2022 August Leisure Group Travel

AUGUST 2022 Scan this QR code to learn more about destinations in this magazine.

Golf Travel Aims for a Bright Future Golfers are hitting the links in record numbers

Protect North Carolina’s Outdoor Spaces We provide some tips for enjoying the great outdoors

INSIDE:

Montana Itinerary Guide A Premier Travel Media publication • LeisureGroupTravel.com

Colorado Group Tour Planner

Be Inspired.

Follow your curiosity to Theodore Roosevelt National Park where bison and wild horses roam through Badlands vistas. Access the north unit from Watford City and the south unit from the old west town of Medora, with its acclaimed Medora Musical and Roosevelt’s cabin from when he ranched here. Visit us online to plan your group tour.

NDtourism.com/grouptravel

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Golf Travel Aims for a Bright Future Golfers are hitting the links in record numbers

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CONTENTS

August 2022 Vol. 32 No. 4

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North Carolina was the first state to adopt the Leave No Trace program.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Coast TDA

FEATURES 8

GOLF TRAVEL AIMS FOR BRIGHT FUTURE By Jason Paha Golfers are hitting the links across the world in record numbers

COLUMNS 6 ON MY MIND B y D av e B o d l e

SPECIAL SECTIONS 12

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE Enjoy unforgettable experiences at these great theaters

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2022 SIGHTSEEING CRUISE GUIDE Get on board these fabulous cruises and see the grandest of waterways

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER Explore Colorado’s scenic byways and savor the state’s cowboy culture

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MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE We help you explore Big Sky Country with informative itineraries

DESTINATIONS 29

SOUTH PUT THESE ITINERARY OPTIONS ON YOUR RADAR By Dave Bodle North Carolina is a state filled with great experiences

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PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA’S OUTDOOR SPACES By Isabella Wilkes Outdoor NC provides tips for best practices for enjoying the great outdoors

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HAYWOOD YOU LIKE TO GO WILD IN THE NC SMOKIES? Visit NC Smokies is the place you want to gather

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WEST FIND YOUR FOODIE PARADISE IN CARBON COUNTY, WYOMING Carbon County is the perfect spot to discover Wyoming by food

EAST A LIVING MUSEUM BUSTLES WITH CURIOSITIES By Heather Dale One man’s proclivities for 19th-century oddities come to life

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FINDING YOUR OUTDOOR SPOTS IN SPOTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA Spotsylvania County features rural landscapes and outdoor adventure

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THE HOTTEST TRAVEL TRADE SHOW COMES TO FAIRFAX By Heather Dale Accent East Group Travel Trade Show and FAM Tour offers a hidden gem

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CENTRAL GREAT PLACES TO PADDLE IN MICHIGAN By Quinn Valdivia Groups seeking to get out on the water can enjoy picturesque surroundings

INTERNATIONAL EXPLORE THE PRESERVED BEAUTY OF COSTA RICA By Margaux Shearer Pacuare Outdoor Center is an ecologically minded luxurious adventure SPAIN AT ITS BEST By Randy Mink Straying off the beaten path in Castile-Leon, a region ripe for discovery

■ August 2022

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2022 IOWA TOUR GUIDE

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t the heart of the Midwest, Iowa has become a standout destination appealing to group travelers due to its vast array of experiences, scenery, culture and history. In conjunction with the Iowa Travel Industry Partners, Leisure Group Travel is pleased to announce the arrival of the 2022 Iowa Tour Guide. This guide provides planners with an expansive list of itinerary options across the state and highlights what makes Iowa a unique and charming destination.

Check out the online version or download a print copy at: https://leisuregrouptravel.com/iowa-tour-guide

VISIT LEISUREGROUPTRAVEL.COM STILL HUNGRY FOR MORE GREAT CONTENT? Check out more recent articles on leisuregrouptravel.com • Exhibition Surveys the Deep Impact of the Great Migration • Iowa’s History Comes Alive • Top 5 National Parks in Australia

Join 10,000 of your industry colleagues!

Subscribe to InSite from Leisure Group Travel for an array of online exclusive articles, insight from our editorial team and industry professionals.

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ON THE COVER: The Ocean Course at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Florida, has served as the site for the U.S. Open qualifying round.

Photo courtesy of Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

August 2022 ■ 5

ON MY MIND

By Dave Bodle

Vol. 32, No. 4 August 2022 Editorial & Advertising Office

Leave Your Destination Better Than You Found It

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hen I was just a youngster, family vacations were road trips with fond memories of places we visited. One item that was a key component of every vacation trip was the ice chest. Packed with precision by Dad under Mom’s watchful eye, it would keep us fed for the length of our trip. It was certainly too big for me or my older sister to handle. That leads me to the point of this story.

Stopping at the roadside picnic areas, Dad handled the ice chest and Mom set the table. My sister and I had cleanup duty. Paper plates, napkins, paper cups all had to find their way to the trash can. Mom’s challenge to us was to leave this place better than we found it. Today, that charge is coming from state tourism offices and partner organizations, local DMOs and the public-private sector.

As part of this August 2022 edition of Leisure Group Travel, the Colorado Group Tour Guide will again visit the “Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles.” Those seven principles encourage visitors to Know Before You Go, Stick to Trails, Leave It As You Find It, Trash the Trash, Be Careful With Fire, Keep Wildlife Wild and Share Our Trails & Parks.

Also in this Outdoors edition of LGT is a story on North Carolina’s involvement with the Leave No Trace Principles to protect the state’s outdoor spaces. While following the same seven principles, North Carolina is the first state with an ocean coast to become involved.

The “Montana Matters Protect Montana Moments” has many characteristics of the Leave No Trace Principles. But they also encourage visitors to Practice Social Distancing, Play it Safe and Build An Inclusive Outdoors. Watch for the Montana Itinerary Guide for more information and detail.

