, Castle Farms, Chalet Landaus, Chicago Botanic Garden, Cotter Pin, LLC, Country Bumpkin Farm Market, Danny Wood, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop, Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce & CVB, Frost Fire Summer Theater, Gammelgarden Museum, Grand Island Nebraska CVB, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County, Historical Society of Pottawattamie County, Historic Downtown Liberty, Howard Meyerson, Iowa Rural Schools Museum, Iron Spike, INC, Jack Ashore, LaClare Farms, Lied Lodge, Mid-Continental Railway Museum, Millner Farm, Milwaukee Food & City Tours, MN Renaissance Festival, Museum of the Fur Trade, Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce, New Glarus Hotel Restaurant, Nordic Ware Factory Store, Old Creamery Theatre, Pony Express Station, Sarah McKenzie, Scotts Bluff National Monument, St. Cloud CVB, Swiss Historical Village & Museum, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Thomas Bragg, Tour Kansas, Visit SI, Wabasha Street Caves, Wall-Badlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Wellington Farm Park, Western MN Prairie Waters, Westby House Inn & Restaurant, Wetherby Cranberry Co

PROFILE

Linger ... at Lied Lodge

BY KATHLEEN SOMERS

When your group is just aching to pull back, relax, and rejuvenate, there is nothing like getting back to nature. And I know the perfect place! Surrounding your group in luxury, peace, trees (a vital component for such an experience) and the perfect balance of quiet activity, outdoor fun, and education will make you a winner every time. Where is this haven of food for the soul? It’s in Nebraska. I know, I know; you thought Nebraska was for exploring majestic prairie lands and watching cranes, birds and sunsets. But it’s so much more. Your group will thank you when you bring them up close and personal to Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge & Conference Center—an inspiring place, a nurturing place, a place to celebrate trees.

The story really begins back in 1855 when a young J. Sterling Morton and his wife Caroline came to Nebraska City from Michigan.

Morton came to edit the local newspaper, but he brought with him his love of nature and an enthusiasm for modern agriculture techniques, as well as forestry. He also had an interest in politics, which eventually led to his appointment as United States Secretary of Agriculture by President Cleveland (1893-1897). Morton made some wonderful contributions in this role, but his most significant achievement is considered to be the founding of Arbor Day, the tree planter’s holiday, back in 1872.

Since Nebraska City is home of Arbor Day (America) as well as residence to J. Sterling Morton, it only makes sense that you point

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your motorcoach in that direction when ready to inspire and rejuvenate your group.

Specifically, head to Lied Lodge (pronounced leed) for an experience that will transcend the ordinary in a natural setting of 260 acres. Begin by gathering your people for a welcome presentation near the fireplace in the impressive lobby with its Douglas fir timbers open ceiling. Get an overview of the delightful combination of nature and luxury that is Lied Lodge. Learn about the special fair trade, shade-grown coffee served at the lodge and other environmentally responsible practices that make this place more than just special, but memorable.

Built in 1993 by the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit conservation and education organization, as a gathering place to discuss trees, conservation, and environmental stewardship, the Lodge today attracts all manner of visitors who can’t help but fall in love with this one-of-a-kind destination. After a $10 million renovation in 2015, Lied Lodge is even more popular than ever. With 140 nature-inspired rooms, luxurious bedding, and 260 wooded acres to explore, you can practically hear a collective sigh as your group begins to let go and relax. But there’s more!

There’s an Olympic-sized indoor pool to splash around in, or swim some serious laps if you prefer. Or maybe a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi is more your style. Perhaps steaming away stress in the red cedar sauna meets your needs after a good workout in the fitness room. At Lied Lodge, they say, “Treat yourself

the way nature intended” and the spa is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Choose from a traditional full-body Swedish massage designed to increase circulation, relieve muscle tension, and reduce stress leaving you relaxed and creating a mood to “let go” and enjoy the moment. Or maybe you would like to try the Heated Lava Shell massage, where shells are heated and used to encourage deep relaxation of muscles, leaving the body refreshed and re-energized. Or perhaps the Heated Himalayan Salt Stone massage is more your style. They use hand-carved massage stones to gently soothe away stress and tension for a massage you won’t soon forget! There’s a sugar scrub that leaves your skin super soft, or a mud therapy Body Mask that leaves your skin feeling like satin.

These are just some of the many options to choose from at the Lied Lodge Spa and all are guaranteed to leave you feeling stress and tension free. For a full menu, check out the website at www.liedlodge.org.

Dining at the Lodge continues the theme of healthy living and loving one’s self as the Timber Dining Room offers nature-inspired cuisine made with locally grown ingredients.

From Nebraska steaks, to Arbor Day Farm wines, to decadent desserts, the menu reflects what’s fresh for the season. Served under soaring timbers, meals include a sweeping view of Arbor Day Farm.

Arbor Day Farm is situated on the same 260 beautiful wooded acres as Lied Lodge &

LINGER AT LIED LODGE

Conference Center and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. Under the umbrella of the Arbor Day Foundation, a million-member nonprofit organization, Arbor Day Farm is where the Foundation’s mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees comes to life! Here you can climb a 50-foot tall tree house, hike miles of forested trails, journey deep into the woods aboard the Discovery Ride for a guided tour of the orchards and forest. There’s a state-of-the-art greenhouse where many thousand of tree seedlings are grown. Or maybe plan your time there around the weekend wine tasting from grapes grown right on the property. Within walking distance of Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure and Lied Lodge is the Apple House Market where you can shop the Farm’s freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables, gifts, signature wines, fudge, fresh baked pies and more. Pie Garden Café is the perfect place to break for lunch. Other activities to consider for your group include a canvas painting session, a Gnome Hunt (always a group favorite), a guided tour of the Farm, Tree Sleuth, Sunset & S’mores in the summer time, or maybe a good old fashioned murder mystery at the mansion.

Arbor Day Farm is incredible with so much to do and see. The trails are set up to be an easy walk with lots of places to sit along the way and just relax, rest, and enjoy nature. Signage identifies types of trees. Even foot markings on the trail tell you what type of critter made that mark. You’ll leave with a tree seedling to plant at home.

Arbor Lodge is the original estate of J. Sterling Morton. His 4-room home eventually became a 30-room mansion. Then his son Joy (of Morton Salt fame) added on making it a 52-room mansion that’s a White House look-alike!

Your group can step back in time and tour the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park. This beautiful mansion is perfectly decorated with priceless family artifacts and mementos from J. Sterling Morton’s life and legacy. Watch the video in the sunroom where you will also find a stunning Tiffany window with a grape trellis design. Next take a self-guided tour.

And don’t overlook the carriage house with its many early carriages.

However you spend your time at Lied Lodge, be sure to give your group time to linger and shake away the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you do, I’m sure you will agree with me that Lied is the perfect way to relax, unwind and self care.

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Rest.

Renew.

Rejuvenate.

BY KATHLEEN SOMERS

The holidays are over and everywhere you turn people are making fresh resolutions to take better care of their health. Of course there are as many different ways of doing that as there are people on a bus. Some people want to lose weight. Others vow to work out. There’s yoga and improving one’s mental health, or visits to the spa. You’ll find people gravitating towards various types of therapy or stress relief or working on a better mental attitude. While you can’t help everyone with each one of their goals, an emerging trend in the group travel arena is incorporating ways to unwind. Some rejuvenating ideas from healthy stops to health conscious hotels are just the thing for your 2018 itineraries. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing…

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Mind If you’ve ever had the pleasure of floating down a river in an inner tube, you know what I’m talking about here. Between the warmth of the sun and the rolling movements of the river, it’s a great way to let go and just relax the mind. Nebraska has come up with a group version of this activity and it’s called tanking. Start with a plastic or metal livestock water tank and outfit it with chairs, a cooler, or maybe even a table.

You don’t even have to wear a bathing suit! Shorts and shirt are just fine since you won’t be getting wet. Tanking takes place on many of Nebraska’s calmer rivers and essentially involves a leisurely float. No paddling required as the shallow river gently glides the tanks lazily along. For your part, simply enjoy the scenery, soak up a beautiful day on the water, and maybe pass the sunscreen. Take peace in the fact that tanking is about the safest summer river activity there is. From small kids to older adults, anyone can ride in comfort and enjoy this unique outdoor fun. The tanks are stable on the water and will not tip over. Nevertheless, advise your group to wear a shoe they can get wet, but not a flip-flop. You’ll likely need one person from each tank to get out and pull the tank to shore at the end of the trip. Even though the float itself lasts from two to six hours depending on which outfitter you choose, your group will be talking about this experience for years!

There are multiple companies offering tanking in Nebraska, and the rivers include Cedar River, Calamus River, Niobrara River, Elkhorn River and others. You might want to choose an outfitter that will pick your group up at your hotel and return them there.

Still need to calm your mind? A visit to Maharishi Vedic City in Iowa is perfect. Founded as a “lighthouse of peace” for America and the world, the city has banned the sale of all non-organic food and is creating a national center for perfect health and world peace. The city’s architecture is said to promote happiness, peace and prosperity for its occupants. Tours are available every day of the week. Contact Valerie Barnard at vmb814@gmail.com to learn more.

