Magnificent Midwest

After breakfast, we start at Olbrich Botanical Gardens for a stroll. Featuring 16 acres of beautiful Midwest hardy plants in a setting of prairie-style architecture, we will be amazed at the innovation and beauty of the Thai Pavilion and Rose Garden, and other specialty gardens. Next, we stop in at the one-of-a-kind National Mustard Museum to learn, taste and shop. We spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring Madison’s Old Market Place, where we may get a peek at the University of Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum, take photos of the lovely capitol building and meander around interestingly-shaped buildings sandwiched between Lake Mendota and its little sister, Lake Monona. If the season is right, we also take in the thrilling feats of skill and groundbreaking performances of the Mad-City Water Ski Team (11-time National Show Ski Champions). We’ll have lots to talk about at dinner!

We transfer to Minnesota today but stop for a visual treat – the awe-inspiring view from the House on the Rock. We have time to inspect the displays and collections of the exotic, the unusual and the amazing and then continue across the upper Mississippi River to Rochester. Upon arrival, we embark on an insightful and entertaining trolley tour to see why Minnesota’s Rochester is more than just medicine! Home to the world-famous Mayo Clinic Medical Facility and Minnesota’s 3rd largest city, we will visit the “Pill Hill” neighborhood, historic Downtown and Third Street, the Zumbro River, Silver Lake, Soldier’s Field Park and Veteran’s Memorial, the Plummer Building, Peace Plaza and much more! Another stop at Assisi Heights will not only show us an amazing view of Rochester, but we’ll talk to one of the Benedictine sisters and find out why religion and medicine have always meshed well in Rochester. Hilton Garden Inn Rochester or similar

We enjoy a free morning (optional short hiking experience available). After lunch, we immerse ourselves in enriching culture, as we venture into the historic Lanesboro and Harmony areas and journey through Minnesota’s largest Amish settlements. We can observe and learn about the Amish way of life, view a one-room schoolhouse, visit Amish shops and bakeries, and visit with farmers and craftsmen. We will be intrigued by their thriving lives, which do not use modern technologies or conveniences, like electricity and running water. After time to try an ice cream or shop for Amish goods like baskets, homemade soaps or jams, or hardwoods, we head back through the charming farmlands to Rochester. We stop at the sprawling Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery to enjoy a wine or cider tasting. We have the evening free to try one of Rochester’s award-winning restaurants of your choosing. Hilton Garden Inn Rochester or similar

Another amazing day awaits as we continue exploring some of what makes Midwesterners who they are! We meander up the Mississippi River Valley and stop at some of the historic cities along the way. Overlooking the river, Wabasha is home to the National Eagle Center and a perfect spot to watch for bald eagles and other river wildlife. After visiting the eagles and exhibits, we pause for a beverage and photo at Slippery’s Bar – famous for the “Grumpy Old Men” movies. Next, we cross the bridge back into Wisconsin, and make our way to Alma for an inspiring stop at Buena Vista Park to look back at Minnesota. In Stockholm, we visit the Museum of Laura Ingalls Wilder, an American writer, well-known for the children’s series, “Little House on the Prairie” and learn how her life may have been. Before departing town, consider a stop at the Pie and General Store to take along a slice of mouthwatering pie. We drive the short distance to see Laura’s 1867 log cabin replica, the “Little House in the Big Woods.” Hilton Garden Inn Eagan or similar

Today, we head to downtown Minneapolis to explore the historic Riverfront District. We see Father Hennepin Bluff Park and the Mississippi Gorge and walk across the Stone Arch Bridge. Also included is admission to the Mill City Museum, located in what was once one of the largest flour mills in the world. For lunch on our own, we transfer to the Midtown Global Market, where we can grab lunch and shop in the international shops or listen to live music. We continue our visit with a stop at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This crown jewel of the park system unites two of Minnesota’s cherished resources – its parks and its cultural heritage. Next, a nefarious gangster from the 1930s will regale us with stories of kidnappings, gun battles, and notorious criminals like Ma Barker, John Dillinger or Babyface Nelson, who helped shape the history of St Paul and the Midwest. We have the remainder of the day free for shopping or perhaps taking in a Twins baseball game at Target Field. Hilton Garden Inn Eagan or similar

Now its time to set our sights on “up North” as we head into the heart of Iron Range country. We make a stop in Eveleth to see the “National Shrine of American Hockey.” The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame tells the stories about hockey greats from the USA and Olympics around the world and honors the legends of the game. It is a fitting stop in the State of Hockey and reminds us too of the Miracle on Ice in 1980! We continue our wild streak as we stop next at the International Wolf Center to meet the pack and learn about their instincts, socialization and human relationships, and the advances in the survival of wolf populations. This evening, we have dinner and the chance to meet new friends from the Chippewa tribe who share their culture, history, and beliefs with us. This evening, we’ll watch the skies and hope we see the aurora borealis (Northern Lights). Grand Ely Lodge Resort or similar

We start with a short visit at the North American Bear Center, the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind. We have time to meet the bear ambassadors and learn about their lives, habitats, and behavior. We make our way through the Superior National Forest and visit sights around the North Shore of Lake Superior starting with Split Rock Lighthouse, built in 1910. After a photo stop at the scenic Gooseberry Falls, we stop in Two Harbors for lunch and to see the Lighthouse Museum. We will be amazed at the majesty of the views as we look out over the largest of the Great Lakes on our drive to Duluth. Nestled on its edge is Glensheen Historic Estate, a 39-room mansion built with remarkable craftsmanship including gardens, bridges, and the story of the Duluth region. The Inn on Lake Superior or similar

After an early breakfast, we embark on a 55-mile Apostle Islands Grand Tour cruise. Highlights include extraordinary natural scenery, such as standing rocks and extensive sea caves, marine wildlife, beautiful Raspberry and Devils Island Lighthouses and many nautical wonders on America’s largest lake. On our return to Duluth, we have free time for a late lunch and to explore around the Downtown Waterfront area, including Canal Park and the Lift Bridge. We have a farewell dinner and marvel at the wonders we have seen in the Upper Midwest!! The Inn on Lake Superior or similar

Alas, it’s time to bid goodbye to Gitche Gumee, the shining “Big-Sea-Water”. We make our way back to the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport in time to catch flights home (departing after 2 PM). You betcha we’ll see ya later then!