Numerous organizations from throughout the states mentioned above have joined their state tourism offices in committing to preserving the outdoors. When planning your tours, take notice of what the states you’re visiting are doing to maintain the attractiveness of their outdoors. Pitch in and be a part of that effort.

It’s through these sustainable tourism efforts that if we are able to maintain our great outdoors tourism products, it’s good for all of us. And that’s what’s on my mind.

Happy traveling,

Dave Bodle Associate Publisher

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Learning more about destinations featured in our magazine is easy with Just use your Camera app to scan this QR code. Then tap the screen to open a link to our digital reader service card. Click Submit and your request is immediately sent to that supplier.

621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Managing Editor – Miles Dobis

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Lance Harrell, lance@ptmgroups.com

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P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 diane@ptmgroups.com

Inside Sales Specialist – Rick Miller P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 rick@ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsi bility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406)

is published bi-monthly by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular sub scrip tion price for all others is $18.00 per year.

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TAKE THE PATH LESS TRAVELED WITH COLLETTE’S

SMALL GROUP EXPLORATIONS TOURS On a small group tour of only 14-24 travelers, delve into engaging, immersive experiences and discover the heart of a destination like never before.

EXPLORING

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• Explore the vineyards of the Cape wine lands.

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• Witness the beauty and power of Victoria Falls.

• Explore Arenal during a captivating 3-night stay.

• Hop aboard a riverboat for a jungle crocodile safari.

• See the process of converting cacao from bean to bar.

• Relax in the mineral rich waters of the iconic Blue Lagoon.

• Indulge in Icelandic-inspired cuisine at a restaurant.

• Join experts for whale watching on Skjálfandi Bay.

Visit www.collette.com/explorations to learn more about Small Group Explorations tours.

Let our group experts help you plan your next trip!

Call Collette at 888-631-8687 or Contact Your Trusted Travel Advisor. *Pricing is per person, land only, double occupancy, and varies by departure date. CST No. 2006766-20; UBI No. 601-220-855; Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35613

GOLF TOURISM

Golf Travel Avoids the Rough, Aims for Bright Future

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Almost 80 percent of core golfers are

planning a golf trip in 2022.

Golfers are hitting the links across the world in record numbers

By Jason Paha

Photo courtesy of Naples, Marco Island Everglades CVB

While most of the tourism sector has spent the past three years recovering from the damage inflicted by the pandemic, the venerable sport of golf has experienced a different fate.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

August 2022 ■ 9

GOLF TOURISM

After initially being staggered in 2020 by the impact of the COVID-19 virus, golf enjoyed an impressive surge during the second half of 2020. That growth continued throughout 2021 as the National Golf Foundation reports more rounds of golf were played at courses across the country than at any time in history. And that number figures to grow entering 2023.

In 2021, according to the NGF, 25.1 million Americans played on a golf course, a net increase of about 300,000 golfers from 2020. That 2021 number swells to 37.5 million Americans when off-course driving ranges, simulators or entertainment venues like Topgolf are added to the mix.

These statistics are even more encouraging when one factors in the number of women and newcomers who are hitting the links. In 2021, of the 25.1 million who played golf on a course, more than 6 million were women, a number that has risen substantially over the past five years. Similarly in 2021, a record 3.2 million played golf for the first time. This comes on the heels of more than 3 million making their golf debuts in 2020. Both numbers topped the previous high of 2.4 million new golfers in 2000.

Good news for travel planners

According to a recent survey of “core golfers” by the NGF, almost 80 percent said they are planning to take a dedicated golf trip this year. This number is a sizable increase from a year ago, when around 66 percent of participants (nearly 13 million Americans who play at least eight rounds of

Photo courtesy of Visit Pensacola

Golf’s growing popularity is promising news for travel planners seeking to rebuild after a cataclysmic 2020 and 2021. Golf travel, which already does a hearty $20 billion of business in the United States, appears poised to improve on that number in ensuing years.

Domestic golf destinations

Lost Key Golf Club, in Pensacola, Florida, is an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Championship public golf course that provides players with an exceptional golf experience.

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golf per year) said they were planning a golf trip. Along those lines, an NGF survey of 75 U.S. resort facilities shows advance bookings for golf trips are up 12 percent over the same period from last year and almost 20 percent above the pre-pandemic days.

Even sky-high fuel prices, which reached a national average of $4.009 for a gallon of gas this year, haven’t deterred golfers.

Almost 60 percent of golf trips involve golfers hitting the road by car, but driving destinations like Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks of Missouri report advance bookings for 2022 are similar to 2021.

Nothing, it appears, can keep golfers from their desired course. And considering there are more than 38,000 courses in the world in 209 different countries (85 percent of the world), that’s a healthy number of prospective travelers.

■ August 2022

Of those 38,000 courses, more than 16,000 can be found in the United States, >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Naples, Marco Island Everglades CVB

Florida is home to some of the finest courses in the country including The Rookery at Marco in Naples.

with the top states for golf being California, Florida and Oregon. Those states are home to the most Top 100-ranked courses in the country, with California sporting a robust 10 top-ranked courses.

And while rankings vary depending on where you look, it’s generally accepted that Pebble Beach in California, Pacific Dunes in Oregon and TPC Sawgrass in Florida are among the best courses in the world. Best of all, these fabled courses are open to the public.

Overseas golf trips are burgeoning

A report titled “Golf Tourism Global Market Report 2022 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2022-2026” published

by The Business Research Company says the golf tourism market is expected to grow from $4.44 billion in 2021 to $4.8 billion in 2022. This same market is expected to grow to $5.8 billion in 2026.

Further boosting the sport is the fact more than 670 golf courses LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

are either being built or are in the planning stages. Asia, Europe and North America account for nearly 80 percent of all golf courses being built or planned. The expansion of golf courses in these regions will boost the golf tourism market in these areas, resulting in healthy growth of the global golf tourism market.

