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Itineraries Midwest Spring/Summer 2016

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Memorable Tours Geared for Men

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Page 1: Itineraries Midwest Spring/Summer 2016

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south dakota - - - - - - - - 42

north dakota - - - - - - - - 34

nebraska - - - - - - - - - - - 33

missouri - - - - - - - - - - - - 32

minnesota - - - - - - - - - - 18

featuring

6 The Guys Have It!Endless Travel Options for Men

columns

4 profileDrive A Tank:A Mini-Military Adventure

9 spotlightLarson’s Famous Clydesdales

50 calendar of events

Drive A Tank: Climb into the driver’s seat and take partin a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Drive A Tank in Kasota,Minnesota. Drive over a car or even through a house!Barrel through rough terrain in these 5-ton monsters andeven shoot historic WWII machine guns. They’ll work withyou to customize the perfect experience for your group.The only place in the entire nation that will let you drivea tank is right here in the Midwest!

on the cover

l e t t e r f r o mt h e pub l i s h e r

Dear Planner,

You’ve probably heard of girlfriend getaways, right? Well this issue caters to thoseof you who are looking to plan the perfect “mancation.” Now don’t get us wrong,this issue isn’t “guys only.” It’s for groups who are interested in the more ruggedthings in life—and maybe getting a little adventurous along the way.

Some highlights in this edition of Itineraries include golfing, gaming, breweries,car shows, sports, and more. Drive a real WWII tank in Kasota, MN—pay a littleextra and drive it over a car or even into a trailer home! Take a tour of LambeauField in Green Bay, WI and see a replica of Vince Lombardi’s office. Embark on amission to find the best burgers and beer in the Midwest,or face your fears as you fly through the treetops on azipline adventure. Whether your group is looking to liveon the edge or take it easy, you’ll find the perfect tourideas for your next guy getaway.

So what are you waiting for? Start turning thosepages to see what’s in store for your next group tour!

Best Regards,Heather J. Lahren, CEO - Publisher

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

illinois - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 10

iowa - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11

wisconsin - - - - - - - - - - - 43

kansas - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14

Educational & Interactive GroupTours for Lifelong LearnersThe beauty of growing older is that we never stoplearning. Educational tours for retirees and activeadults are a fun alternative to the usual shopping orgaming trips. Growing in popularity, these toursinclude: walking architecture tours, museum experi-ences, painting & pottery, and adventurous tours suchas cattle driving and even archaeological digs. Learningdoesn’t have to stop at the classroom!

table of contentsspring/summer 2016

michigan - - - - - - - - - - - 15

Coming Fall 2016 !

56 South 33rd Avenue, #234 | St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301320-259-1082 | 877-832-7267 | Fax: [email protected] | www.itinerariesmidwest.com

Heather J. Lahren | [email protected]

Mackenzie Lahren | PROJECT [email protected]

Eric Beuning | INDEPENDENT [email protected]

Debi Burger | SALES [email protected]

Kathleen Somers | SALES [email protected]

Chris Reber |WEB DESIGNER/[email protected]

Ashley Nelson | ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER;MARKETING MANAGER | [email protected]

Carinna K. Hard Bullemer | ART DIRECTORHARD AT WORK Design, inc. | [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Lahren, Kathleen Somers,Ashley Nelson, andMackenzie Lahren | ITINERARIES Inc.

Britt Aamodt, Chelsea Einerwold

We make every effort to be as accurate as possible, but assumeno responsibility for errors or omissions found in this magazine

or any other corporate publications produced by ITINERARIES Inc.

Proud Members of:Tour Minnesota Association (TMA) & American Bus Association (ABA)

POSTMASTER :Send address changes to ITINERARIES Inc.

56 South 33rd Avenue #234, St. Cloud, MN 56301

PHOTO CREDITSCOVER PHOTO: Drive A Tank. 4e Winery, 52 Stafford, AppledoreIV-Baysail, The Blind Pig Brewing Co., Buffalo Chamber, CastleFarms, Cheesetopia, The Dickinson Press, Down A Country Road,Drive A Tank, Eagan CVB, Extreme Sandbox, Foxhole Brewhouse,Great Galena Balloon Race, Great Lakes Gazette, Green BayPackers Hall of Fame, Laura Hann, Henry Ford Museum,Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, Iowa 80 Group,It’s A Sweet Life, Kerfoot Canopy Tours, Kreycik Elk & BuffaloRanch, Larson’s Famous Clydesdales, Leader Telegram, LexJetBlog, Lutsen Mountains, Mandan Rodeo Days, Mapio.net, MissouriDivision of Tourism, MN River Valley National Scenic Byway, MNRenaissance Festival, MSUM Planetarium, North Dakota Tourism,Northfield CVB, The Old Creamery Theatre, Old Time Gas Engine& Tractor Club Show, Plymouth Walldog, Prairie Rose Meadery,RedHawks, Red Trail Vineyard, Renaissance Festival of Nebraska,A Rodeo Family, Rushmore Cave, Scott Kudelka, Smallin Civil WarCave, SPAM® Museum, Spicer Castle Inn, St. Cloud Area CVB,Third Street Brewhouse, Thrillist, Timber Hills Lake Ranch, TomStromme with Bismarck Tribune, Trainland U.S.A., Twin CitiesSport Cards, Uncorked Fargo, Wabasha Street Caves, The WallaceCenters of Iowa, Warren’s Cranberry Festival, Wild WestAdventure, Wisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureau

COPYR IGHT 2016

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profile BY KATHLEEN SOMERS

4

Drive A Tank:A MINI-MILITARY ADVENTURE

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DRIVE A TANK: A MINI-MILITARY ADVENTURE

5

One of the greatsatisfactions of

working withgroups is making peoplehappy. Often times it’s thelittle things that accomplishthat: value added items,games played on the bus,meeting new friends, specialtreatments like receptionsor treats at destinations;those wonderful specialtouches that allow yourcaring ways and likeabilityto shine through. Butsometimes it’s the bigthings. Sometimes it’s thedestination. Sometimesit’s dreams coming true.And that is pretty muchwhat happens all the timeat Drive A Tank.

Certainly no ordinaryadventure, Drive A Tankoffers your group a once-in-a-lifetime experience likenone other. In fact, there isno other place anywherein the United Stateswhere you can do this.So people come from allover the world to a tinytown in Minnesota, aboutan hour and fifteen minutessouth of Minneapolis/SaintPaul, just north of Mankato,to a place called Kasota.Apparently, if you build itthey really will come!

Drive A Tank is exactlywhat the name suggests:a chance to drive authentictanks and shoot machineguns, all in a safeenvironment. A real livemilitary experience withoutthe war! Owner TonyBorglund didn’t set outto have such an unusualbusiness. On a trip toEngland with his dad theynoticed such placesabound. “The Brits areproud of their military

heritage,” said Borglund,“unlike here in the U.S.where we keep it morehidden.” An idea washatched. “Tanks are cooland people will pay moneyto drive them.” Soon theypurchased a bunch ofvehicles in England andbegan the process of movingthem to the United States.

The company has only beenaround for about a decade.The challenge of adheringto all the government andsafety regulations, gettingthe proper permits inplace, and even just findinga location for such anundertaking was almost ashuge as the idea itself. Butthe motivation was just asbig: Provide folks with “oneof the coolest things they’veever done.” It’s awesomeand it’s crazy and it truly isa chance to step out of theordinary and do somethingunusual. And you knowwhat? People love it.Maybe you’ve got a groupwho would love it, too.

Let’s face it. Most peoplehave never driven a tank.This military theme parkallows you to drive a tank,crush cars, and shootmachine guns…all underone roof—so to speak. And,the government does notown it. Provide your groupwith their own armoredmini-military adventure.All the tanks are Britishtanks. There is a 45-minutesafety briefing to start, andthen a battlefield with allsorts of terrain (even apath through the woods) todrive your tank on. There iscar crushing and an indoorfiring range for automaticweapons. And it’s reallyeasy. If you can figure out

your left from your right,you can drive a tank. Plus,who doesn’t like shootinga machine gun?!

You may think Drive A Tankappeals only to men, butyou’d be wrong. As Borglundpointed out to me: “Chicksdig tanks too. The ratio isnot 50/50, but it’s closerthan you’d think.” Andage? Not much of a factor.The oldest customer was a96-year-old man who hadno problem doing any ofthe stuff, according toBorglund. Yes, it’s prettyextreme, but anyone can doit. Maybe that’s why retiredpersons love it so much.

Then there is Diane, aself-professed adrenalinejunkie who was 74 last yearwhen she traveled up fromMissouri to tick yet anotheritem off her bucket list.Diane just met the heightlimit at 4’11’’. She said shewas afraid to ask if therewas a minimum weightrequirement since sheweighs a mere 77 pounds.She may be little but she’smightily determined. Theyhad to put a cushion underher bottom so she couldsee out the peephole.Her experience? “Theywere extremely nice andextremely accommodating.”It took three days to wipethe smile off her face. Whilethe guns on the tank areactually disabled for safetyreasons, the indoor shootinggallery satisfies your needto shoot at things. Dianeshot a Thomson AK47 andthe crew at Drive A Tankeven told her “I want youon my team.” I’m guessingyou don’t want to messwith Diane. “It’s quite anadventure,” she reports.

“I’d do it again in aheartbeat.”

For a little extra fee, and awhole lot more fun, you candrive that tank over a caror motorhome or even atrailer house! The powerof a 5-ton machine at yourdisposal just makes youwant to crush things.Diane told me, “I just thinkeveryone ought to do it.We had a wonderful time.”She added, “I was high forthree days after…it pumpsthe adrenaline so much.”

What about your group?Want to help make somedreams come true?“Tanks are a mysteriousmachine,” Borglund pointsout, “different from thenorm.” Perhaps that’swhy they provide such amemorable experience.The best way to start yourgroup on an awesome,crazy, and memorableadventure is to give Tonya call (507-931-7385). Hewill design an experiencethat fits perfectly for yourgroup. Plan on about halfa day, but it really dependson the package you choose.He even has an option foran MRE lunch in the field(that’s military lingo for“meals ready to eat”).No matter the size of yourgroup, Borglund can makeit fit—fit the group andsuit the person.

“I’ve never told anyone,‘No, that’s too big a group,we can’t do it.’ We’llalways figure it out.”

However it gets figured out,know this: Nobody everwants to leave.

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Pop a car hood, dig a hole in your yard, or startconstruction on anything, and men will comeflocking. Even if it’s just to stand around and watch,

they love projects. Competitive by nature with a built-incan-do attitude, men attract to tools, sports and challenges.So it makes perfect sense that enticing a bunch of men toa tour bus will take more than shopping and museums.In what may be a natural backlash to the girlfriend getaway,and perhaps a natural outgrowth of bachelor parties andbeer blasts, we now see an emerging trend in tourism calledthe “guy getaway,” or “mancation” as it is sometimesreferred. And while vacationing like a man is not new, it isnow popular enough to have spilled over into the grouptravel market. Have you considered how this special niche intravel fits into your business?

“The man who goes alone can start today; but he whotravels with another must wait till that other is ready.”– Henry David Thoreau

Or maybe he just has to wait for the planner to put togetheran exciting itinerary.

The mancation trend is here to stay and there are hugeopportunities for the group market. No longer is the tourbus filled with only retirees looking out the window whiletourist attractions float by. Today’s groups are made up of amuch wider demographic encompassing all sorts of groups.One of those groups is looking for a little more adrenaline

in their travel. You could be the one to lead them to it.

Did you know that recent online research found an estimated20 million men currently spend between $10 and $12 billiona year on guys-only getaways? When two million web userswere recently polled, Compete, a Boston-based onlinemarket research firm, found that among those polled, 38% ofmen and 34% of women had taken a gender-based trip in thelast year. So clearly there’s a market. If you think guygetaways means not thinking about the fairer sex, thinkagain. “Eighty percent of all travel decisions are made bywomen; regardless of who they travel with, or who pays forthe trip or where they go,” says Forbes. And tour operatorand travel agent research indicate that women make 70% oftravel decisions. So while gender-specific group travel istrending, it’s a very good idea to be sensitive to the one heleft at home. With that said, let’s look at some ways to gethim out of the man-cave and into the motorcoach.

Guys’ travel options are endless. They allow men to blow offa little steam, maybe relax a bit, and even recharge, whilehaving a fantastic time bonding with new or establishedbuddies. If you’re thinking sports, spirits and somethingspecial to eat will get your trip started, you’d be right. Thebeauty is, you can combine all three aspects in a variety ofways: from one afternoon at the ballpark with brats and beersto a week or more of golf courses, distillery tours and a questfor the world’s best burger. See if any of these ideas triggeryour own creative juices.

THE GUYSHAVE IT!

BY KATHLEENSOMERS

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Staying on Course,of Course

Perhaps your group loves all thingsgolf—from driving ranges to actual golfcourses, to lessons with the pros. Thereare golf museums and pro shops, discgolf at the new Forsyth Disc Golf Coursein Illinois (it’s gotten rave reviews).In keeping with the theme, you couldwatch one of the many excellent golfmovies on your motorcoach ride, suchas The Legend of Bagger Vance or BobbyJones: Stroke of Genius. Plan to takeyour group to a golf tournament. Lookfor simulated golf, like what you’ll find atScheels in Fargo, ND. And if your groupis fortunate enough to actually be on thegolf course, be sure to provide cigars anda cold one to make the day all the morememorable. Dining at the golf course isalso a good option.

Lakes, Riversand Streams

What about trout fishing lessons, orcanoeing or kayaking? Bring your guys

fishing in Lake of the Woods, MN,otherwise known as “The Walleye Capitalof the World™.” Resorts in the area willprovide your group with the perfect mixof experience and luxury. Consider rivercruises, or hop aboard the Appledore IVand sail the waters of the SaginawRiver in a tall ship. New Town, NDoffers a relaxing yacht cruise on scenicLake Sakakawea during the summer.In southeastern Kansas you’ll find TimberHills Lake Ranch with its world-classfishing. For a slightly slower pace,check out Horicon Marsh Boat Tours inWisconsin. Specializing in the motorcoachindustry for 52 years, they know howto keep your group comfortable on thepontoon sightseeing tour. Anything inor around water is always a winner.

Bleachers and Stands

You can never go wrong with America’sfavorite pastime. Baseball games, such asa RedHawks game in Fargo, are alwaysmore fun than anyone should be allowedto have. And plan to visit the MauryWills Museum as part of your RedHawksexperience. Also while in Fargo, get yourgroup over to the Roger Maris Museum.Consider batting cages, basketballgames, and stadium tours like Lambeauin Green Bay or the Kansas City RoyalsKauffman Stadium Tour in Missouri.Iowa is home to the real Field of Dreams,and Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MNinvites your group to experience theheart-pounding excitement of livehorse racing. Step back in time with theSt. Croix Vintage Base Ball Club, or areal old-fashioned sports card store.

Tours and Museums

While not all museums may make the cutfor your he-man group, there are plentythe guys will thrill to. Tour a workingsawmill at Kendrick Forest Products inIowa. John Deere Adventures providesfactory tours, a pavilion with vintagemachines, plus the original homesteadsite. Look for classic car collections inNebraska or My Garage Museum inIllinois. There’s the Trucking Museum inIowa, and the Kansas Motorcycle Museum.Michigan is home to the Gilmore CarMuseum and Adventure Mining Companyoffers four guided underground tours ofone of the best-preserved copper minesin the state. And just because baseball isalways a good choice, there’s the Museumof Nebraska Major League Baseball,dedicated to the careers of over 140 majorleague ball players with roots in Nebraska.Don’t forget the Sturgis MotorcycleMuseum Hall of Fame in South Dakota.

Need for SpeedMen are naturally competitive, so why

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8

not get a little rivalry going with a600-horsepower NASCAR racecar atthe Richard Petty Driving Experienceat Kansas Speedway? Get your groupsome drag racing lessons, off-roaddriving experiences, or just take themto Southwest Speedway for some racingaction in North Dakota.

Extreme Adventure

And if the need is for adventure, tryBuffalo Safari Jeep Tours in SouthDakota or some high flying on theSoaring Eagle Zip Line. Experience thescenic Minnesota River Valley fromabove the trees at the #1 zip line inMinnesota, Kerfoot Canopy Tours.Anything that involves jumping off orclimbing tall structures will get the juicesflowing. But the best idea of all is a dayat Drive A Tank in Minnesota or nearbyExtreme Sandbox. Seek out some rockclimbing, or fun at Silver Lake SandDunes in Michigan.

Eat, Drink,and Be MerryThe thing about men is you gotta feed‘em. Fortunately there are plenty ofways to incorporate food and drink intoa manly group tour. Wisconsin, knownfor its beer and cheese, offers excellentcheese factory and brewery tours alongwith some great winery tours. May Isuggest the Jacob Leinenkugel BrewingCo. for a top experience? All toursinclude tasting and a souvenir glass.The Firehouse Brewing Company is awonderful restaurant in South Dakota

that attracts groups from near and far.The Culinary Center of Kansas Cityoffers serious educational curriculumcommitted to the art of grilling. TheBlind Pig Co. in Champaign, IL has28 drafts on tap and serves craft beersfrom around the world. It even made itonto the Top 100 American Bars listpublished by Imbibe Magazine. Andwhen in North Dakota be sure to makethe trip to Silver Prairie Saloon, southof Fargo. You will be so glad you did.In Missouri some great choices includeCrown Valley Brewing & Distilling orAnheuser-Busch Brewery. For a tour ofhow limited edition batches of specialtyliquors are made, visit FEW Spirits inEvanston, IL. A free tour of Grand RiverSpirits, also in Illinois, will improveyour artisan-spirits IQ.

