Explore Minnesota
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Directory attractions Metro Afton House Inn & Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines . . . . . . . . . . . 651-436-8883 3291 St Croix Tr S - Afton, MN 55001 www.aftonhouseinn.com www.stcroixrivercruises.com Welcoming group tours to immerse in the Scenic St. Croix River Valley. The Inn provides a perfect setting for group tours with a wide variety of tour options to fit your needs. Afton*Hudson Cruise Lines provides many different cruise options to fit your group.
Next Chapter Winery . . . . 612-756-3012
Byway with a wide variety of playing surfaces and layouts, many with beautiful bluff and valley views! Frisbee golf courses exist in many river valley communities. HUNTING & FISHING Hunting in the valley begins in the fall with over 150,000 geese at the Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area. Deer, duck, pheasant, and turkey are numerous, and trapping muskrat, mink, fox, raccoon, and beaver is also viable. Bow and black powder hunting have grown recently with outfitters able to supply your needs along the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway. Ortonville’s Big Stone Lake is famous for national fishing contests, but all along the river and its tributaries walleye, largemouth bass, crappies, northern pike, perch, blue gill, and fighting catfish abound. Don’t forget about the ice fishing in the winter! BIRDING The Minnesota River Valley Birding Trail is almost entirely within the Scenic Byway and there have been sightings of nearly 350 species within the river’s watershed. With many refuges, wildlife management areas, scientific and natural areas, parks and other specified lands, the habitat is healthy and widespread. Check www.birdingtrail.org for great details! FESTIVALS With 287 miles’ worth of towns, there’s bound to be a festival for your taste or season. Here is just a sample of some events: Sauerkraut Days (Henderson), Rock Bend Folk Festival (St. Peter), RibFest (Mankato), Bavarian Blast (New Ulm), FarmFest (Redwood Falls), Fiesta Days (Montevideo), AppleFest (Appleton). As you can see, a wide range of interests and activities await you along the MN River Valley National Scenic Byway! www.itinerariesmidwest.com
16945 320th Street - New Prague, MN 56071 www.nextchapterwinery.com Family-owned and operated, this winery focuses on sustainably crafting barrel-aged wine with grapes from both their vineyard and from California. The owner Timothy loves to stop in and give impromptu tours of the vineyard, solar-panel covered winery, barrel room, and event tent!
Paradise Charter Cruises & Minneapolis Queen . . . . 952-474-8058
2 Water Street - Excelsior, MN 55331 www.twincitiescruises.com Take your groups on a sightseeing or scenic tour of Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. They will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and Minneapolis Skyline and the beauty of the Lake Minnetonka area.
Wabasha Street Caves . . . 651-292-1220 215 Wabasha St S . . . . . . . . . . . 888-679-9896 St. Paul, MN 55107 www.wabashastreetcaves.com Down in History has exciting historic tours done by costumed characters. Historic Walking Cave Tours in Saint Paul and Stillwater. Motorcoach Gangster Tours, Irish Tours, Tacky Tours, Ghost & Graveyard Tours, & More! We Make History Fun!
Northern Summit Express Gondola 218-663-7281
467 Ski Hill Road – Lutsen, MN 55612 www.lutsen.com Take a ride on the Midwest’s only gondola. Travel over the Poplar River Valley and through vast woodlands, ending up at the top of Moose Mountain, where your group will enjoy food service and breathtaking views.
Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours at Wild Mountain 37200 Wild Mountain Rd Box 235 . . 651-465-6315
Taylors Falls, MN 55084 www.wildmountain.com Take advantage of several different excursion options on board Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours. Your pilot and tour guide will point out the unique rock formations that were left behind as the glaciers retreated thousands of years ago.
convention & visitors bureaus and chambers Metro
include over 50 retail, antique and specialty stores. Fine delicatessens and family restaurants are sure to satisfy your groups after a day filled with fun activities.
Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651-675-5546
1501 Central Parkway, Ste. E – Eagan, MN 55121 www.eaganmn.com Eagan makes planning your next group outing easy! Personal service includes custom and creative itineraries, FREE welcome bags and FREE Mall of America coupon books ($9.95 value). You’ll also enjoy our low 3% lodging tax. Ask how to qualify for our $250 cash rebate.
Northern St Cloud Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . 320-251-4170 1411 West St. Germain Street . . . . 800-264-2940
Suite 104 - St. Cloud, MN 56301 www.visitstcloud.com Among the many attractions are world-class gardens, history, granite, and great places to stay and eat. The St. Cloud CVB takes pride in helping you plan the perfect getaway. Creativity is key to the success of your group tour.
Willmar Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau . . . . . . . . . . 320-235-3552 2104 East Hwy 12 . . . . . . . . . . . 800-845-8747 Willmar, MN 56201 www.willmarlakesarea.com We are home to great historical museums, unique specialty shops, theaters, wineries, attractions and exciting events that are bound to make your group tour unique and exciting. We’ll take care of the details!
Southern Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway . . . . . . . . . . . 888-463-9856 www.mnrivervalley.com Located along the Minnesota River, motorcoach your groups through hardwood forests, 3.8 billion-year-old granite out-crops, and lush prairie grasses. State and local parks dot the valley along with museums and history sites.
Northfield Area Chamber & Tourism 205 3rd Street West . . . . . . . . . . 800-658-2548
Northfield, MN 55057 www.visitingnorthfield.com Located just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities along the shores of the Cannon River. Whether you enjoy the arts, history or nature, you’ll find multiple outlets for education as well as opportunities for relaxation and live entertainment.
festivals and events Metro Minnesota Renaissance Festival 12364 Chestnut Blvd . . . . . . . . . . 952-445-7361
Shakopee, MN 55379 www.renaissancefest.com Eat, drink, and be merry! The 16th-century atmosphere features more than 250 artisan booths, 16 stages of live entertainment, free parking, and food fit for a king!
Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce 205 Central Ave . . . . . . . . . . . . 763-682-4902
Buffalo, MN 55313 www.buffalo-mn.org Visit Buffalo, MN for many shopping opportunities that
ITINERARIES MIDWEST WINTER 2016-17
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