Day 1 Des Moines, IA

Pack your wooden shoes and join us because it’s Tulip Time in Pella, Iowa! Just shy of 100 years old, this Iowa tradition is dedicated to Pella’s proud Dutch heritage and features authentic costumes, tasty treats, towering windmills, and colorful tulips. As we make our way south, we will visit the historic Surf Ballroom and enjoy an included lunch here. Known for its iconic architecture and vibrant history, the Surf Ballroom has hosted numerous legendary performances over the years. Perhaps most famously, it was the site of the last concert by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson before the tragic plane crash that took their lives in 1959, an event that has since been immortalized as “The Day the Music Died.” Next stop, the POW Museum in Algona. This is a fascinating place that offers a unique glimpse into a little-known part of World War II history. The museum is dedicated to preserving the stories and experiences of the German prisoners of war who were held at Camp Algona during the war. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that include artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that bring this historical period to life. One of the most intriguing features of the museum is the detailed diorama of the camp, which provides an immersive look at what life was like for both the POWs and those who worked at the camp. We arrive in Des Moines, Iowa just in time for dinner. We will check-in to our hotel for a three night stay. (B, L)

Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

Day 2 Des Moines, IA

This morning we’ll board the bus and make our way to Winterset for a Tour of the Bridges of Madison County. An expert step-on guide will lead us to several of the world-famous bridges, where you will have a chance to walk through them while learning all about their history and the filming of the movie “The Bridges of Madison County.” Along the way, you’ll hear lots of wonderful stories about Madison County and the famous people who made it so special. Lunch is included along with Wine Tasting at the Madison County Winery. This afternoon we tour John Wayne’s Birthplace & Museum, the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, contracts, letters, artwork, and sculpture, and even one of his last customized automobiles. One last stop before heading back to Des Moines, and it’s a fun one, Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm. At the 20-acre farm you get to meet the alpacas and learn about the process of shearing and using their fiber. Enjoy their cute little shop while here. (B, L)

Day 3 Des Moines, IA

Today is the day! It’s Tulip Time! We will head to the charming town of Pella for it’s Annual Tulip Festival. Our day begins with a guided tour of Pella, led by an experienced guide. Following the tour, you will have the opportunity discover the Dutch Marketplace, for shopping and partake in the special festivities of Tulip Time along with explore everything Pella has to offer. In the afternoon, we will attend the Grandstand Show and Volks Parade, featuring street scrubbers, magnificent floats, the royal court, Dutch dancers, and much more. To conclude the day, we will gather for a delightful and entertaining Dutch dinner. (B, D)

Day 4 Amana, IA

Today we return to Pella to visit the Scholte House Museum, Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill. This afternoon we learn all about the Amana Colonies and their German heritage. A local guide give us a tour of the Amana Villages while telling us about the history. Stops include the Amana History Museum, a Meat Shop & Smokehouse, the Old-fashioned General store, Communal Kitchen and the Amana Church Museum. After checking-in to our hotel, we will gather at the Ox Yoke Inn for an delicious included dinner. (B, D)

Hotel: Hotel Millwright

Day 5 Home

Say goodbye to incredible Iowa and make our way back into Minnesota to our homes. (B)