Here is where we are going
Monday,
September 24
Warren
,
WI
Relax
and enjoy the autumn scenery as we depart by motor coach from Minnesota to our
neighboring state of Wisconsin; boasting stunning natural beauty, with abundant
lakes, forests and rolling hills that transform through four distinct seasons
each year. Our luncheon stop in La Crosse, WI
at the Old Country Buffet will surely satisfy your appetite. Driving onward we
enter "the bicycling capital of
America', Sparta,WI. This unique city is located in the center of 101 miles of connected State Bike
Trails and at the end is the famous Elroy-Sparta Bike Trail. The 32-mile
bicycling trail was the nation's first to be converted from an abandoned
railroad bed. You will gaze in awe at big Ben Bikin’, a 32-ft. talking,
fiberglass structure telling you about Sparta
and the things happening there. But there's more than just great biking. Sparta
is home to fascinating museums, including the Deke Slayton
Space & Bicycling
Museum. We'll experience a "berry" unique tour at our next stop in Warren,WI
with a visit to the Wetherby Cranberry Company marsh and packing facility.
Enjoy seeing first-hand the work that is involved in growing and harvesting this
crop for their upcoming festival. You'll have ample time for taking photos while
experiencing this agricultural event. The tour will be narrated by none other
than third generation cranberry grower, Nodji Van Wychen. Treat yourself to one
of six flavors of cranberry ice cream and browse their gift shop featuring a
large selection of cranberry specialty items. Our evening stay tonight is at the
Three Bears Lodge, in Warren, WI.
Tuesday,
September 25
New Glarus. WI
After
breakfast a short drive will find us in the heart of Amish
Country, Cashton, WI. This village and its surrounding townships are home to the largest Amish
community in Wisconsin. A step-on-guide will welcome you to the peace and tranquility of
small-town
America.Visitors find panoramic views of beautiful hills and valleys. Handcrafted
Amish goods, including baked products, quilts, furniture, baskets and toys are
available at various gift shops and Amish houses. Please respect the lifestyle
of the Amish if they do not wish to pose for photos. By mid afternoon, our motor
coach will pass through the capital city of
Madison
to the town of
MT Horeb
and the
Norwegian
Troll
Village; with our first stop being the Mustard
Museum; which was featured on Good Morning America. Mustard is the oldest condiment
known. Today, Dijon mustard is the standard (for many) against which all mustards are
measured. National Mustard Day is held annually on the first Saturday in August at the Mustard
Museum. After satisfying your "gourmet" taste, a step-on guide will join us
as we visit the "smaller beings" of the village. Trolls, similar in
size to dwarfs or elves, began appearing in the mid-1980's. It has been advised
to keep a good relationship with trolls as they are known to be guarding
treasures of gold or gemstones nearby. Be sure to bring your camera, because
they're always willing to have their picture taken with other smiling faces. The
guide will also accompany us on our drive to America's "Little Switzerland", New Glarus. Its rolling hills dotted with
small town farms and woodland pastures are much like the alpine farmlands of Glarus, Switzerland. An enduring dedication to preserving ties with the homeland has made this
little town a unique place to live, work, and visit. With small town
friendliness and enthusiasm, our guide will tell us the story of the cows.
Accommodations for the evening are at the beautiful Chalet Landhaus Inn where
you will be treated to an authentic Swiss dinner.
Wednesday.
September 26
Wisconsin
Dells
After
breakfast we'll be driving through the foothills of Blue Mounds and entering
picturesque farm settings of Little
Norway. Tucked alongside meandering streams
and garden paths, visitors to Little Norway will discover the original cabins of
a Norwegian immigrant family, built in 1856, which have been preserved and today
showcase an outstanding collection of antiques. Little Norway
has been featured in many national publications such as Country Living, Good
Housekeeping, and Architectural Digest. Late morning you'll be dazzled by our
arrival at the House on the
Rock. Imagine how it feels to be in the world's only
Infinity Room, jutting out an unsupported 218 feet with 3,264 windows for walls.
It is also home for the World's Largest Carousel with over 269 creatures and not
one of them a horse. There are amazing Music Machines, collections of dollhouses
and dolls, armor, a miniature circus, recreated Streets of Yesterday from 1880,
and grand floral displays. Late afternoon we'll drive North toward the Wisconsin
Dells where Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel welcomes you to relaxation at the beautiful
hotel or try your luck at gaming.
Thursday.
September 27
Home
Start
with a light breakfast, you have a large lunch in store for you today and
prepare yourself for a day of astounding entertainment, authentic experiences,
and tons of fun for all ages. Circus
World
Museum
in Baraboo is the world's largest and most comprehensive circus museum, with
exhibits that include the world's largest collection of one-of-a-kind antique
circus wagons, rare circus posters, and displays that tell the story of the
Ringling brothers and the circus that made them famous. Thunder Valley Inn,
located only one mile from downtown Wisconsin Dells, will treat us to
Scandinavian farm hospitality unlike anything in the Dells area. The food is
truly homemade, and the rural past will come alive as guests feel a special bond
with the Nelson family after their visit. As we are homeward bound, think of our
four-day Wisconsin Tour like a "CIRCLE" which has no beginning or end.
It is a collection of wonderful memories, new friendships made along the way,
and a truly exciting learning experience of sights, sounds, and cultures.
Get your Reservation
Form.
Go
Back to the Circle
Wisconsin start page.