Body When losing weight and getting physically fit is what your group wants, you can win the day with Nordic walking. For this fitness walking you’ll need specially designed poles similar to cross-country ski poles, but shorter and adjustable. These walking sticks come in pairs with different tips to change out for different terrains. It might be easiest to supply the Nordic poles and include the price ($20-$60) in the trip.

Compared to regular walking, pole walking uses more upper body and core muscles and results in significant better fitness (up to 46%) for the same perceived effort. You will also want to start with a short class on how to use the poles, so brush up on that yourself or have someone there who can do it. A Google search is all you need! Other advantages to using trekking poles include balance, avoiding slips and falls, raising moods, better and deeper sleep, and just a general feeling of wellbeing.

Now who wouldn’t want a bus full of happy, well rested travelers? More good news: this health promoting physical activity can be done easily by beginners or seasoned athletes and appeals to young, old, sick, weak or strong equally. Once you’ve had your quick primer on use of the poles, it’s time to get out there and start hiking!

Circle S Ranch & Country Inn in Lawrence, KS is a great place for your group to use those trekking poles. A leisurely walk on the 2.5mile Hawk’s Nest Trail winds through the prairie and around ponds, offering the occasional peek at Kansas wildlife. Lost Trail takes you through a more wooded area and over some creeks. There are plenty of photo ops here, plus you can relax under the oak trees. You might even arrange for the chef to prepare a picnic lunch for your group. Star Gazing Garden lets you stroll through raised garden beds or hang out at the Orange Gazebo—another great place for taking pictures.

Hitchcock Nature Center in the heart of the globally significant Loess Hills of Iowa offers miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging.

Trailheads are labeled with difficulty level and meander through trees, prairies and ridgelines. No traffic noise, just calming nature.

Taking a break from Nordic walking? Circle S Ranch also offers horseback riding. Tours last 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on which you choose. Beautiful trails meander through hills and valleys and sometimes over streams. Every ride includes basic instructions, a helmet and western saddle. Want to ride with real cowboys and cowgirls? Medora Riding Stables in eastern North Dakota offers friendly trail guides and an adventure through the Badlands along buttes and canyons for a guaranteed unforgettable experience.

Spirits Ready for a luscious glass of irresistible ice wine? It’s sweet and delicious and special to cold climates. Most U.S. states cannot produce this decadent libation because it just doesn’t get cold enough. You see, ice wine is made from grapes that have been frozen on the vine. Hand picked at a mere 6-9 degrees, the grapes must stay frozen throughout the entire process. It’s tricky business because the grapes must be harvested at just the right time, and weather can be unpredictable.

Oh sure, you could harvest the grapes and then freeze them, making an “ice-style” wine, but such wine cannot be labeled as “ice wine.”

There are strict rules governing the harvesting, handling and labeling of ice wine and your group deserves the real deal. Connoisseurs might describe this choice as liquid-gold. Your group just needs a taste to know it is a highly prized delicacy and worth savoring. The flavor is very, very concentrated, and likely the sweetest wine you will ever find.

You can treat your group to an ice wine experience at Staller Estate Vineyard & Winery in southeastern Wisconsin. They have ice wine flights, three different vintages for tasting, or you can even inquire about a 5-course wine dinner where locally sourced food is served “farm to table” and paired with 6 different wines. With a recent 12,000-squarefoot addition, I know you will be impressed. Or check out Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, also in Wisconsin. Believed to be the first winery in the state to produce ice wines, what’s in production now will be available in October of 2018. But when it’s gone it’s gone because there’s no way to know if enough grapes will be available for an ice wine harvest. Nonetheless, Wollersheim always has something fun going on. Check to see if you can arrange a Yoga Wine-d Down for your group, which includes sixty minutes of vinyasa flow class with their certified yoga instructor. Class cost includes one mini bottle of wine. Wollersheim also has a distillery with a distinguished line-up of family-crafted spirits and a very interesting story to tell. You can visit the award winning winery in the scenic hillside area across the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac. Michigan is another state ideally suited for ice wine production. With so many Michigan wineries, you can imagine not all offer ice wine, but there are about 15 that do. I’ll mention a few here, in no particular order (and keep in mind, many of these have won awards). At Bel Lago Vineyard & Winery there are no tasting fees except for the ice wines.

Five dollars includes a souvenir wine glass. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery produces a dryer ice wine. At Chateau Chantal near Traverse City you might also want to arrange a wine dinner with their witty wine educator host. Chateau Aeronautique won an award for their 2013 Vidal Blanc ice wine. Lemon Creek Winery in the heart of Michigan wine country has their Snow Moon ice wine, described as nectar-like aromas with pear and honey flavors and a sweet lingering finish. Set on the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula is Forty Five North, named because the 45th parallel runs directly through the vineyard. Beyond spectacular, it’s truly a vineyard-to-bottle operation. For more spirits, and restaurants that serve ice wines, be sure to check out Pure Michigan’s nightlife page www.michigan.org/nightlife.

No matter how you choose to honor your group’s need to renew and rejuvenate, you can be sure they will be happy to leave the planning to you. Plan the entire trip around health or sprinkle a few R&R activities throughout. Just know the trend is here to stay.

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SPOTLIGHT

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TAKE IT EASY, NEBRASKA-STYLE

Take It Easy, Nebraska-Style This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Located in the heart of the Great Plains region, Nebraska was a pivotal stop for pioneers journeying to the West. It was a place for hardships, but also renewal. This feature itinerary offers a sampling of what those early pioneers experienced, while also introducing you to some one-of-a-kind Nebraska hospitality.

day one

9:30am – 1:30pm Grand Island – Raising Nebraska This eye-opening attraction is located at the Nebraska State Fairgrounds. Raising Nebraska brings agriculture to life through interactive exhibits, both indoors and out.

Nebraska is not as flat as you may think. On the Walkable Map of Nebraska, Wall Mural, and Reading Rail, you’ll see first-hand that Nebraska’s topography is as varied and diverse as the food products that are produced here. The Grain Bin Theater features a six-minute video that highlights Nebraska farmers and ranchers and how they’re using technology to grow more with less. Be sure to take advantage of a commercial kitchen for your group to enjoy lunch.

1:30 – 3:30pm Take a short drive to the Stuhr Museum, open year round. Good Housekeeping says this is one of the top attractions in America devoted to pioneer life. The Stuhr buildings have many indoor exhibits of period rooms, tools, household artifacts and furnishings, allowing visitors to trace Nebraska’s pioneer history back to the late 1800s. The museum’s attractive main building also houses the Prairie Treasures Gift Shop and ever-changing exhibits on a year-round basis.

3:30 – 5:30pm Head downtown to enjoy some of what the locals do! Visit the Studio K Art Gallery where award-winning artists from across Nebraska are featured. Prairie Pride Brewing Co. has a nice selection of local beer—the perfect stop after shopping at Railroad Towns Antique Mall. Spend the night in Grand Island, offering a variety of group-friendly accommodations.

day two

9:00am – 12:30pm The Crane Trust Visitor Center is a beautiful facility in Wood River, welcoming guests year round. The great sandhill crane migration in the spring is very popular, drawing thousands of visitors each year. In addition to sandhill cranes, you may also enjoy the sights and

sounds of the whooping crane. Flowering plants and wildlife abound across the native prairie lands each summer, while the butterfly garden is the perfect place to relax. Take a short walk down the trail to the bison exhibition herd and enjoy a picnic lunch.

200 cars and '50s gas station and other memorabilia will keep your group smiling.

The collection includes several very rare and historic vehicles, including a one-ofa-kind 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith Limo, two Locomobiles, and three Pierce Arrows.

12:30 – 2:30pm Remember Kool-Aid as a kid? Hastings, Nebraska is the birthplace of this nostalgic beverage. Located in the lower level of the Hastings Museum is the “Dream Exhibit.”

Edwin Perkins had a dream to become selfemployed and he discovered his dream through hard work and marketing. Perkins created and sold many products, but in 1927, while in Hastings, he developed Kool-Aid. And the rest is history! The Hastings Museum features a theater with a 70-foot-wide screen, large planetarium, and dozens of animal species set in their natural habitats.

12 – 2:30pm Enjoy a group lunch and head west on Highway 80 to the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.

2:30 – 5:30pm The Great Platte River Road Archway Monument in Kearney, Nebraska is the only tourist attraction in the nation located over a federal interstate highway. The new Exit 275 provides easy access to The Archway, so your group stays on schedule. The “Arch” commemorates westward expansion of America, including the West’s original American Indian inhabitants, the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, the early pioneers, the modern railroad and more!

Explore the history of transportation and communication along the famous Platte River Road through great interactive exhibits. Be sure to check out the gift shop! Catering is available for groups.

5:30 – 8:00pm Kearney is home to several hotel options that are perfect for your group. Take the evening to enjoy fine dining and other entertainment.

day three

9:30 – 11:00am Discover the stories behind Nebraska art at the Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA).

MONA has been home to the state’s official art collection since 1979. You’ll see Nebraska in a whole new way through eleven galleries.

Visitors may also relax and stroll outside through the Cliff Hillegass Sculpture Garden and visit the Hitchcock Education Gallery.

11:00am – 12:00pm Take a walk down memory lane at the Classic Car Museum, located on the east side of Cabela’s. Its vast collection of more than

2:30 – 3:30pm The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles houses about 100 vehicles, including helicopters, tanks, halftracks, ambulances, and a jeep from every branch of the service, plus displays of weapons, uniforms, engines, equipment, and more. The everyday necessities of a soldier's life, such as MREs, blend with unique vehicles like those used by the German army in World War II. This handson museum invites you to see, touch, and even sit in vehicles that have been restored and, for the most part, are operational.