In the Cards?

Harrah’s in Chicagoland is a riverboat-style casino and hotel for groups inclinedto that sort of action. 4 Bears Casino &Lodge in New Town, ND is another greatplace for gaming action. Think about

private poker tournaments for yourguys as well.

Out West

For the Wild West experience, bringyour guys to a rodeo in North Dakota.Or maybe immerse them in farm or ranchlife like you’ll find at Black Leg Ranch, areal working cattle ranch near Bismarck.Prairie Grove Shotgun Sports in Missourifeatures a complete shooting experiencein a park-like setting. Keep the themegoing with the Front Street CowboyMuseum & Steakhouse in Nebraska.

Two big reasons men gravitatetoward mancation group travel arethe convenience of a pre-packageddeal, along with the male bondingcamaraderie. But if you are still not sureabout exploring a gender-specific groupouting, consider this: you don’t needto dive into the deep end right away.Think about separating your adventureseekers for a special activity while theremaining group enjoys a traditionalexperience. Then everyone can meetup later for a meal. More work for youof course, but it’s a great way to testthe waters and see how this niche ofguy getaways works for you.

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spotlight LARSON’S FAMOUS CLYDESDALES

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Owners Judy and Cal Larson have watched over thesegentle giants for over 28 years. Their dream was toassemble a famous six-up hitch full of siblings, all fromone mother and father. It took ten years to make ithappen and Cal says that as far as he knows, this hasnever been accomplished before. The Larsons’ love ofbig horses is a family affair, with all four of their childrenhaving competed and won Junior Championship Awards.Cal and Judy’s six-horse hitch of Clydesdales has wonthe National Championship, among many otherhonors. With Cal doing all the training and driving oftheir six- and eight-horse hitches of Clydesdales, itreally is quite a show.

Groups have the opportunity to come to the ranch andexperience a down-home feel and see what it takes tomake it all happen. During the tour you’ll enjoy watching

“Big Bud” getting harnessed, as well as a demonstrationof a cart class, antique hitch wagons, and a museum.Judy will be your tour guide and gives a humorous andpersonal tour guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.She reels off her daily lectures in an energetic,encyclopedic fashion that is sure to keep your groupentertained. This 90-minute guided tour is truly exciting,capped off with a short Grandstand Show. Pat and takepictures with champion Clydesdales and even meet arare baby Clydesdale. Be sure to visit the Souvenir Shop!

Larson’s Famous Clydesdales is located in Ripon,Wisconsin and open mid-May through mid-October,rain or shine. Shows start at 1:00pm, Monday-Saturday.For more information or to reserve a tour for yourgroup, call 920-748-5466 or visit them online atwww.larsonsclydesdales.com.

When you hear the word “Clydesdale” you think of Budweiser, right?Well, did you know that the Midwest is home to its very own “Famous Clydesdales?”

Larson’s Famous Clydesdales is one of the only places in the United Stateswhere visitors can see fourteen of these beautiful creatures, up close and personal.

Larson’s Famous Clydesdales

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CHAMPAIGN

The Blind Pig Co.

hat better way to kick off a weekendwith the guys than with some nice, coldbrews? You’ll certainly have your pickat The Blind Pig Co., as it boasts 28

drafts on tap and over 100 bottles to pickfrom, plus a number of canned options. Theentire selection is craft beer from around theworld, and yes, they do allow samples. Play agame or two of darts before settling in at thebar or around a table at this low-key wateringhole in the middle of downtown Champaign.Catch up, swap stories, make memories, and enjoythe people watching. If you have time, take a walkdown to The Blind Pig Brewery, also known as “ThePiglet” and try some original Blind Pig Brews. Proudlyresiding on Imbibe Magazine’s Top 100 American Barslist, voted one of the Top 50 Places to Drink Beer in theUSA by Beer Advocate, and part of Draft Magazine’s Best150 Bars in the USA, this is a must-stop and must-sip place.Visit their website (www.blindpigco.com) for an updated beer menuand other exciting events.

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Illinois: Mile after Magnificent Mile.

spotlight

illinois

My Garage MuseumCollection | EFFINGHAM

Gentlemen…check out theseengines! And rare and classicautomobiles you would not be ableto see up close anywhere else otherthan at the My Garage MuseumCollection located at the Mid AmericaMotorworks facility. The center hasthousands of pieces of automotivecollectibles and memorabilia, andfeatures 15-20 cars on display. Theexhibit changes throughout the yearto showcase a variety of fine pieces.Also on site is an actual 1910 gasstation that was moved and restored.Beautiful Corvettes and Volkswagensare sure to rev you up and give youa new appreciation for mid-21stcentury design and innovation.

Forsyth DiscGolf Course | FORSYTH

How about a friendly round of discgolf? A version of golf that’s a littleeasier to get the hang of and a lotmore affordable! Forsyth’s courseopened in 2015 and received ravereviews in its first season. The 18-holecourse offers two tee locations ateach hole, one shorter and the otherlonger, so everyone—beginners andadvanced players alike—can have agood time. The Front 9 is shorterand has more trees, while the Back 9is longer and more open. Hole 13includes an alternate tee locationfor those who are unsure of throwingover water. Download a map andscorecard at their website.

Sudden ImpactPaintball | MCLEAN

Start picking your teams now becauseit is game on at central Illinois’ largestand longest-operating paintball field!Sudden Impact Paintball is a 100-acreproperty featuring 5 woodsball fields,a “town,” a hyperball field, and more!Knowledgeable staff guide youthrough the basics, and experiencedreferees ensure all participants havea good time. The company pridesitself on its Safety First motto andproclaims a stellar safety record.Rent all necessary equipment on site,and bring your own food and drinks(aside from alcohol). Get the adrenalinepumping with an event that’s sure toleave an impact on your group!

The Corn Crib | NORMAL

The Corn Crib is the home of theNormal CornBelters, a member ofthe Frontier League, an independentand professional baseball league. It islocated on the campus of HeartlandCommunity College and also serves asthe home of the college’s baseball,softball, and soccer teams. Catch aCornBelters game, or enjoy a concert—word is there isn’t a bad seat in theCrib! Parties can even arrange for anhour-long guided tour, featuring a lookinside the home & visiting clubhouses,access onto the field, and 10 LawnSeat ticket vouchers redeemable forany game in the calendar year.

more illinois guy getaways…

W

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WALCOTT

Iowa 80TruckingMuseum –Iowa 80Truckstop

elebrate the historyof trucking anddiscover how thisindustry has evolved

over the years. View 60 differentantique trucks, each with their own unique story to tell, as well as 304 originalpetroliana signs and 24 vintage gas pumps. Then head next door to the Iowa 80Truckstop, the world’s largest truckstop! What began in 1964 as a small whiteenamel building has now grown into a “city within a city” off Exit 284. After 28expansions and remodels, the Iowa 80 Truckstop includes a 300-seat restaurant,the Super Truck Showroom, gift store, 60-seat movie theater, a trucker’s TV lounge,dentist office, barber shop, chiropractor, workout room, laundry facilities, 24 privateshowers, convenience store, a custom embroidery and vinyl shop—even a DogomatPet Wash! And the list goes on. View full size semi trucks on display and learn thehistory of this family-owned business. Iowa 80 currently serves 5,000 customers aday and has parking spaces for 900 tractor-trailers, 250 cars, and 20 buses. Visit inJuly for the Walcott Truckers Jamboree, a 3-day event dedicated to celebratingAmerica’s truckers. Last year’s attendance was a record 44,000 people!

Iowa: Life Changing

spotlight

iowa

Iowa Distilling CompanyCUMMING

Located among the cornfields of ruralCumming, Iowa, is a 100-year-oldbrick building where one-of-a-kindspirits are made through a uniquesmall-batch process. Tour the distilleryand sample some of their famousspirits, such as Steel Drum Rum (madewith Caribbean sourced molassesand barrel-aged for 2 yrs) and PrairieFire (a double-distilled cinnamonwhiskey). All spirits are made withlocally grown Iowa corn—the bestcorn on earth! Tours run Tuesdaythrough Saturday, or by appointment.They even offer distilling classes!

Four Mounds Ropes CourseDUBUQUE

Nestled in a pine and hardwood foreston the Four Mounds Preserve, theFour Mounds Ropes Course hasbecome one of the premier team-building training sites in the Midwest.Your group will participate in a seriesof activities that include mental,physical and emotional challenges.Team members choose the level ofdifficulty at which to participate.Through a combination of teamwork,physical dexterity, problem solvingand trust, groups will walk away fromthis experience with a strong sense ofaccomplishment and self-worth. Thecourse is designed to be a reassuringand safe environment; all instructorsare fully trained and certified.

Field of Dreams Movie SiteDYERSVILLE

Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa.Twenty-seven years after the releaseof Field of Dreams, movie buffs andbaseball fans alike continue to flock toDyersville for a glimpse of ShoelessJoe Jackson at this site where theAcademy Award-nominated moviewas filmed. Enjoy a game of catch,bat a few balls, run the bases, or takeit all in from the bleachers as yourediscover America’s favorite pastime.Several Sundays every summer,visitors are invited to relive the mosticonic moment of the film as “ghost”ballplayers emerge from the corn fieldin their vintage uniforms to play a realgame of baseball. Be sure to visit thegift shop for that perfect souvenir!

Kendrick Forest ProductsEDGEWOOD

Tour this working sawmill and view thecabinet-making process. Kendrickcontrols the entire lumber process,from felling the trees, to transportingthe logs, to debarking, steaming anddrying. Their primary products arepurchased within a 100-mile radiusand grown from the rich fertile soil ofNortheast Iowa. One and two-hourtours are offered for groups of up to65 people. They’ve enhanced the tourexperience by adding headphonesand receivers, allowing the tour guideto clearly detail the operation. Toursare available Monday through Fridayand can start as early as 6am.

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Trainland U.S.A.The Original Operating Toy Train Museum in Iowa

What better place to learn about three eras of trains than at TrainlandU.S.A.? This extensive toy train museum in Colfax, IA displays Lioneltrains and accessories along 4,000 feet of track. The development of therailroad across the United States is represented in frontier, steam, anddiesel eras. With a display area that spans the size of two average ranchstyle homes, your groups will not miss a thing. The center section showsoff the frontier and steam train era, while outside the diesel era runsfrom coast to coast. Trainland’s attention to intricate detail is what setsthem apart as a truly unique destination. The scenery is hand-paintedand the entire layout is enclosed in glass. Groups will be able to toywith four control panels that create an automated train control systemthat includes their own telephone communications.

Trainland U.S.A. houses over 60 operating Lionel accessories, mostof which are still in their original state! Now on-site is the originalChicago and Northwestern Depot. Go online to www.trainlandusa.comand click the “Online Tour” to see some highlights to expect duringyour group’s visit.

Open by appointment April-October. Special rates are available forgroups of 15 or more. Contact Judy at Trainland U.S.A. at 515-674-3813for more information and to book your tour today!

The Old CreameryTHEATRE

There’s nothing like the experience of live theatre, especially whenit is shared with others. Amana, Iowa’s Old Creamery Theatreinvites your groups to experience live theatre to the fullest. Laughand enjoy a professional performance while sitting next to friends,both new and old. Each guest has the opportunity to meet the cast,adding a personal touch to your group’s experience. Motorcoachparking is free and convenient, with drop-off and pick-up areasavailable. The larger the group, the larger the discount!

2016 Main Stage / Amana, IA

Broadway Hit – Million Dollar Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . June 2 – 26

Shear Madness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 4 – 28

Grease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 8 – October 2

Nana’s Naughty Knickers . . . . . . . . . . . October 13 – November 6

Winter Wonderettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 17 – December 18

2016 Studio Stage / Middle Amana, IAI’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers . . . June 30 – July 17

Buyer and Cellar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 21 – 31

Me and Jezebel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 6-9 & November 10-13

While you’re in the neighborhood, enjoy the Amana Colonies. Alsocalled The Amanas, the Amana Colonies are a National HistoricLandmark. They began in 1714 in Germany and continue today onthe Iowa prairie. Be sure to check out Iowa City and Cedar Rapidswhile visiting the area!

Book your group today! Call the Old Creamery Theatre box office at319-622-6262 or visit online at www.oldcreamery.com.

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directory

attraction

Old Creamery Theatre Co. 800-352-626239 38th Avenue – Amana, IA 52203www.oldcreamery.comThe Old Creamery Theatre Company is proud to be theoldest professional theatre company in the state ofIowa! This year we are celebrating 45 years of bringinglive, professional theatre to the people of Iowa andthe Midwest.

Trainland U.S.A. . . . . . . . . . . 515-674-38133135 Hwy 117N – Colfax, IA 50054www.trainlandusa.comAn operating toy train museum displaying Lionel trainsand accessories. Trainland U.S.A. features originalrailroad memorabilia and old toy trains dating from 1916to 1976. This exhibit represents three eras of time;frontier, steam, and diesel.

The Wallace Centers of Iowa756 16th StreetDes Moines, IA 50314 . . . . . . . . . . 515-243-70632773 290th StreetOrient, IA 50858. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] / www.wallace.orgWCI provides educational programs & communityservices, grows organic produce, and offers locallysourced meals. Offering one- and two-day itineraries.

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Restored FarmhouseSee what a rural home would look like inearly 20th century Iowa. Today, the farmhouseincludes offices for the staff and serves as thegift shop and produce market.

Gathering BarnThis meeting and educational facilityreplicates the original barn that stood westof the house in the early days of the farm.The authentic building adds character to thehistorical site, which is on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.

Flower GardensLong before Henry A. Wallace developedhybrid corn, his first hybrid experiment waswith his mother’s flower garden, crossingpansies. The floral gardens use flowers grownin the greenhouse as well as plants sharedby area gardeners.

Sculpture Walking PathThis gentle, ¾-mile walking trail beckonsvisitors to relax and ponder. View five outdoorsculptures as well as other hidden gemsalong the way.

Orchard & Produce GardensFour working acres produce 8 to 10 different

kinds of fruits and 30 to 40 varieties ofvegetables. The fresh produce is used atthe Gathering Table restaurant and sold onThursdays and Fridays inside the gift shop.

Restored Iowa PrairieThese nine acres of former pasture werereconstructed in 2007 to incorporate additionalnative grasses and forbes. Currently, the areagrows about 20 grasses and 120 forbes,resulting in beautiful vistas year round.

PondThis 1.5-acre pond was constructed in 1996,along with three grassed waterways and aterrace. It is a tribute to Henry A. Wallace’spassion for contour farming and reforestation.

Gathering Table Restaurant,Gift Shop & MarketGather your group for lunch or dinner inthe Gathering Barn. Menus vary dependingon what is available to harvest from thegardens. The gift shop has a diverse selectionof homemade gift items such as jewelry,ceramics, note cards, quilted hangings,primitive art, handmade lotions & bath salts.Seasonally, the Market offers fresh producefor sale from the garden and orchard.

TheWallaceCentersOF IOWASustainable food & civilityinitiatives – Orient, IA

You can do it all at theCountry Life Center. Stroll,dine, and shop at the historic birthplacefarm of Henry A. Wallace, U.S. Vice President, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and founder ofPioneer Hi-Bred Corn Company. Acres of sustainably grown fruits and vegetables are transformedinto farm-to-table meals served in the Gathering Barn. Unique outdoor art sculptures dot the¾-mile walking path through the restored Iowa prairie. Take home a treasure from the farmhousegift shop, which features handcrafted items from Iowa artists.

Discover more at the Country Life Center…

Expand your trip to this rural landscape by asking about one- and two-day itineraries!Contact The Wallace Centers of Iowa at 641-337-5019 or go online to www.wallace.org.

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MAPLETON

Timber HillsLake Ranch

xperienceguided trophyhunting andworld-class

fishing in southeasternKansas, at a privatelyowned 1,500-acre ranch.Pursue whitetail deer, elk, buffalo, and turkeys, or goafter something a little more wild, such as coyotes,bobcats, and mountain lions. Your guide will showyou the ropes and lead a memorable experience you’lltalk about for years. Maybe your group is looking forsomething a little more soothing? The Ranch’s private40-acre lake and 12 additional lakes and ponds area dream come true for most anglers. Catch the bigone—lakes and ponds are stocked with bass, crappie,bluegill, and catfish. Fish from shore or rent a fishingand trolling pontoon. Stop in for an afternoon, a day, or aweek—the ranch caters to your group’s preferences. Comfortable split-levelcabins, complete with kitchenettes, or rustic mini cabins are available for rental;some hunting/fishing packages include lodging. Other onsite activities includeskeet shooting, rifle golf, ATV tours, hiking, and pontoon and kayak rentals.

