Road Scholar : Home
Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City: Signature Highlights by River and Rail

Program Number: 21017RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/6/2013 - 6/13/2013; 6/19/2013 - 6/26/2013;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Price starting at: $1,699.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Train Treks; Signature Cities; On the Road Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 6 Dinners    

By boat, trolley and train explore three signature American cites and the great waterways that sustain them. Gain insights into the story told by the Chicago skyline during an architectural survey by boat. On train journeys to St Louis and Kansas City, experience beloved landmarks, float down the Mississippi River, examine Missouri River treasure and visit the Truman Presidential Museum. Set out on your own to explore the historic and cultural sites of most interest to you, equipped at all times with the expert advice of your study leader, a native Midwesterner with a wealth of historical information and insights about these cities on hand.




Highlights

• Ride the rails from one world-class city to another and another, and experience two mighty American waterways by riverboat.
• Visit and learn about icons of the American landscape, including the St. Louis Arch and Chicago’s beautiful skyline.
• Experience your choice of museums and attractions on excursions on your own and informed by the expertise of a study leader with personal knowledge of Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to a mile per day on primarily level surfaces. Climb stairs on/off double-decker bus, trolley, riverboat; no elevators, no porterage. Program not wheelchair- or walker-accessible. Optional group activities require standing/walking up to 90 minutes.



Included in this program: substantial free time, three-day trolley ticket to top Chicago attractions, expert advice for self-directed excursions, group transportation to program sites is included.




Date Specific Information

6-6-2013, 6-19-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Chicago, Ill., 3 nights; train to St. Louis, Mo., 2 nights; train to Kansas City, 2 nights; departure.



Coordinated by Iowa State University Extension.