Vehicles date from World War II, but displays include items from World War I as well.

3:30 – 4:30pm Continue your journey to Gothenburg, the Pony Express Capital of Nebraska. The Pony Express Station & Museum is located in a beautiful city park. Your guide will give you a fun account of the history of the Pony Express. Open April through October or by appointment.

4:30 – 7:00pm North Platte is your next stop and what better way to end your day than at a winery?

Feather River Vineyard is one of Nebraska’s largest vineyards, first planted in 2001. You will take a short tour and learn some of the challenges of growing grapes in Nebraska.

Enjoy dinner at the winery while your chef discusses wine pairings.

day four

9:00am – 12:00pm It’s “Miller Time” at the Miller Farm! This family farm is committed to teaching visitors about the food we eat and how it is harvested.

Discover farm life first hand, as you explore the grounds on this interactive experience.

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

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GLENCOE

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers a variety of unique and memorable ways to explore the garden’s many wonders, including 75 acres of lagoons and 23 spectacular gardens.

You can customize tours to match your group’s interests and physical abilities, as well as view gardens at the peak of their season. Visiting in the winter? There’s still plenty to explore! The garden offers one-of-a-kind winter tours featuring four-season greenhouses, renowned gallery exhibitions, unique shopping and lunch—all in a remarkable setting of tranquility and beauty. Tram tours run daily from late April through October and last about 35 minutes each. The Grand Tram Tour will carry your group away on a 2.3-mile narrated journey. Learn the history and science of the garden while viewing highlights such as McDonald Woods, Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, the new Learning Campus, and more. The Bright Encounters Tour invites you to relax on the tram as you take a 0.8-mile tour of selected gardens, including the Heritage Garden, Krasberg Rose Garden, Waterfall Garden, and several displays of annual flowers in spectacular arrangements. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in illinois…

Coal Valley | Creekside Vineyards Winery & Inn What better way to relax and recharge than with a wine tasting surrounded by rolling hills and fresh air? The Wine Terrace at Creekside Vineyards splendidly overlooks the grape vines and meandering Case Creek. This outdoor venue in rural Rock Island County offers a relaxed atmosphere, clear skies, and a chance to enjoy wine, music, art, and yoga. Open SaturdaySunday from 1-6pm, May-October, Creekside Vineyards invites your groups to relax and enjoy the perfect “daycation.”

Galena | Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa Amidst cascading hills and abundant wildlife, the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa provides a natural backdrop to the scenic Galena Territory.

Rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit at the Stonedrift Spa—a peaceful haven offering massages, facials, reflexology, energetic therapies, men’s services, anti-aging treatments, and more. The 6,000-square-foot facility features ten treatment rooms, state-of-the-art steam rooms, and a Spa Boutique where visitors may purchase premier spa treatments to use at home.

Winter Calendar January • Eagle Meet and Greets January 6-27, Alton 800-258-6645

• Bald Eagle Tours at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge January 20-28, Marion 618-997-3344

February • Southern Illinois Boat & Fishing Show February 2-4, Marion 618-993-2657

• Cabaret – Live at the Paramount February 7 – March 18, Aurora 630-896-6666

• Maple Syrup Festival

February 24-25, Makanda 618-453-1121

March • Wine & Food Pairing / Cheese – Not a Solo Act March 3-4, Pomona 618-893-2623

• Crappie USA Super Tournament

March 16-17, Marion 618-997-3690

Mile after Magnificent Mile.

IL

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

History and Joy in Southern Illinois This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Williamson County welcomes your groups!

Explore beautiful lakes and natural areas; discover rich history and attractive shopping; or unwind at a locally owned restaurant or winery. With a variety of lodging accommodations, your groups will feel right at home among southern Illinois’ hospitality, charm and comfort.

day one

6 – 7:00pm Learn about the rich history of Williamson County in Carterville. Step back into the past as you explore the Harrison-Bruce Historical Village. This village includes everything from a one-room schoolhouse to the Hunter Log Cabin of the 1800s.

7 – 9:00pm Catch a performance this evening at the O’Neil Auditorium located at John A. Logan

College. This 316-seat theater is host to many collegiate and community performances.

9 – 9:20pm Take a quick drive to Marion and stay at one of their many group-friendly accommodations.

day two

10:00am – 2:00pm Find treasures at Warehouse Antique Mall!

More than 11,000 square feet of booths await you in a century-old warehouse. Offering a variety of antiques and collectibles, your group will find just what they need. Find anything from furniture to comic books, vintage and rustic items, or true antiques.

2 – 4:00pm Visit one of the region’s largest train stores!

Chuck’s Depot is a locally owned hobby shop that includes scale train engines, cars, and building kits from all periods.

4 – 5:30pm Have an early dinner at the 20’s Hideout Steakhouse. Enjoy steak, seafood and live entertainment in roaring ‘20s fashion! Try wines from their huge cellar or one of their 1,900 international and domestic drinks.

5:30 – 7:00pm Take a short trip to Herrin and stroll along the walking paths of the Herrin Park District. This beautiful well-kept park includes seasonal outdoor swimming, multipurpose recreation, walking paths and wildlife! Spend the evening strolling along, watching ducks, or if you feel more adventurous, pick up a racket and play some tennis!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact Visit SI at 800-433-7399 or visit them online at www.visitsi.com.

Directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Visit SI . . . . . . . . . . . . 618-997-3690 1602 Sioux Dr - Marion, IL 62959 www.visitsi.com Williamson County welcomes your groups! Explore beautiful lakes and natural areas; discover rich history and attractive shopping; or unwind at a locally owned restaurant or winery. With a variety of lodging accommodations, your groups will feel right at home.

www.itinerariesmidwest.com

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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COUNCIL BLUFFS

Hitchcock Nature Center

Hitchcock Nature Center is a flagship facility. It is everything a nature center should be, consisting of 1,268 acres located in the heart of the globally significant Loess Hills. The Loess Hills harbor some of the largest remaining prairie remnants in Iowa and provide refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the state. On your group’s visit to Hitchcock, the Loess Hills Lodge interpretive facility is the perfect place to begin your exploration of this unique landform. Outside you will find an interpretive garden of native prairie plants, a patio area for picnicking and relaxing, and an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the park and the surrounding flora and fauna. Climb the 45-foot observation tower for a unique bird’s eye view of this scenic region. Inside, experience a unique exhibit gallery featuring a variety of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Hitchcock is the perfect place for reflection and self-discovery. This stunning destination is open every day of the year for hiking, camping, picnicking, bird watching, stargazing, or simply enjoying nature.

January • The Great Train Show January 6-7, Council Bluffs 712-323-0536

• Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show

January 19-21, Cedar Falls 319-273-6334

February • Antique Spectacular Vintage Market February 9-11, Des Moines 712-326-9964

• Play Performance – “You’re Never Too Old”

February 9-25, Dubuque 563-588-3377

March • Maple Syrup Festival March 3-4, Cedar Falls 319-277-2187

• Eastern Iowa Sportshow

relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in iowa…

Des Moines Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Tropical and temperate gardens make this destination an oasis of inspiration. Located in the heart of downtown, the Botanical Garden is a place where you can learn about fascinating plants, hone your gardening skills, or simply immerse yourself in the beautiful gardens. Step inside the geodesic dome to experience the tropics in all seasons.

For an added bonus, schedule your group tour during one of their Galleries & Exhibit times, where exhibitions of art and photography are on display.

Winter Calendar

Maharishi Vedic City | The Raj This Ayurveda health spa is internationally acclaimed, offering stress management and rejuvenation programs, revitalizing hotel accommodations, and a restaurant. Ayurveda (which translates to “knowledge of life”) is the world’s most ancient system of preventative health care. Developed over 6,000 years ago, it’s a natural approach to strengthening the body’s healing abilities. Guests at The Raj learn to understand how factors in their make-up affect physical tendencies, moods, cravings, motivation, and behavior.

March 9-11, Cedar Falls 319-273-6334

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Take in the Past in Pottawattamie County

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

day one

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 known as “The Smallest 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 – 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.

"Squirrel Cage" Jail Museum

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 them online at www.thehistoricalsociety.org.

Tour the one-of-a-kind “Squirrel Cage” Jail Museum, the Bregant House, & visit the RailsWest Railroad Museum

day two

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 – 2:00pm Enjoy lunch at one of Council Bluffs’ groupfriendly dining options.

2 – 4:00pm Grenville M. Dodge was a nationally known www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Historical Society of Pottawattamie County 712.323.2509 | TheHistoricalSociety.org ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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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 WINTER 2017-18

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

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

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.

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 www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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 2018, the company is celebrating 47 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 ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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BENNINGTON

Prairie Lavender Farm

Nestled on the cusp of the tallgrass and shortgrass prairies of north central Kansas is Prairie Lavender Farm.

Groups will love the inviting aroma of over 3,000 plants and 12 varieties of lavender.