Kansas: As Big As You Think

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Richard Petty DrivingExperience | KANSAS CITY

Satisfy your need for speed by gettingbehind the wheel of a 600-hpNASCAR racecar at the RichardPetty Driving Experience at KansasSpeedway. Get a friendly rivalry goingamong your group and maybe evenconsider a wager of sorts, as to whowill thrive on the 1.5-mile tri-oval.Cars reach speeds of up to 155 mph.Choose from a variety of experiencepackages, ranging from 3 laps to 50!Feeling nervous about all that powerand speed? No worries. You can optfor a ride along and leave it to the pros.

Union HorseDistilling Co. | LENEXAUnion Horse Distilling Co. is a grain-to-bottle craft distillery that has beenturning locally sourced grains intotasty and distinctly Kansas spirits since2010. Family owned and operated,the distillery does everything in-house,from milling to barreling and bottling.Each bottle of their signature ReunionStraight Rye and Reserve StraightBourbon is hand numbered andsigned by the Master Distiller &Co-Founder himself. Take a tour andget a behind-the-scenes taste of whathappens from grain to glass. You’llbe served samples of the distillery’sfive award-winning spirits as yousoak up the suave country-meets-industrial décor of the Rider Room.

Kansas Motorcycle MuseumMARQUETTE

Peruse over 100 vintage and raremotorcycles of all kinds of makes andmodels at the Kansas MotorcycleMuseum in downtown Marquette.Started in 2003 as a tribute tohometown motorcycle racing legendand five-time National RacingChampion Stan “The Man” Engdahl,the museum is adorned with over 600of his trophies and features generalmotorcycle racing memorabilia, photos,posters and more. The oldest bikefeatured is over a century old, and the2,000-sq-ft space is packed witheverything from Harleys to Hendersons,American-made bikes and foreignbikes, restored to pristine condition.

Midwest BBQ Instituteat The Culinary Center ofKansas City | OVERLAND PARKWhat better place to learn the art ofbarbecue than in one of the great BBQcapitals of the world? The CulinaryCenter of Kansas City offers seriouseducational curriculum committed tothe art and science of grilling andsmoking. They cater to all skill levelsand aspirations, whether you want toimpress dinner guests at your homeor take first prize at competitions.Select a special interest topic, such as“Booz-e-que” or “Sticks & Skewersfrom Around the World,” or choose abasic 101 class. Either way, your groupis sure to learn the fundamentals orhone their existing skills. Most classesare hands-on and a tasty meal isyour reward.

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spotlight

michigan

Adventure Mining CompanyGREENLAND

Welcome to Copper Country! Locatedat the base of Keweenaw Peninsula,Adventure Mining Company offersfour guided underground tours of oneof the best preserved copper minesin Michigan. Don your hardhats andwalk through the tunnels on the firstlevel or try your hand at rappellingwith a rope and harness to thesecond level. Guides are friendly andknowledgeable and receive training inevery aspect of the operation to ensurea fun and safe environment for guestsof all abilities. The temperature inthe mine is 48 degrees regardless ofoutside air temperature. Appropriatefootwear is recommended andcameras are always welcome!

Gilmore Car MuseumHICKORY CORNERS

With so much to be explored, groupscan spend the whole day at theGilmore Car Museum. Spend an houror two in the Automotive HeritageCenter, featuring exhibits, a theater,library, museum store, and more.Browse through the historic restoredbarns filled with impressive collections,see the vintage dealerships spanningseveral decades, and stop by the1930s Shell gas station. Arrangea group lunch at George & Sally’sauthentic 1941 Silk City Diner. Featuredcars include: the steam powered 1899Locomobile, the 1934 Ford WoodieWagon, the 1916 Packard Twin-SixRacer, and a 1982 Checker Taxi Cab.

Mac Wood’s Dune RidesMEARS

Between Silver Lake & Lake Michiganare the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Thismagnificent natural wonder featuresover 2,000 acres of beautiful sandymountains, with the southern portionmanaged by Mac Wood’s Dune Rides.This fun-filled 7-mile dune tour lastsabout 40 min. and offers a thrilling(and safe) experience for your group.At the summit, view breathtakingpanoramic views, glide down thesweeps into the valleys, past theglistening Silver Lake and see LakeMichigan’s white sand beaches. You’llbe hosted by knowledgeable driverswho understand the environment andever-changing sand mountains.

Bammert Blacksmith ShopMuseum | PHOENIX

In the early days of Keweenaw coppermining, blacksmiths were in highdemand as horse-drawn carriages andwagons were the principal means ofland transportation. Built in the 1880sat the Cliff Mine and moved to Phoenixin 1906, Amos Bammert operatedthis blacksmith shop until his deathin 1940. In addition to shoeing horses,Amos built buggies, sleighs and wagonwheels in this very shop. TheKeweenaw County Historical Societyhas restored the building’s exteriorand interior, exhibiting the shop andequipment as they were at the end ofthe 19th century.

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BAY CITY

Appledore TallShip Adventures

n a state surroundedby Great Lakes, your tripto Michigan would not be completewithout some time on the water. Hopaboard the Appledore IV and sail the

waters of the Saginaw River and SaginawBay on Lake Huron. This schooner canaccommodate groups of up to 48 with enoughspace for everyone to have a cushioned seat.Below deck you will find extra seating as wellas a restroom. Sit back, relax and enjoy theview from the deck of this authentic tall ship.Or, for the group that craves adventure, theAppledore crew is prepared to put you to workas you haul on the halyards and help sail the ship.A variety of menus are offered, from a simple boxlunch to a multi-course meal prepared byon-board chefs. Souvenirs and beverages arealso available for purchase. The crew ishappy to adjust the timing of your tour tosuit your group’s itinerary. However, theyrecommend a minimum of 3 hours to getthe most of both the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay.

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Conveniently located a short distance south ofMackinaw, Charlevoix is an easy add-on forgroups coming into Michigan.

day one11:00 am – 4:00 pmStep back in time with a visit to Castle Farms,one of Michigan’s premier historical attractions.This French Renaissance-style castle offersthe perfect blend of old-world charm andmodern-day elegance. A tour of Castle Farms,built in 1918, offers a fascinating glimpse intothe property’s unique history.

Guided tours include:• Soaring towers and stone buildings• Sweeping gardens based onEuropean design

• Vintage collections of castles, toys,and royalty memorabilia

• 1918 museum featuring ladies’ fashionaccessories, household items, children’sgames, and WWI artifacts

The castle’s Outdoor Model Railroad is amust-see, featuring more than 70 G-scale trains

operating on 2,500 feet of track—the largest inthe state of Michigan. Book your tour in advanceand treat your groups to farm-to-table orrestaurant-style dinners, soup and sandwichlunches, pizza, and sweet treats.

To book your Castle Farms group tour, andto select menu options and pricing, pleasecontact Kayla Eggers, Group Tour Specialist, at231-237-0884 ext.224, or visit castlefarms.com.4 – 7:00 pmSee beautiful Lake Michigan from the water!Take a ride on the 130-passenger KeweenawStar, docked in the heart of Charlevoix, justsouth of the US 31 drawbridge. The KeweenawStar offers many varieties of afternoon andsunset cruises to fit your group! To book yourcruise, contact Keweenaw Excursions, Inc. at231-237-9365.7:00 pmBalcony views of Lake Michigan, a timeless EarlYoung stone fireplace to warm you—this is justthe beginning of your unique experience atWeathervane Terrace Inn & Suites. Relax inthe heated outdoor pool and enjoy the view ofLake Michigan in the Charlevoix air and sun.

Rest up for your adventures tomorrow!

day two9 – 11:00 amWake up to a bountiful continental breakfast bythe pool at Weathervane Terrace.11:00 am – 1:00 pmHave you heard of the Earl Young MushroomHouses? Unique only to Charlevoix, yourgroups will be guided through a tour aroundthe triangular block bounded by Park Avenue,Grant Street, and Clinton Street. Here you willsee some of the most famous and most belovedwork of long-time Charlevoix resident, EarlYoung. These homes were built or remodeledbeginning in the late 1930s, culminating in theconstruction of the “mushroom house” in the1950s. Tours are offered through the CharlevoixHistorical Society: 231-547-0373 or online atchxhistory.com.

For more information or to customize thissample itinerary for your group, contact yourtour operator or the attractions listed above.

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Charlevoix:Northern Michigan’s Best Kept Secret

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

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Michiganand some numbers…• Over 3,200 miles of freshwater coastline -

more than any other state in the country• More than 650 public golf courses• 903,000 registered boats - 3rd in country• More than 11,000 inland lakes and36,000 miles of rivers and streams

• In Michigan, you are never more than6 miles from a lake or stream

• Stand anywhere in Michigan and you arewithin 85 miles of a Great Lake

• More lighthouses than any ocean state -116 on the shores of the Great Lakes

• 4 professional sports teams:Tigers, Lions, Pistons, Red Wings

Michigan is hometo the nation’s...• First traffic light• Oldest state fair

- the Michigan State Fair, first held in 1849• First “Boston Cooler”

• First typewriter• Largest free jazz festival:

the Detroit International Jazz Festival

Michigan is also…• The automobile capital of the world• The home of Motown• The softball capital of the world• The cherry capital of the U.S.

• The blueberry capital of the U.S.

Detroit’s Wayne County alone offers...• 18 professional theaters - constituting

the second largest theater district inAmerica after New York

• 30 art museums

Head over to www.michigan.org/michigan-tourism-facts for a complete list.

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attraction

Castle Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-237-08845052 M66 North – Charlevoix, MI49720www.castlefarms.comOne of northern Michigan’s premier historicattractions - open year-round for group tours. Viewsoaring towers, charming courtyards and magnificentgardens. Collections on display include royaltymemorabilia, antique toys and castles, plus a modelgarden railroad.

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MICHIGAN FUNTOURISM FACTSfrom www.Michigan.org

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Henry Ford Museum

Boston Cooler

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HENDERSON

KerfootCanopy Tours

xperience the scenicMinnesota River Valley fromin and above the trees. Asthe #1 zip line in Minnesota,

this guided tour offers 14 zip lines ofvarying height, length and speed, a170-foot suspension bridge, multiplespiral staircases, breathtaking viewsfrom various platforms, deep ravines,mature forests and nearly three hours offun across over a mile of zip lines. Thisis a great team-building experience forgroups of all abilities. Package yourgroup zip line tour with kayak rentals foran entire day of adventure. Brand newto the heart of cabin country is theBrainerd Zip Line Tour. Enjoy 15-mileviews of the Brainerd Lakes Area whilezipping along the cables at the peak of Mount Ski Gull. The two-hourguided Brainerd tour features 7 zip lines, a 50-foot suspension bridge, anda 50-foot tandem jump. Overcome fears and obstacles together while youcreate lasting memories. Kerfoot Canopy Tours is open year round, whileBrainerd Zip Line Tours are offered May through October.

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Veit Automotive FoundationMuseum | BUFFALO

Take a drive back in time to one ofthe Midwest’s largest auto museums.Discover the history and culture ofautomobiles, inside and out. Browsetheir huge collection of vintage gaspumps, many of which were madein the ‘30s, with the oldest pump ondisplay dating all the way back to1911. Even the restrooms are a “flushback in time,” with old fixtures and aretro design. Tour the Chevy Roomand see one-of-a-kind collectors likethe ’57 Nomad Wagon, ’55 Corvette(one of only 712 built that year), andthe wild ’67 Chevy Nova.

Extreme Sandbox | HASTINGS

Drive a 19-ton excavator, crush acar, take a ride in a fire truck, andmuch more! Extreme Sandbox offersheavy equipment adventures forgroups of all sizes and abilities.With a focus on safety, they providegroups with opportunities that gobeyond just operating their sandboxtoys. Awarded a TripAdvisorCertificate of Excellence in 2014and featured on Shark Tank, thisonce-in-a-lifetime experience willbe hard to top! Specializing ingroups, they can assist you witheverything from transportation tocatering needs. Have a blast livingout your childhood dreams in thisgiant sandbox and create lastingmemories with your group.

Canterbury Park | SHAKOPEE

Located just 25 minutes fromdowntown Minneapolis, CanterburyPark invites your group to experiencethe heart-pounding excitement of livehorse racing. The newly remodeledCard Casino includes the Midwest’slargest variety of table games fromTexas Hold ‘Em and 7-Card Stud tocasino favorites like Blackjack, PaiGow, 3-Card Poker and many more.Canterbury offers a variety of venuesto suit your group, such as the WildHorse Saloon, featuring an expansiveoutdoor deck that sits just past thefinish line, and the sophisticatedBalcony Suites, offering climatecontrolled comfort and custom foodand beverage packages.

St. Croix Base Ball ClubSTILLWATER

The Washington County HistoricalSociety’s vintage base ball club(to follow the vernacular of the day,they use two words) wears 1860suniforms and plays by 1860s rules.The St. Croixs bring a piece of thepast to the present. Your group willhave a ball cheering them on asthey play by the original “New Yorkrules”—the same version played byCivil War soldiers during times ofleisure, helping to make it a pastimefor the entire nation. The St. Croixsplay against other vintage leaguesthroughout the valley. Visit the WCHSwebsite for a detailed schedule.

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Tours available for groupsof 25 or more anytime!

Saint Paul Gangster TourExplore the sites of nightclubs, kidnappings,and gun battles associated with 1930s gangsterslike John Dillinger, Ma Barker and BabyfaceNelson. Discover where the gangsters lived it upas they planned and executed some of theirmost notorious crimes.

Historic Cave TourCome hear and see the history of thesesandstone caves. Explore the original minedcaves and see the finished caves, formerly hometo the romantic Castle Royal nightclub. Hearthe legends of the mobster massacres andghostly lore in a unique setting.

Ghosts & Graves TourThis 2-hour motorcoach tour is designed to giveyou shivers! Hear stories of haunted sites andhistoric murders, visit a haunted cave, and learnabout the history of a local Saint Paul cemetery.

Lost Souls TourOn this walking tour you will hear of themysterious sightings in the Wabasha StreetCaves. If you have always wanted to know whatgoes on inside these caves, this is your chance.

Twin Town Tacky TourJoin the Gundersons—Gloria, Gordy, Glen orGladys—on a journey to the tackiest places inSaint Paul & Minneapolis. This 2-hour motor-coach tour will take you to sites that no othertour of the Twin Cities would dare to venture.

The Uff Dah! TourSet out to discover how and why immigrantsfrom Norway, Sweden, Denmark & Finland cameto settle in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Learnabout Swede Hollow and Old Muskego Church.

Mill City Mobs TourThis tour shows you the MiniApple when it wasrotten to the core. There were gangsters in

Saint Paul, but Minneapolis had rackets andmobsters. This 2-hour tour will tell you thestories and show you the sights on the other sideof the tracks—or river.

Rivers & Roots TourLearn about the formation of the Twin Citiesaround the Mississippi River. Have you everwondered how Minneapolis and Saint Paul gottheir names? Learn about the two cities andcatch beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

The No Blarney TourSee how Irish immigrants influenced architecture,politics, and religion in Saint Paul’s past.

F. Scott Fitzgerald TourThis 2-hour bus tour will take you around SaintPaul to the spots where F. Scott Fitzgerald livedand hung out.

The St. Paul Victorian TourLearn some secrets of the Victorian Era and seesome of Saint Paul’s hidden historical treasureson this tour.

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

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WABASHA STREET CAVES

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What better way to show your groups the historyof Saint Paul than with the Wabasha Street

Caves? Carved out of sandstone and dating back tothe 1840s, these caves have been used for numerousactivities including: growing mushrooms, storage offood and belongings, music, and dancing. Legend hasit that gangsters Ma Barker and John Dillinger visitedthe Castle Royal nightclub in the caves.

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day one3 – 7:00 pmStart your adventure at Lebanon Hills RegionalPark in Eagan. With nearly 2,000 acres, thisbeautiful park offers miles of trails and lakes foryear-round outdoor sports, recreation, andenvironmental education. Visit the Lebanon HillsVisitor Center for park information, interactivenature displays, courses and programs, andaccess to all other park adventures. Your groupscan rent equipment like kayaks in the summer,or cross-country skis in the winter. If you’re up fora swim, this park is home to Schulze Lake Beach,a popular swimming spot because of its sandybeach and clear water. It is also home to the WestTrailhead, featuring over 12 miles of the bestmountain biking trails in the region.7:00 pmEagan has much to offer when it comes togroup-friendly restaurants and lodging. Contactthe Eagan CVB for the best and most convenientlocations for your groups.

day two11:00 am – 4:00 pmA one-hour drive southwest will bring you to

Kasota, MN for a one-of-a-kind experience atDrive A Tank. Your groups will be able to drivearound in tanks, shoot WWII machine guns, andcrush cars. Spend a little more and even demolisha trailer home! With a wide range of packages,they will work with you to customize the perfectexperience for your group.4 – 8:00 pmOn your way back to Eagan, a stop in Apple Valleyis a must. Here you will find The Minnesota Zoo.Situated on 400 wooded acres, this zoo is home toover 4,700 animals that represent over 500species from five continents. Say “aloha” to thezoo’s newest residents: five critically endangeredHawaiian monk seals!

day three10:00 am – 3:00 pmA 30-minute drive southeast will bring you toHastings, where another unique attractionawaits. Extreme Sandbox lets your groups play onconstruction equipment! Yes that is right, yourgroups can drive a 19-ton excavator or bulldozerfor FUN! Focusing on safety, Extreme Sandboxprovides groups with opportunities that go beyondjust operating their sandbox toys.