One such example of a healthy golf market is the United Kingdom, where some of the UK’s top golf venues are selling out both this year and in 2023. Gordon Dalgleish, who runs U.S. tour operator PerryGolf, told CNBC he’s never seen such demand from Americans wanting to play upscale courses in Britain, such as the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. In fact, PerryGolf has almost sold out of 2023 spots to play the Old Course, which is considered the oldest and most iconic golf course in the world.

Golf brings tourism dollars

While golf may be the primary reason travelers are visiting Scotland and other

golf-affiliated cities and countries, it is only a portion of these excursions. This greatly benefits the cities and countries that house these golf courses.

Golf tourism represents the largest sports-related travel market and is considered one of the best ways to boost tourism. This stems largely from the fact golf tourists often have higher average spending than other tourists, with golf travelers spending an average of 2.5 times more than leisure tourists. Only 25 percent of that is reportedly spent on golf.

The National Golf Foundation also found that while the average length of a trip of a domestic visitor is 3.6 days, a golfer stays an average of 4.6 days. This number is even more pronounced with overseas golf travelers, who stay a minimum of seven nights according to a survey conducted by Golf Travel Consulting.

In other words, golf travel is big business.

And it’s getting bigger by the day.

August 2022 ■ 11

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

Live Theater Guide Looking for an option to keep the whole group entertained?

These theaters make perfect additions to any itinerary.

Whether your group is in the mood to see a Broadway show, be wined and dined or take a behind-the-scenes tour, these theaters have something for everyone.

For more information about the great theaters listed in this guide, scan this QR code!

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Photo courtesy of Madison Square Garden

DISNEY ON BROADWAY New York City, New York

Disney’s first Broadway musical, a stage adaptation of its popular animated film Beauty and the Beast, forever changed the theatrical landscape when it opened on April 18, 1994.

Since that opening, Disney on Broadway has become a worldwide success and leaves audiences dazzled by the magic and returning for more.

With Beauty and the Beast, Disney launched a commitment to Broadway and New York City, anchored by the power and delight of live theater.

Nowhere is this more evident than the New Amsterdam Theatre in Times Square. Built in 1903, the theater was long considered the crown jewel of Broadway houses. It still retains that lofty reputation.

Disney on Broadway currently offers one of the most captivating productions, so much so that its untamed atmosphere and dancing gazelles have been commanding the stage since November 1997. The Lion King has dominated the musical world with 70 major theatre awards internationally and captivates over 100 million audience members across the globe.

Renowned director Julie Taymor has perfected the details of costumes, and LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

exemplifies the richness of African culture by including six indigenous African languages which are sung and spoken throughout the show.

Named the most successful musical in history, The Lion King plays eight times a week at the Minskoff Theatre in New York.

Transitioning from the Pride Lands to the streets of Agrabah! Night after night, Aladdin grants wishes and makes audiences cheer. With unforgettable music, sensational dance numbers and breathtaking special effects that only Disney can deliver, it’s no wonder The Wall Street Journal calls it “Broadway magic!”

Oscar winning composer, Alan Menken, stuns the crowd with his musical work “A Whole New World” while Genie sparkles on stage with a thousand crystals in a singular pair of pants. Aladdin currently plays eight times a week at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre in Times Square.

If a trip to New York does not suit the schedule, Disney on Broadway offers its astonishingly chilly musical Frozen currently touring North America with its awardwinning creative team.

All ticket sales can be found at the Disney on Broadway website with a surplus of performance dates and times to choose from. (www.DisneyTheatricalSales.com) August 2022 ■ 13

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

TIBBITS OPERA HOUSE Coldwater, Michigan

Built in 1882, Tibbits Opera House is among the oldest theatres in Michigan.

Beyond its exquisite award-winning exterior, the theatre offers a rich history and welcoming ambiance, excellent acoustics, an intimate 500-seat setting. Come catch a show or enjoy a historic tour.

Tibbits has developed an outstanding reputation for its professional Summer Theatre over the past 59 consecutive years.

USA Today called it one of “10 great places to see the lights way off Broadway.” Through the rest of the year, Tibbits Entertainment Series offers touring performers and something for every taste, from rock and roll tribute bands to professional comedians, to a full selection of youth and educational programs. Before or after the show take in Tibbits Art Gallery featuring works of many fine regional artists.

Group tours are available and are adaptable to fit your group’s interests.

(Tibbits.org)

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RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL New York City, New York

With its sights, lights and world-class attractions, New York City is the ultimate destination during the holidays. There’s a festive spirit filling the air in Manhattan, and just beyond the ice skaters and breathtaking Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, in the epicenter of it all, is Radio City Music Hall®. Walk through the doors of this iconic landmark theater, and you’ll find yourself transported to a magical winter wonderland - the home of the Radio City Rockettes® and the most incredible holiday show to ever hit the American stage.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® is an unparalleled, holiday production that features the signature precision choreography and eye-high kicks of the world-famous Radio City Rockettes®. You’ll be awestruck by the show-stopping numbers, including the renowned “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” and the festive holiday celebration “New York at Christmas.” From dazzling kick lines to the magic of Santa, the Christmas Spectacular is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit. Since its debut in 1933, the Christmas Spectacular has been New York’s most beloved holiday tradition, and one that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

It’s never too early when it comes to holiday travel planning. Experience all the warmth and magic of this New York sensation—at great savings! Reserving seats and creating an amazing visit around the show couldn’t be easier. A dedicated Christmas Concierge from our Group Travel Department will help plan your day and make it unforgettable. Radio City also offers ticket packages that include once-in-a-lifetime experiences where you can take a behindthe-scenes tour of Radio City, dance with a Rockette, enjoy a glamorous pre-show reception in the historic Roxy Suite and much more! (www.rockettes.com/christmas)

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

DRURY LANE THEATRE Oak Brook, Illinois

Discover the ultimate group destination at Drury Lane Theatre. For over 66 years, the Oak Brook icon has staged spectacular performances and created unforgettable experiences for a host of visitors. Featuring live theatre, delicious dining, convenient transportation & nearby lodging, as well as dedicated group services, it’s an easy and affordable way to gather. Organizations and groups of 15-plus qualify for dramatic savings of up to 20% off regular ticket pricing.