A member of the mint family, lavender offers an array of benefits, from its pleasant fragrance to its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. During World War I it was nicknamed “first aid in a bottle” and was used to treat soldiers’ wounds. Purchase various products made with this “wonder plant,” including lotions, soaps, body scrubs, lavender wreaths, and even lavender honey. All plants on the farm are grown naturally—no pesticides, herbicides, or growth chemicals—and receive only what nature provides. The lavender is harvested right when it begins to flower—usually two to three times in a summer season.

That’s when the lavender’s essential oil is at its peak. Pay the farm a visit in June for the annual Lavender Harvest Festival and tour their farming/processing operation, watch demonstrations, learn to grow your own lavender, make lavender gifts, and so much more! relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in kansas...

Lawrence | Circle S Ranch & Country Inn Circle S Ranch is the perfect destination for a group retreat. The 600-acre ranch makes an ideal setting for corporate and nonprofit groups to discover new synergies and create lasting memories. The Ranch has multiple venues for larger meetings or intimate gatherings, seclusion from city life, Wi-Fi capabilities, sleeping accommodations, and meal planning. Or simply bring your groups here to get away! Enjoy hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, spa services, and much more.

Winter Calendar January • Cirque Du Soleil Crystal January 24-28, Topeka 785-297-1000

• Swan Lake; Russian National Ballet Theatre January 26, Manhattan 785-532-6428

February • Winter on Kansas I-70 December 1 – February 28, Goodland 785-890-3515

• Scott City Quilt Guild Shop Hop

February 16-17, Scott City 620-872-2723

• Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet

February 22, Manhattan 785-532-6428

• Lend Me A Tenor

February 23-25, Junction City 786-238-3906

Wichita | Wichita Girlfriend Getaway Treat yourself! A getaway in Wichita is the perfect way to enjoy some "me" time. Chocolate for breakfast? Why not! Savor exquisite handmade chocolates at Ceros. Shop 'til you drop at one or all eight of Wichita's shopping districts. Eat a light lunch on the patio of Newport Grill or The Monarch. Enjoy a replenishing spa treatment at Healing Waters. Appreciate one-of-a-kind artwork at the Wichita Art Museum or the Ulrich Museum of Art. Or sit back and relax with dinner and wine at Larkspur.

March • 18th Annual Parade of Quilts March 1-31, Yoder 620-728-9945

• Dinner Theatre – “Over The River & Through The Woods” March 1-11, Garnett 785-304-1683

There’s No Place Like Kansas

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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 wonder 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

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 nsas ly Orchard - Ka

Cider Hill Fami

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! Relive the old west legend through exhibits, education & entertainment at the Boot Hill Museum. 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

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.VisitHays.com

Kansas City

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 ...continued on page 18

City

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

www.itinerariesmidwest.com

- Leavenworth

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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There’s No Place Like Kansas

KS

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Lindsborg

the “Intellectual Center of the Army.” The C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is a beautiful facility that features a fully operational, newly restored 1913 C.W. Parker Carousel.

913-758-2948 | www.visitleavenworthks.com

Liberal

& Roastery Blacksmith Coffee Shop

- Lindsborg

...continued from page 17 Legends Outlets Kansas City to learn about Dwight Eisenhower, Amelia Earhart, Bob Dole and other great Kansans. Visit the many historical 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

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, 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

Lindsborg

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Explore history, arts and Swedish culture in Little Sweden, USA! Spend some time at Hemslöjd looking through the unique Scandinavian gifts, food, and local art, and find your own Dala horse to take home! Explore the Old Mill Museum and learn about the early heritage of McPherson County from 1870-1910. Be sure to check out Coronado Heights, a bluff that is 275 feet above the valley floor! Grab a cup of artisan-roasted coffee from the Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery or some gelato from The White Peacock.

888-227-2227 | www.visitlindsborg.com

Directory convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . 800-OLD-WEST 400 W Wyatt Earp Blvd – Dodge City, KS 67801 www.visitdodgecity.org

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

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.visitleavenworthks.com

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

Lindsborg Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-227-2227 104 E. Lincoln St - Lindsborg, KS 67456 www.lindsborgcity.org

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

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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There’s No Place Like Kansas

KS

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Experience

Leavenworth

Historic sights and attractions, festivals, 28-block shopping district and two new hotels. Fred Harvey Girls and many other restaurants to choose from. Let us help plan an itinerary for your group.

Kansas City Kansas

Contact us today 913-758-2948

Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.

visitkansasCitykS.com 800.264.1563

VisitLeavenworthKS.com

Shop Downtown Act like a German at Oktoberfest Cheer on the Fort Hays State Tigers Enjoy Music and Festivals

PLAN YOUR TRIP!

VisitHays.com 800.569.4505

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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MICHIGAN WATERWAYS

Get Paddling in Michigan

Michigan’s waterways are popular for groups that want to relax and recharge among nature. With countless bodies of water, groups looking for a rejuvenating and fun paddling experience will find it. The state’s waterways provide fun for beginner and expert paddlers seeking outdoor recreation and up-close views of wildlife. The Big Manistee River is ideal for casual or beginner paddlers, as it winds smoothly through Manistee National Forest. The river offers plenty of sand bars to take a break and enjoy the inspirational views.

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior is a national treasure. Paddle along the shoreline and view the Rainbow Caves, Battleship Row, and Chapel Rock. Then hop on the passenger boat in Munising Bay, where paddlers can be dropped off. Ann Arbor is home to a 104-mile inland paddling trail that connects people to the natural environment and the lower peninsula communities it touches. The Huron River offers access points for groups wanting to bring their own equipment, or they may rent from two canoe liveries.

Several parks along the way offer great opportunities for picnic lunches and relaxation. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in michigan…

Grand Rapids Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Immerse yourself in reflection and inspiration at this year-round botanic garden that combines nature and art. Explore indoor and outdoor gardens, nature trails and boardwalks, more than 100 magnificent sculptures by renowned artists, special exhibitions, and more. Guided and selfguided tours are available with knowledgeable docents, covering the 158-acre grounds that feature Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory.

Michigan's Great Lakes | Catch & Cook Catch & Cook allows charter fishing clients who catch fish from Michigan’s Great Lakes the opportunity to take their fresh catch to a participating Michigan restaurant to cook and serve those fish to those clients. This unique program encourages creative, yet safe, marketing of Michigan Great Lakes sports fish while providing a memorable experience for your groups! Participating restaurants include Old Boys’ Brewhouse, One Trick Pony, and 7 Monks to name just a few.

Winter Calendar January • Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Festival January 12-14, Plymouth 248-817-8836

• Wilderness Journal Outdoor Expo

January 19-21, Cadillac 231-878-2479

• Zehnder’s Snowfest

January 24-28, Frankenmuth 989-652-0450

February • 14th Annual Magical Ice Fest February 2-4, St. Joseph 269-985-1111

• American Ballet Theatre: Romeo & Juliet

February 8-11, Detroit 734-764-2538

• 2018 Deer & Turkey Expo

February 16-18, Lansing 800-324-3337

March • Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming March 1 – April 30, Grand Rapids 616-957-1580

• Autorama

March 2-4, Detroit 248-373-1700

• Gilda’s LaughFest

March 8-12, Grand Rapids 616-735-4242

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Farmin’ the Way They Used To 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

While Visiting Northern Michigan, DON’T MISS

WELLINGTON FARM

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.

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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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

Castle 231-237-0884

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

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 WINTER 2017-18

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Pure Michigan

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Willkommen to Frankenmuth!

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

Shopping in Frankenmuth is like traveling to Europe. Shop woolen mills and country stores for cuckoo clocks, quilts, Christmas ornaments, toys, meats and cheeses. Your group will love this shopping getaway.

Frankenmuth also offers sweet confectionery shops and many other delightful stores rich in 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 www.itinerariesmidwest.com

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.

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.

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.

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MINNEAPOLIS

The Salt Cave

Visit Minnesota’s first therapeutic salt cave and your group will discover the benefits of salt therapy (also known as halotherapy), which has been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, respiratory problems, anxiety, and other ailments. This one-of-a-kind facility is designed to promote and support relaxation and general wellness. The walls and floor were constructed by hand using more than six tons of pure Himalayan crystal salt, and the air in the cave is treated by a specialized halogenerator, which infuses the air with a dry aerosol containing tiny particles of pharmaceutical grade salt.

Clinical studies have shown that when people inhale this type of salt air, it can help to stimulate the natural ability of their respiratory system to reduce inflammation, fight infection, clear blockages, and reduce discomfort. Visitors typically spend each 45-minute session relaxing in a comfortable zero-gravity recliner. They also offer special group sessions for yoga, guided meditation, and therapeutic massage. Shop their inventory of salt-based products, such as lamps, salt blocks, bath salts, purifying bars, edible salts, and more. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in minnesota...

Northfield Jo Ryo En Japanese Garden at Carleton College The "Garden of Quiet Listening" was named one of the 10 Best Japanese Gardens Outside Japan.

This remarkable oasis is a kare-sansui or "dry landscape" garden, where water is only suggested by rocks and gravel. Plants are mostly evergreen with flowering shrubs. Features include stone lanterns, a water basin with bamboo drip, and a viewing pavilion. This relaxing experience is best done with an intentional and unhurried mindset.

