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BEGINS IN: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

On the Road: Upper Mississippi River Reflections — Historic Towns, Trails and Tales

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Program #14948RJ

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7 Days | 6 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Overview > Summary

Journey through the rich history and quaint culture of the Upper Mississippi River. Navigate the river and its Great River Road to discover the explorers and storytellers who called the Mighty Mississippi their home. Three very different floating excursions reveal new insights into the commerce, historic towns and nature's foliage waiting around every bend. Enjoy experts, local residents and themed dining as they weave your overland and river excursions into an unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

• Enjoy three uniquely different river excursions on three different types of boats: a half-day excursion through the National Wildlife Refuge, an all-day cruise on a Victorian riverboat through locks & dams, and venture into backwaters with a clammer on his pontoon boat.
• Visit charming river towns in four states: Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois.
• Have "nose-to-beak" encounters with bald eagles at the National Eagle Center, then look for eagles in the wild.

Program Notes

Click here to see more Road Scholar programs with Iowa State University.

Activity Notes

Must be able to climb two flights of stairs on riverboats. Will need to tote own luggage between bus and hotels. Must be able to climb 4 motorcoach steps within 10 seconds and several times per day, and walk/stand up to one hour at a time with stops.

Itinerary Summary

Arrival Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., 1 night; coach to Onalaska, Wis., 1 night; boat to Dubuque, Iowa, 2 nights; coach to Galena, Ill; boat to LeClaire, Iowa; boat and coach to Onalaska, 1 night; coach to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; 1 night; departure.
Date Notes
9/8/2013
Lead Instructors are Diane Van Wyngarden and Tom Quinn. Mid-September orchestrates the change of seasons from summer into fall. Crops are being harvested, gardens are in full bloom, and we may see the first hint of autumn color. Hotel nights on 9/10 and 9/11 (Tuesday and Wednesday nights) are in the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa. All program dates include all activities, but use different midweek hotels to accommodate changes in riverboat routes and city ports of boarding.10/6/2013
Lead Instructors are Diane Van Wyngarden and Tom Quinn. This week is the best chance to see beautiful fall foliage along the Mississippi. Cool nights, warm days. The Mississippi is very active at this time. Hotel on 10/8 (Tuesday) is the historic DeSoto House in Galena, Illinois. Hotel on 10/9 (Wednesday) is the new Cobblestone Inn, overlooking the Mississippi in Marquette, Iowa. All program dates include all activities, but use different midweek hotels to accommodate changes in riverboat routes and city ports of boarding.8/18/2013
Lead Instructors are Diane Van Wyngarden and Elaine Van Wyk. August offers very warm sunny days with gentle breezes on the river and gardens in full bloom. Hotel nights 8/20 and 8/21 (Tuesday and Wednesday) are in the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa. All program dates include all activities, but use different midweek hotels to accommodate changes in riverboat routes and city ports of boarding. 9/22/2013
Lead Instructor is Diane Van Wyngarden. Late September displays a dramatic change of seasons from summer to fall. Crops are being harvested, flowers are still blooming, and leaves start to change color. This is jacket weather. Overnight frost is possible, but days can be pleasantly warm. Hotel on 9/24 and 9/25 (Tuesday and Wednesday) is the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Galena, Illinois. All program dates include all activities, but use different midweek hotels to accommodate changes in riverboat routes and city ports of boarding.
Coordinated by Iowa State University Extension.
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Our Value Promise To You

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Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•6 nights of accommodations
•17 meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
•11 Expert-led lectures
•11 Field trips
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