Chicago

From charming old neighborhoods to late-night music clubs and a bustling pier on Lake Michigan, Chicago has a tempo that lures visitors and permanent residents alike. Home to the northern blues and jazz scene, world-class art collections, a renowned symphony orchestra and fine cuisine, Chicago has a bit of everything for everyone.
Accommodations
Three- and four-star hotels in convenient downtown locations.
Meals and Lodgings
   Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue
  Chicago, IL 3 nights
   Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
  St Louis, MO 2 nights
   Kansas City Holiday Inn at the Plaza
  Kansas City, MO 2 nights
 Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Location, location, location! Nestled near the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, our hotel is literally steps away from downtown Chicago's beautiful riverwalk and top attractions, including the architecture riverboat tour (1/2 block); Millennium Park and Cultural Center (2 blocks); Art Institute (4 blocks); plus hundreds of dining and shopping options. The Hop On/ Hop Off Trolley stop is only 1 block from our hotel, so you may easily enjoy this program's included 3-day trolley pass throughout downtown Chicago at no additional cost. Listen to the fun narrations of trolley hosts as you travel to your favorite destinations. Located on famous Michigan Avenue, home of the "Magnificent Mile", your uniquely spacious hotel room allows you to stretch out and relax. With only 5 guest rooms per floor, the hotel offers a homelike residential feel. In contrast to some big name Chicago hotels in dingy, noisy neighborhoods, this hotel gem provides a clean, safe and beautiful Michigan Avenue setting to enjoy Chicago by day or night.
  Contact info: 320 North Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
phone: 312-384-1208
web: www.comfortsuiteschicago.com/
  Room amenities: Rooms have expansive floor plans and residence-style amenities. Rooms with one bed (king or queen) are an apartment suite, featuring a separate bedroom, a full-size kitchen, desk and chair, and living area with sofa and second TV. Room with two beds (queens) are large open rooms (no separate bedroom); plus a kitchen, easy chair, and desk and office chair (no sofa or second TV). All rooms have full kitchens, with coffee maker, stove, microwave, and refrigerator. All rooms are also equipped with a washer and dryer; and workspace with ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Internet. The newly remodeled rooms provide 600-800 square feet to stretch and relax. Beds feature pillow-top mattresses. Some rooms have city views.
  Facility amenities: Complimentary coffee and full breakfast served daily; Complimentary high speed Internet; Same-day dry cleaning available; Complimentary access to fitness center in hotel;100% smoke free environment; Valet parking available; Bell staff; Concierge services.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Rates vary by date Come early and enjoy Chicago an extra day at our same special downtown Chicago rate. Availability and rates vary by date, but are approximately $200 (including tax) per night. Contact the hotel directly at (312) 384-1208. Request the "Iowa State University Road Scholar" rate.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Three historic National Register buildings have been beautifully renovated into this modern hotel while retaining historic treasures. Conveniently located near St Louis' top attractions, the hotel is directly across the street from the St. Louis Arch and Mississippi Riverfront; and only 1/2 block from the iconic Old Courthouse.
  Contact info: 2 South 4th Street
St. Louis, MI 63102 USA
phone: 314-231-3303
web: wwws.druryhotels.com/PropertyHotelServices.aspx?Property=0103&FromBooking=True
  Room amenities: Refrigerator and microwave in every room. Free wireless Internet and movie channels.
  Facility amenities: Indoor pool and two whirlpools. 24-hr fitness center and business center. Extensive buffet breakfast each morning; plus complimentary cocktails and light dinner each evening.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Kansas City Holiday Inn at the Plaza
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: This hotel is ideally located near Kansas City's Union Station and vibrant new Power & Light District; and within walking distance to Kansas City's popular Country Club Plaza historic district. A wonderful feature is this hotel's hospitality shuttle vans and welcoming drivers. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary shuttle rides to attractions within a 3-mile radius, including Union Station, the Jazz Museum, outstanding art museums, National WWI Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, and the Federal Reserve Bank's Money Museum. A convenient MAX stop (Metro Area Express) is also located by the hotel's front door, for a short bus ride to Crown Center/Hallmark Cards, Crossroads Arts District, and downtown attractions.
  Contact info: 1 East 45th Street
Kansas City, MO 64111 USA
phone: 816-753-7400
web: www.kcplazahotels.com
  Room amenities: One king or two queen beds, cable, satellite TV w/movie channel and pay-per-view movies, coffee maker, complimentary coffee/tea, reading chair, work desk & chair, hairdryer, iron/ironing board, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access.
  Facility amenities: Full-service restaurant/lounge, complimentary shuttle service (3 miles), free morning newspaper delivered to room, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access. largest outdoor pool in Kansas City, complimentary underground parking. Happy Hour drink specials & half price appetizers from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm Mon.-Thurs. nights.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Seasonal rates vary. Additional nights available by telephoning the hotel at (816) 753-7400. Ask to speak with Stephanie Porter.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:00 p.m. You will be staying at Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue that night.
  End of Program:
8:00 a.m. You will be staying at Kansas City Holiday Inn at the Plaza the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Self parking $32/day is available at 111 East Wacker Drive (across the street from our hotel). Park first and carry luggage directly to hotel (no Michigan Ave luggage unloading in front of hotel). Valet $37/day available at Hard Rock Hotel in next block.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Chicago, IL
  Nearest airport:  O'Hare International and Midway regional airports
  From End of Program
  Location:  Kansas City, MO
Travel Details
 

To Chicago Hotel

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $10-$12 per taxi. Taxi fares vary.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

10 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

1 mile
   

All taxis in Chicago are required to use their taximeter and payment is due upon reaching the destination. There is an extra $1 charge for the first additional passenger ages 13-64, and $0.50 for each passenger after that. Chicago has also instituted a $1 surcharge for fuel. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use. Suggested tip is 10-20%.
 

To Chicago Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $40 per person/one way - Prices are subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes from O'Hare; 20 minutes from Midway 
 

Distance:

 

22 miles from O'Hare; 12 miles from Midway
   

Most taxis charge flat rates to and from the airports. This rate is usually posted in the taxi. All taxis in Chicago are required to use their taximeter and payment is due upon reaching the destination. There is an extra $1 charge for the first additional passenger ages 13-64, and $0.50 for each passenger after that. Chicago has also instituted a $1 surcharge for fuel. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use. Suggested tip is 10-20%.
 