Make it an event to remember with the theatre’s on-site restaurant, Lucille.

Choose from an array of menus and dining options exclusively for groups.

Drury Lane offers free parking in the adjacent garage, ample room for bus and motorcoach parking, as well as complimentary valet for passenger cars. No matter how you arrive, it couldn’t be any more convenient. (drurylanetheatre.com)

CUMBERLAND COUNTY PLAYHOUSE Crossville, Tennessee

“Consistently, Cumberland County Playhouse presents the best musical theater offerings you’re likely to find outside of New York City.” – Jeffrey Ellis, BroadwayWorld.com Since its inaugural performance in 1965, the Cumberland County Playhouse has attracted over 5 million visitors to its two theaters Crossville, TN. The Playhouse has been recognized by the Tennessee Arts Commission as the state’s only rurally based Major Cultural Institution and has been named the top attraction both in Crossville and in Cumberland County by the Crossville Chronicle. At the annual Broadway World Awards in Nashville, the Playhouse is consistently recognized as one of the finest professional theaters in the state. Today, the Cumberland County Playhouse is one of the ten largest theaters in rural America and attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.

The 2022 season expects to be the Playhouse’s best season yet, as it features plenty of great titles including Escape to Margaritaville (running until September 8, rated PG-13, co-sponsored by Ken & Grace Patton, Fairfield Glade resort, and Club 16

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Wyndham), Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies (August 19-October 13, rated PG, sponsored

by Atlas Real Estate, Tracey Barnes, Owner/ Broker), Buddy -The Buddy Holly Story (September 16-October 27, rated PG), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (November 4-December 21, rated G) and Johnny and the Devil’s Box, a new musical (November 18-December 17, rated PG, co-sponsored by Dr. Edward & Karen Thornblade and Mark Ritchie & Arlene Albert).

The Cumberland County Playhouse has long been recognized for its commitment to the highest standards of artistic excellence in all elements of its productions, and employs some of the finest designers, directors and actors in the industry. The Playhouse artistic staff is constantly exploring the newest theatrical technologies along with exciting new titles in order to consistently bring audiences theater that touches hearts, opens minds, and changes lives. (ccplayhouse.com) >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

BARTER THEATRE Abingdon, Virginia

Open since 1933, Barter Theatre is one of the longest running professional theatres in the nation. The theater’s location, Abingdon, is a lovely town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that has a rich history, culture, majestic scenery, and is an ideal destination for a motor coach. Located within the Abingdon Historic District, Barter Theatre, is in close proximity to a wide selection of unique, and group friendly, dining and shopping opportunities.

Barter Theatre is group-friendly and offers group rates up to 50% off single ticket prices as well as complimentary tickets to group organizers and drivers. In coordination with Visit Abingdon Barter provides complimentary services such as customizable group itineraries, a step-on tour guide for your visit, assistance with lodging, dining, area attraction arrangements and more.

Barter also provides behind-the-scenes tours, actorled talk-backs and workshops that can be adapted to the needs of your group. Barter offers easy access for everyone in your group, including ramp entrances, fully handicapped-accessible buildings and assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired. (bartertheatre.com)

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

RABBIT RUN THEATER

CORNWELL’S DINNER THEATRE

Historic Rabbit Run Theater, with its quaint surroundings, has been an entertainment mainstay in Northeast Ohio for generations.

Its charm and pastoral setting irresistibly draw patrons every summer.

Rabbit Run is located in the heart of the Grand River Valley Wine District, and is one of the few original barn theaters still in operation. Rabbit Run offers outstanding live theater in its productions of blockbuster musicals, comedies and dramas.

Groups are our specialty, and several preshow winetasting/dinner theater packages are available with area wineries and attractions, including Grand River Cellars, The Winery at Springhill and the Steele Mansion.

We are known for our group amenities, including the services of a hostess who greets the group and talks about the history of the theater, as well as large complimentary cookies offered to group guests during intermission.

Call us at 440-428-5913 for more information. (rabbitrun.org)

For more than 35 years, Cornwell’s first priority has been to provide the best dining and entertainment experience followed up with unmatched customer service. When you arrive at the theatre, the house staff will be waiting to seat you at your table, where you will be served salad, soup and drinks. Homemade dinner rolls and Grandma’s cranberry relish will be brought to your table while you adjourn to the buffet to enjoy the latest turkey dishes with all the trimmings, followed by your choice of three different desserts.

After the meal, you may have some time to stretch your legs and visit their bakery, ice cream parlor and gift shop. Then the lights go down and the curtain rises on Cornwell’s latest production.

Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre specializes in creating memorable experiences for bus tours and other large groups, offering two pricing tiers. (turkeyville. com/dinner-theatre)

Madison, Ohio

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Marshall, Michigan

August 2022 ■ 19

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

Photo courtesy of Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse

Enjoy Unforgettable Experiences and Great Food at the Theatre

National Dinner Theatre Association has been unifying our country’s dinner theatres since 1978

By Margaux Shearer

D

inner theatres across the United States provide unforgettable experiences for guests looking to indulge in freshly prepared meals and award-winning performances. Whether the night consists of relaxing in the comfortable environment of Chanhassen Dinner Theatre in Minnesota or enjoying a matinee performance with the live orchestra at Derby Dinner Playhouse in Indiana, organizations have proved themselves as outstanding entertainment outlets. In order to support the classic settings and sincere hospitality of these venues, in 1978, the National Dinner Theatre Association (NDTA) set out to unify our country’s dinner theatres and offer opportunities to gain new perspectives and knowledge of the industry.