Eden Prairie | Camp Eden Wood Feel like you’re a world away from city life as your group enjoys an “up north” experience without the long drive. Camp Eden Wood is tucked peacefully in the woods of Birch Island Lake. It’s ideal for meetings and retreats, offering rustic yet comfortable overnight accommodations for groups of up to 83. The 6,000-square-foot Welcome Lodge features a fully staffed catering kitchen. The newly renovated Dormitory is located in the center of Eden Wood’s 20 scenic acres and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Winter Calendar January • Ice Castles January 6 – March 3, Stillwater 888-407-4054

• 2018 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show January 11-14, Minneapolis 612-332-8330

• Saint Paul Winter Carnival January 25 – February 10, St. Paul 651-223-7400

February • Anne of Green Gables February 2-11, St. Cloud 320-259-5463

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream February 22 – March 4, Minneapolis 612-624-2345

• Gull Lake Frozen Fore

February 23-25, Nisswa 218-963-2620

March • International Festival of Owls March 2-4, Houston 507-896-6957

• The Nightingale

March 9-25, Hopkins 952-979-1111

• 13th Annual Randolph Railroad Days 2018

March 24-25, Randolph 507-841-1683

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Minnesota Renaissance Festival 2018 Open Weekends, August 18 – September 30 Labor Day & Festival Friday (Rain or Shine)

Bring your groups to the largest renaissance festival in the United States! With endless shopping, nonstop entertainment, never-ending food, demos, themed weekends, and above all, the ambiance that you have stepped back in time, there is never a dull moment. The festival offers special group rates and picnic packages all in a unique renaissance village setting.

ENDLESS SHOPPING Talk about a unique shopping experience! The shops at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival contain many handmade wares such as jewelry, pottery, worked wood, leatherwork, paintings, hand-blown glass and fine metal craftsmanship.

With over 250 shops, there is something for every interest!

ENTERTAINMENT The entertainment is like no other. At any given time of the day, your groups can sit on roughcut wooden benches and engage in the many entertainment opportunities. Watch daily jousting competitions, comedians, knife jugglers, or better yet, join them on stage to be publicly humiliated!

Some well-known performers include Puke and Snot, the magic and comedy act of Penn and Teller, and the Dew Drop Jugglers.

ARTISAN DEMOS See how the Renaissance’s artists create such beautiful, diverse, and colorful products at the www.itinerariesmidwest.com

festival! Look for demos throughout the day, including pottery throwing, painting, jewelry making, glass blowing, and so much more.

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.

THEMED WEEKENDS: • Silk Road: Discover the Riches • Highland Fling • Passport to Adventure • Wine, Chocolate & Romance • Pet Fest • Shamrocks & Shenanigans • Festival Friday • Oktoberfest 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.

Weekends from August to October • Savings on Groups of 10 or more • Unique Setting • Live Entertainment • Picnic Packages • Complimentary Tickets for Drivers & Coordinators Minnesota Renaissance Festival • August 19th – October 1st 800.966.8215 • renaissancefest.com Michigan Renaissance Festival • August 19th – October 1st 800.601.4848 michrenfest.com Kansas City Renaissance Festival • September 2nd – October 15th 800.373.0357 • kcrenfest.com St.Louis Renaissance Festival • September 16th – October 15th 800.373.0357 • stlrenfest.com

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as they planned and executed some of their most notorious crimes.

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.

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 any time!

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

Historic Cave Tours As seen on the History Channel “Secret Passages”

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.

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.

Hear, see, and explore stories of the sandstone caves. Hear the legends of mining, mobster massacres, and ghostly lore in a truly unique setting.

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

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

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.

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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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.

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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.

1-887-832-7267

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FACTORY STORE

Nordic Ware Factory Store

A Well-Known Name in Minnesota and Around the World ST. LOUIS PARK, MN Founded in 1946, Nordic Ware is a family-owned, American manufacturer of an extensive line of quality cookware, bakeware, microwave and grilling products, and specialty kitchenware that is distributed worldwide.

and restaurant owners, and features first quality cookware, bakeware, microwave and barbeque products, kitchen tools and accessories as well as factory closeouts and irregulars. Private shopping events available.

Do you own a Bundt® pan? Nordic Ware is most famous for their Bundt® pans that can be found in over 70 million households around the world!

Bring your groups to the heart of it all at Nordic Ware Factory Store. Shop their unique kitchen accessories and find a new favorite recipe at a cooking class.

COOKING CLASSES Bring your groups out and enjoy great food and cooking techniques from an experienced chef instructor in the intimate setting of the Nordic Ware Factory Store. Be sure to call the Factory Store to pre-arrange an evening cooking class for your group.

SHOP LOCAL The Nordic Ware Factory Store, adjacent to Nordic Ware’s St. Louis Park corporate headquarters and factory, is frequented by home cooks, chefs,

For more information, visit www.nordicware.com/factory-store. To customize a day for your groups, contact the Nordic Ware Factory Store at 952-924-9672.

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When you're in the Twin Cities, make time to shop local at the Nordic Ware Factory Store, home of the iconic Bundt® pan.

Nordic Ware Factory Store: 4925 County Road 25/Highway 7, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm • www.nordicware.com

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Munsinger Clemens Gardens

Relaxing With Nature in Central Minnesota This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one

11:00am – 1:00pm Wine and dine over lunch at Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery in Kimball, MN. Choose from a variety of food items to accommodate your group, take a ride through the vineyard, explore the process of winemaking, and end with a wine tasting!

1 – 3:00pm Take a short drive to Cold Spring, MN. Explore the famous grasshopper plagues of the 1870s with a visit to the Assumption Chapel—also known as the Grasshopper Chapel. The building was reconstructed in 1952 and is still used today for mass ceremonies on the hill, celebrating a safe planting season and good harvest.

3 – 5:00pm On to Collegeville, MN to visit the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library located at Saint John’s University. Take a tour of over 100,000 medieval manuscripts on microfilm and digital images. Original folios from the Saint John’s Bible are also on display.

5 – 7:00pm Take another short drive to St. Cloud, MN. Dinner this evening is at Anton’s, where your group will enjoy delicious popovers, a diverse menu, and beautiful views of the Sauk River.

7 – 8:00pm Check into one of St. Cloud’s many groupfriendly hotels. Freshen up, and get ready for

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

your entertainment tonight!

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

10:00am – 12:00pm What better way to start out your morning than with a trip to Munsinger Clemens Gardens?

Two beautifully different gardens on the banks of the Mississippi invite you to stroll through their perfectly manicured landscapes while you take in the beauty of the morning. Visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind treasures!

12 – 4:00pm Welcome to the heart of downtown 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 view art sculptures along the way. Find a unique spot to stop for lunch!

4 – 6:00pm Take a lovely evening stroll down the Beaver Island Trail. Starting by the convention center in downtown St. Cloud, this quaint trail winds along the Mississippi River showing off the beautiful nature in the heart of the city.

6 – 8:00pm Enjoy local fare and delicious dishes at the 1-887-832-7267

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GAMMELGÅRDEN MUSEUM: A Tribute to Swedish Immigrants SCANDIA, MN

Millner Heritage Winery

Third Floor at DB’s located in downtown St. Cloud for your dinner this evening.

day three

11:00am – 2:00pm Travel to the Redhead Creamery in Brooten, MN! On this tour you’ll view dairy calves and heifers, the milking cows, the milking parlor, and milk holding room. Tours begin and end in the cheese plant, with an overview of the entire process. Stop at the cheese shop for locally made foods and products including jams, crackers, chocolates, and honey. Take a seat and enjoy some pan-fried cheese curds, baked brie drizzled in caramel, or a personalized cheese sampling.

2 – 4:00pm Travel to Long Prairie, MN to visit Leatherwood Vinegary, the finest little vinegary in Minnesota. Tour the 40 acres of beautiful Minnesota soil encompassing Leatherwood Orchards, Leatherwood Herb Gardens, and Leatherwood Vinegary that work together to produce fine wine vinegars.

Let your groups unwind in this charming place with faux rock walls, urn-filled niches, and the permeating essence of wine and vinegar.

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.

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: • 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, 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.

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

• 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.

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

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

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

For more information or to book your group tour, contact the Gammelgården Museum at 651-433-5053, or visit them online at www.gammelgardenmuseum.org.

FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS 11:00AM-4:00PM 320.346.2246 | WWW.REDHEADCREAMERY.COM

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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

In the Upper Minnesota River

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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.

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Minnesota River Valley BYWAY BITS FARMS & RED BARNS What do the Jolly Green Giant, a millionaire’s estate, and a 100-year-old “Century Farm” have in common? They’re all here along the Byway!

Near Redwood Falls is the Gilfillan Estate. Tour the mansion, the large farm museum, and attend FarmFest—a huge agricultural festival held every August.

Minnesota’s Machinery Museum in Hanley Falls hosts the state’s largest collection of farm equipment and exhibits. Check out the old time threshing show every August!

East of Montevideo is the Olof Swensson Farm Museum built in 1901. You can see the large barn, 22-room home, and welcoming grounds.

Le Sueur is home to the Green Giant Company.

The local museum and town markers tell the whole story! Ho, Ho, Ho! CANOEING, KAYAKING & HIKING The Minnesota River, generally slow and winding, provides excellent game fishing including walleye, northern, channel and flathead catfish. Rock rapids, white water, and fine fishing can all be found on the Yellow Medicine River and Hawk Creek, which some claim are two of the best white water rivers in the state. If that sounds too ambitious for you, try your luck on the Chippewa or the Pomme de Terre Rivers, as they are known for their wildlifeviewing and gentle waters.

