Day 1 – Home to Utica, IL
Well, do we have an adventure for you! Today we’ll travel to the rustic comfort of Staved Rock Lodge, the only lodging located in beautiful Starved Rock State Park. Enjoy a distillery tour & tasting at Star Union Spirits as well as a welcome dinner!
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Hotel: Starved Rock Lodge
Day 2 – Utica to East Peoria, IL
This morning we board a trolley at the Lodge’s Great Hall for a historic tour with stops including Starved Rock Park Visitor Center, through historic downtown Utica, and the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center. Then we tour the Westclox Museum to learn the history of the Western Clock Company who started “Waking Up America” in 1885! Next we’ll take a journey back in time to the mid-1800’s as we coast gently down the I&M Canal on a mule-pulled 1840’s replica canal boat. Our period dressed guide will regale everyone with tales of the canal, while the deck hand, mule tender & boat captain guide the boat one mile up the canal to the Little Vermillion aqueduct and back. Kick back with mimosas at the Boat Captain’s Luncheon, courtesy of the Lock 16 Cafe. Afterwards, we venture into the whimsical world of Ted Weber with his storybook-style house and over two acres of stunning English Gardens, complete with fountains, statues, and other ornamental features. This fun-filled day trip is the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine! Then we travel to the riverfront town of Peoria, best known for being the boyhood home of author, Mark Twain. This evening we check into the Stoney Creek Hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Stoney Creek Hotel
Day 3 – Spirit of Peoria Cruise: Peoria to Springfield, IL
This morning we board the Spirit of Peoria Paddlewheeler and enjoy a hot breakfast buffet on the Main Deck. Our cruise begins as we travel through the Peoria Lock & Dam. Be sure to make your way to the Boiler Deck for entertainment throughout the day that will include: live piano, vocal, guitar/banjo music and professional river lore, as we cruise along the Illinois River. Feel free to bring your lunch to the Texas Deck to enjoy the passing scenery with the open-air seating. This afternoon join your fellow travelers on the Boiler Deck for a Wine and Cheese Reception. Before we arrive in Meredosia, enjoy dinner on board. This evening we will be staying at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, IL.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Wine & Cheese
Hotel: Abraham Lincoln Hotel
Day 4 – Spirit of Peoria Cruise: Springfield to Grafton, IL
This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we tour the impressive Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. We then board the Spirit of Peoria, in Florence, for another day filled with scenery and fun! Lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner will again be served on board today with entertainment throughout the day. Tonight we disembark in Grafton and our overnight stay is at the Pere Marquette Lodge. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930’s, the Lodge is situated in Pere Marquette State Park, which is Illinois’ largest State Park.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Hotel: Pere Marquette Lodge
Day 5 – Spirit of Peoria Cruise: Grafton to Hannibal, MO
This morning we board the Spirit of Peoria and have a hot breakfast. Our cruise today starts at the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and will be a northbound trip up the Mississippi to Clarksville, MO. After some morning entertainment, we lock through Lock & Dam 25. Again, enjoy the scenery, meals, and snacks aboard the Spirit of Peoria. Tonight we will check into our hotel in Hannibal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Hotel: Best Western Plus
Day 6 – Hannibal to Home
After breakfast at the hotel, we will continue back to Minnesota, recalling grand memories of our Spirit of Peoria cruise!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
13 Meals, Dessert, Wine/Cheese Reception Plus Snacks; Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
3 Days of Cruising on the Spirit of Peoria Paddlewheeler
Overnight Lodging on Land
Sumptuous Meals on board including Prime Rib Dinner
Professional River Lore/Storytelling
Old-fashioned Hospitality
Unlimited Complimentary non-alcoholic Drinks
Historical Information
Wildlife Sightings
Indoor Comfort & Outdoor Relaxation
Live Entertainment including Old-time Banjo & Ragtime Piano
Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Star Union Spirits Distillery Tour
Starved Rock Trolley Tour
Westclox Museum
Mule-pulled I&M Canal Boat Ride
Weber House & Gardens