The United States is populated with dinner theatres found on the outskirts of large metropolitan areas and speckled throughout smaller, countryside towns. The different owners, locations and a copious number of other aspects influence the way these establishments are developed and function.

The NDTA provides a surplus of methods and resources general to the industry which allow each unique organization to excel at what they do best.

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After becoming a member of the National Dinner Theatre Association, organizations have immediate access to a variety of conferences, networking events, and hands-on educational workshops. Excellent resources for management and cooperative marketing are also available to improve the professional development of businesses.

Becoming a member opens up the curtains to a plethora of networking, including exchanging profitability information and gaining support from fellow professionals. This intertwined system connects new producers with the wisdom and experience of privately-owned businesses, such as the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre which first opened its doors in 1968. The current members of the NDTA represent 20 of the most exceptional dinner theatres scattered throughout the country, all offering a distinctive atmosphere and original entertainment. For over 40 years, Toby’s Dinner Theatre has presented award-winning

Broadway and original musicals in the bustling town of Columbia, Maryland. Watch as the same servers bringing out the delectable meals transform into show-stopping actors, making for unbelievable entertainment.

The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is visited by over 150,000 guests annually and is presenting five musicals for the 2022 season accompanied by menus designed for each show. Hidden in Fredericksburg, Virginia is the spacious venue of Riverside Center Dinner Theatre which proves to be an excellent destination for wedding receptions and corporate meetings while providing fantastic entertainment and dining options. Built to bring live musical theater to the Fredericksburg, Virginia area, the Riverside Center Dinner Theater opened in 1998 and features 36,000 square feet of dinner theater and conference facility all rolled into one beautiful building.

The dedication of the National Dinner Theatre Association to preserving and improving our nation’s entertainment treasures ensures that generations to come will be given the opportunity to appreciate Broadway-worthy performances with a little touch of home cooked comfort. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

National Dinner Theatre Association Members

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRE Chanhassen, Minnesota

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is known for its world-class actors, musicians and backstage crews, in addition to offering entertainment spanning from a concert series, comedy club, special presentations and of course yearround theater productions all interpreted and created on-site. The current year-round performance, Footloose, gives audience members the opportunity to enjoy a glass of pinot noir while watching rebelling teens stomp and spin across the stage. All ticket prices include warm butter and bread to start, a choice from a wide selection of entrées, and coffee, milk or tea to accompany the drawing of the curtains. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre ensures that there is a meal for everyone, with options ranging from a roasted beet salad to a grilled tip sirloin, and as the show comes to a close, be sure to end sweetly with an apple galette or the towering chocolate cake for two.

Any group of 12 or more receives special rates and benefits. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and your dinner & show ticket includes gratuity! Different packages ensure the best deal is given according to specific groups, and information about personal discounts is available by calling the box office. (chanhassendt.com)

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

August 2022 ■ 21

2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE Clarksville, Indiana

Derby Dinner Playhouse is proud to be in its 48th season featuring such shows as IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, GRUMPY OLD MEN THE MUSICAL, and ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE. Located just minutes from downtown Louisville, KY, this 450-seat theatre is noted for their professional productions of Broadway musicals, comedies, and Children’s Theatre. The Derby Dinner stage is surrounded by tiers of dining tables set “in-the-round,” which provides an intimate setting not usually found in most theatrical venues. The freshly prepared home-style buffet includes such Southern favorites as fried chicken and fish, green beans, mashed potatoes, and a full salad bar. With its wide variety of shows, an evening at Derby Dinner Playhouse is truly something that everyone can enjoy. Group rates available for groups of 20 or more. (derbydinner.com)

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DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE & BROADWAY PALM DINNER THEATRE Lancaster, PA / Fort Myers, FL

The Prather Family of theatres have been entertaining guests for more than 45 years. With two locations, these two incredible theatres will entertain you coast to coast! Whether your group visits Pennsylvania or Florida, enjoy a live professional Broadway-style musical, paired with a delicious all–American buffet or a served dinner on selected performances.

Parties of 16 or more receive a group rate that is inclusive of dinner, show, tax and meal gratuity. Group escort and motor coach driver receive a complimentary dinner and show ticket. Traveling with a group makes everything more fun so contact the Group Sales department today! (DutchApple.com/ BroadwayPalm.com)

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National Dinner Theatre Association Members

RIVERSIDE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Stafford County, Virginia

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is a traditional proscenium stage, boasting Virginia’s only dinner theatre fly loft for exquisite sets and seamless transitions between scenes. Riverside’s ever-widening reputation and recognition for production excellence has attracted performers from the Broadway stage and national-tour casts, and noted musical theater critics have cited Riverside Center as “one of the best places to see musicals in the D.C. area.”

Every week, Riverside offers both evening and matinee main stage performances. Dinner Theatre patrons enjoy a three-course, chef-prepared meal served by an experienced staff of waiters, a service not generally found in dinner theaters elsewhere. Group benefits include: • Groups of 12 or more receive special rates • Every 25th ticket is only $10 (plus applicable taxes) • Ticket includes dinner, show, taxes, and meal service • Easy access and ample free parking • Actor talk-back and specialty tours available for a small additional fee (must arrange in advance) Riverside Center maintains memberships with the American Bus Association and Virginia Motorcoach Association. (riversidedt.com)

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2022 LIVE THEATER GUIDE

TOBY’S DINNER THEATRE Columbia, Maryland

SUNCOAST BROADWAY DINNER THEATRE

Nestled in the charming suburban town of Columbia, Maryland sits an establishment presenting award-winning Broadway and original musicals, freshly prepared buffets and amazing servers who transform into world-class actors. Toby’s Dinner Theatre has been providing show-stopping entertainment for over 40 years and has received over 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations. The venue is known for its unique stage positioned in the center of the seating, guaranteeing all guests are no more than 30 feet away from the performance.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre offers eight shows weekly which include both evening and matinee performances, and ticket sales can be found online at the official Toby’s Dinner Theatre website. Senior and children discounts are available, as well as group sales for those traveling with 15 or more people. There is one complimentary ticket for a Group Leader of 20 or more and 1 complimentary ticket for a bus driver. (tobysdinnertheatre.com)

Less than 45 minutes north of Tampa International Airport and two miles from Florida’s gulf coast, Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre in Hudson provides the best of live, professional entertainment with a scrumptious, all-you-care-to-eat dinner. Add on a showthemed specialty cocktail, and audiences have an all-in-one complete experience they won’t soon forget. Audiences can experience the hottest Broadway titles or rocking tribute concerts, all featuring nationally recruited talent backed by state-of-the-art lighting, sound and scenery.

