Mississippi River Cruise

Come aboard the Rustad coach as we take a journey along the Mighty Mississippi River. By mid-day, we’ll arrive in Wabasha, MN, one of the oldest towns on the upper Mississippi River. The National Eagle Center is a landmark interpretive center that is dedicated to educating the public about our national bird, the Bald Eagle. We will attend a classroom presentation starring a golden eagle and four bald eagles. You’ll meet rescued eagles up close and learn more about them in interactive exhibits and engaging activities. Lunch is included. Our afternoon travels take us along the Great River Road beside the Mississippi River, where we can take in the valley’s vibrant and inspiring natural beauty. By late afternoon, we arrive in Dubuque, named after Julien Dubuque, the first European settler in this area. Dubuque is situated at the junction of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, which is known as the Tri-State area. Rustad Tours is including your evening meal tonight. After your meal and checking into the hotel, there’s still time to take a short walk where you’ll find one of the most breathtaking views that overlooks the Mississippi River Valley. For the next three nights, the Holiday Inn will be your home in historic downtown Dubuque. (L) (D)

This morning our local guide introduces us to Dubuque, where Iowa started. It was the first permanent European settlement stretching back over 200 years. Some highlights of our city tour include Eagle Point Park with a view of the Lock & Dam, St. Luke’s Methodist Church, and a view of the beautiful City Murals. We cross the Mississippi River into Illinois for lunch, free time, and touring Galena. Galena is named for the mineral called Galena. This was an ore that formed the basis for the region’s early mining economy. We’ll enjoy our noon meal at the historic DeSoto House Hotel, named after Hernandez DeSoto, the Spanish explorer who first saw the Mississippi River in the 1500s. The hotel was built in 1855 to service many people who were attracted to this area for mining and as a major trade center. After lunch, we take a city tour highlighting several historic homes including the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Grant and his family lived in Galena for about a year in 1860 until he went back to military service. After the Civil War, Grant returned to Galena to establish a residence. The residents of Galena gave the home to him in 1865 as a thank-you for his war service. Rustad’s has also carved some free time to shop in the downtown historic district of Galena. Later this afternoon, we’ll take in the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium on a self-guided tour. Throughout the many multimedia exhibits, you’ll explore where history and rivers come alive. The story of a small drop of water takes you along on its extreme journey as it enters a watershed and faces many hurdles on its way to the ocean. Your included evening meal will be at the First-Class Timmerman’s Supper Club, situated on a bluff overlooking the scenic Mississippi River. (B) (L) (D)

Rise and shine! We have an early morning departure on the Celebration Belle for our 100-mile Mississippi River Cruise. You are invited to become Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn for the day! Come hungry! There will be plenty of delicious food served throughout the day. During the cruise, our captain will provide interesting commentary with highlights including history, wildlife along the river, locks and dams, tales of the Mighty Mississippi River, and more. In addition to all of this, you’ll be entertained with music, skits, and comedy. Our coach will meet us at the end of our relaxing river cruise for a return trip to our hotel in Dubuque, IA. (B) (L) (D)

Our luggage is stowed, we’re settled into our comfy seats, and ready to travel back to Kerkhoven. This morning, we’ll take a small-scale adventure into the history of agriculture at the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, IA. This museum has one of the largest collections of farm toys, including tractors, trucks, dioramas and unique exhibits about agriculture’s fantastic history! After an included noon lunch in Mason City, we’ll continue traveling home, arriving at Rustad’s bus garage by early evening. (B) (L)