The Mighty Mississippi River & Cruise

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From a small stream at Lake Itasca, the Mississippi River flows 2350 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. From the time it was discovered it was marveled at. Locks and Dams control it’s flow but Mother Nature is really in control! From Spring flooding to the beauty of fall colors along “the river” it is a spectacular site. Join us as we travel along the Mighty Mississippi River on this 5 day adventure.

1. Home to LaCrosse, WI

We begin this morning traveling first to Red Wing, a river city just south of the Twin Cities. Here we will stop at Red Wing Pottery to learn from the local potters and take some time to enjoy the shops. Lunch will be on your own before we continue south to Wabasha and a stop at the National Eagle Center. Here we will learn about the decline and recent comeback of our National Bird. We leave for LaCrosse, where we will enjoy dinner together at the Freighthouse Restaurant in an old historic railroad shipping depot. Our night will be spent in a beautiful north woods lodge, the Stoney Creek Inn.

Included Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Stoney Creek Inn

2. LaCrosse to Dubuque, IA

We depart this morning traveling along the river towards Prairie du Chien, WI Here we will stop at the Villa Louis Historic Site and tour Wisconsin’s premier Victorian country estate. This 25 acre site will take us back in time reminding us of the first river travelers, the fur traders. We will also learn about the only battle of the war of 1812 that took place in Wisconsin, right here on this property. After our tour we continue down the Mississippi with stops for viewing and stories of the river. We’ll arrive in Dubuque, a great river town and make our first stop at St Lukes United Methodist Church where we will be awed by over 100 Tiffany Stained Glass Windows. Our lodging for the evening is the Historic Hotel Julien. This evening we will enjoy a “Murder Mystery” together for our dining and entertainment pleasure.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hotel: The Historic Hotel Julien

3. Dubuque & Galena

We begin our day with a stop at the newly expanded National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Here you will be able to spend time in this multifaceted museum and aquarium. Some of the exhibits include: aquariums filled with river creatures, a riverboat museum that celebrates the history of riverboats on the Mississippi, a wetland exhibit that explores the natural habitat of the Mississippi, and much more in this newly renovated museum complex. Following time at the museum, we cross the river and drive to the Sinsinawa Mounds Campus of the Dominican Sister Order. Here we enjoy a tour and a special lunch prepared by the Sisters. Later we travel into another river town, Galena, IL. Galena is one of the most preserved historic towns in America where 85% of the buildings are listed on the National Historic Register. We’ll spend some time enjoying the downtown shops and also take a trolley tour to learn the history of this 1800’s town. Our evening is free to enjoy the magnificent Hotel Julien and find a meal at one of the local Dubuque restaurants.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4. Dubuque to Moline, IL on the River

This morning we will rise early to board the “Celebration Belle” for our day long cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River. We’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner on-board along with some fantastic entertainment. But, the real highlights will be walking the deck of the ship and enjoying the views of rivertowns as we pass by. We’ll learn about the lock and dam system on the river and travel through the locks as we journey down stream. Sit back, enjoy this special day long journey. When we arrive in Moline we will check into our evening lodging with great memories of a Great River experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel: Radisson

5. Moline to Home

The Quad City area is rich in river history and also farming history. This morning before we board our motorcoach for the drive home, we walk across the street to the John Deere Pavilion and Gift Shop. We learn about the history of John Deere and farming along the river and around the world. We travel home & share our experiences of “Ol Man River” with our new traveling friends.

Included Meals: Breakfast