Prime spots for hiking are located in the six state parks and many other parks along the Byway. A wide variety of hiking awaits you with forested, prairie, and riparian ecosystems. Bring along friends or family to make this trip a memorable one. Don’t forget the camera!

flowing south to the Gulf of Mexico and water flowing north to Hudson Bay. A sign at Browns Valley explains this phenomenon.

GOLF & FRISBEE GOLF There are more than 25 golf courses along the Byway with a wide variety of playing surfaces and layouts, many with beautiful bluff and valley views! Frisbee golf courses exist in many river valley communities.

HUNTING & FISHING Hunting in the valley begins in the fall with over 150,000 geese at the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. Deer, duck, pheasant, and turkey are numerous, and trapping muskrat, mink, fox, raccoon, and beaver is also viable. Bow and black powder hunting have grown recently with outfitters able to supply your needs along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway.

Ortonville’s Big Stone Lake is famous for national fishing contests, but all along the river and its tributaries walleye, largemouth bass, crappies, northern pike, perch, blue gill, and fighting catfish abound. Don’t forget about the ice fishing in the winter!

BIRDING The Minnesota River Valley Birding Trail is almost entirely within the Scenic Byway and there have been sightings of nearly 350 species within the river’s watershed. With many refuges, wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, parks and other specified lands, the habitat is healthy and widespread. Check www.birdingtrail.org for great details!

FESTIVALS With 287 miles’ worth of towns, there’s bound to be a festival for your taste or season. Here is just a sample of some events: Sauerkraut Days (Henderson), Rock Bend Folk Festival (St. Peter), RibFest (Mankato), Bavarian Blast (New Ulm), FarmFest (Redwood Falls), Fiesta Days (Montevideo), AppleFest (Appleton).

As you can see, a wide range of interests and activities await you along the MN River Valley National Scenic Byway!

Minnesota River Valley NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY Discover e River of Stories

GEOLOGY, MINING & THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE See the oldest exposed rock in the world! That’s what you’ll find near Granite Falls, but there are several other places along the Byway that will excite the geologist in you. Look closer and you will even find cacti among the outcrops.

Guide to Dis covery Sites

Minnesota Rive

r Valley NATIONAL SC EN IC BYWAY

The draining of Glacial Lake Agassiz from west central Minnesota after the last ice age shaped this river valley. There is still evidence of those forces for the sharp eye.

(888)463-9856

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Browns Valley Beardsley

Big Stone City

Ortonville Odessa Correll Appleton Louisburg Milan

Watson

The old town of Ottawa is ripe with limestone buildings from a local quarry, including a church, town hall, and barn.

Near the Minnesota/South Dakota border is the Continental Divide, which separates water www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Montevideo Wegdahl

Granite Falls Sacred Heart Upper Sioux Community Echo Belview

Delhi

Redwood Falls

Belle Plaine

Morton Franklin Lower Sioux Community

Fairfax Blakeley Henderson

Morgan

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LeSueur

Norseland

Sleepy Eye

Ottawa

New Ulm

Discover e River of Stories

St.Peter Courtland Nicollet Cambria

Kasota

North Mankato Judson

Mankato

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Directory attractions 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.

2018 Tours: April 14–November 3, Mon–Sat, 10am and 1:30pm. No Sundays or religious holidays. Tours depart from Stone Mill Hotel & Suites in Lanesboro. Reservations recommended.

convention & visitors bureaus and chambers

Gammelgarden Museum 651-433-5053

Northern

Nordic Ware Factory Store 952-924-9672

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

20880 Olinda Trail N - Scandia, MN 55073 www.gammelgardenmuseum.org

4925 County Road 25/Highway 7 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 www.nordicware.com The only Nordic Ware outlet store in the world and home of the iconic Bundt® pan!

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!

Northern Redhead Creamery . . . . . 320-346-2246 31535 463rd Ave - Brooten, MN 56316 www.redheadcreamery.com

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

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.

Southern Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway . . . . . . . . . . 888-463-9856

www.mnrivervalley.com Located along the Minnesota River, motorcoach your groups through hardwood forests, 3.8 billion-year-old granite out-crops, and lush prairie grasses. State and local parks dot the valley along with museums and history sites.

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!

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 WINTER 2017-18

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Winter Calendar January • 18th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days January 6-7, Lake Ozark 800-386-5253

• The Rep Presents the St. Louis Food and Wine Experience January 26-28, St. Louis 314-968-4925

• Branson’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show – 24th Annual January 29, Branson 417-339-3003

February • The Leach Theatre Presents: Million Dollar Quartet February 4, Rolla 573-341-4219

• Downtown Sikeston Chocolate Walk

February 9-10, Sikeston 573-380-3801

• Performance on Art-Inspiring Music

February 26, St. Louis 314-935-4523

March • 5th Annual Sikeston Regional Women’s Show March 24, Sikeston 573-472-2222

AUGUSTA

Augusta Viticulture Area

Augusta was the first federally designated viticulture area in the United States. Simply put, a viticulture area is a designated wine grape-growing region distinguishable by geographic features. The area around Augusta, including the villages of Defiance, Dutzow, and Marthasville, encompasses several bed and breakfast inns, boutique shops, a microbrewery and excellent wineries where guests can savor award winning Missouri wines while enjoying a picnic lunch, live music, and great views. Yellow Farmhouse Vineyard & Winery produces small-batch, handcrafted wines. Tour the winemaking process and pick up some cheeses, sausages, and picnic supplies while you’re there. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River at Montelle Winery & Klondike Café. Situated atop Osage Ridge, your group will enjoy an expansive outdoor deck under the trees, a tasting room, and gift shop. The Historic Daniel Boone Home is nestled in the rolling hills of wine country, overlooking Femme Osage Valley. This beautiful setting represents life in the early 1800s, when matters were simpler. The simulated town includes a general store, schoolhouse, grist mill, and more. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in missouri…

Branson | Thousand Hills Golf Resort The Thousand Hills Golf Resort is perfect if you are looking for world class golfing, a place for a large group event, and want to be close to all of the area attractions and entertainment. The resort offers three types of accommodations allowing you to customize your fun. Choose from the secluded Branson cabins, Branson condos overlooking the golf course, or the Table Rock Lake Condos. The golfers in the group are going to be beyond excited to play on the scenic public course.

Excelsior Springs, MO Excelsior Springs, Missouri’s original getaway spa, gained fame in the 1880s for its healing waters.

People from around the country flocked here in hopes that the spring waters would cure their ailments. Relaxing getaways today include a stop at The Elms, one of Missouri’s best known getaway spa resorts. Tour the Hall of Waters Visitor Center & Cultural Museum, which was originally built in the late 1930s as a distribution point for some of the city’s healing mineral waters.

MO

Close to home. Far from ordinary.

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Historic Downtown Liberty

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

eum

Jesse James Bank Mus

COME DISCOVER 26 SHOPS, 12 EATERIES ENJOY HISTORICAL MUSEUMS, MURALS SCULPTURES

TOUR TASTE SHOP STAY

Discover a timeless blend of fascinating American history along with upbeat contemporary shopping and dining. Historic Downtown Liberty has a delightful mix of old and new stores located in architecturally beautiful buildings on the square, in addition to unique shops nestled on side streets and byways.

12 – 1:00pm Start your day with a light lunch at Kathy’s Liberty Square Bakery & Deli. Choose from homemade bakery treats, hot and cold deli sandwiches, delicious sides, coffee, espresso and cold drinks.

1 – 3:00pm Dive into history at the Jesse James Bank Museum. Your group will be able to see the bank as it was in 1866, complete with period furnishings. Hear the story of the nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery as told by the bank teller. A museum store offers many historical books, period-style toys and games, and other souvenir keepsakes.

3 – 4:00pm One of the nation’s largest sutleries in existence awaits your group at James Country Mercantile. Browse historically accurate goods, patterns and custom sewing, as well as research, consultation and associated services connected to the Civil War era.

4 – 6:00pm Dinner will be served at Luigi’s Italian Restaurant this evening. Luigi’s can accommodate groups in two different seating areas, and features limited menus or buffet options if desired.

6 – 7:00pm Check into a local group-friendly hotel and freshen up for tonight’s events.

7 – 9:00pm Corbin Theatre Co. invites your groups to sit back, relax, and enjoy a show! With a wide array of events and shows, you’re bound to find a performance to suit your group!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact Historic Downtown Liberty at 816-781-3575 or visit them online at www.historicdowntownliberty.org.

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

1-887-832-7267

Close to home. Far from ordinary.

MO

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Iron Spike Interactive Model Train Museum Washington, MO

Remember Christmas time as a kid? Setting up the electric train for Santa, or visiting a holiday train display in your favorite storefront window? It’s like that every day here at the Iron Spike! Bring your groups to this museum to enjoy a sense of wonder as the train chugs around the track, through the

Directory attractions Historic Downtown Liberty 111 N Water Street . . . . . . . 816-781-3575 Liberty, MO 64068 www.historicdowntownliberty.com

Iron Spike . . . . . . . . . . 636-283-5166 1498 High Street - Washington, MO 63090 www.ironspike.org

towns of imagination, the landscapes of the past, and places yet unknown.