Suncoast’s newly renovated dining room provides an elegant, plush and roomy experience with more than half of the seats fully ADAaccessible. Upcoming shows include Evita, White Christmas, The Buddy Holly Story, Sister Act and the regional premiere of Escape to Margaritaville.

Don’t miss our concert series featuring top tribute artists from Elvis to the Eagles or ABBA to Aretha. Every show is a hit at Suncoast Broadway! (suncoastbroadway.com )

COMING MARCH 2023

Hudson, Florida

BROADWAY UP CLOSE GROUPS OF 20+ SAVE UP TO 40%

SUNCOAST

BROADWAY 410-730-8311

TobysDinnerTheatre.com Conveniently located to

Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington, DC

16128 US HIGHWAY 19 . HUDSON . FL . 34667 727-863-7949 . SUNCOASTBROADWAY.COM

Due to the nature of theatrical bookings, all shows and dates are subject to change Toby’s Dinner Theater - Columbia, MD

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

National Dinner Theatre Association Members

BEEF & BOARDS DINNER THEATRE Indianapolis, Indiana

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre celebrates their 50th Anniversary in 2023. They have been serving up food, fun and fabulous live entertainment since 1973. Located in Indianapolis, IN, the theatre was part of a chain of dinner theatres built by Louisville contractor J. Scott Talbott. Today, the Indianapolis location is the sole remaining Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, entertaining more than 150,000 theatergoers annually. The 50th Anniversary Season includes Broadway classics and new smash hits; Clue, Footloose, An American in Paris, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, Sophisticated Ladies, Grumpy Old Men, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and White Christmas. Included with every visit is a tasty dinner buffet prepared by the in-house chef, plus a full-service bar and mouthwatering gourmet desserts. Group rates and complimentary tickets for escorts and drivers available for groups of 20 or more. (beefandboards.com)

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

CIRCA ‘21 DINNER PLAYHOUSE Rock Island, Illinois

Take one step into the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse and feel the overwhelming charm of what once was the bustling historic Fort Armstrong Theatre, first opened in 1921.

Today, the classic building sits on the same corner in Rock Island, Illinois and offers a high-end dining experience and modern award-winning musicals while still maintaining the elegant and timeless atmosphere.

Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse showcases a variety of events including comedies, dramas, mysteries, musicals, celebrity attractions and children’s shows. All ticket sales for evening and matinee shows include a freshly chopped salad or pasta salad, a plated entrée served to your seat and a choice of coffee or tea.

Groups are always given a warm welcome at the playhouse. Your visit always includes complimentary tickets for escorts and drivers of motorcoaches, the best available seating at the time you make your reservation and plenty of free, safe motorcoach parking. (circa21.com)

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2022 SIGHTSEEING CRUISE GUIDE

LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Live the Good Life on a Cruise Relax on board these magnificent ships that feature fabulous food, glorious amenities and incredible views

For more information about the great cruises listed in this guide, scan this QR code!

Your group will love the comfort and amenities aboard Lake Geneva Cruise Line’s fleet of classic boats, offering a wide variety of narrated boat tours and meal cruises.

Step aboard the paddleboat named the Lady of the Lake as you view multi-million-dollar historical mansions. Watch the mail jumpers deliver the mail from a moving boat to the mailboxes on the piers on their US Mailboat Tour! Take their Fall Foliage Tour to see the beautiful leaves surrounding the lake. Or start a new holiday tradition aboard their Santa Cruise.

For those groups looking for more, Lake Geneva Cruise Line also offers meal cruises such as Sunday Brunch, weekday Luncheon Cruise, and Dinner Cruises! With over fifty years of group tour experience, the team at Lake Geneva Cruise Line will make planning and executing your group outing a breeze!

Discount rates for groups of 10-19 and 20+ plus. (cruiselakegeneva.com)

Photo courtesy of Lake Geneva Cruise Line

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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2022 SIGHTSEEING CRUISE GUIDE

ST. LAWRENCE CRUISE LINES Ontario

This family-built and operated Canadian business has been serving the public for 40 years. This experience helps St. Lawrence Cruise Lines provide the best possible river cruising experience for its guests. Guests will explore the most scenic, calm water rivers in this part of the world. A professional, highly trained allCanadian crew will spoil you with exceptional cuisine and genuine Canadian hospitality. More importantly, you will experience first-hand the tremendous beauty and rich history of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers.

Guests will enjoy this trip on a classic Canadian riverboat, the Canadian Empress.

This grand ship has a warm and friendly personality, and the size and design of the vessel serves to enhance the intimacy of river cruising. Join your cruise director on the sun deck for some fun activities including shuffleboard or kite flying.

Cruises visit such beautiful locales as Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston and 1,000 Islands and Quebec City. (stlawrencecruiselines.com)

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CELEBRATION RIVER CRUISES ~ THE CELEBRATION BELLE Moline, Illinois

Celebration River Cruises is the perfect option for anyone who wants to have fun and explore the Mississippi River. There is a cruise option for everyone from lunch, sightseeing, dinner, theme cruises and more! All meals are freshly prepared onboard.

