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Discover Midwest hospitality, agricultural marvels, and delicious farm-to-table eats throughout eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, the Dairy State. Our scenic drive begins along the Mississippi River on the Great River Road, one of America’s most beautiful routes with views of lush valleys and soaring bluffs. We stop at Red Wing Shoe Store to admire the artistry of handcrafted leather boots, enjoy lunch with a wine tasting at Italy-inspired Villa Bellezza Winery in Pepin, and visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha to learn about the majestic bird that symbolizes the strength and freedom of our country. Our journey continues into the heart of the Dairy State’s agricultural landscape. Learn about the cranberry lifecycle at Discover Cranberries in Warrens, followed by a tour of Heiman Holsteins in Marshfield to see their innovative technology, including a labor-saving robot. Marvel at the state’s largest automated dairy operation at Miltrim Farms in Athens and witness the Dutch-influenced cheesemaking process at Marieke Gouda in Thorp. In the Chippewa Valley, take a trolley ride and spend time at leisure, then sample award-winning beer at Leinenkugel’s Brewery. Before returning to Minneapolis, we also tour an Angus farm, an alpaca farm, and more!
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May 4, 2025 - May 10, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$3799
Single
$4699
Final Payment Date: 01/29/2025
May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025
Final Payment Date: 02/05/2025
Day 1 : Arrive in Minneapolis
Upon arriving in Minneapolis, we settle into our comfortable hotel for the night.
Day 2 : The Great River Road
We begin our adventure with a drive on the Great River Road, following the curves of the mighty Mississippi River. Take in the natural beauty of lush valleys, towering bluffs, charming river towns, and bald eagles soaring overhead as we make our way to the Freedom Park Great River Road Visitor Center. Located on the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, this picturesque stop offers insight into the region’s ecosystems and culture. Afterwards, we travel to Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum to learn about their handcrafted leather boots, then view souvenirs, the world’s largest boot, and exhibits. Our vistas of the Mississippi along this National Scenic Byway continue during our journey to Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, Wisconsin. Feel transported to Italy’s stunning countryside during our Welcome Lunch and tasting of internationally award-winning wine! We then visit the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, the “Eagle Capital of America.” Tonight, we check in to our accommodations in the riverside city of La Crosse and have dinner together.
Day 3 : Cranberries & Cows
Our day in the Dairy State kicks off in Warrens, home to the world’s largest cranberry festival. Enjoy a visit to Discover Cranberries, where we learn about the fruit’s life cycle from seed to harvest and spend time browsing unique products in the gift shop, such as cranberry wine and ice cream. Later, we arrive in Marshfield for lunch at leisure before touring local dairy businesses operated by the Heiman family. Go behind the scenes at Heiman Holsteins farm to hear how their innovative rotary parlor and labor-saving robot improves their milking process, then see products of the milk at Weber’s Farm Store and award-winning Nasonville Dairy. A short drive to Plover brings us to our next destination, Food + Farm Exploration Center. Browse fun, hands-on exhibits that showcase the incredible technology used in modern production agriculture and reveal where your food comes from. This evening, we check in to our nearby Stevens Point hotel and have dinner at a traditional Midwest supper club.
Day 4 : Dairy Delights
This morning, we travel to Wisconsin’s largest automated dairy operation, Miltrim Farms in Athens. Learn how this fourth-generation farm focuses on providing exceptional cow care, hear about the owner’s vision of sustainability, and witness the impressive milking system in action! Enjoy a privately catered lunch in their Milk Haus before our journey continues to Marieke Gouda in Thorp. We explore the farm and milking parlor, then see the traditional Dutch cheesemaking process with raw milk in the creamery and aging room. Afterwards, take time to shop for wine, cheese, and imported Dutch goods. Later, we arrive in Holiday Vacations’ home city of Eau Claire, nestled along the Chippewa River, and settle in for a two-night stay.
Day 5 : Chippewa River Trolley & Leinenkugel’s
Our exploration of Eau Claire begins with a unique trolley tour to see historic and beautiful sites as we travel along rail bridges, through lush forests, and down city streets. There’s also time for you to stroll the downtown area, take in serene views of the river, browse some of the quaint shops, and grab a bite to eat. Later, become immersed in 156 years of brewing history during our tour at family-owned Leinenkugel’s in Chippewa Falls. Browse vintage artifacts and hear about their award-winning beer, then head over to the Leinie Lodge for a sampling and time to shop.
Day 6 : Angus Ranch & Alpacas
We travel to Rooney Angus Ranch in Chippewa Falls for a tour of their family-owned farm today, followed by visiting friendly animals at Justorian Alpacas in Osseo. Hear how this charming hobby farm raises Suri alpacas and witness the distinct personality of each one! Afterwards, savor a taste of “grandma’s cooking” with a perfect blend of Norwegian and American traditions at Norske Nook Restaurant, complete with a slice of award-winning pie. We return to Minneapolis this evening and check in to our hotel before celebrating our adventure with a Farewell Dinner.
Day 7 : Fly Home
After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and return home with fond memories of our enriching agricultural experiences in the Upper Midwest.
Airport Pickups
Choose a State:
Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport
Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport
Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport
Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport
Orange County - John Wayne Airport
San Diego - San Diego International Airport
San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport
Denver - Denver International Airport
Hartford - Bradley International Airport
Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport
Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport
Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport
Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport
Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport
Miami - Miami International Airport
Orlando - Orlando International Airport
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West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport
Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
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Chicago - O'Hare International Airport
Moline - Quad City International Airport
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Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport
Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport
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Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport
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Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport
Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport
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Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport
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Fargo - Hector International Airport
Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport
Omaha - Eppley Airfield
Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport
Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport
Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport
Albany - Albany International Airport
Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport
New York - Kennedy International Airport
New York - La Guardia Airport
Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport
Dayton - Dayton International Airport
Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport
Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport
Portland - Portland International Airport
Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport
Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport
Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport
Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport
Charleston - Charleston International Airport
Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport
Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport
Memphis - Memphis International Airport
Nashville - Nashville International Airport
Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport
San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport
Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport
Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport
Richmond - Richmond International Airport
Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Spokane - Spokane International Airport
Appleton - Appleton International Airport
Baldwin - Groome Transportation
Eau Claire - Groome Transportation
Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport
Hudson - Groome Transportation
Madison - Dane County Regional Airport
Menomonie - Groome Transportation
Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
Charleston - Yeager Airport
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.