3 – 8:00 pmOn your way back to Eagan take a detour to theMall of America in Bloomington. After yourthree days of adventure, you may need to gearup at one of the many sporting goods stores orany of the 520 stores offered at the mall. The Mallof America has something for everyone! For thenon-shopaholics in your group, check out one ofthe 50 restaurants for a bite to eat, or explore oneof several attractions, including: SEA LIFE®

Minnesota Aquarium, A.C.E.S. Flight SimulationCenter, Moose Mountain Adventure Golf,FlyOver America, and more!OR

Head back to Eagan and explore the shops at TwinCities Premium Outlets. Featuring over 100stores, there is something for everyone. Shopperscan enjoy savings of up to 65% at a variety ofleading manufacturers.

For more information or to customizethis sample itinerary for your group,contact Denise Olsen at the Eagan Convention& Visitors Bureau at 866-324-2620or visit www.eaganmn.com.

20 I T I N ERAR I E S M IDWEST SPR I NG / SUMMER 2016 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 3 2 - 7 2 6 7

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Adventure Begins in EaganThis sample itinerary is best during the spring, summer & fall months, but can be customized for any time of year.

Extreme Sandbox

Twin Cities Premium Outlets®

Drive A Tank

Extreme Sandbox

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Imagine a small-town gathering place wherepeople can go and linger and discuss ideas.

No pressure. Just friends: sharing, remembering,laughing and looking…maybe even buying.A place with the warm hometown feel ofFloyd’s Barbershop in Mayberry R.F.D., thewelcoming greeting that Norm gets at Cheers,and the eye candy excitement of the comicbook store on The Big Bang Theory. Try toimagine the feel of these places rolled intoone amazing brick and mortar store. Now dialit up to get just a hint of the fun you and yourgroup will encounter at Twin Cities SportsCards, the only store of its kind in HennepinCounty. Additionally, it’s one of the fewremaining sports cards and memorabiliastores in the nation.

Much of Twin Cities Sports Cards’ successcan be attributed to its unique items andcongenial atmosphere. Still, let’s not discountowner Rob Huneg’s welcoming ways, passionfor the hobby, and vision to create a specialplace where kids, adults, men, women,browsers and buyers can all come and feelequally accepted. An old-fashioned barbershoptype place where mail carriers and policemen,children and serious collectors come andlearn and maybe leave feeling a little better

about life. With merchandise turning soquickly, every visit is a different experience.One your group will thank you for.

Most of the store’s displayed items are sportsrelated, like baseball cards (some rare, somenew) and bobbleheads that will sparkmemories. But some of the store’s inventoryincludes unique items with historical valuethat will get you thinking and probably eventalking. Like the Vietnam memorial pictureor the autographed photo of Judith Resnik(America’s second female astronaut, whoperished in the Challenger), which hangs overthe cash register. There is a letter written to

the Minnesota Twins’ previous owner CalvinGriffin asking why he kept trading away theteam’s best players. His reason will amazeyou…and get a discussion going!

With or without an interest in sports,your group will have a memorable time.Spend as little or as much time as yourgroup needs. “It’s a neat place for people tocome,” says Huneg. There is a huge parkinglot to accommodate your motorcoach.No stairs is a plus. And Rob Huneg is superfun to work with. Contact him for your owngroup’s visit at 612-872-6666 or online atwww.twincitiessportscards.com.

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Twin CitiesSPORTS CARDSGolden Valley, MN

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Welcome to Buffalo, Minnesota! This hidden gem,just 45 minutes west of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, isknown for its quaint historic downtown, lake beauty,and rural charm. Home of the original OccasionalShops, visitors are spellbound by over 20 shopsoffering occasional sales—some are open everyThursday through Saturday, while others operate onlyon the first Thursday through Sunday of each month(visit www.buffalo-mn.org for a detailed list of storehours). Curious? If your group enjoys hunting forupcycled, repurposed, vintage or antique furniture,home décor and more—plus a good array of fashionand accessories—then you won’t be disappointed!Make Buffalo your next destination.

day one10:00 am – 3:00 pmShop the 20+ stores on a walking stroll through all ofdowntown and its outskirts. Don’t forget Second HandRose (the original occasional store) or Buffalo Nickeland Waldon Woods Antiques—two barns you willsee from Highway 55 as you enter town from themetro. Browse their collections of home furnishings,from custom designed pieces to true collectibleantiques. (See all the wares on Facebook: OccasionalShops of Buffalo, Minnesota.) Looking for funfashion? You’ll find all you need, from name brandwomen’s apparel to slightly used for all ages. Grablunch at one of the local delis, where homemadesoups and sandwiches await!3 – 5:00 pmSit outside on the deck and sample wines or craftbeers at Buffalo Rock Winery, just east of town, orHayes Public House Brewery & Taproom acrossfrom Buffalo Lake. Whether fruity or robust, dark orlight, you will find something to delight your taste buds!5 – 7:00 pmChoose from a variety of group-friendly restaurants fordinner. The Tavern at Wild Marsh is on beautifulWild Marsh Golf Course on the south side of BuffaloLake. You can’t beat the view and the menu boastssomething for everyone, from steak and seafood toadult macaroni and cheese. Bunkers of Course on

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The Minnesota Renaissance Festivalbegan in September of 1971 on a

22-acre field in Jonathan, MN. More than25,000 people visited the two-weekendgrand opening of the festival, thennamed “A Celebration of Nature, Art,and Life!” That celebration has sincerelocated to Shakopee, MN and hasgrown to be the largest RenaissanceFestival in the United States with anannual attendance of 300,000.

2016 Themed Weekends:• Silk Road: Discover the Riches Aug 20-21• Highland Fling Aug 27-28• Passport to Adventure Sept 3-5• Wine, Chocolate & Romance Sept 10-11• Pet Fest Sept 17-18• Shamrocks & Shenanigans Sept 24-25• Festival Friday Sept 30• Oktoberfest Oct 1-2

Group Outings!Save big and have fun with your groups!

Picnic PackageAll-inclusive picnic packages are apopular option for group events duringthe festival. Four different packagesare available for large groups and canaccommodate any type of event you planto host. The Picnic Package includes:admission into the festival, 2 hoursunder one of their tents, group namelisted on the broadsheet, and a buffetlunch including hot dogs, hamburgers,coleslaw, seasonal fruit and cookies.

Feast of FantasyHeld daily at Bad Manor, the Feast ofFantasy is a two-hour comedy showthat includes select entertainment acts,a six-course meal, two unique gifts, andan experience you will never forget!

Save on admission by purchasing through group sales!For more information contact the Minnesota Renaissance Festival at 952-445-7361

or visit www.renaissancefest.com/groups.

MINNESOTARENAISSANCEFESTIVAL 2016Open Weekends Aug 20–Oct 2,Labor Day & Festival Friday (Rain or Shine)

©PHOTOCOURTESY

OFMATTCULBERTSON

Roam Around BuffaloThis sample itinerary can be customizedfor any time of year.

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Buffalo Heights Golf Course is located just south oftown and has a great burger menu in a more casualsetting. There are three Mexican restaurants and asushi/hibachi grill restaurant for those of you on themore daring side!7:00 pmCatch a Buffalo Community Theater production, aBuffalo Community Orchestra concert, or enjoy afree concert at Concerts in the Park on Thursdaynights all summer long! Sit on the shores of BuffaloLake and hear tunes from classical to rock in theoutdoor band shell. There’s no better way to end asummer day.

Enjoy the hot tub and comfortable rooms at theCountry Inn & Suites. If your group enjoys crafting,book a weekend with Your Time Arts & Crafts Retreat,a house specifically set up for scrapbooking, knitting,quilting and more.

day two8:00 am – 12:00 pmStart the day with a cup of coffee or tea at BuffaloBooks & Coffee downtown, or other favorites likeStarbucks, Dunn Bros, and Caribou. Looking for acreative way to see all the sights and sounds ofBuffalo? Challenge your group to find all 23 of thelife-sized buffalo statues that are uniquely decoratedand situated all over town. They can be found in parks,museums, storefronts, and lobbies. Can you find theBuffalo Fish? The pink buffalo with the long eyelashes?Buffalo Roam maps are available at the Chamber ofCommerce office. Enjoy the hunt!

History buffs will love a tour of the Wright CountyHistorical Society on the north side of Highway 25.With 8,000 square feet of gallery space, there is muchto see and learn. Open daily Monday through Friday.The best part? It’s free!

Enjoy the color and bounty of locally grown food atthe Farmers Market in downtown Buffalo, openSaturdays 8am to noon, from May through October.Find everything from baked goods to garden freshvegetables and flowers, and maybe a musician or twoto hear along the way!

12 – 2:00 pmRent a pontoon, a paddleboat, or a canoe, or try yourhand at paddleboarding at the Parkshore Pavilion onBuffalo Lake. If solid ground is more your style, enjoya walk along the lake path in Sturges Park. Here youwill see 11 large musical instruments to try your handat making music! You can also choose to hit the greensat one of the two golf courses or go mini golfing atHuikko’s Entertainment Center.

Here in the fall? Enjoy picking your own applesand take a hayride at Deer Lake Orchard. Enjoy a

hot caramel apple sundae or a slice of fresh bakedapple pie. Then wash it all down with a tall glassof hard cider!

So many things to do, so much to experience, andwarm people to greet you—all within an easy drive!

For more information or to customize thissample itinerary for your group, contact your touroperator or the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerceat 763-682-4902 or [email protected].

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day one10:00 am – 2:00 pmClear Waters Outfitting Company offers a variety ofoptions for group fun. Whatever your group’s aquaticinterests may be—canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks, orstand up paddleboards—they have what you needfor a great time. The most popular option for groupsis either the 8-mile or 13-mile river trip. Or spend theday at the local and secluded Warner Lake, less than2 miles from their outfitting shop in Clearwater.2 – 4:00 pmGet ready for a home-style meal packed with flavorat the Clearwater Travel Plaza. Their incrediblechefs invite you to come taste a plate of goodnessfor yourself! Offering everything from comfortingbreakfasts to delectable desserts and everything inbetween, you’re sure to leave satisfied. Be sure to pickup some caramel rolls for the road!4 – 6:00 pmYour next stop is at the nationally known Munsinger/Clemens Gardens. Summertime attracts roughly2,000 people here each day to see the vibrant blooms.Several park benches are located throughout thegardens for some relaxation and "flower watching.”6 – 7:00 pmCheck into one of St. Cloud’s many group-friendlyhotels and get ready for your evening!

7 – 9:00 pmDinner tonight is at Granite City Food & Brewery.Enjoy this polished casual American restaurant,featuring high-quality menu items prepared frommade-from-scratch recipes. Try out one of GraniteCity Food & Brewery’s signature beers, which arebrewed on-site!

day two9 – 11:00 amThe early bird gets the dough! Cold Spring Bakeryhas been delighting customers with fresh baked goodsfor over 54 years. The bakers start in the early hoursof the morning preparing yeast dough for a varietyof breads. They produce 30 kinds of cookies, and 12different kinds of bars. Their turtle bars are especiallypopular, selling about 125 dozen a day! Equally famousare their specialty cakes. This stop is perfect for acoffee break, fabulous as a tour.11:00 am – 1:00 pmFor over 140 years something has been brewing inCold Spring. Third Street Brewhouse is a localfavorite, with tours concluding in the taproom for atasting. This is a stop not to be missed!1 – 3:00 pmVisit the Grasshopper Chapel, a memorial chapel ofthe grasshopper plague, which hit the area over acentury ago. The Rocky Mountain grasshoppers werethe scourge of Cold Spring in 1876 & 1877, and cameby the millions. The priest and the settlers thought itwas punishment from God, and decided to build achapel to repent for their sins.3 – 5:00 pmLocated in a 100-acre nature park with flowergardens, ponds, and walking trails, the Stearns HistoryMuseum is a must for your groups. Throughout theyear the Museum presents exhibits, programs andactivities that educate, entertain, and inspireparticipants. There truly is something for everyone.5 – 7:00 pmVisit St. Cloud’s Territory Golf Club and enjoy dinner atCoyote Moon Grille. Featuring distinctive Minnesotalodge-style architecture, this 12,000-square-foot facilityis highlighted by an outdoor terrace and extensivedecking overlooking the course and wetland valley.7:00 pmSpend the night on the town! Visit one or a few of theunique breweries in the St. Cloud area:

Beaver Island Brewing Company – St. CloudUrban Moose Brewing Co. – Sauk RapidsThird Street Brewhouse – Cold SpringSpilled Grain Brewhouse – AnnandaleBad Habit Brewing Company – St. Joseph

Or venture a bit farther:Panther Distillery – OsakisLupine Brewing Company – DelanoSouth Fork Brewing Company – DelanoLupulin Brewing Company – Big LakeHayes Public House – Buffalo

For more information or to customize thissample itinerary, contact the St. Cloud Area CVBat 320-251-4170 or online at granitecountry.com.

Central MN Brewery ToursThis sample itinerary is best during the summer months.

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Escape to LUTSEN MOUNTAINS

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L utsen is the perfect balance of proximity;close enough to many attractions and

cities, yet far enough to take you a world away.A tour around Lake Superior or along the NorthShore is not complete without riding on theMidwest’s only aerial tramway. This scenic gon-dola brings your groups over the Poplar Rivervalley and through vast woodlands. Once youhave landed at the top of Moose Mountain,enjoy the Summit Chalet and many other activ-ities and food options they have to offer. Listedbelow are some of the many experiences wait-ing for you at Lutsen Mountains:

Mountain TramwayOne of the North Shore’s most popular attrac-tions, this aerial gondola takes you on a scenicride to the top of Moose Mountain, which rises1,000 feet over Lake Superior. While you areenjoying this gentle treetop ride, it’s likely youwill spot ruffed grouse, eagles, pine marten,deer, bears, timber wolves and moose, as wellas unbelievable views of Lake Superior and theSawtooth Mountains.

Summit ChaletRelax and enjoy the Northwoods ambience atthe Summit Chalet and order a meal or a snackfrom the casual eatery at the top of MooseMountain. The Mountain Tramway will takeyou right up to the Chalet.

Voyageur Canoe Tours10-passenger Voyageur canoes are available foryour groups to discover the headwaters of thePoplar River as the early fur traders once did.Deer, otters and waterfowl are commonly sight-ed, with moose, bear and timber wolves seenoccasionally.

Hiking TrailsLutsen features several miles of hiking trails,including the famed Superior Hiking Trail.Combine a hike with a ride on the MountainTram for easy access to mountaintop trailheadsthat lead you through wildflower meadows anddeep forests, past waterfalls, wildlife and spec-tacular mountain overlooks.

Papa Charlie’sServing lunch or dinner with a creative

Northwoods menu, your groups will enjoy freshfood and the finest regional ingredients servedin a casual atmosphere. Stop by for a meal inthe dining room, bar area, or outside on thedeck overlooking Moose Mountain.

Alpine SlideIf your groups are up for the thrill, the AlpineSlide is ready to oblige! Riding the leisurelychairlift ride to the summit of Lutsen’s EagleMountain is only half the fun! Once you reachthe top, hop on your sled and cruise down anexhilarating half-mile of twisting, turning trackback to the base.

For more information or to customize a tripfor your group, contact Lutsen Mountains at218-663-7281 or visit them online atwww.lutsen.com.

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Situated along the scenic Cannon River, justsouth of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and northwestof Rochester, you will find the Northfield area.Whether you enjoy history, the arts, nature, orshopping, you’ll find everything you need in thisclassic American river town. Discover one-of-a-kindrestaurants, live music and theatre, and a variety ofcomfortable lodging options for your group.

day one11:00 am – 2:00 pmYour first stop is in Faribault at The FaribaultWoolen Mill Co. Here, along the Cannon River, a

150-year-old story is still being woven. One of thelast vertical woolen mills in America, these fifthgeneration craftspeople take raw wool and createproducts of outstanding comfort and quality. Shoptheir vast collection of blankets, throws, scarvesand accessories.2 – 3:30 pmVisitors travel for miles to get a taste of theworld-class cheeses made at Caves of Faribault.In 1854 a German immigrant named GottfriedFleckenstein began using these natural sandstonecaves for brewing and storing beer. FleckensteinBrewing Co. operated here until 1919 whenProhibition was imposed. Due to federal regulations,public tours are not offered at the caves, but youcan sample and purchase their famous cheeses atThe Cheese Cave in downtown Faribault.3:30 – 5:00 pmCheck into one of Northfield’s many group-friendlyhotels and freshen up for the evening!5 – 7:00 pmEnjoy contemporary dining with neighborhood charmat The Ole Store Restaurant. Their seasonal menusare designed to showcase local ingredients, freshproduce, and the finest meats.7 – 9:00 pmEnjoy an after-dinner cocktail at Loon Liquors—makers of organic, nationally awarded gin & whiskey.

Or just head back to your hotel for some relaxation.

day two10:00 am – 12:00 pmVisit Fossum Family Farm, LLC and meet thealpacas! Shop at The Alpaca Farm Store, offeringraw fiber, yarn, handmade items, and commerciallymade alpaca products. With around 90 alpacas onthe farm, plus their newest adventure—yaks!—there is always a lot to see and do. Tours are byappointment.12 – 3:00 pmFall in love with downtown Northfield! With shopsgalore, there is something for everyone. Your groupcan lunch on their own, and then top off the after-noon with a cupcake and a good cup of coffee.3 – 5:00 pmTake a trip to Owatonna to shop at Cabela’s! The150,000-square-foot retail showroom is packed withoutdoor equipment and experienced outfitters whoare ready to help you get the most out of your nextadventure.