From Kansas City hotel

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super Shuttle of Kansas City
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$19 per person - prices are subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

23 miles
   

For reservations and exact times please call Super Shuttle directly at 800-258-3826
 

Chicago O'Hare or Midway

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Go Airport Express shuttle
phone: 888-284-3826

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$32 per person/one way - Prices are subject to change
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes from O'Hare; 20 minutes from Midway 
 

Distance:

 

22 miles from O'Hare; 12 miles from Midway
   

The Go Airport Express shuttle service offers convenient door-to-door service between both airports (Midway and O'Hare) and our Chicago hotel. No reservation is necessary before arrival in Chicago. You will find the Go Airport Express shuttle kiosk located in the baggage claim areas of the airports. One-way or round-trip services are offered. Go online for rates and more information: www.airportexpress.com
 
Driving Directions
  From Indiana via I-80/94: Driving west on I-80/94, stay on I-94 (Bishop Ford Freeway) going north. Continue north on I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit at 51A for Lake Street. Turn right onto W Lake St. Turn left onto W Wacker Drive. Enclosed public parking garage is 111 W Wacker (right side) just past Michigan Ave intersection. After parking, carry luggage from parking garage to hotel. Hotel is on Michigan Ave, across the street from the garage. Travel Tips: Unload luggage in parking garage or in the valet area by the Hard Rock Hotel next door. Luggage handling is not permitted on Michigan Avenue directly in front of our hotel's front door. Avoid weekday rush hour (7-9 am, 4-6 pm).
  From the North/O'Hare Airport: Take I-90 East (Kennedy Expressway). Exit 50B toward Ohio St E. Merge onto W Ohio St. Turn right onto N Michigan Ave. Turn left onto W Wacker Drive. Public parking garage is immediately on your right at 111 W Wacker Drive. After parking, carry luggage from parking garage to hotel. Hotel is on Michigan Ave, across the street from the garage. Travel Tips: Unload luggage in parking garage or in the valet area by the Hard Rock Hotel next door. Luggage handling is not permitted on Michigan Avenue directly in front of our hotel's front door. Avoid weekday rush hour (7-9 am, 4-6 pm).
  From the South: Proceed north on 1-57 N. Merge onto I-90/94 W (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit 51A for Lake Street. Turn right onto W Lake St. Turn left onto W Wacker Dr. Enclosed public parking garage is 111 W Wacker Dr (right side) just past Michigan Ave intersection. After parking, carry luggage from parking garage to hotel. Hotel is on Michigan Ave, across the street from the garage. Travel Tips: Unload luggage in parking garage or in the valet area by the Hard Rock Hotel next door. Luggage handling is not permitted on Michigan Avenue directly in front of our hotel's front door. Avoid weekday rush hour (7-9 am, 4-6 pm).
  From the Southwest/Midway Airport Take Cicero Avenue north to get to I-55 north (Stevenson Expressway). Take I-55 to exit #292A, I-90/94 west (Dan Ryan Expressway, direction Wisconsin). Exit 51A for Lake Street. Turn right onto W Lake St. Turn left onto W Wacker Dr. Enclosed public parking garage is 111 W Wacker (right side) just past Michigan Ave intersection. After parking, carry luggage from parking garage to hotel. Hotel is on Michigan Ave, across the street from the garage. Travel Tips: Unload luggage in the parking garage or in the valet area by the Hard Rock Hotel next door. Luggage handling is not permitted on Michigan Avenue directly in front of our hotel's front door. Avoid weekday rush hour (7-9 am, 4-6 pm).
  From the West: Head east on I-80. Take exit 151B on the left to merge onto I-57 N toward Chicago. merge onto I94 W. Take exit 51A for Lake Street. Turn right onto W Lake St. Turn left onto W Wacker Drive. Enclosed public parking garage is 111 W Wacker (right side) just past Michigan Ave intersection. After parking, carry luggage from parking garage to hotel. Hotel is on Michigan Ave, across the street from the garage. Travel Tips: Unload luggage in the parking garage or in the valet area by the Hard Rock Hotel next door. Luggage handling is not permitted on Michigan Avenue directly in front of our hotel's front door. Avoid weekday rush hour (7-9 am, 4-6 pm).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome dinner and evening Chicago City Lights tour.
(Wednesday, June 19)
   
 Arrive To: You may check in to your guest room beginning at 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early and your guest room is not available, you are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel while you explore Chicago until 3:00. At 4:45 p.m. meet in our hotel's meeting room on the main level, where you will be greeted by your group leader. Our program begins 5:00 p.m.
 Dinner: What a fantastic way to start our week! Our dinner tonight is in a Chicago icon - the Tribune building. This beautiful landmark is a 2-block walk from our hotel. We enjoy our first dinner at the new Howells and Hood restaurant, named after the Chicago Tribune building's famous architects. We may dine outside on the patio if weather permits. Discover pieces of famous sites from around the world as you explore the building's exterior.
 Evening: Chicago lights up as the sun goes down. We board a double-decker bus for a City Lights tour, as our first evening's introduction to Chicago.
   