The Narrated Lunch and Sightseeing cruises feature some of the river’s rich history including The Rock Island Arsenal and Colonel Davenport’s Home amongst other locations. While the Captain narrates on this cruise, there are

great photo opportunities. For music lovers, Celebration River Cruises has their popular themed lunch cruises, including Classic Oldies, the Hits of the Decades, Broadway & Movie Tunes and Fall Foliage Cruises. Each of these themed lunch cruises lasts four hours and includes Celebration’s famous homemade sticky rolls and fruit and a full hot 2-entrée lunch buffet. Climb aboard their grand paddlewheel boat, the “Celebration Belle” for endless fun and entertainment. (celebrationbelle.com)

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REGION

Put These Itinerary Options on Your Radar

Charlotte is filled with excellent outdoor art.

Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Reginoal Visitors Authority

SOUTH

From Charlotte to the Outer Banks, North Carolina is a state filled with great experiences

A

By Dave Bodle

ny operator running, or considering tours to North Carolina, knows the Old North State is filled with major attractions, incredible scenery, culinary delights, rich history and a very hospitable tourism community. Here are just a few great stops.

Charlotte Charlotte as a tour and travel destination has so much to offer, it’s nothing short of amazing.

Cultural cravings can be experienced with PNC Broadway Lights at the Blumenthal Arts Center, see Picasso’s talent at Levine Center for the Arts or celebrate at the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. Couple the latter with a Charlotte Black History Tour. Are you a lover of NASCAR? No problem, you’ll be covered at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Spend the day with C-Charlotte Tours learning about Billy Graham and his hometown, culminating with the Billy Graham Library.

There are holiday celebrations at the Charlotte Christmas Village, Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Holidays at

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August 2022 ■ 29

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.

It might be an understatement to say Charlotte has great food. One spot that needs to be on your radar is the Optimist Hall, originally home to Charlotte’s largest textile mill. Twenty food and beverage stalls are a perfect option for lunch on your own.

(Charlottetraveltrade.com)

Winston-Salem You’re likely familiar with crisp Moravian cookies, after all, there’s been a million pounds served. Old Salem Museum & Gardens is where the cookies can be found along with the Miksch heirloom garden and Single Brothers’ Garden. There are other significant historic gardens at Historic Bethabara Park, the Arboretum and Gardens at Tanglewood Park, Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden and Reynolda Gardens. A tour of the Reynolda House Museum should always be on a WinstonSalem itinerary. Visual and performing arts are a staple of Winston-Salem tours, including among others the Diggs Gallery, Delta Arts Center, Stevens Center and Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts.

Looking at Winston-Salem’s calendar of events and festivals, it seems there’s

always something going on. Here’s three to put on your radar: The biennial National Black Theatre Festival took place in August 2022, and in 2024 the festival returns to Winston-Salem. Put Gears & Guitars on your September 2023 itinerary calendar. It’s the biggest party on two wheels with worldclass racing and a laundry list of live music.

This year add a Winston-Salem Holiday Tour with a stop at the 59th Piedmont Craftsmen’s Fair November 19-20, 2022. (visitwinstonsalem.com)

Durham In the college basketball world, Durham is well-known for the Duke Blue Devils and legendary recently retired Coach K. Trust me, those tickets are hard to come by, but there are still plenty of reasons to spend a few days and nights in Durham. Along with Duke University, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Research Park, Durham has always been an ethnically diverse community.

There are more than two dozen AfricanAmerican Heritage Sites from north Durham to Duke University, downtown, central Durham to NCCU and southern Durham. The Carolina Theatre is perfect as an evening

entertainment option and well worth a tour.

Put Boxyard RTP on your Durham radar.

Turning one year old, this is where industrial meets inventive. The result is a palette of unique flavors, local products, sounds and one-of-a- kind experiences. It’s all set against a backdrop of used shipping containers. (discoverdurham.com)

Johnston County On well-traveled I-95, Smithfield has long been a favorite group travel destination.

Groups always find time to shop at Carolina Premium Outlets and DeWayne’s. History is everywhere beginning with the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site, the largest battle in North Carolina and the last major Confederate offensive. Tobacco Life Farm Museum and the new-look Ava Gardner Museum. Groups have enjoyed concerts, comedians and live performances for years at the Ruby Theatre.

With all there is to see and do in Johnston County, put this on your radar: Ava Gardner’s 100th birthday is December 24, 2022, and on October 7- 9, 2022, the “Ava 100 Festival” kicks off a year of celebration. In Johnston County’s emerging food scene, the first roadside food hall will open late summer 2022. (Johnstoncountync.org)

Fayetteville

The Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina, is dedicated to American actress Ava Gardner.

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Off I-95, Fayetteville has a well-deserved reputation for honoring our military with 40 sites including battlefields, historical markers and museums from the Revolutionary War to the Modern Military Era. Airborne and Special Operations Museum is certainly one of the finest and a first stop for many group travelers. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is another group favorite with docent-guided tours, workshops and regular events. Groups are taking advantage of Fayetteville’s great culinary, arts and entertainment options to round out multi-day tours.

There’s certainly much to like about Fayetteville, but one more you need to put on your radar is Sweet Valley Ranch. You’re going to love this place. It’s a working farm with more than 350 animals, amusement rides, go-kart trails and five annual seasonal events beginning with Springtime >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Island Farm is a living history site interpreting daily life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s.

Adventures and concluding with Festival of Lights. (visitfayettevillenc.com)

Jackson County Between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway sits Jackson County, one of the most beautiful parts of North Carolina. Regular visitors know walkable downtown Sylva for its shopping, flavorful restaurants and the most photographed building in North Carolina, the Historic Jackson County Courthouse. Make time for the Blue Ridge Parkway and its fantastic photo ops. Experience the rich Native American history of the Cherokee Nation at numerous attractions. Find authentic Appalachian artwork from more than 100 local artisans at Dogwood Crafters and Front Street shops in Dillsboro. In each of these mountain towns you’ll be amazed at the culinary delights prepared and presented by outstanding local chefs.