For more information or to customize this sampleitinerary for your group, contact the NorthfieldConvention & Visitors Bureau at 800-658-2548 oronline at www.visitingnorthfield.com. Tour guideservice is available for large groups.

Along the Banks of the Cannon RiverThis sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

Japanese Garden - Northfield

Fossum Family Farm

Faribault Woolen Mill Co.

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FARMS & RED BARNSWhat do the Jolly Green Giant, a millionaire’sestate, and a 100-year-old “Century Farm” havein 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 agriculturalfestival held every August.

Minnesota’s Machinery Museum in HanleyFalls hosts the state’s largest collection offarm equipment and exhibits. Check outthe old time threshing show every August!

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

Le Sueur is home to the Green GiantCompany. The local museum and townmarkers tell the whole story! Ho, Ho, Ho!

CANOEING, KAYAKING & HIKINGThe Minnesota River, generally slow andwinding, provides excellent game fishingincluding walleye, northern, channel andflathead catfish. Rock rapids, white water,and fine fishing can all be found on theYellow Medicine River and Hawk Creek,which some claim are two of the best whitewater rivers in the state. If that sounds tooambitious for you, try your luck on theChippewa or the Pomme de Terre Rivers,as they are known for their wildlife-viewingand gentle waters.

Prime spots for hiking are located in thesix state parks and many other parks alongthe Byway. A wide variety of hiking awaitsyou with forested, prairie, and riparianecosystems. Bring along friends or familyto make this trip a memorable one. Don’tforget the camera!

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

The draining of Glacial Lake Agassiz fromwest central Minnesota after the last ice ageshaped this river valley. There is still

evidence of those forces for the sharp eye.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 borderis the Continental Divide, which separateswater flowing south to the Gulf of Mexico andwater flowing north to Hudson Bay. A sign atBrowns Valley explains this phenomenon.

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Minnesota River Car Hop & Shop -New Ulm

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MINNESOTA RIVER VALLEY Byway Bits

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Kerfoot Canopy Tours

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GOLF & FRISBEE GOLFThere are more than 25 golf courses alongthe Byway with a wide variety of playingsurfaces and layouts, many with beautifulbluff and valley views! Frisbee golf coursesexist in many river valley communities.

HUNTING & FISHINGHunting in the valley begins in the fallwith over 150,000 geese at the Lac quiParle Wildlife Management Area. Deer,duck, pheasant, and turkey are numerous,and trapping muskrat, mink, fox, raccoon,and beaver is also viable. Bow and blackpowder hunting have grown recently withoutfitters able to supply your needs alongthe Minnesota River Valley NationalScenic Byway.

Ortonville’s Big Stone Lake is famous fornational fishing contests, but all along theriver and its tributaries walleye, largemouthbass, crappies, northern pike, perch, bluegill, and fighting catfish abound. Don’t forgetabout the ice fishing in the winter!

BIRDINGThe Minnesota River Valley Birding Trailis almost entirely within the Scenic Bywayand there have been sightings of nearly 350species within the river’s watershed. Withmany refuges, wildlife management areas,scientific and natural areas, parks and otherspecified lands, the habitat is healthy andwidespread. Check www.birdingtrail.org forgreat details!

FESTIVALSWith 287 miles’ worth of towns, there’sbound to be a festival for your taste orseason. Here is just a sample of some events:Sauerkraut Days (Henderson), Rock BendFolk 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 andactivities await you along the MN River ValleyNational Scenic Byway! For information call888-463-9856 or visit www.MNRiverValley.com.

Continued from Page 29: Minnesota River Valley...

Admission cost: FREE!

About: The newly built, 14,000-square-footmuseum features nine SPAMtasticgalleries with interactive games and photoopportunities. The much-loved orientationfilm featured at the old museum has beenreplaced with 19 interactive video screensscattered throughout. Handicap accessible.Can accommodate groups of 45 or more.

Hours: April-October: Monday-Saturday10am-6pm, Sunday Noon-5pm,First Thursday of every month 10am-8pm

November-March: Monday closed,Tuesday-Sunday Noon-5pm

New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving,Christmas Eve, Christmas Day: CLOSED

For more information: www.Spam.com

NEW MUSEUM.NEW LOCATION.

The new and improved SPAM® Museum is now open in Austin, MN.

I t’s back! Tour groups have been anxiously waiting for the new SPAM® Museum to open itsdoors since they broke ground last year, and in April 2016 “the world’s most comprehensive

collection of spiced pork artifacts” reopened to the public.

If you’ve taken your groups to the SPAM® Museum in the past, you know how much fun thislittle attraction can be. So start planning your next tour now to see the new and improvedtribute to America’s mealtime favorite in the little blue can.

The city of Austin loves groups and they’re happy to assist you with planning your visit!

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directory

accommodations

Best Western Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-235-60602100 Highway 12 E – Willmar, MN 56201www.willmarhotels.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites . . . . 320-231-2601250 23rd Street SE – Willmar, MN 56201www.holidayinn.com

attractions

Drive A Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507-931-7385550 W Cherry Street – Kasota, MN 56050www.driveatank.comAt this unique spot, drive around in tanks, shoot guns, crashcars, or spend a little more to demolish a trailer house. With awide range of packages, they have one to fit your group.

Wabasha Street Caves . . . . . . . . . . . 651-292-1220215 Wabasha St S – St. Paul, MN 55107 888-679-9896Down in History has exciting historic tours done by costumedcharacters. Historic Walking Cave Tours in Saint Paul andStillwater. Motorcoach Gangster Tours, Irish Tours, Tacky Tours,Ghost & Graveyard Tours, & More! We Make History Fun!

Foxhole Brewhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-441-2071313 4th Street Southwest – Willmar, MN 56201www.foxholebrewhouse.com

Historical & Cultural Societyof Clay County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-299-5520202 First Avenue North – Moorhead, MN 56560www.hcscconline.org

Lutsen Mountains - North ShoreMountain Tramway . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-663-7281445 Ski Hill Road – Lutsen, MN 55612www.lutsen.comTake a ride on the Midwest’s only gondola. Travel over thePoplar River valley and through vast woodlands, ending upat the top of Moose Mountain, where your group will enjoyfood service and breathtaking views.

Minnesota State University MoorheadPlanetarium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-477-24571104 7th Avenue S – Moorhead, MN 56560www.mnstate.edu/planetarium

Prairie WoodsEnvironmental Center . . . . . . . . . . . 320-354-589412718 10th Street NE – Spicer, MN 56288www.prairiewoodselc.org

Spicer Castle Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-796-58701160 Indian Beach Road 800-796-4076Spicer, MN 56288www.spicercastle.com

convention & visitors bureausand chambers

Buffalo AreaChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . .763-682-4902205 Central Ave – Buffalo, MN 55313www.buffalochamber.orgVisit Buffalo, MN for many shopping opportunities that includeover 50 retail, antique and specialty stores. Fine delicatessensand family restaurants will be sure to satisfy your groups after aday filled with fun activities.

Eagan Conventionand Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . .651-675-55461501 Central Parkway – Eagan, MN [email protected] makes planning your next group outing easy! Personalservice includes custom and creative itineraries, FREEwelcome bags and FREE Mall of America coupon books ($9.95value). You’ll also enjoy our low 3% lodging tax. Ask how toqualify for our $250 cash rebate.

St. Cloud Area Convention& Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .320-251-41701411West St. Germain Street, Suite 104 800-264-2940St. Cloud, MN [email protected] the many attractions are world-class gardens, history,granite, and great places to stay and eat. The St. Cloud CVBtakes pride in helping you plan the perfect getaway. Creativityis key to the success of your group tour.

Willmar Lakes Area CVB . . . . . . . . 320-235-35522104 East Hwy 12 East 800-845-8747Willmar, MN 56201 / www.willmarlakesarea.comWe are home to great historical museums, unique specialtyshops, theaters, wineries, attractions and exciting eventsthat are bound to make your group tour unique and exciting.We'll take care of the details!

Albert Lea CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507-373-2316102W Clark Street – Albert Lea, MN 56007 800-345-8414susie@albertleatourism.orgwww.albertleatourism.orgLocated 90 minutes from Minneapolis, where I-90 & I-35intersect, featuring small town hospitality with big cityamenities. Plus additional lakes and 38 city parks hostingvarious outdoor activities.

Minnesota River ValleyNational Scenic Byway . . . . . . . . . .888-463-9856www.mnrivervalley.comLocated along the Minnesota River, motorcoach your groupsthrough Hardwood forests, 3.8 billion-year-old granite out-crops, and lush prairie grasses. State and local parks dot thevalley along with museums and history sites.

Northfield Area Chamber& Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-658-2548205 3rd Street West – Northfield, MN 55057www.visitingnorthfield.comLocated just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities along the shoresof the Cannon River. Whether you enjoy the arts, history ornature, you’ll find multiple outlets for education as well asopportunities for relaxation and live entertainment.

Worthington Area Chamber& CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .507-372-29191121 Third Avenue – Worthington, MN 56187www.worthingtonmnchamber.comWorthington is a friendly community in the Southwest cornerof MN. Bring your group here for some fantastic tours,including the Pioneer Village, Historic Dayton House, and WarMemorial Auditorium.

festivals & events

MinnesotaRenaissance Festival . . . . . . . . . . . 952-445-736112364 Chestnut Blvd – Shakopee, MN 55379www.renaissancefest.comEat, drink, and be merry! The 16th-century atmospherefeatures more than 250 artisan booths, 16 stages of liveentertainment, free parking, and food fit for a king!

restaurants

Grand BanquetHall & Catering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-430-1235301 2nd Street South – Stillwater, MN 55082www.grandbanquethall.com

Lake Elmo Inn Event Center . . . . 651-779-59943712 Layton Avenue N – Lake Elmo, MN 55042www.lakeelmoinn.comIf your group is looking for a fine dining experience outside ofthe city, then Lake Elmo Inn is the place for you. Comfortableatmosphere, friendly faces, and wonderful food! It’s why we’vebeen open over 29 years!

Rafters Restaurant, Night Club& Event Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-342-1502317 South Main Street – Stillwater, MN 55082www.stillwaterrafters.com

shopping

Three Sisters Furnishings . . . . . . 320-354-44802550 Hwy 9 NE 877-504-7065New London, MN 56273www.threesistersfurnishings.com

tour operators

Valley Tours, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-439-6110101 Pine Street West #4 – Stillwater, MN [email protected]

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OZARK

SmallinCivil War Cave

xplore the firstdocumented cave inthe Ozarks and catch aglimpse of unique Missouri

history. The one-hour guided touris half a mile long and consists ofinclines and ramps and iswheelchair accessible. Discoverthe history, folklore, and geologyof Smallin Cave and keep an eyeout for the rare bristly cave crayfish,endangered blind cave salamanders,and various species of bats. If yourgroup is feeling a little moreambitious, try the Off-Trail Wild Tour. This one-mile walk is mostly off-trailand takes approximately two hours. Travel knee-deep through 54-degreewater as your guide leads you over rimstone dams and intricate formations—all with your trusty headlamp as your only light source. If you are visiting inthe fall, check out the Civil War Lantern Tour and spend the evening arounda campfire with southern food, storytelling, and a lantern-lit tour through thecave. A free picnic area is on site, and a variety of goods are available forpurchase in the gift shop.

Missouri: Close to home. Far from ordinary.

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Prairie GroveShotgun Sports | COLUMBIA

This full-facility shotgun sports cluboffers a variety of shooting sports:American skeet, modern skeet,international skeet, trap, trap doubles,modified international trap, two five-stand facilities, Make-A-Break®, andtwo sporting clays courses offering48+ shooting stations. Featuring acomplete shooting experience in apark-like setting, the variety of sportingtargets at Prairie Grove ranges fromwoodland to meadow to tower.Whether you’re an experiencedmarksman or a beginner, they provideinstruction in any of these sports. Witha spacious clubhouse that features afull kitchen and concessions, groupsare their specialty.

Kansas City Royals KauffmanStadium Tour | KANSAS CITY

Tour the home of the 2015 WorldSeries Champions! Kauffman Stadiumboasts the largest hi-definition videoboard in the major leagues, as wellas the unique Outfield Plaza, RoyalsHall of Fame, and Rivals Sports Bar.Get a behind-the-scenes look at areasnot normally open to the public,including the Royals Dugout, CrownClub, and visitors’ clubhouse.Depending on availability, your groupmay get a chance to see the pressbox and the interview room. Thespecial “All-Access Tour” is availableduring the regular season and servesup the ultimate game day experience.Top it all off with a Royals game!

Crown Valley Brewing &Distilling Co. | STE. GENEVIEVEFrom the most experienced craft beerconnoisseur to someone just startingto follow the new-age beer trend,Crown Valley has the brew for you.Tour this state-of-the-art, 15-barrelbrewery and sample from their hugevariety of unique beers—from thedeliciously light and sweet StrawberryCider to their double IPA. But thisfacility goes above and beyond justbeer, with the addition of a distillery,gourmet coffee roaster and countrygeneral store. Purchase roasted coffeebeans, try a cigar from the humidor,or simply relax by the fireplace.

Anheuser-BuschBrewery | ST. LOUIS

Discover what it takes to brew someof America’s most popular beers.A variety of tours are offered. Takethe Complimentary Tour and observethe entire 7-Step Brewing Processand see the world-famous BudweiserClydesdales in the historic stablesbuilt in 1885. The Day Fresh Tourtakes your group on a journey from“seed to sip” as you tour theBeechwood Aging Cellar, historicBrewhouse, BEVO Packaging Facilityand more. The two-hour BeermasterTour provides guests with a behind-the-scenes look at the art of brewingand ends with tasting samplesdirectly from the Finishing Tank.

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NIOBRARA

KreycikElk &BuffaloRanch

his fun-fillededucational tour willput your group as closeto an elk or buffalo as they can get! Each

season brings a new and exciting experience. Seebaby elk and buffalo calves frolicking through thegrassy pastures during the spring and early summer.The fall brings a new tour with the elk and buffalogoing into their mating seasons. Hear the majesticmating call, or the “bugle,” of the bull elk and seehis velvet antlers up close. The buffalo will walkright up to the side of the covered wagon. Feeltheir breath as you feed them ears of corn by hand.Meet Boomer, the long-horn steer who thinks he’sa buffalo, and Suzie the pet cow elk who loves tohave her ears scratched. The ranch has two tractor-pulled covered wagons, each holding 64 people,with one being handicapped accessible. Be sureto visit the gift shop where you can purchase elkantler necklaces and buttons, elk velvet doggiechews and even a “blinged out” buffalo skull.

Nebraska: Possibilities…endless

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Cabela’s World’s ForemostOutfitter® | KEARNEYRight in the heart of Nebraska offI-80 and U.S. Hwy 30 is this retailmainstay, boasting 35,000 squarefeet of quality outdoor gear. Whetheryour passion is hunting, shooting,fishing, boating, camping—or evenrock polishing and gold prospecting—Cabela’s has the gear for you. Largewilderness exhibits make thisexperience entertaining as well aseducational. Check the store’s eventscalendar for classes offered, such asGun Cleaning 101, Turkey Tips &Tactics, Introduction to Muzzleloaders,and Intro to Sporting Clays. Locatedadjacent to Cabela’s is Kearney’sClassic Car Collection, featuring morethan 200 historic automobiles fromthe early 1900s to the modern era.

Speedway Motors Museumof American Speed | LINCOLN

Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Billand Joyce Smith, this 135,000-sq-ftmuseum displays history-making cars,engines, parts, toys, and memorabilia.Browse through countless one-of-a-kind items, all presented in beautifuldisplays and dioramas. Explore thevast history of automobiles, coveringeverything from Model T Fords toDuesenbergs to Tuckers to Corvettesand Mustangs, as well as Indy cars,dirt track racecars, dragsters, andmore. Peruse the museum at yourleisure or take the guided walkingtour. Come and see why AutomobileMagazine has called it “the verybest racing museum in the country.”

Front Street Cowboy Museum& Steakhouse | OGALLALA

From 1875 to 1885, Ogallala wasknown as “The Gomorrah of the West.”Saddle up for a cowboy adventure atthis year-round destination located atthe “end of the cattle trail.” ViewNative American and cowboy artifactsin the museum, which also includes ajail, barbershop, and funeral parlor.Enjoy a cut of delicious Nebraskabeef at the steakhouse and finishwith a cold one (or two) in the saloon.If your group is visiting during thesummer months, be sure to checkout The Crystal Palace Review. Thisexciting show features gunfights,dance hall girls, and some great songs.

