Rails & Sails of the Midwest

1.  Home to Duluth
We’re off on a great adventure featuring the rails and sails of the midwest!  Our first rail trip will be a  round-trip on the Lester River route of the former Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range RR in a chartered Budd RDC car. This scenic line skirts the lake as it winds northeast.  Truly an rail experience you will long remember.  Explore Duluth Depot which includes living history; the Lake Superior Railroad Museum; and Depot Square, which recreates Duluth in the early 20th century. The collection of the Railroad Museum ranges from a huge articulated steam engine to “Iron Range” mine lines (said to be one of the most powerful railway engines ever built) to historic passenger cars and early diesel engines. The exhibits are displayed under the grand arch of the train-shed of Duluth’s former Union Station. Continue on the train with an included lunch enroute.  Arrive at the Union Station and check into the lovely Inn on Lake Superior perfectly set in Canal Park.  Free time is given before we set sail on a sunset cruise including dinner and sweeping views of the busy harbor and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior.  A perfect way to end the day.
Hotel: Inn on Lake Superior
Included Meals: Box Lunch, Dinner


2. Duluth to Stillwater
Breakfast is served at the hotel before we head to Superior, Wisconsin and visit the SS.Meteor Ship the last remaining of these innovative ships called whalebacks for their rounded hulls.  The Museum  features exhibits on Twin Ports ship building history and Great Lakes shipswrecks and shipbuilding.  Arrive in Stillwater for some free time in this charming riverside town. Enjoy a delightful evening at the historic Waterstreet Inn nestled among the shores of the scenic St. Croix River. This evening board the lovely Afton Princess for a beautiful dinner cruise along the shores of Minnesota and Wisconsin on the Scenic St. Croix River. Enjoy outstanding food and service.
Hotel: Waterstreet Inn
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


3.  Stillwater to Reg Wing
This morning enjoy a delightful breakfast  after we take a drive south to Osceola. Rail along on the St. Croix Valley Railway. Later our motorcoach brings us to lovely Red Wing, where we stay at the historic St. James Hotel. This 1875 Victorian property is located downtown near the Mississippi River and close to restaurants and shopping.  Check into the historic St. James Hotel before a delicious dinner.
Hotel: St. James Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


4. Red Wing to Prairie Du Chien
After breakfast at the hotel, board  Amtrak’s EMPIRE BUILDER from Red Wing to La Crosse WI. This trip follows the Canadian Pacific’s former Milwaukee Road route directly along the west shore of the Mississippi River for virtually the entire trip. Tall bluffs rise above the waters; and we can see the lock and dam structures that ensure navigation for large barges on the “Father of Waters”. At La Crosse drive to Prairie du Chien and visit Villa Louis, the 19th century home of a wealthy family of fur traders and investors in railroads, steamboats and land. The museum presents decorative arts,  a fur trade museum, and gardens. Our guide takes us to Pike’s Peak State Park situated on a bluff 550 feet above the River with an overlook positioned directly opposite the confluence of the Wisconsin River. This was the point of entry for Marquette and Joliet during their 1673 Voyage of Discovery.  Continue to Le Claire IA, located on the Mississippi River. Dinner is served tonight at a local favorite restaurant.
Hotel: Americ Inn Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


5. Prairie Du Chien to LeClaire
This morning depart on a voyage tour featuring a Tom Sawyer Adventure featuring an off the beaten track of the backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River on the Maiden Voyage tour.  Relax and sightsee while a knowledgeable guide points out eagle’s nests, great blue herons, beavers, river otters and any other wildlife we are likely to encounter.  Lunch will be served on board the boat.  Check into our hotel and freshen up for an exciting dinner featuring authentic German and American foods and fun.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express (Riverside Rooms)
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


6. LeClaire to Dubuque
Board the Riverboat Twilight a lavish Victorian Riverboat of the 19th century, for an upriver cruise to Dubuque IA. Built in 1987, the riverboat has three decks, tall stacks, comfortable lounges and dining rooms. All meals and snacks are included as we travel the changing landscapes of the river: sometimes marshes, sometimes cliffs, and even “locking through” on the river. Visit the pilot house, shop in the gift shop, or be entertained with an afternoon show. Upon arrival in Dubuque, we settle into the Grand Harbor Resort, located on the river. Hotel: Grand Harbor Resort
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


7 .Dubuque to LeClaire
Depart Dubuque and continue on the lavish Victorian Riverboat to LeClaire.  Enjoy breakfast at Tony Roma’s noon lunch on board riverboat bingo.  Enjoy afternoon snacks and entertainment. The cruise ends this evening. 
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8 LeClaire to Milwaukee
We depart later visit the wonderful Illinois Railroad Museum. This is one of America’s largest railway museums. Treasures include a fully restored Chicago, Aurora and Elgin “Electroliner” interurban streamliner which once routinely operated at 90mph between Milwaukee and Chicago. See streetcars ,the former Burlington Route “Nebraska Zephyr” streamliner from 1938, and steam engines ranging from industrial switchers to huge mainline power. The museum has a six-mile long electrified mainline on which trains can reach realistic speeds, and we can enjoy multiple rides during our visit.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
Included Meals: Breakfast


DAY 9  Milwaukee
Today is a mystery day in Milwaukee!  It promises to be filled with sights and fun attractions!  Truly a fun day when you are surprised by the things we will do.  This evening enjoy a farewell dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner


DAY 10 Milwaukee to Home
Embark on an experience you will long remember as we experience Discovery Worlds , the Ultimate Adventure Package.  Enjoy a 21/2 hour sail on the Denis Sullivan sail ship.  This will be the lead ship that we escort in the fleet that will be attending the Tall Ships event in Chicago’s harbor.  Later we make our way for an evening arrival home. 
Included Meals: Breakfast

Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information

Double: $1,989
Single: $2,589
Triple: $1,889
Quad: $156

Passport Needed

No

Price Includes

Price Per Person

Single: $2,589 Double: $1,989 Triple: $1,889 Quad: $1,789

Opt. Insurance

Single: $156 Double: $116 (per person)

Price includes:  71 meals, Hotels and activities as stated

Deposit due: $100 deposit at time of reservation,
Full payment due 30 days prior to departure

Travel Bucks: $30 Travel Bucks Earned with this Tour



Motorcoach Departure Date:
08/26/2010

Make a Reservation Online

Tour Highlights

Empire Builder Train
Ride on the Osceola & St. Croix Railway
Cruise on the St. Croix River
Cruise on the Steamboat Minnehaha
Lunch cruise on Lake Superior
Ride on the North Shore Scenic RR
Lester River Line
Tom Sawyer Adventure Cruise
Steam Trains, Cars and Trucks
Two day cruise on Mississipppi River on the Riverboat Twilight
Take a cruise on the Denis Sullivan Tall Ship that will lead the fleet into Chicago’s Harbor for the Tall Ships festival!


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