Every July we plan a special new tour that is geared towards farming.
We are excited to present to you 2022’s Farm Tour to Dubuque, IA!
Day 1 – Home to Dubuque, IA
Today we depart for Dubuque, Iowa with an included lunch along the way. Continue on to Decorah with a stop at Seed Savers Exchange, a heritage farm that is a 173-acre living museum. An interpretive trail winds through vegetable and flower gardens at their peak. Thousands of varieties of rare heirloom vegetables are preserved through growing them out each year in the vast garden beds. A self-guided tour demonstrates the importance to posterity of keeping these various strains of food crops. Maybe buy a few packets of rare seeds to take home and plant next season. Later we make our way to our home for the next 4 nights, Dubuque, Iowa. We will be welcomed as guests at the luxurious Hotel Julien, featuring historic character and modern refinement. Located in the heart of Dubuque’s Old Main District, overlooking the Port of Dubuque and the Mississippi River, you will have easy access to some of the best restaurants, shopping, and a plethora of local activities. Enjoy a welcome wine and cheese reception upon arrival. This evening we gather for an evening of fine dining, with a delicious banquet and a guest speaker. A perfect way to end the day!
Hotel: Hotel Julien (4 Nights)
Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 – Dubuque
Enjoy an included full breakfast at the hotel before we make our way over to the beautiful Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a nonprofit organization, that was established in 1980. The 57-acre campus is maintained 100% by volunteers. Their labor of love has created a living museum that symbolizes devotion to the growing things of the earth. Their mission is to establish, preserve, and maintain a place that is a source of information, education, culture, and beauty for all. Next, we stop at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, which has a unique history to share! We will be privileged to view the beautiful stained-glass windows and listen to the historic Pipe Organ. Now it is time for our lunch at the Convivium Urban Farmstead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing community around food production, preparation, preservation and enjoyment. This establishment is a real blessing to the community. Next, we make our way to an alpaca farm by Motte, IA. The Irish Meadow Alpaca Farm specializes in champion show quality Peruvian Accoyo Huacayas. This 1850’s farmstead has many historic red barns nestled between limestone bluffs. We will hear their family history and touch an alpaca. It’s a perfect two-hour addition to our tour. We return to our hotel to freshen up for dinner.Later we depart for Moracco Supper Club in East Dubuque for our evening dining, a time to relax and enjoy each other’s company before returning to our hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Dubuque/Galena
An included breakfast is served at the hotel before another great day touring. We’ll visit the historic town of Galena and tour the home of our 18th President, Ulysses S. Grant. This Italianate home was presented to U.S. Grant, Civil War General, in 1865. Our step-on guide will take us on a city tour of this historic town. For lunch, we are guests at the DeSoto House Hotel, which dates back to 1855 and is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois! This afternoon, take some time to browse Galena’s charming shops and stroll along the Galena River. Return to the hotel and freshen up for the evening. Join us tonight as we board the nostalgic paddlewheeler, the Celebration Belle, for a dinner cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. Enjoy outstanding food, entertainment, and beautiful river scenery.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Dubuque
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we embark on another day of wonderful and magical touring. First, we travel to Dyersville, IA and make a stop at the National Farm Toy Museum. Next, we visit the If You Build It Exhibit Museum for Field of Dreams. Then on to the movie site of Field of Dreams. We can walk around, take pictures, and we will spend some time with one of the original ghost players. Then we depart Dyersville for Balltown, IA and our noon lunch at Breitbach’s Country Dining, Iowa’s oldest bar and restaurant with an amazing history! This afternoon take a historical journey as we visit the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Explore dynamic exhibits, hands-on touch pools, high-def theater and more. Return to the hotel and freshen up for a delightful evening. Join us for an exceptional Historic Progressive Dinner! Later we return to our hotel, our stomachs content after all the delicious food!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Dubuque to Home
After an included breakfast at the hotel, we depart Dubuque and make our way to Waterloo and enjoy a tour of the John Deere Tractor Factory. We’ll embark on trollies pulled by John Deere tractors and enjoy narration as we drive through the factory, witnessing the process from the beginning to the end. After the tour we will have our last lunch together as we continue our journey home with memories of another great R&J Farm Tour!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
*PLEASE NOTE: Our Farm Tours do NOT include our home pick-up service. Pick-up locations will be decided at a later date.*
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
13 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
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07/11/2022 07/15/2022
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
Stay 4 Nights at luxurious Hotel Julien in Dubuque
Seed Savers Exchange
Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Convivium Urban Farmstead
Irish Meadow Alpaca Farm
Moracco Supper Club
Historic Galena
Mississippi River Dinner Cruise
National Farm Toy Museum
Field of Dreams “If You Build It Exhibit Museum”
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Historic Progressive Dinner
John Deere Tractor Factory Tour
13 Meals