Museum of Nebraska MajorLeague Baseball | ST. PAULWelcome to St. Paul, known as the“Historic Baseball Capital ofNebraska.” This museum is dedicat-ed to illustrating the careers of over140 major league ball players whohave roots in Nebraska. View tradingcards, pictures, and artifacts spot-lighting such memorable MLB play-ers as Grover Cleveland Alexander(one of the greatest pitchers in majorleague history and the inspirationbehind the creation of this museum),Richie Ashburn, “Wahoo” SamCrawford, Bob Gibson, Wade Boggs,and Arthur “Dazzy” Vance.

more nebraska guy getaways…

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DICKINSON

Wild WestAdventure

ravel alongInterstate94 or theOld Red

Old Ten ScenicByway and see thelandscape evolveinto wide-open plainsand rugged buttes as you make your way to the cowboytown of Dickinson. See pastures dotted with cattle oreven a rancher tending the herd on horseback. This is theWestern Edge. Summertime in Dickinson brings the annualRoughrider Days Fair & Expo. Witness the twist and spinof the best bucking stock around at the rodeo and cheerfor your favorite contenders from the Badlands Circuit.Then head to the Southwest Speedway for some racingaction and a demolition derby. For some ranching history,visit the Dickinson Museum Center. In their summerexhibit, Dakota Diversions: A Look Back at Leisure,visitors will get an in-depth look at what the early pioneersdid to pass the time. The harsh environment had early settlers struggling for survival, but whatdid they do for fun? Finish off your Dickinson Wild West excursion with a visit to the TheodoreRoosevelt Center and discover the impact this influential man had on this region.

North Dakota: Legendary

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Scheels | FARGO

Explore the Midwest’s largestselection of sports, sportswear, andfootwear under one roof. With 88specialty shops to suit a variety ofinterests—from hunting to snorkelingto figure skating—groups can spendhours browsing the aisles of thissportsmen’s mecca. Take a ride on“Ruby,” the 45-foot-tall indoor Ferriswheel, and get a lay of the land. Otherin-store attractions include two multi-sport simulators, a golf simulator, twohunting simulators, a one-of-a-kindScheels Shooting Gallery, and atwo-car NASCAR simulator. Be sureto visit their fudge shop and stockup on goodies to take home!

RedHawks BaseballFARGO-MOORHEAD

Welcome to Newman Outdoor Field,home of the five-time leaguechampions, the Fargo-MoorheadRedHawks. From groups of 20 to 500,Newman’s got you covered. Reservethe Armadillo Party Pavilion and enjoythe game from the first baseline andindulge in the all-you-can-eat buffet,featuring hamburgers, hot dogs,brats, potato salad, baked beans andmore. Or purchase one of their PicnicMeal Packages (great for smallergroups). Want to provide your groupwith food and beverage options whileletting them pick their own favoriteRedHawks concessions? HawkBucksare gift certificates that spend likecash at Newman Outdoor Field.They’re a great addition to any group!

4 Bears Casino & LodgeNEW TOWN

Get away from it all for a few hours ora few days at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge.Offering 1- and 2-night bus packages,they are an ideal destination forgroups. This first-class casino featuresreel slot machines, blackjack, craps,poker, video poker, and keno. Dine atone of their many restaurants or theconvenient Snack Bar. Play a roundof golf at The Links of North Dakota,or enjoy a relaxing yacht cruise onscenic Lake Sakakawea. The 96-footvessel has room for 149 passengersand operates from Memorial Day tolate September (weather dependent).

Black Leg Ranch | STERLING

This isn’t just a dude ranch or a guestranch. Black Leg is a real workingcattle ranch that offers your group atrue cowboy experience. The Doanfamily first came to this country backin 1629 and were considered by manyto be outlaws. George Doan, the 9thgeneration, homesteaded this ranchin 1882. Five generations later, theBlack Leg Ranch is home to over10,000 acres of buffalo wallows, theghost town of Brittin, three abandonedfarmsteads, quicksand, wagon trails,Native American artifacts, and anold 1800s railroad. Book a huntingor fishing trip for your group tocomplete your cowboy experience.

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AmericInn Hotel & SuitesFARGO SOUTHOld-fashioned friendliness meets westerncharm! Find a welcoming attitude andcomfortable rooms inspired by the prairiehorizon. Enjoy the Splash-Bay AdventurePool area, fitness center, free wi-fi and ahot home-style breakfast each morning.Conveniently located minutes from thebest restaurants and shopping.

AmericInn Lodge & SuitesFARGO WEST ACRES

Proudly providing amenities your groupswant most, including quieter guestrooms,a large variety of room types, hot home-styleAmericInn Perk breakfast, free high-speedInternet, indoor pool and hot tub.Conveniently located minutes from thebest restaurants and shopping.

Country Inn & Suites By CarlsonFARGO

Affordable accommodations with first-rateamenities such as hot Be Our Guest Breakfastand free high-speed Internet. This hotel alsofeatures an on-site pub, serving cocktailsand snacks, and a shuttle service to HectorInternational Airport. Conveniently locatednear popular attractions, such as the FargoTheatre and the Red River Zoo.

Expressway SuitesFARGO

Near everything worth being near! Featuringcomplimentary hot breakfast, dinner socials,full fitness center, two whirlpool spas, miniwater park, and a game and book corner.Conveniently located off exit 348, close to theairport, the area’s largest conference center,West Acres Shopping Mall, the downtownarea, Red River Zoo, Scheels All Sports, andThunder Road Family Fun Park.

Expressway SuitesGRAND FORKS

Newly opened! Encounter bright,contemporary accommodations and thewarmest hospitality. Located close toshopping, local attractions, entertainment,and many restaurants.

Fargo Inn & SuitesFARGO

Enjoy many amenities during your stay, suchas a complimentary continental breakfast

and free wireless high-speed Internet.Conveniently located minutes from theairport, accessible from major highways, andoffering a great variety of restaurants andlocal activities just minutes away, includingThe Box—the popular lounge and casinoon the premises.

Holiday Inn FargoHotel & Convention CenterFARGO

Committed to providing an extraordinaryexperience for guests. Each guest room isequipped with complimentary high-speedInternet access, a flat screen TV with HDchannels and premium cable. The hotel offersa variety of on-site amenities including theShipwreck Bay Water Park, restaurant, loungewith gaming, Dakota Joe’s coffee shop andmore. Conveniently close to I-29 and I-94.

For more information about these Fargoaccommodations, visit grouplodgingmidwest.comand choose the perfect hotel for your group!

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Fargo’s Group-Friendly AccommodationsWith a variety of lodging options and the perfect amenities for your group,your stay in Fargo just got a whole lot more comfortable.

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36 I T I N ERAR I E S M IDWEST SPR I NG / SUMMER 2016 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 3 2 - 7 2 6 7

History & Baseball in FargoThis sample itinerary is best during the spring and summer months, but can be customized for any time of year.

day one9:00 am – 12:00 pmThirty-five miles south of Fargo is Fort Abercrombie.Known historically as “the Gateway to the Dakotas,”this fort once guarded vital transportation routes andserved as an important supply point for militarycampaigns traveling into the Dakota Territory in the1860s. Learn about the fort’s role in the U.S.-DakotaWar of 1862 and see the mountain howitzer, uniforms,and equipment.12 – 4:00 pmBlue skies prevail year round at the Fargo AirMuseum, a premier flying museum in the upperMidwest. View exhibits dedicated to the brave men andwomen who have served and are serving in the ArmedForces, such as: History of the ND Flying Aces, ND AirNational Guard, cloud modification, and agriculturalaviation. View military displays featuring WWII, Korea,Vietnam, and Iraq and Afghanistan wars.4 – 7:00 pmTake a ride on “Ruby,” the Scheels Ferris Wheel, inthe Upper Midwest's largest sporting goods store.From Ruby, you will have the perfect vantage point toview all of the 88 specialty shops at Scheels. This hugeshopping facility also offers an old-time shootinggallery, two 5-sport simulators, and a golf simulator.

Work up an appetite and grab a bite to eat at one of thearea’s many group-friendly restaurants.

day two10:00 am – 1:00 pmYour day begins at Cass County Historical Society’sBonanzaville. View 43 historic buildings and over400,000 artifacts. Located in West Fargo, Bonanzavilleis the area's premier tourist attraction. Come seeFargo’s First House, Donbrinz Schoolhouse, St. John’sChurch, the Embden Train Depot, the Houston House,the automobile museum, the tractor museum, theairplane museum, or one of many other collections!There is always something new to see at Bonanzaville.1 – 4:00 pmShop at familiar retailers, unique boutiques, and otherstores at the West Acres Mall, which also featuresdistinctive dining and events. Located within theshopping center is the Roger Maris Museum.Dedicated to former New York Yankee and Fargo nativeRoger Maris—who hit a record 61 homeruns duringthe 1961 season—the glass-enclosed museumenables visitors to re-live Maris’s legendary life. View areplica of his 1961 locker, explore displays and artifactsfrom his youth and Major League playing days, orwatch historic footage in the video room while sitting

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Fort Abercrombie

Fargo Air Museum

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on actual Yankee Stadium seats from the Maris era.4 – 6:00 pmWelcome to Newman Outdoor Field, home of theFargo-Moorhead RedHawks! Before tonight’s game,you’ll want to pay a visit to the Maury Wills Museum,located on the ground floor of the stadium. Dedicatedto the career and life of former National League MVPand Los Angeles Dodgers star Maury Wills, this museuminvites you to relive a little history and hear this man’swonderful story. Wills achieved fame when he brokethe record for stolen bases in 1962. He stole 585bases during his MLB career and won the Gold GloveAward in 1961 and 1962. Wills served as a coach tothe RedHawks in their inaugural year (1996) and todaysits in the radio booth as a “Voice of the RedHawks.”6 – 9:00 pmRelax and enjoy a Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks game!Nothing says summer like baseball, a hot dog, a beer,and a three-run walk-off homer in the ninth. Ask abouttheir special group packages! For more information,visit www.fmredhawks.com or call 800-303-6161.

For more information or to customizethis sample itinerary for your group, contactthe North Dakota Tourism office at 800-435-5663or visit them online at www.ndtourism.com.

Fargo Visitor Center

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E xplore the planets and the knownuniverse at the Planetarium at Minnesota

State University Moorhead. At the heart of theplanetarium is an Elumenati digital projectorwith UniView data visualization software.The result is a multimedia presentation thatwill awe, amaze, entertain and educateviewers of all ages.

The planetarium has two different types ofshows. Choose from a variety of live showspresented by a trained lecturer or a variety offulldome movies—educational films developedspecifically for planetariums. Below is a list oflive shows and fulldome movies offered at theMSUM Planetarium. For a complete list, visitwww.mnstate.edu/planetarium.

Stars of the SeasonsSee the current night sky and identify theprincipal constellations, bright stars, andplanets. This show introduces the motionof the stars and planets as they are viewedfrom earth.

SunstruckDiscover the wonders of our sun and how itsincredible energy has supported life on earthfor millennia, but is now threatening our wayof life. Your groups will travel to the distant

future and discover the sun’s connection tothe universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.

Two Small Pieces of Glass(Fulldome Movie)

Join two young astronomers at a star partyand learn how telescopes work, the historybehind them, and some of the majordiscoveries made by these instruments.

Cosmic Colors: An AdventureAlong the Spectrum (Fulldome Movie)

Have you ever wondered why the sky is blue?Or why Mars is red? Take an amazing journeythrough the world around us, and theuniverse, under a rainbow of cosmic light.

For more information or to findthe right show for your group, contactthe MSUM Planetarium at 218-477-2920or online at www.mnstate.edu/planetarium.

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A Cosmic Experience atMN STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

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The Historical & Cultural Society of Clay Countyinvites you to explore the history and rich heritageof the area. With many activities and places to visit,your groups will get a feel of what the ancestors ofthis area accomplished.

10:00 am – 12:00 pmYour adventure begins at the Heritage HjemkomstInterpretive Center. Get an up close view of thejaw-dropping Hjemkomst Viking Ship. This 76-foot-long exact replica of a Viking dragon ship was adream-made-reality from the creator Robert Asp.The ship sailed from Duluth to Bergen, Norway in72 days. The exhibit recounts the saga, worthy of aNorse legend.12 - 2:00 pmThe Norwegian heritage doesn’t stop there. Take aguided tour of the Hopperstad Stave Church.This church is a full-scale replica of the HopperstadChurch that is located in Vik, Norway. Discover theunique architecture that thrived just after the Vikingage in Scandinavia.2 – 4:00 pmA presentation by A Woman’s Perspective ArtExhibition and Events is hosting Aprons Galore!See collections of vintage, modern, traditional andcontemporary art aprons worn by men, women andchildren. On display through June 20th, 2016.OR

Check out a collection of artwork by local Fargo-Moorhead artists at the FMVA Big Art Show. Viewworks by art educators, emerging artists, andestablished artists and learn about their inspirationsand techniques. On display through June 10th, 2016.4 – 6:00 pmExplore the history of alcohol in Clay County at the Wetand Dry: Alcohol in Clay County 1871-1937 exhibit.Explore the spirited debates surrounding the moralityof alcohol, from its Wild West birth through the end ofProhibition, encompassing three major periods:Settlement, the Saloon Era, and Prohibition.6 – 8:00 pmEnjoy a group-friendly dinner at one of the area’s localfavorites, such as Doolittles Woodfire Grill or TexasRoadhouse. Then wind down at your group-friendlyaccommodation.

For more information or to customize this sampleitinerary for your group, contact your tour operatoror the Historical & Cultural Society of Clay Countyat 218-299-5511 or go online for current exhibits& events at www.hcscconline.org.

Discover the History of Clay CountyThis sample itinerary can be customized for any time of year.

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Hopperstad StaveChurch

Hjemkomst Viking Ship

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4e Winery

Uncorked Fargo

Prairie Rose Meadery Bar

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E xplore the wineries in and around Fargo!From one-of-a-kind wine tastings to tours

of the winemaking process, your groups willlove to explore these hidden gems!

1st Stop – FargoBy the bottle or by the batch, UncorkedFargo is a custom domestic winery featuringnearly 40 wines made on-site. Customers arewelcome to start their own batch of favoritewine, complete with custom labels. They canmake your batch from a selection of highquality juices from around the world, or youmay bring in your own fruit for a truly custombatch! Uncorked also carries supplies for thehome winemaker, along with wine accessories.Contact Uncorked Fargo at 701-356-4014 orvisit their website at uncorkedfargo.com.

Tantalize your taste buds at Prairie RoseMeadery and relax with food and mead intheir tasting room. Different from the winesyou are probably used to, mead is a honeywine. Fermented honey, when consumed, cansurround the senses with a sense of comfort,joy and relaxation like no other beverage onthe market. Mead is a fine crafted beveragethat takes time to age and mature to be at itsprime, yet also can be quite enjoyable duringits earlier stages. Prairie Rose products willalways include fine crafted Traditional Mead(honey only), Melomel (Fruit Mead) orMetheglin (Spiced Mead). Contact PrairieRose Meadery at 701-356-7706 or visit theirwebsite at prairierosemeadery.com.

2nd Stop – MapletonBring a picnic and relax at 4e Winery’shistoric 12-acre farmstead and vineyards,located just 20 minutes west of downtownFargo. The decks and open spaces are the

perfect place to take time out of your hecticday. Enjoy a tasting of their current releasesor purchase a glass or bottle to sip while youenjoy the scenery. 4e produces fine wine,letting the fruit express itself with as littlemanipulation as possible. Call ahead toarrange for tasting and tours. Contact4e Winery at 701-936-9693 or visit theirwebsite at 4ewinery.com.

3rd Stop – BuffaloNestled along the Buffalo Creek on theoutskirts of Buffalo, Red Trail Vineyard takesits name from the rich history of the Old RedTrail, one of the first established trails guidingsettlers through Dakota Territory. The fertilesoils of the Red River Valley and traditionalwinemaking techniques combine to elicit thesubtle flavors and aromas of their nativehybrid grapes. Red Trail wines are a perfectcomplement to an elegant meal or a casualget-together with friends. Contact Red TrailVineyard at 701-633-5392 or visit theirwebsite at redtrailvineyards.com.

Final Stop – McLeodSilver Prairie Saloon is a great little bar andgrill, serving up the juiciest burgers andcoldest beers around. With hitching postsoutside and saddles for bar stools, you’ll thinkyou’ve taken a trip back to the Old West!This one-of-a-kind dining experience is oneyour groups won’t soon forget. ContactSilver Prairie Saloon at 701-439-2610 orvisit them on Facebook!

