7 Days/6 Nights

Lake Superior Shores & the North Woods

Come experience the scenic treasures of eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin’s north woods! From the pristine shores of Lake Superior and the St. Croix River Valley to the lush farmland and the Mississippi River vistas, a wealth of beauty awaits. Ride the rails along the north shore of Lake Superior, enjoy a cruise around the Apostle Islands on the south shore and journey through Wisconsin’s north woods on the Great River Road as you learn the fascinating lifestyles of skilled artisans and thriving farmers. It all adds up to one incredible adventure!

Tour Highlights

• Ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad along crystal-clear Lake Superior.
• Cruise among the breathtaking Apostle Islands on the Island Princess.
• Visit America’s top cranberry growing region, including an enlightening visit to a cranberry bog.

Itinerary

Day 1—Minneapolis: Welcome! Today you’ll meet your fellow travelers for a welcome reception at our hotel near Minneapolis—the renowned “City of Lakes.” Meals Included: Welcome Reception.

Day 2—Stillwater/St. Croix River Valley/Sandstone: Get ready for an exciting day as we head to Stillwater. This historic city is known for its charming Main Street district full of antique shops and boutiques. In the picturesque St. Croix River Valley, you’ll gaze at the awesome “glacial potholes” formed 10,000 years ago by the rushing waters of a melting ice field.

If you love quilting, you’ll especially enjoy St. Croix Falls. Here we’ll have lunch and visit Pins ‘N’ Needles Quilt Shop offering thousands of bolts of fabric and all sorts of sewing notions.

In Sandstone, you’ll be treated to an exclusive visit and demonstration by skilled basket weaver Joanna Schutt. Unpack in Duluth for two nights lodging at the picturesque Inn on Lake Superior. Meals Included: B, L, D.

Day 3—Duluth/Two Harbors/Lutsen: This morning, it’s “all aboard” the North Shore Scenic Railroad for a breathtaking ride along the shore of pristine Lake Superior to Two Harbors. After lunch, we’ll see the nostalgic Split Rock Lighthouse, restored to its 1920s grandeur.

Afterwards, we’ll take a thrilling ride on the Midwest’s only mountain gondola. Enjoy the panoramic view as we glide over the Poplar River valley to the top of Moose Mountain. Meals Included: B, L.

Day 4—Bayfield/Cable: Long-lasting cruising memories are in store as we arrive in beautiful Bayfield. We’ll board the 70-foot Island Princess on Lake Superior to cruise the Apostle Islands. We’ll wind our way among the 22 islands, past historic sandstone quarries, shipwreck sites and fascinating lighthouses.

Later this afternoon we will end our day at Lakewoods Resort, nestled in the south cove of Lake Namakagon in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.  We have arranged for some recreational activities (included) for you to enjoy at the resort. Meals included: B, D.

Day 5—Hayward/Rice Lake/Chippewa Falls: Fishing fans are in for a treat at the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward. It boasts massive collections of world-record mounted freshwater fish and lures, plus classic fishing boats. A bit down the road, some friendly folks at Rice Lake Curling Club will treat us to a spirited demonstration of their fun winter sport.

Next “on tap” is a tour of the Leinenkugel Brewery in Chippewa Falls. See firsthand how award-winning beers are made in this old-world Germanic brewery dating back over 140 years.

Later, there’ll be luscious fruit as far as the eye can see at Cain’s Orchard in Hixton—including 20 acres each of apples and highbush cultivated blueberries. Meals included: B, L.

Day 6—Warrens/Onalaska: Our “fruitful” journey continues today at Wetherby Cranberry Company in Warrens. Co-owner Nodji Van Wychen will explain how cranberries are grown and harvested. We’ll also visit the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center where you’ll get to taste some products and learn what makes Wisconsin the nation’s leading cranberry producer. *

Later we’ll have a captivating visit to Wisconsin’s Amish region.  Our afternoon will include a visit to a working family farm, along with an inside look at fascinating crafts handmade by the Amish.

Finally, unparalleled scenery and delicious cuisine await you on a Mississippi River dinner cruise aboard the old-time paddlewheeler, the La Crosse Queen. Sit back and watch moonlight glisten on the waves as you savor a fork-tender prime rib and chicken dinner. Mmmm! Meals included: B, L, D.

Day 7—Fountain City/Stockholm/Minneapolis: Today we’ll journey along the Mississippi by motorcoach and see sites only the locals know about! We’ll stop at Elmer’s Auto and Toy Museum in Fountain City, with its unusual displays of both real and toy classic cars, plus thousands of antique toys and dolls.

We’ll also stretch our legs at Buena Vista Park on a bluff 500 feet above the Mississippi River Valley. From here you can see the coastline of both Minnesota and Wisconsin!

Next, fans of the ‘Little House’ books will love the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Pepin, just seven miles from the beloved author’s birthplace.

Our final stop will be Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery in Stockholm. You’ll hear about the orchard and sample some of its offerings, if you wish. After our group lunch, we return to Minneapolis, where we’ll depart for home with bushels of fond northern memories! Meals included: B, L.

Accommodations

• Day 1: Courtyard Marriott, Bloomington
• Day 2&3: Inn on Lake Superior, Duluth
• Day 4: Lakewoods Resort, Cable
• Day 5: Best Western Arrowhead Lodge, Black River Falls
• Day 6: Stoney Creek Inn, Onalaska