Amtrak Missouri River Runner passenger train as it stops at the old depot.

The Iron Spike Model Railroad Museum is the result of inspiration; a dream come true for people who grew up playing with model trains and who bring that spirit to this museum. Don Burhans and his wife Claire have created a museum for railroad enthusiasts, model railroaders, railroad historians, and educators interested in preserving and sharing their knowledge and passion, and inspiring the next generation to carry on after us.

For more information contact Iron Spike at 636-283-5166 or visit them online at www.ironspike.org.

The museum includes HO and N scale layouts, both on exhibit and in process. They offer numerous train-related events throughout the year, a large railroad-related library, speakers, train shows and swaps. But the heart of the museum will always be the layouts: works in progress, and evolving over time.

While you are in Washington, experience a real life train ready to take your groups on a ride. Ride the

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Visit Our

Interactive Model Train Museum!

636.283.5166 | ironspike.org | info@ironspike.org 1498 High Street - Washington, MO 63090

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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Winter Calendar

GERING

Scotts Bluff National Monument

Who says Nebraska is nothing but flat prairieland? Scotts Bluff National Monument disproves that notion with its majestic and varied landscape. The glorious bluff rises 800 feet above the North Platte River and became a landmark and resting place for Native Americans, fur traders/trappers, and pioneers on their way to Oregon and California. Your group will enjoy the monument’s four miles of hiking trails, which also include portions of the original Oregon Trail. Drive to the summit of the bluff and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the North Platte River Valley, Chimney Rock, and Laramie Peak. The Visitor Center contains the Oregon Trail Museum, highlighting Native American culture, fur trading, frontier military history, Pony Express memorabilia, as well as geology and paleontology of the region. View paintings and photographs of artist and photographer William Henry Jackson who travelled the trail in his youth and then circumnavigated the world in a photographic expedition later in life. With over 3,000 acres of prairie and bluff habitat, your group is sure to find inspiration here. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in nebraska…

Raymond | James Arthur Vineyards James Arthur Vineyards is nestled amidst 400 acres of rolling hills and natural prairie grasslands.

The surrounding beauty creates a picturesque setting for this winery, which houses an immaculate tasting room, a gift shop, an event room, and all their production facilities. Sample from a wide variety of wines, stroll the grounds, sit under the covered deck by the waterfall, or enjoy an intimate setting by a warm crackling fire in the tasting room during those cold winter days—all while sipping some of Nebraska’s finest.

Valentine Fort Niobrara Wilderness Area & Nature Trail View unique geology and diverse wildlife at this stunning refuge located in northern Nebraska.

Home to elk, bison, deer, and more than 230 species of birds, your group will have plenty of reasons to get inspired. A 0.9-mile nature trail descends stairs from the Fort Falls parking lot into the wilderness area at the base of Fort Falls. Hear the rushing of water as you hike along the river, taking in the fresh air as you view beautiful vegetation.

January • The Sound of Music January 13-14, Lincoln 402-472-4747

• 5th Annual Winter Blues Festival

January 27, Fairbury 402-613-2064

February • Owl Prowl at Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure February 3-10, Nebraska City 402-873-8717

• Firebird: American Ballet Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony February 16-17, Lincoln 402-472-4747

• Omaha Beer Week

February 16-25, Omaha 402-670-0390

March • Wings Over the Platte February 16 – April 8, Grand Island 308-385-5316

• Collectible Toy Show

March 18, Grand Island 402-463-1669

• Amazing Grace

March 23-24, Lincoln 402-472-4747

Possibilities...endless

NE

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Relax With Nature in Nebraska City This sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

day one

Your groups will spend the first day of their itinerary exploring everything Arbor Day Farm’s 260-acre campus has to offer. This includes both activities and attractions: Tree Adventure, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Apple House Market, and Lied Lodge & Conference Center. Groups will learn to follow nature’s lead and take home memories to last a lifetime.

10 – 11:00am The original home of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day, awaits your group this morning. Tour the magnificent 52-room mansion and marvel over the authentic furnishings and historical artifacts on display.

11:00am –1:00pm Next, on to the Arbor Lodge State Historic Park & Arboretum to explore 65 acres of hilly, wooded land on the edge of Nebraska City, just west of the Missouri River.

1 – 3:00pm There is something to discover in every season at the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure. Pick apples in the orchard during the fall or tour the Lied Greenhouse year-round to pick out a tree seedling to plant at home. Groups are welcome to view “Trees in the Movies” and board the Discovery Ride through the forest.

3 – 5:00pm Check into the Lied Lodge for a relaxing afternoon, and to freshen up before dinner.

This accommodation is known for inspiring timbered décor, exceptional guest services, and guest rooms. continued on page 38...

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DON’T JUST SIT THERE.

DO SOMETHING. Find your fun in Historic Nebraska City!

Nebraska City has something for everyone… from museums to art galleries, from shopping to dining, from golf to concerts, from wine tastings to apple orchards.

www.GoNebraskaCity.com

(402) 873-6654

Paid for in part by the Otoe County Visitors Committee ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

37

Possibilities...endless

NE

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...continued from page 37 5 – 7:00pm Groups will enjoy a meal in Lied Lodge’s onsite restaurant, the Timber Dining Room.

Savor local and sustainable food that is served under soaring timbers and alongside the beautiful views of Arbor Day Farm. The menu changes to reflect what is fresh for the season, bringing the best local food to each individual table.

7:00pm Spend the evening relaxing on a walk or sipping drinks accompanied by nature.

day two

10:00am Your first stop on day two is at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard. Dedicated to agricultural education, research and historic preservation, this 90-acre location in the Missouri River Valley is a destination for a variety of pick-your-own seasonal fruits and delicious goodies. Fruits grown include strawberries, cherries, peaches, blackberries, apples, Asian pears, plums and a variety of vegetables in the vegetable garden.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce at 402-873-6654 or visit them online at www. gonebraskacity.com.

Museum of the Fur Trade Chadron, Nebraska

Located three miles east of Chadron, Nebraska, the Museum of the Fur Trade is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the North American fur trade. The current museum stands on the site of James Bordeaux’s trading post, which was established in 1837 as the American Fur Company.

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS The museum represents every type of object that was exchanged by Europeans and Americans with

MUSEUM of the FUR TRADE

See the history of the first business in North America the fur trade.

Discover the Bordeaux Trading Post, trade guns, beadwork, knives, native costumes and more.

Open 8-5, May 1 to October 31 group rates of 15+ available 3 miles east of Chadron, NE on US Highway 20. www.furtrade.org 308-432-3843 museum@furtrade.org

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

the native people of North America. This ranges from obvious artifacts such as guns, blankets, beads, axes, knives and kettles, to more unusual goods such as gimlets, quill smoothers, playing cards, trunks, tobacco boxes and jewelry. In these collections are complete sets of trade goods that were sold by each nation that operated in the various trading areas of North America.

HEIRLOOM INDIAN GARDEN The museum maintains a botanical exhibit of authentically grown Indian crops, as Native American agriculture was a big help with the trading posts and transport crews. The varieties that they grow are the same ones grown for centuries by Indians of the Missouri Valley and are now all but extinct. Included among these crops are the midget Mandan tobacco, the Assiniboin flint corn, and the blue-kernelled “little corn.” The museum saves just enough of the precious seeds to replant, and any extras are offered for sale to museum patrons.

For more information or to customize a visit for your group, contact the Museum of the Fur Trade at 308-432-3843 or visit them online at www. furtrade.org.

Directory attractions Museum of the Fur Trade 6321 Highway 20 . . . . . . . . 308-432-3843 Chadron, NE 69337 www.furtrade.org

Nebraska City Tourism & Commerce 806 1st Street . . . . . . . . . . 402-873-6654 Nebraska City, NE 68410 www.nebraskacity.com

1-887-832-7267

Winter Calendar January • Happy Harry’s Beer and Bacon Festival January 20, Grand Forks 800-745-3000

• KMOT Ag Expo

January 24-26, Minot 701-852-5254

• Frostival

January 26-27, Fargo 701-282-3653

February • Jamestown Civic Center February 2-4, Jamestown 701-252-4835

• Alcina – Fargo-Moorhead Opera February 9-11, Moorhead 701-239-4558

• Art & Wine Walk 2018

February 17, Grand Forks 701-746-0444

March • North Dakota Winter Show March 3-10, Valley City 701-845-1401

• KX Sport Show

March 9-11, Minot 701-355-9121

• Fargo Film Festival

March 20-24, Fargo 701-235-4152

MEDORA

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Visitors to the three units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park find the dramatic scenery and recreational opportunities awe-inspiring. Travel along Interstate 94, east of Medora, and stop at the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. This is where your group will get their first real glimpse of the Badlands. The canyon stretches as far as the eye can see—truly inspiring! Or get up close and personal with the North Dakota Badlands with the 14-mile Theodore Roosevelt North Unit Scenic Byway. View sweeping vistas of one of the last remnants of wilderness in the Northern Great Plains. In the park you will find open prairie, hardwood draws, bison, other wildlife, and the Little Missouri River. A major feature of the South Unit is the paved, 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive with pullouts and interpretive signs that explain some of the park’s historical and natural features. Wildlife is abundant along the route. Be sure to hop off the motorcoach periodically to really take it all in! Then be sure to explore the small Badlands town of Medora, featuring modern museums, luxury lodging, and plenty of entertainment. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in north dakota...