Fargo WINE TRAIL

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accommodationsAmericInn Hotel & SuitesFargo South – 45th St . . . . 701-235-46994325 23rd Avenue South – Fargo, ND 58104www.americinn.com

AmericInn Lodge & SuitesFargo West Acres . . . . . . . . . 701-234-99461423 35th Street South – Fargo, ND 58103www.americinn.com

Country Inn & SuitesBy Carlson, Fargo . . . . . . . . . 701-234-05653316 13th Avenue South – Fargo, ND 58103www.countryinns.com

Expressway Suites– Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701-239-43034303 17th Avene South – Fargo, ND 58103www.expresswaysuitesfargo.com

Expressway Suites– Grand Forks. . . . . . . . . . . . . 701-757-70004040 11th Avene South – Grand Forks, ND 58201www.expresswaysuitesgf.com

Fargo Inn & Suites . . . . . . . . 701-282-63001025 38th Street SW – Fargo, ND 58103www.fargoinn.com

Holiday Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701-282-27003803 13th Avenue South – Fargo, ND 58103www.fargohi.com

attractionsFargo-MoorheadRedHawks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701-235-61611515 15th Avenue North – Fargo, ND 58102www.fmredhawks.com

Historical & Cultural Societyof Clay County . . . . . . . . . . . . 218-299-5520202 First Avenue North – Moorhead, MN 56560hcscconline.org

Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead Planetarium . . . . 218-477-24571104 7th Avenue South – Moorhead, MN 56560www.mnstate.edu/planetarium

convention & visitorsbureaus and chambersNorth Dakota Tourism . . . . . 800-435-5663PO Box 2057 – Bismarck, ND 58502www.ndtourism.com

wineries & saloons4e Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701-936-96933766 156th Avenue SE – Mapleton, ND 58059www.4ewinery.com

Prairie Rose Meadery . . . . . 701-371-36903101 39th Street South, Suite E – Fargo, ND 58104www.prairierosemeadery.com

Red Trail Vineyard . . . . . . . . . . 701-28-33373510 142nd Avenue SE – Buffalo, ND 58011www.redtrailvineyards.com

Silver Prairie Saloon . . . . . . 701-439-261011 Main Avenue – McLeod, ND 58057

Uncorked Fargo . . . . . . . . . . . 701-356-40141700 32nd Avenue South – Fargo, ND 58103www.uncorkedfargo.com

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KEYSTONE

RushmoreCave

ake a scenicguided cavetour intoa strange

underground world.Explore the stalactite-filled caverns and seebreathtaking limestone cave formations. During thisone-hour journey, your expert guide will discuss localhistory, cave geology, and the many untold stories ofthis hidden world. Tours leave every 15 minutes. Stillnot ready to say goodbye? Experience the sensationof flying on the Soaring Eagle Zipline. Accelerate 630feet down the mountainside on a suspended cable,then relax as this unique ride pulls you back up thehill. Continue to satisfy your taste for adventure on theGunslinger 7-D Interactive Ride. This multi-sensoryinteractive attraction is something the whole group will love. Feel the seat move andthe wind blow through your hair as you take one of three different journeys throughdangerous territories and shoot your laser gun at targets along the way. Featuringthe world’s fastest targeting system and a 360-degree sound environment,Gunslinger redefines the interactive experience like never before.

South Dakota: Great Faces. Great Places.

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Buffalo Safari JeepTour | CUSTERTrek through Custer State Park inan open-air, custom-built jeep insearch of pronghorns, elk, burros,and roaming buffalo. Along the way,your guide will share historical andnoteworthy facts about the park andthe wildlife that live here—and helpyou spot the critters! Named a “TopTen U.S. Safari” by MSN in 2015, thistour offers breathtaking views of the71,000-acre park and includes secretscenic stops along the way. The tourstarts and finishes at the State GameLodge Resort and takes about 2 hours.Double the excitement with a safariand cookout combo! After your tour,enjoy a chuck wagon feast and liveentertainment with some western flair.

Wade’s Gold MillHILL CITY

Take a trip back in time with thisincredible hands-on experience.Tour the Antique Mining Museum andsee a demonstration of how minersblasted out tunnels. See the ModernPlacer Gold Mill, which is able toextract gold cheaply and effectively.Take a panning lesson and eventake some gold home for yourself!Featured on 3-2-1 Contact and onCBS Radio With Charles Kuralt,this is sure to be a memorableexperience for your group. OpenMemorial Day through Labor Day.

Firehouse Brewing CompanyRAPID CITY

Take a break at one of SouthDakota’s most unique landmarks.Housed within Rapid City’s originalfire station, this building is listed onthe National Historic Register and ishome to South Dakota’s first brewpub.The bar is adorned with authenticfirefighting items, including the originalfire pole, ladders, helmets, patches,photographs and more. Serving up avariety of brews, from hearty stoutsto crisp ciders and lagers, there issomething for every beer drinker. Therestaurant is open daily and featuresirresistible specialties such as locallysourced buffalo burgers and Rancher’sPie. Sit inside or in the heated outdoorpatio, complete with beautiful viewsof downtown Rapid City.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum& Hall of Fame | STURGIS

Whether you’re an everyday rider orjust someone who enjoys motorcyclehistory and culture, there is much tobe explored and appreciated at thismuseum, located in the heart of themotorcycle community. View the hugeselection of American and metricbikes, along with a variety of exhibits,photographs, memorabilia, and SturgisMotorcycle Rally history. Visit theEarly Days Exhibit and see some ofthe oldest bikes in the country, or theBritish Room, which is solely dedicatedto British motorcycles. Spend a fewhours browsing the 7,000+ sq ft andvisit the gift shop for souvenirs!

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GREEN BAY

Green BayPackers Hallof Fame

heeseheads ornot, your group willlove this tribute to thegreatest story in sports. The

new 15,000-square-foot, two-level GreenBay Packers Hall of Fame is convenientlylocated on the main floor of the LambeauField Atrium. This facility uses the latesttechnology, enhanced interactive displays,and a vast collection of artifacts to educateand inspire visitors about the rich history ofthe Packers, as well as the teams of today.See Packers legends describe historic games in their own words. Scroll throughtouch screens to click on audio segments and video clips that tell the team’s story.View trophies from the Packers’ 13 world championships, including four Lombarditrophies, and marvel at the hall’s most popular exhibit: a replica of Vince Lombardi’soffice. After the tour, head on over to 1919Kitchen & Tap, located right inside LambeauField Stadium. Enjoy some Wisconsin cheesecurds with a Wisconsin beer! Add a stadiumtour of Lambeau to your day for the ultimatePackers experience.

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Jacob Leinenkugel BrewingCompany | CHIPPEWA FALLSIn May of 1867, Jacob Leinenkugelhad a vision for combining the Germanbrewing traditions of his homelandwith the innovative spirit of his newhome in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.That spirit is still alive and well insideLeinenkugel’s wide range of German-inspired beers, from shandy to IPLs, toWeiss beers, to doppelbocks. Discover150 years of beer brewing and sixgenerations of Leinenkugel familyhistory. Your guided tour begins in theLeinie Lodge®, showcasing historicalphotos, vintage brewing equipmentand collectibles. All tours includebeer tasting and a souvenir glass!

Horicon Marsh Boat ToursHORICONThe folks at Horicon Marsh BoatTours have been specializing in themotorcoach industry for 52 years. Theyoffer a variety of tour packages.Hop aboard one of their comfortablepontoons and take the one-hournarrated Sightseeing Tour or the two-hour Birding Adventure (don’t forgetyour binoculars!). Every Saturday,from June through September, isthe relaxing Sunset Cruise. Enjoy asampling of local cheese and fruitbefore you leave the dock, then sitback, relax, and take in the scenery.For a more hands-on experience,book a guided paddle trip and catcha glimpse of some of the marsh’smore elusive flora and fauna.

Harley-Davidson Museum®

MILWAUKEEHistory roars to life at theHarley-Davidson Museum®, one ofMilwaukee’s most popular touristdestinations. Experience the best ofAmerican design and culture, with ataste of freedom and rebellion, all ondisplay in a landmark building. Theirgroup sales team is eager to customizethe perfect experience for your group!Enhance your visit with a guided tour,one-of-a-kind merchandise fromThe Shop, and a Milwaukee diningexperience at MOTOR® Bar &Restaurant. Other add-ons include:retail bundles, Audio Tour, H-DHighlights Tour, Behind-the-ScenesTour, and more. Motorcoach parkingis free and easy, with complimentarymuseum admission for bus drivers.

Jet Boat AdventuresWISCONSIN DELLSExperience the spectacular speed,spray, and fun of Jet Boat Adventures!This is the only jet boat ride to spanboth the Upper Dells and the LowerDells of the Wisconsin River. Theirexperienced pilots will deliver anunforgettable experience, completewith spinouts, slides, & power stops—with breathtaking natural scenery.The Upper Dells Adventure featureswinding river channels, sharp bends,and beautiful vistas, while the LowerDells Adventure features high cliffs,islands, wide riverbeds, and longstraightaways for high-speed action.Open mid-May through mid-October.

more WI guy getaways…

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Wisconsin Dells may be known as “The WaterparkCapital of the World!®,” but there are many morereasons for your groups to visit. Experience liveentertainment, thrilling attractions, lux to cozyaccommodations, and dining options to pleaseany palate.

day one10:00 am – 1:00 pmVisit the only place in the world where you can seeall 15 species of cranes! The International CraneFoundation offers a guided tour of the world’scranes, hiking on their nature trails, and a gift shopwith nature themed items from around the world.1 – 3:00 pmRelax on a trolley tour with Wisconsin DellsTrolley Service. Choose from a variety of tours,from the Bloody Mary & Mimosa Tour to theHaunted Ghost Trolley Tour, with each onenarrated with facts and humor by an experiencedtour guide.3 – 5:00 pmEnjoy a glass of award-winning wine at FawnCreek Winery. Relax on the spacious outdoordeck and take in the beautiful scenery. They offercomplimentary wine tastings, a gift shop, and amicro menu. Cheers!5 – 6:00 pmCheck into your group-friendly hotel and get ready

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F resh cranberries, chocolate-coveredcranberries, fried cranberries on a stick,

cranberry pies, cranberry scones, cranberrysalsas, and the list goes on and on of all thecranberry treats to taste at the annual WarrensCranberry Festival! Top all of that with morethan 850 arts & crafts booths, 350 antique & fleamarket booths, plus an array of different foodvendors, and you’ll soon learn that an entireweekend may not be enough time to see it all!

Warrens Cranberry Festival is the world’slargest cranberry festival and is held the lastfull weekend of September. There is somethingfor everyone, including shopping, contests,marsh tours, a parade and so much more.2016 will mark the festival’s 44th year. Whatmakes it so popular is the wide variety ofevents offered over the three-day affair.

The shopaholics in your group will love walkingup and down the streets and seeing all theunique and creative items for sale. The foodieswill enjoy a plethora of tastes, and the romantics

will get a kick out of the festival royalty.Fun-lovers of all ages will enjoy the giganticparade held on Sunday. There is PLENTY foreveryone on the grounds!

Warrens Cranberry Festival features overthree miles of shopping and over 1,300 booths,including the Arts & Crafts area bursting withhandmade jewelry, wood sculptures, metal

garden art and knitted items; the Flea Market& Antiques section, which includes primitives,fishing & hunting supplies, purses, collectibles,toys, clothing and sports memorabilia; and theFarm Market with fresh fall produce, driedflowers, honey, soaps, lotions, and much more!

During the festival, be sure to stop by theofficial Warrens Cranberry Festival SouvenirBooth to buy shirts, buttons, patches and othercranberry items. Don’t miss the festival this year!

For more information contact the WarrensCranberry Festival at 608-378-4200 or onlineat www.cranfest.com.

The 44th AnnualWARRENS CRANBERRY FESTIVALAlways the last full weekend of September. Show hours: 7am – 5pm daily.

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hotSTOP

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This 500-mile loop takes you to some of Wisconsin’sgreatest travel destinations. Become a “cheese head”for a few days as you and your group enjoy some goodold fashioned Wisconsin hospitality!

day one9:00 am – 1:00 pmWelcome to Thorp, Wisconsin, home of Holland’sFamily Cheese. A recently opened location, yourgroups will be able to visit the Penterman Farm, thecheesemaking facility, and the Marieke® Gouda Store.Each facility has viewing areas where your groupswill be able to see each stage of the cheesemaking

500 MilesThrough WisconsinThis sample itinerary can be customizedfor any time of year.

Plymouth Walldog

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It’s A Sweet Life

for the evening.6 – 8:00 pmDinner this evening is at Del-Bar. Experienceexceptional service, the highest quality prime gradebeef, and the freshest seafood—all within a unique“prairie-style” setting.8 – 10:00 pmEnjoy jaw-dropping entertainment at the TommyBartlett Show, featuring a mix of extremewater-skiing, masterful boat maneuvers,light-hearted comedy, and daredevil stunt artists.

day two8 – 10:00 amStart out the morning with a hearty breakfast andfast, friendly service at Mitzi’s American Grill.10:00 am – 1:00 pmExperience a half-land, half-water adventure withOriginal Wisconsin Ducks®! These WWIIamphibious vehicles will take you down theWisconsin River, crawl over sand bars and throughDell Creek, then plunge into Lake Delton andexplore miles of wilderness trails.1 – 4:00 pmCome on out to the Wisconsin Opry for lunchand a fun-filled afternoon. The show offers a mixof country sing-alongs and interactive audience

participation. Enjoy a home-cooked meal, then takea hayride out to enjoy the sights and sounds ofthe back 40!4 – 7:00 pmDowntown Wisconsin Dells offers a unique andeclectic mix of shopping options. Stroll through thearea and discover the large variety of gift shops,galleries and boutiques.7 – 9:00 pmYour sunset dinner cruise with Dells Boat Tours®

is a combination of beautiful scenery, liveentertainment, and fine food. Enjoy the eveningagainst the stunning backdrop of sandstone cliffsand rock formations along the Upper Dells on theWisconsin River.

day three11:00 am – 2:00 pmTake a short trip out to North Freedom to visit theMid-Continent Railway Museum. This outdoor,living museum and operating railroad recreates thesmall town/short line way of life during the “GoldenAge of Railroading.”

For more information or to customize thissample itinerary for your group, contact theWisconsin Dells Visitor & Convention Bureauat 800-223-3557 or online at www.wisdells.com.

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process. Holland’s Family Cheese welcomes yourgroups to share in their passion of modern familyfarming and handcrafted cheesemaking! Enjoy lunchat Café DUTCHess.1 – 6:00 pmHead south to Beaver Dam and get settled intoyour room at the AmericInn Lodge & Suites. Thisnewly renovated award-winning hotel is known for itscleanliness and great customer service. With modernamenities and a hot breakfast, your groups will beable to kick back and feel at home.6 – 8:00 pmChoose from two delicious options for dinner.Palenque Mexican Bar & Grill will serve your groupsan authentic Mexican dinner, while the BaysideSupper Club offers a wonderful banquet facility onbeautiful Beaver Dam Lake.

day two9 – 11:00 amStart the day in Beaver Dam by browsing the aisles ofNancy’s Notions. This sewing outlet was featured onPBS’s popular Sewing With Nancy.11:00 am – 12:00 pmStop for a snack at It’s A Sweet Life and indulge ingourmet cupcakes! Offering 6 flavors every week,you are sure to find the perfect treat to suit yourtaste buds.12 – 2:00 pmSpeaking of taste buds, Schultz’s Cheese Haus offerswonderful and unique cheese samples as well aslocal wine tastings. Each aisle is bursting withcheese spreads, cracker assortments, jerky &sausage, specialty cheeses, gift boxes, and evencandies & chocolates! Wisconsin souvenir items arealso available.2 – 4:00 pmA one-hour drive to Plymouth brings you to 52Stafford. This historic inn provides uptown servicewith small town charm. Their Irish cooking is like anIrish song; simple and tasty on the tongue, while fillingand wholesome for the body and spirit. They hope yourgroup will find the food flavorful, the services warmand generous, and the tariff moderate.4 – 5:00 pmSpend some time this afternoon touring Plymouth’sfamous murals. Modern mural artists, known as theWalldogs, have hand-painted Plymouth’s historyalong exterior walls throughout downtown. Follow itup with a tour of the Plymouth Historical Society,displaying a variety of exhibits. View several largecollections featuring the fire department, a blacksmithshop, turn-of-the-century parlor, World War II, andNative American artifacts.5 – 8:30 pmHead one hour south to Milwaukee, where your groupwill love the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. The hotelfeatures Locavore, a full-service casual restaurantand lobby bar, as well as a coffee shop, fitness centerand more. The folks at Potawatomi continue to offer

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the very best in gaming action across two massivefloors that include table games, slot machines, bingo,poker and off-track betting. Is your group interestedin seeing a show? The 500-seat Northern LightsTheater serves up world-class comedy and musicalacts, giving you the best seats in the house. And checkout their group packages! From bingo to hotels,Potawatomi offers great deals for groups of ten ormore. Don’t miss out!

day three8 – 10:00 amHead two hours northwest to Mauston. Positionedhalfway between Chicago and Minneapolis, Maustonfinds you centered in the scenic Wisconsin outdoors.With clean, friendly, and affordable lodging that isgroup-friendly, Mauston serves as the ideal base campfor experiencing the real Wisconsin. There are manylocal attractions to see!10:00 am – 1:00 pmA morning boat ride on The Cruisin’ Turtle willaccommodate up to 50 people with 25 under cover.Equipped with air conditioning and heat, it’s a greatway to get on the water in Mauston! You are welcometo have your cruise catered or bring your own food.1 – 3:00 pmLocated just 10 miles north of downtown WisconsinDells is Fawn Creek Winery. Indulge in a glass of fine

wine while savoring the peace and quiet of the woodson the outdoor deck overlooking this seven-acrevineyard. This family-owned business is nestled on36 acres amid a grove of maple, pine and oak trees.They feature complimentary wine tastings, a gift shop,and a micro menu.3 – 6:00 pmReturn to Mauston and check into your hotel. Maustonhas several great choices for evening entertainment. Ifvisiting during the warmer months, an outdoor dinneralong the lake is the perfect way to end the day.

day four9:00 am – 3:00 pmHead west to Cashton and take in a simpler lifestyleas you tour Wisconsin’s largest Amish community atDown A Country Road. Over 300 Old Order Amishcall the area home and have established a communityrich in history, culture and handcrafted treasures.Chuck and Kathy Kuderer have established a very closefriendship with many of the Amish families in the area,and together they work to bring handmade treasuresand treats to you at The Village Shops at Down ACountry Road. The Village Shops consist of 6 uniquesmall cottages filled with products made by the localAmish, other local artisans and some unique generalgiftware. Most of the little cottages were built by theAmish and are set in amongst beautiful gardens. Thereis no cost to stop with your group at The Village Shops,however there is a fee for the tour.