Accommodations: Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Chicago riverboat architectural tour; learn about city highlights from the top of a double-decker bus; hop on/off at sites you wish to explore further.
(Thursday, June 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is provided in our hotel.
 Morning: Gain fascinating insights into Chicago's skyline with a boat tour on the Chicago River through the downtown, with instruction by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Our river excursion begins at the famous Michigan Avenue Bridge, located only 1/2 block from our hotel.
 Lunch: Chicago is famous for it deep-dish style of pizza. Experience the local culture as we sample this popular specialty.
 Afternoon: What would you most like to experience? The remainder of the day is free time. Join your group leader on a narrated trolley ride through Chicago's downtown and historic neighborhoods (trolley pass is included). Or use this time for self-exploration of famous art, peruse amazing museums, sample ethnic dishes, explore Michigan Avenue shops or stroll through Millennium Park. Detailed site information and leader assistance is provided.
 Dinner: Choose your favorite spot for dinner during your afternoon and evening of free time. Dining suggestions are provided in your program packet. Your Group Leader invites participants to join her for any meal.
 Evening: Our evening permits free time to enjoy activities of your choosing: attend a concert or theater performance, explore local sites, or relax at our hotel.
   
Accommodations: Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Morning riverboat architectural tour and afternoon free time.
(Friday, June 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is provided in our hotel.
 Morning: Travel Tip: If you wish to visit several museums, consider purchasing the Chicago CityPass. These tickets provide FastPass entry ahead of long lines. For more information, go to cityPASS.com/chicago
 Morning: So many interesting things to do- and the choices are yours! Enjoy the personal perspective of local hosts as they introduce us to their city. You may participate in a one-hour walking tour near our hotel (included); or explore museums or sites on your own (additional admission fees); or register in advance for a 2-4 hour personal guided tour (no additional cost). For more information about the 2-4 private tour, go to www.chicagogreeter.com. You MUST register at this website no later than 10 days before our program begins to request a private 2-4 hour tour. You may select from many topic choices. Contact your group leader if you'd like assistance in booking this private tour.
 Lunch: Join your group leader for lunch at a local restaurant during your free time today, or try other local favorites, such as the Russian Tea Room, Billy Goat Tavern or Chicago Italian beef. Dining suggestions are provided in your packet.
 Afternoon: Free time permits self-guided excursions to the sites of your choice. Your trolley pass provides transportation to Chicago's top attractions; plus narrated tours to Chicago neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Little Italy. Your group leader provides assistance; or you may explore attractions with her if you prefer.
 Dinner: Reconnect with other group members during our evening dinner; followed by orientation for tomorrow's train trek to St Louis.
   
Accommodations: Comfort Suites Michigan Avenue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Train ride from Chicago to St Louis as your Study Leader shares stories and insights.
(Saturday, June 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is provided in our hotel
 Morning: We shuttle by taxi to Chicago's Union station for our day of train travel to St Louis. Your train seat has ample leg room, so you can relax and listen to exclusive Road Scholar narrations while enjoying the views. Learn about this region's early settlers and history; and the significance of the Mississippi River as we cross this legendary waterway. While riding the train, you may listen to the Lead Instructor's narrations, dine in the dining car, read a book, watch the scenery from the observation car, catch a snack or a nap. The choice is yours!
 Lunch: Lunch is your choice -- purchase sandwiches or snacks from the train's cafe, or you may carry food with you onto the train. Your group leader will provide suggestions on where to purchase a lunch to take on the train.
 Dinner: Following our mid-afternoon train arrival in St Louis, we check into our hotel and enjoy an evening of food, conversation and relaxation.
 Evening: A Road Scholar exclusive: we enjoy a trolley tour of St Louis with history and narration by a local expert. Our 22-mile excursion travels through the downtown, along the riverfront and into Forest Park, location of the 1904 World's Fair and Summer Olympics.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Tram the St. Louis Arch and cruise the Mississippi River.
(Sunday, June 23)
   