Colfax | Crooked Lane Farm Located on the scenic Wild Rice River, Crooked Lane Farm is an ideal country setting, offering groups a chance to enjoy rural life, observe past farming practices, learn about the history and functions of a small family farm, and engage in a variety of activities. This peaceful farmstead is the perfect location for retreats, off-site meetings, workshops, and training sessions. It’s also home of the Red River Barn Quilt Trail. Maps are available for finding barn quilts along this growing trail.

Fargo | Northern Plains Botanical Garden Gardens enhance mental reflection and rejuvenation for all who visit—spring, summer, and fall. They encourage the arts through drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography.

Most importantly, they teach us all the elements of nature and how we need a certain balance for our survival in the north, where the days get short.

Get inspired at the public gardens of North Plains: Butterfly, Woodland, Rain, Chrysanthemum, Trailer, and Seeds of Opportunity.

Legendary

ND

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Directory

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 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.

attractions Historical & Cultural Society of Clay County . . . . . . . . . 218-299-5511

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.

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.

Hopperstad Stave Church

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

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

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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Winter Calendar January • Winter Art Show January 17-25, Spearfish 605-642-7973

• Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

January 26 – February 4, Rapid City 605-355-3861

February • Watertown Winter Farm Show February 6-10, Watertown 605-886-5814

• Mardi Gras Weekend

February 9-10, Deadwood 605-578-1876

• Annual Frost Fest

February 16-18, Brookings 605-692-6125

March • 60th Annual Schmeckfest March 16-24, Freeman 605-925-4237

PETER NORBECK NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

Western South Dakota

Some of the most incredible roads anywhere make up the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway in the Black Hills. A masterpiece of artistic engineering, this 70-mile byway includes spiraling bridges, hairpin curves, granite tunnels, and aweinspiring views. Roughly a figure-eight route, the byway travels through portions of Custer State Park, the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, near Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the Black Elk National Wilderness Area. One of the most impressive stretches of this route is the Needles Highway. Here the road climbs around fantastic granite pinnacles, twisting and turning as your motorcoach squeezes through a large crack in the rock, which gives way to a picturesque view of Sylvan Lake. Shaggy white mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks are among the commonly seen wildlife along the way. Be sure to include lots of stops for photographs and a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Custer State Park. Whichever way you decide to meander, this stunning drive is sure to inspire your group! relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in south dakota...

• St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

March 16-17, Deadwood 605-578-1876

Hot Springs | Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary The Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary is one of America’s greatest private wilderness areas.

Located near Hot Springs in southwestern South Dakota, it is operated by the Institute of Range & the American Mustang and is dedicated to giving America’s unwanted wild horses a life of freedom.

See hundreds of mustangs roaming free across 11,000 acres of wind-swept prairie; a home they share with coyotes, cougar, whitetail and mule deer, elk, wild turkeys, eagles, and falcons.

Sioux Falls | McKennan Park Nestled in the heart of Sioux Falls lies 20 acres of majestic beauty, where the young and old come together to enjoy a beautiful and peaceful oasis.

Sioux Falls’ oldest developed park, McKennan is the crown jewel of parks. Groups can pack a picnic and visit the bandshell to enjoy concerts, plays and festivals, or stroll the Mediterranean Sunken Gardens with its mature elm trees, luscious flowers, greenery and sculptures, such as The Potato Man—a tribute to the city’s Irish residents— and a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

Great Faces. Great Places.

SD

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The Window to the West

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

Offering all the expected and plenty of the unexpected, Wall, South Dakota welcomes your next group adventure. Nestled among the beautiful backdrop of the expansive plains and breathtaking views of the Badlands, Wall offers groups a chance to experience the traditional values of the West.

day one

10:00am – 4:00pm Arrive in Wall and let your groups explore.

Main Street features shopping for Black Hills Gold, Badlands souvenirs, and assorted novelties. Check out the attractions, such as the National Grasslands Visitor Center and, of course, Wall Drug Store.

Since 1931, Wall Drug Store has been entertaining and educating groups and travelers alike. The 76,000-square-foot wonderland is jam-packed with free attractions, a frontier town, unique western shopping, a large restaurant, and worldclass displays of Illustration and Western Art. Check out their Backyard with choreographed splash park, picture props, 1,400 historical photographs, panning and mining opportunities, and the best paleontology store in the country.

4 – 6:00pm Before leaving Wall Drug, stop at their restaurant for an authentic western dinner.

6:00 – 9:00pm Drive along the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway and take in the rugged, beautiful views of Badlands National Park. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center features geology and paleontology, as well as stories of past inhabitants, including plants, wildlife, and humans. If your group is feeling more adventurous, step out of the bus and go for a hike or horseback ride to get a more up-close and personal experience. Be sure to watch the breathtaking sunset over the landscape.

9:00pm Get some rest and relaxation, however your group prefers, with choices of comfortable campgrounds, bed & breakfasts, and groupfriendly motels in the area.

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

day two

10:00am – 12:00pm Your first stop this morning is at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site where your groups will learn the story of the Minuteman weapons system during the Cold War era. Be sure to make reservations in order to tour the underground launch control center and missile silo.

12:00pm – 2:00pm Is your group up for more western adventure?

Check out some local sites on the National Register of Historic Places. At Prairie Homestead, your groups will see a hillside sod house that is still intact. At Triangle Ranch B&B, visit a working ranch that provides lodging in a 1923 Alhambra Sears, Roebuck & Co. home, as well as a separate Cowboy Carriage House.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, contact the Wall-Badlands Area Chamber at 605-279-2665 or visit them online at www.wall-badlands.com.

Directory attractions Wall-Badlands Area Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . 605-279-2665 PO Box 527 - Wall, SD 57790 www.wall-badlands.com

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Winter Calendar January • Janesville Mid-Winter Antique Show & Sale January 6-7, Janesville 608-385-3598

• Bald Eagle Watching Days January 12-13, Prairie Du Sac 608-643-4168

• Milwaukee Boat Show January 19-28, West Allis 616-447-2860

February • Wisconsin Antiques Dealers Show & Sale February 2-3, Waukesha 414-510-4441

• Wisconsin Garden Expo

February 9-11, Madison 608-262-5256

• Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale

February 17-18, Madison 608-267-3976

DOOR COUNTY

19 Unique Communities

Door County is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and treat yourself. With 300 miles of shoreline, you can view a sunrise and a sunset over the water without ever leaving the county. See thousands of acres of orchards, explore art galleries, indulge in some delicious cherry pie, sip on local wines and craft beer, stroll through five state parks, or tour 11 historic lighthouses. Whatever your group’s interests, you’ll find plenty to do in Door County’s 19 unique communities. Hop on the ferry and travel to Washington Island where your group can take in the captivating aromas at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop. Growing 48 different varieties of lavender, they offer demonstration gardens that educate visitors about the many uses and benefits of this unique herb. The shop is located near the center of the farm, offering a wide range of lavender based products for women and men, the home, kitchen, and even for your pets. From personal care products, to delicious lavender edibles, to scented candles, Fragrant Isle offers plenty of ways to relax and renew in mind, body, and spirit. relax, rejuvenate, and recharge in wisconsin…

• An American in Paris

February 20-25, Appleton 920-730-3760

March • Home, Sporting & Recreation Expo March 9-11, West Bend 262-338-2666

• Twisted Thread Quilt Show

March 17-18, Medford 715-748-5842

• The Browns – Fireside Dinner Theatre

March 20-21, Fort Atkinson 920-563-9505

Lake Geneva | Lake Geneva Canopy Tours Offering a 2.5-hour zip line canopy tour of the treetops, the expansive 100-acre property at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours (LGCT) is also home to a high ropes course made up of 16 suspended obstacles and approximately nine miles of arbor trails for hiking. LGCT is also home to 15 permanent ground-based challenges that make up their team-building course—designed to help groups work together to achieve common objectives and conquer fears, for a truly rejuvenating experience.

Madison | Olbrich Botanical Gardens See why this lush oasis was voted one of the Top Ten Most Inspiring Gardens in North America. Stroll 16 acres of outdoor gardens, featuring stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. Get an insider’s view of the outdoor gardens during a guided tour led by expert garden staff. Enjoy a tropical paradise in the Bolz Conservatory, filled with exotic plants, fragrant orchids, a rushing waterfall, and free-flying birds. Olbrich’s Blooming Butterflies is an annual event from mid-July through midAugust where butterflies fly about the conservatory.

Travel Wisconsin

WI

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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 1-887-832-7267

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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.

ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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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 204 Main Street • Warrens • WI

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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

• 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!

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

visit our online store!

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 920-6700051 or visit www.laclarefarms.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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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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

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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 M USEUM ®

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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ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2017-18

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.

2018 SPECIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE Snow Train February 10-11 Train rides amid a winter wonderland Stars and Stripes Special June 30-July 1 Celebrating freedom at North Freedom Vintage Rail Car Tours September 29-30 Tours inside Mid-Continent’s best restorations Autumn Color Weekend October 12-14 Train rides amid brilliant hues of fall Pumpkin Special October 20-21 Train rides to the pumpkin patch

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.laclarefarms.com

Mid-Continent Railway Museum E8948 Museum Rd . . . . . . . 608-522-4261 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 24-25 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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