For more information or to customize this sampleitinerary for your group, contact any of the following:

BEAVER DAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE920-887-8879 / www.beaverdamchamber.com

DOWN A COUNTRY ROAD608-654-5318 / www.downacountryroad.com

HOLLAND’S FAMILY CHEESE715-669-5230 / www.mariekegouda.com

MAUSTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE608-847-4142 / www.mauston.org/tours

PLYMOUTH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE920-893-0079 / www.plymouthwisconsin.com

POTAWATOMI HOTEL & CASINO800-729-7244 / www.paysbig.com

Down A Country Road

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accommodations

Ages Past B&B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-654-58501223 Front Street – Cashton, WI 56619www.agespastbnb.com

AmericInn of Beaver Dam . . . . . 920-356-9000www.americinn.com/hotels/wi/beaverdamWe know there’s no place like home, but with our newlyupdated furnishings, room décor, flat screen TV’s and cozySerta® Perfect Sleeper beds, the AmericInn Beaver Dam will feellike your home away from home.

attractions

Apple Holler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262-884-71005006 S Sylvania Ave – Sturtevant, WI 53177www.appleholler.com

Barn at Harvest Moon Pond . . . . 608-635-4344N3540 State Road 22 – Poynette, WI 53955www.barnharvestmoon.com

Circle M Market Farm . . . . . . . . . . 608-558-05011784 County Rd H – Blanchardville, WI 53516www.circlemfarm.com

Down A Country Road . . . . . . . . . . 608-654-531812651 State Hwy 33 – Cashton, WI 54619www.downacountryroad.com

Glacial Lake Cranberries . . . . . . . 715-887-41612480 County Road D – Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495www.cranberrylink.com

Gramma Miller’sFarm Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 715-249-3060N4317 Elizabeth Lane – Hancock, WI 54943www.grammamillersmarket.com

Hinchley’s Dairy Farm Tours . . . . 608-764-50902844 Hwy 73 – Cambridge, WI 53523www.dairyfarmtours.com

Holland’s Family Cheese LLC . . . 715-669-5230200 W Liberty Drive – Thorp, WI 54771www.mariekegouda.com

Kickapoo Orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-735-463746490 Highway 71 – Gays Mills, WI 54631www.kickapoo-orchard.com

Maple Trees& Milwaukee Trains . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-606-2866106 2nd Street E – Westby, WI 54667www.OcoochMountainAcres.com

Meuer Farm LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-418-2676N2564 US Hwy 151 – Chilton, WI 53014www.meuerfarm.com

Milwaukee County Zoo . . . . . . . . 414-256-543210001 West Blue Mound Road – Milwaukee, WI [email protected] of the country’s finest zoological attractions, they willeducate, entertain and inspire you! Visit over 2,000 mammals,birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles in specialized habitatsspanning 200 wooded acres. Explore fun attractions andenticing special events.

National HistoricCheesemaking Center . . . . . . . . . 608-325-46362108 6th Avenue – Monroe, WI 53566www.nationalhistoriccheesemakingcenter.org

Old World Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . 262-594-6301W372 S9727 Hwy 67 – Eagle, WI 53119www.oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org

PotawatomiHotel & Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-729-72441721 W Canal St – Milwaukee, WI 53233www.paysbig.comPotawatomi Hotel & Casino offers high-stakes bingo, over 100table games, 3,000+ slot machines, a 20-table Poker Room, a500-seat theater and an Off-Track Betting Room. Numerousdining options plus a brand new, luxurious 19 story hotel.

Rural Arts Roadtrip . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-286-0971W1993 Thede Road – New Holstein, WI 53061www.ruralartsroadtrip.com

Rushing Waters Fisheries . . . . . . 800-378-7088N301 County Road H – Palmyra, WI 53156www.rushingwaters.net

Sassy Cow Creamery . . . . . . . . . . . 608-837-7766W4192 Bristol Road – Columbus, WI 53925www.sassycowcreamery.com

Stonefield Historic Site . . . . . . . . . 608-725-521012195 Hwy VV – Cassville, WI 53806www.stonefield.wisconsinhistory.org

Warrens Cranberry Festival. . . . 608-378-4200PO Box 146 – Warrens, WI [email protected]’s largest cranberry festival, with more than 1,200arts/crafts, flea market and antique booths. Experienceeverything cranberry. Delicious! Tour a cranberry marsh andsee one of the largest marching band parades in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin CranberryDiscovery Center &Wetherby Cranberry Co. . . . . . . . . 608-378-4878204 Main Street – Warrens, WI 54666www.discovercranberries.com

convention & visitors bureausand chambers

AbbyColby Crossings Chamber . 715-223-8509PO Box 418 – Abborsford, WI 54405www.abbycolbyareachamber.org

Beaver DamChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . 920-887-8879127 South Spring Street – Beaver Dam, WI [email protected] Dam is a picturesque community that is located insouth central Wisconsin on Beaver Dam Lake. The communityoffers plenty of waterborne recreation, as well as many otherplaces for groups to explore.

Calumet CountyTourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-849-1493 x263206 Court St – Chilton, WI 53014 / www.travelcalumet.com

Green County Tourism . . . . . . . . . . 608-328-18381016 16th Ave – Monroe, WI 53566 / www.greencounty.org

MaustonChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . 920-637-1271303 Mansion Street – Mauston, WI 53948www.visitmauston.com

PlymouthChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . 888-693-8263PO Box 584 – Plymouth, WI 53073www.plymouthwisconsin.comPlymouth is Wisconsin’s Mural Capital! Located in SheboyganCty, it’s nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine.This quaint town is ideal for visitors to rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

StoughtonChamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . 608-873-7912532 E Main Street – Stoughton, WI [email protected] / www.stoughtonwi.comLocated on the banks of the Yahara River, Stoughton is a treasurechest of Norwegian Heritage and Victorian architecture, Artsand Culture, and warm, friendly Festivals. Let us provide yourgroups with a fun and educational experience.

Wisconsin Dells Visitor& Convention Bureau . . . . . . . . . . 800-223-3557701 Superior Street, PO Box 390 – Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965www.wisdells.comWe have an entire team at the Wisconsin Dells Visitor &Convention Bureau dedicated to anyone and everyone travelingin groups. You can sleep easy knowing our group plannershave your group’s needs at the top of their priority list.

wineriesFawn Creek Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 608-253-44003619 13th Avenue – Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965www.fawncreekwinery.com

Munson Bridge Winery . . . . . . . . . 715-229-4501W6462 Bridge Road – Withee, WI 54498www.munsonbridgewinery.com

Trout Springs Winery . . . . . . . . . . . 920-864-77618150 River Road – Greenleaf, WI 54126www.troutspringswinery.com

Vetro Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 920-674-96501414 Vino Lane – Jefferson, WI 53549www.vetrowine.com

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illinoismay• Kane County Flea Market

April 30-May 1, St. Charles 630-377-2252• Effingham Artisan Fair

May 13-14, Effingham 217-342-5310• Long Grove’s Chocolate Festival

May 20-22, Long Grove 847-634-0888• HerrinFesta Italiana

May 24-31, Herrin 618-942-5055• Red, White & BBQ Festival

May 27-29, Westmont 630-829-9378june• Moweaqua Pow Wow Days

June 2-5, Moweaqua 217-768-4821• Chicago Blues Festival

June 10-12, Chicago 312-744-3370• Zion’s Annual Nostalgia Days

June 16-19, Zion 847-746-4000• Great Galena Balloon Race

June 17-18, Galena 800-892-2269• Swedish Days Festival

June 21-26, Geneva 630-232-6060july• Thee Old Time Farm Show

July 1-3, Bradley 815-791-9251• Taste of Chicago

July 6-10, Chicago 312-744-3370• Puerto Rican Heritage Festival

July 23-24, 630-896-6666• Findlay Walleye Festival

July 29-30, 217-756-3248

iowamay• Pella Tulip Festival

May 5-7, Pella 641-628-4311• Times of Future Past

May 21-22, Des Moines 515-314-5189

• Redneck RevivalMay 26 – 29, Conesville 563-299-2721

• Greater Iowa Swap Meet & Gun ShowMay 27-28, Mount Pleasant 319-385-8937

june• Cherokee PRCA Rodeo

June 2-4, Cherokee 712-225-6414• 2nd Annual BMAI Hampton Bluegrass Festival

June 9-11, Hampton 641-799-1442• 12th Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival

June 11-12, Colfax 563-920-7704• Sturgis Falls Celebration

June 23-26, Cedar Falls 319-268-4266july• Central Iowa Fair

July 6-10, Marshalltown 641-753-3671• O Comic Con

July 8-10, Council Bluffs 712-323-0536• BBQ’Loo and Blues Too

July 15-16, Waterloo 319-291-2038• Nordic Fest

July 28-July 30, Decorah 800-382-FEST

kansasmay• Cheyenne CountyCruisers Car & Bike ShowMay 14, St Francis 785-332-3960

• 28th Annual NHRA Kansas NationalsMay 22, Topeka 800-884-NHRA

• Cruise, Shoes, & BBQSMay 28-29, Grainfield 785-673-3039

june• Chingawassa Days

June 3-5, Marion 620-382-3425• 2016 Smallville ComicCon

June 11-12, Hutchinson 620-669-3600• 33rd Annual KansasNumismatic Association Coin & Stamp ShowJune 18-19, Wichita 316-773-2238

• 28th Annual Southeast KansasOld Time Gas Engine and Tractor Club ShowJune 24-25, Pittsburg 417-927-3254

july• Highlights in History

July 2-4, Fort Scott 620-223-0310• 40th Annual Meriden Threshing Show

July 15-17, Meriden 785-633-9706• Four State Farm Show

July 22-24, Pittsburg 800-356-8255

michiganmay• Holland Michigan Tulip Festival

May 7-14, Holland 616-396-4221• National Morel Mushroom Festival

May 12-15, Boyne City 231-582-6222• Downtown Tecumseh Classic Car & Bike Show

May 19, Tecumseh 517-424-6003• World Expo of Beer

May 20-21, Frankenmuth 888-805-1504• Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

May 25-30, Fruitport 231-865-6220june• Back to the Bricks

June 4-5, Cadillac 231-775-0657• Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival

June 9-12, Frankenmuth 877-879-8919• Mid Michigan Renaissance Festival:Enchanted ForestJune 11-26, Vassar 989-652-2362

• Kalamazoo Island FestivalJune 16-18, Kalamazoo 269-217-0022

• Michigan Challenge BaloonfestJune 24-26, Howell 517-546-3920

july• Camaro Superfest

June 30-July 3, Ypsilanti 734-649-3056• International Food Festival

July 2-4, Marquette 906-228-7749

illinois

iowa

kansas

michigan

CONTACT AREA CVBS FOR COMPLETE CALENDARS.

calendar of events 2016[ may – june – july ]

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Cheesetopia – Wisconsin Mandan Rodeo Days –Mandan, ND

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• Beaver Island Music FestivalJuly 14-16, Charlevoix 231-547-2101

• Michigan Summer Beer FestivalJuly 22-23, Ypsilanti 734-483-4444

minnesotamay• Festival of Nations

May 5-8, Saint Paul 651-647-0191• Willmar Car Club Show and Swap Meet

May 15, Willmar 320-444-0368• Brewers Bazaar

May 21, Stillwater 651-430-1234• Cannon River Fur Trade Rendezvous

May 27-30, Cannon Falls 612-282-6008june• Grand Old Days

June 4-5, Saint Paul 651-699-0029• The Wizard of Oz Festival

June 9-11, Grand Rapids 218-327-9276• Buffalo Days

June 12-19, Buffalo 763-682-4902• Back to the 50’s Weekend

June 17-19, Saint Paul 651-641-1992• Willmar Fests

June 22-26, Willmar 320-235-3552july• 30th Annual Pleasureland RV Show & Go

July 1-3, Brainerd 218-824-7223• International Festival

July 8-9, Worthington 507-372-2919• Street Machine Summer Nationals

July 15-17, Saint Paul 877-413-6515• Minnesota Pottery Festival

July 23-24, Hutchinson 320-587-2599• Blueberry Festival in Lake George

July 29-31, Lake George 218-266-3977

missourimay• Spring Fever Days

May 13-14, Ellington 573-996-1860• Berries, Bluegrass & BBQ Festival

May 21, Anderson 417-214-3455• Hermann Maifest

May 21-22, Hermann 800-932-8687• St. Louis County Greek Fest

May 27-30, Des Peres 314-966-2255june• Springfield Rock & Gem Fair

June 4-5, Springfield 417-887-4755• Arcadia Valley Bar-b-que Battle

June 10-11, Ironton 573-915-8398• 22nd Annual Old Time Music,Ozark Heritage FestivalJune 17-18, West Plains 888-256-8835

• Firecracker ExtravaganzaJune 24-25, Festus 636-937-4694

july• 61st National Tom Sawyer Days

July 1-4, Hannibal 573-221-2477

• Cajun Concert on the HillJuly 9, Hermann 573-486-2221

• Traditional Artisans At ASL PewterJuly 22-24, St. Genevieve 573-883-2095

• Jowler Creek Winery’s 70s NightJuly 30, Platte City 816-858-5528

nebraskamay• The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska

May 7-8, 14-15, Papillion 402-331-5500• Victorian Festival

May 27-29, Superior 402-879-3419june• 2016 Nebraska StateFly-in & AirshowJune 10-11, Cozad 308-784-3868

• NEBRASKAland DaysJune 15-25, North Platte 308-532-7939

• Flatwater Music FestivalJune 24-25, Hastings 402-463-0565

july• 36th Annual Wayne Chicken Show

July 8-10, Wayne 402-375-2240• Jefferson County Fair

July 14-17, Fairbury 402-613-2064• Cornhusker State Games

July 15-24, Lincoln 402-471-2544

north dakotamay• FM Crossroads Contest Powwow

May 13-15, Fargo 701-356-7656• Ribs and Bluegrass Festival

May 14, Medora 701-623-4830• 43rd Annual Art OlsonSwap Meet and Car ShowMay 15, West Fargo 701-238-4992

• Sky Fest Over Fort StevensonMay 28, Garrison 701-337-5576

june• Ribfest

June 8-11, Fargo 701-241-9100• 31st Annual North DakotaFarm Toy Show & Auction & Craft ShowJune 18-19, La Moure 701-883-5206

• Mayville Portland Summerfest 2016June 23-26, Mayville 701-788-4661

• Scandinavian Hjemkomst& Midwest Viking FestivalJune 24-25, Moorhead 218-299-5452

july• Mandan Rodeo Days

July 2-4, Mandan 701-222-4308• Ryan Keplin Summer Fest

July 8-10, Rolette 701-278-0260• 2nd Annual DowtownersGerman DaysJuly 14-16, Bismarck 701-223-1958

• North Dakota State FairJuly 22-30, Minot 701-857-7620

south dakotamay• Frühlingsfest and Spring Market

May 21, Rapid City 605-716-7979• Annual SDRA Foothills Rodeo

May 28-29, Wessington Springs 605-770-4370june• 19th Annual Ribfest

June 2-5, Sioux Falls 605-367-7288• Wheel Jam

June 3-5, Huron 605-353-7354• Czech Days

June 16-19, Tabor 605-463-2478• 605 Summer ClassicBeer & Music FestivalJune 24-25, Sioux Falls 800-732-5682

july• Sturgis Supermoto

July 1-3, Sturgis 605-720-0800• Jazzfest

July 14-16, Sioux Falls 605-335-6101• Gold Discovery Days

July 22-24, Custer 605-673-2244• Black Hills Music & Food Festival

July 30, Rapid City 605-645-1880

wisconsin calendarmay• Janesville Renaissance Faire

May 14-15, Janesville 608-322-8813• Automotion

May 21-22, Wisconsin Dells 800-223-3557• Chocolatefest

May 27-30, Burlington 414-254-4813june• Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival

June 3-5, Little Chute 920-788-7380• Taste of the Dells

June 10-11, Wisconsin Dells 608-254-2992• Larson’s Famous Birthof the Baby Clydesdale WeekJune 13-18, Ripon 920-748-5466

• Polish FestJune 17-19, Milwaukee 414-529-2140

• Border War Beer FestJune 25, Kenosha 262-654-7307

july• Oneida Pow-wow

July 1-3, Oneida 920-713-0608• Iola Old Car Show & Swap Meet

July 7-9, Iola 715-445-4000• Baraboo’s Big TopParade & Circus CelebrationJuly 23-24, Baraboo 608-356-8333

• German FestJuly 29-31, Milwaukee 414-464-9444

north dakota

wisconsin

Old Time Gas Engine & Tractor Club Show –Pittsburg, KS Renaissance Festival of Nebraska –Papillion, NEGreat Galena Balloon Race –Galena, IL

missouri

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minnesota

nebraska

south dakota

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