 Breakfast: A breakfast buffet is included at our hotel.
 Morning: We visit the landmark of St Louis -- the arched Gateway to the West. We walk across the street from our hotel to the National Park grounds and St Louis Arch. Free time permits viewing museum exhibits inside the arch. You may purchase tickets to view a documentary or take a tram ride to the top of the arch.
 Morning: We board a riverboat to experience the mighty Mississippi. Our excursion travels along the National Park grounds and Arch, under the Eads Bridge, and near the beginning point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Our National Park ranger shares anecdotes and the historical significance of this region.
 Lunch: A box lunch is provided as we board our riverboat by the Arch.
 Afternoon: Free time provides opportunity to explore St. Louis sites of your choosing. One option is to join your Study Leader and walk 1 block from our hotel to the beautiful Old Courthouse, known especially for two historic court cases: The Dred Scott Case, a slave who sued for his freedom; and Virginia Minor's case of women suffrage. Your Study Leader will share these stories and accompany your exploration inside, where you can view exhibits or watch a video (free admission). Or self-explore other St. Louis sites, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, walk to nearby Busch Stadium or visit a brewery and Budweiser Clydesdale stables. You may wish to simply relax at our hotel or visit with group members - the choice is yours.
 Dinner: A light dinner with conversation and complimentary cocktails are provided in our hotel at 5:30 p.m.
   
Accommodations: Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Train ride from St Louis to Kansas City, as your Study Leader shares stories and insights.
(Monday, June 24)
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast buffet in our hotel.
 Morning: Following a breakfast buffet in our hotel, we take our next train ride to Kansas City. Learn what historical events brought this city to prominence, and how the river impacted its growth. Contrast the city's history with narrations on Kansas City today. You may again choose how you wish to spend your time on the train - listening to the exclusive Road Scholar lectures, reading, watching the scenery, dining, or relaxing.
 Morning: Enjoy off-road views through America's lush heartland. A favorite scenery point for many passengers is the stretch near Hermann, MO, where the line hugs the bluffs above the Missouri River and passes through two tunnels.
 Lunch: Lunch is your choice -- choose from a leisurely meal in the train dining car, purchase sandwiches or snacks from the train's cafe, or you may carry food with you onto the train.
 Afternoon: After our mid-afternoon arrival at Kansas City's beautifully-restored Union Station, we transfer to our hotel. Transportation is included.
 Dinner: Visit with other group members over dinner during our first evening in Kansas City.
 Evening: Evening is free to explore, visit with group members, or relax in our hotel, which has the largest outdoor pool in Kansas City,
   
Accommodations: Kansas City Holiday Inn at the Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Sunken Steamboat Discovery; Truman Presidential Library; Farewell Dinner.
(Tuesday, June 25)
   
 Breakfast: We start our morning with an included hot buffet breakfast at our hotel.
 Morning: A Road Scholar exclusive! Meet a modern day treasure hunter and listen to his fascinating story while viewing treasures from his sunken Missouri River steamboat. Group transportation is included to this museum located near the Missouri River and the Kansas City Market.
 Lunch: Join your group leader for lunch (additional) at a local restaurant; or choose one of the many other dining options. Our hotel is walking distance to Kansas City's popular Country Club Plaza, filled with restaurants and shops. Our hotel shuttle offers transportation if you prefer to ride to a lunch destination.
 Afternoon: Your afternoon of free time offers activities of your choice. You may choose to travel with your group leader to the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, Missouri (30 minutes from our hotel). Transportation and admission to the Truman Library are included. Or select from many other Kansas City attractions, including the Jazz Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, National WWI Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Toy & Miniature Museum, and the Federal Reserve Bank's very interesting Money Museum. Some charge an admission fee, others are free admission. Our hotel shuttle provides free and easy transportation.
 Dinner: Our program ends with a special farewell group dinner at a famous local restaurant. What's on the menu? Famous Kansas City barbecue, of course!
   
Accommodations: Kansas City Holiday Inn at the Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Independent departures from Kansas City.
(Wednesday, June 26)
   
 Breakfast: A hot buffet breakfast at our hotel is included before departures.
 Morning: Independent departures from Kansas City. This is a travel day, with no scheduled sessions or meals. Amtrak and the Kansas City International Airport provide convenient schedules to many destinations.
 Afternoon: Participants traveling by Amtrak via Springfield, IL may wish to stop and visit the Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. This award-winning museum opened in 2004 and features cutting-edge technology in its exhibits.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness that Changed America


Author: Erik Larson


Description: We highly recommend reading this book for a historical background about Chicago! It provides an interesting knowledge base for the architecture you will see and the stories you will hear during our program. This nonfiction account brings Chicago circa 1893 to life. Larson's spell-binding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men - the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of history and thrills of fiction.



Historic Photos of Chicago


Author: Russell Lewis


Description: Historic Photos of Chicago captures the remarkable journey of the "city of broad shoulders" and its people through the historic photographs of the Chicago History Museum. From the Great Fire, to the rise of industry, through prohibition, World Wars and into the modern era, Chicago has remained a city of innovation and resilience. Captions and chapter headings are written by Russell Lewis, Chief Historian for Chicago History Museum. Hundreds of archival photos reproduced in stunning duotone on heavy art paper.



Chicago: A Brief History


Author: Vook


Description: "Chicago: A Brief History" presents a comprehensive look at the city's transformation from a fur trade outpost to America's Second City. This compact digital compendium helps you track the diverse forces that shaped the city as we know it. Explore the exciting history behind the city's cultural, economic, and architectural mainstays. Gain valuable insight into groundbreaking Chicago events and major figures down through history, including: The Birth of a Major Trade City; The Great Fire of 1871; Construction of the Sears Tower; and Chicago's Public Enemies.



Founding St. Louis: First City of the New West


Author: J. Frederick Fausz


Description: Historian J. Frederick Fausz offers a fresh interpretation of St. Louis from 1764 to 1804, explaining how Pierre Lacde, the early Chouteaus, Saint Ange de Bellerive and the Osage Indians established a "gateway" to an enlightened, alternative frontier of peace and prosperity before Lewis and Clark were even born. Historians, genealogists and general readers will appreciate the well-researched perspectives in this engaging story about a novel French West long ignored in American history.



Historic Photos of St. Louis


Author: Adele Heagney and Jean Gosebrink


Description: St. Louis is the largest city in Missouri and the Gateway to the West, a moniker symbolized since 1965 by the mighty Gateway Arch fronting the Mississippi River. Historic Photos of St. Louis is a photographic history of this important American city spotlighting photographs collected from the area's top archives. Included here are the Eads Bridge, the St. Louis World s Fair of 1904, Busch stadiums 1 and 2, Union Station and the Milles Fountain, yesterday's Olive Street, aftermath of the 1896 tornado, Grant's Hardscrabble, the Admiral, the Southern Hotel, Forest Park, and much more. In stunning black-and-white photography, this handsome coffee-table book details the historical growth of St. Louis from the early days of the camera up to recent times. Spanning two centuries and nearly 200 images, the book follows life, government, and the building of this history-rich city, offering a compelling look into the past for any longtime resident and every history buff of St. Louis.



Truman


Author: David McCullough


Description: This warm biography of Harry Truman is both an historical evaluation of his presidency and a paean to the man's rock-solid American values. Truman was a compromise candidate for vice president, almost an accidental president after Roosevelt's death 12 weeks into his fourth term. Truman's stunning come-from-behind victory in the 1948 election showed how his personal qualities of integrity and straightforwardness were appreciated by ordinary Americans, perhaps, as McCullough notes, because he was one himself. His presidency was dominated by enormously controversial issues: he dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, established anti-Communism as the bedrock of American foreign policy, and sent U.S. troops into the Korean War. In this winner of the 1993 Pulitzer Prize, McCullough argues that history has validated most of Truman's war-time and Cold War decisions. Note: the hardcover version is 1,120 pages. The Kindle version is much lighter in weight!



Paris of the Plains: Kansas City from Doughboys to Expressways


Author: John Simonson


Description: From the end of the Great War to the final years of the 1950s, Kansas Citians lived in a manner worthy of a place called Paris of the Plains. The title did more than nod to the perfumed ladies who shopped at Harzfeld's Parisian or the one-thousand-foot television antenna nicknamed the "Eye-full Tower." It spoke to the character of a town that worked for Boss Tom and danced for Count Basie but transcended both the Pendergast era and the Jazz Age. Author John Simonson introduces readers to a town of vaudeville shows and screened-in porches, where fleets of cream-and-black streetcars passed beneath a canopy of elms. This is a history that smells equally of lilacs and stockyards and bursts with the clamor of gunshots, radio baseball and the distant whistle of a night train.





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