Caleb Sullivan with the Jackson County TDA needs to be on your radar. You may have met Caleb at a trade show or spoken with him on the phone. When he says,” I am ready to help with your tour,” he’s serious.

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Nobody knows Jackson County like Caleb.

Born in Cherokee, his family moved to Sylva when he was young. He graduated high school in Sylva and earned a college degree at Western North Carolina University in Sylva. He’s been with the Jackson County TDA ever since. Put some extra sizzle in your Jackson County tour. Put Caleb on the bus.

(Discoverjacksonnc.com)

Outer Banks As impressive as the natural setting of North Carolina’s barrier island is, visitors can enjoy three National Park Service sites, all in close proximity. Wright Brothers National Memorial and Cape Hatteras National Seashore both are designated “first” while the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the “tallest” of the brick lighthouses. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site was home to the first English-born child Virginia Dare. Elizabethan Gardens and dozens more historic sites including the Lost Colony outdoor drama and Roanoke Island Festival Park and you’ll easily fill an itinerary. If your culinary tendencies lean towards seafood, just about all seafood restaurants buy fresh catch right from the docks. Fresh seafood prepared in

family-owned and-operated small to large restaurants with dinner itself becomes an award-winning attraction for your group.

You can build a nice itinerary around what you know about the Outer Banks, but put this on your radar. There’s a new and growing African American Experience of Northeast North Carolina (AAENENC) program. The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau (Dare County) teamed with Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties’ tourism development offices. Gates, Martin and Washington counties will soon be joining the AAENENC. Their mission is to promote individual heritage sites on one website (ncblackheritagetour.com) celebrating the contributions of African Americans and encourageing a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Dare County has in place a full-day itinerary “Outer Banks: First in Freedom Itinerary.”

(Outerbanks.org).

Learn more about destinations featured in our magazine with InstantInfo.

Just scan this QR code to open a link to our digital reader service card.

August 2022 ■ 31

NORTH CAROLINA TOUR IDEAS

MAKE IT YOUR NATURE TO PROTECT NORTH CAROLINA’S

OUTDOOR SPACES Outdoor NC provides tips for best practices for enjoying the great outdoors

By Isabella Wilkes

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

I

n the years of the global pandemic, more people than ever before have been eager to get outside and seek respite in outdoor spaces. North Carolina saw an influx of first-time explorers, many of whom were ill-equipped with the tools to interact with nature in ways that minimize their footprint.

In seeing this need for outdoor education, Visit North Carolina and the N.C. Outdoor Recreation Industry Office approached the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to create a partnership centered around the sustainable enjoyment of the

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

state’s mountains, beaches, and other vast natural areas to create Outdoor NC. This online resource aims to promote the state’s natural tourism and provide tips for best practices so that it can be properly enjoyed for years to come. This is the first Leave No Trace program on the East Coast.

“Preserving the state’s natural beauty is a shared responsibility,” said Heidi Walters, senior director at Visit North Carolina. “These nature-loving travelers become part of the solution as models, teachers and advocates for sustainable enjoyment of our natural riches.” The program is centered on seven main

Photo courtesy of Brad Styron photography

Crystal Coast sunset

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Photo courtesy of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast

NORTH CAROLINA TOUR IDEAS

Cape Lookout is a popular place to sail in North Carolina.

principles that help guide a tourist’s plan in accordance with ethical exploration.

PLAN AND PREPARE

objects from national parks and other protected places. Snap photos instead of picking or collecting.

The tourism office urges visitors to plan ahead for their visits by choosing lesserknown areas or avoid areas of high use.

Learning about the regions one plans to explore will help tourists come prepared with the knowledge of park rules and regulations.

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE

STICK TO TRAILS AND OVERNIGHT RIGHT

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD

Trails are designed to help keep tourists from damaging trailside plants. When there are no trails, stick to areas that already show use and stay within your skill level.

TRASH YOUR TRASH Some litter can take millennia to decompose and can adversely affect wildlife that comes into contact with it. Pack up all trash and dispose of it properly.

LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT Laws prohibit the removal of natural 34

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Wildfires can be catastrophic for protected natural areas. One must check local regulations, secure a permit if needed, keep the fire small, and burn the wood to an ash to avoid high risk of a wildfire.

When observing wild creatures, keep the distance to avoid undue stress and harm. Avoid feeding wild animals or leaving food scraps within easy access while camping.

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS AND SHARE THE OUTDOORS People exploring the outdoors in North Carolina will come from a multitude of skill levels and abilities. Respect others to create a safe space by being mindful of noise level and be considerate while passing others on the trails.

Outdoor NC invites nature tourists to sign the pledge to #makeityournature to follow these principles on their next adventure in the great outdoors.

Thousands of website visitors have signed the pledge thus far, as have N.C. State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and a multitude of destinations across the state with high tourism traffic.

With 41 state parks, 10 national parks, and four national forests, there is no shortage of adventure to be had and breathtaking views to be seen in North Carolina. You can soar above the trees in a hot air balloon ride in Raleigh. Finally check surfing off your bucket list by learning from the best at Surf City Surf School. Or, spend the night under the starry sky in the Great Smoky Mountains or Blue Ridge Parkway.

With an expansive directory of natural attractions, North Carolina is the premier destination for the ethical outdoor tourist.

And, thanks to Outdoor NC, these welltraveled destinations will be preserved for generations to come. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

We’ve We’ve Been Been Planning Planning

Your Tour Since 1753

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is easy to get Centrally Centrally located located in in North North Carolina, Carolina, Winston-Salem Winston-Salem is is easy easy to to get get to and even easier to navigate. Enjoy touring our vibrant nightlife, to and even easier to navigate.

Enjoy touring our vibrant nightlife, to and even easier to navigate. Enjoy touring our vibrant nightlife, historical museums, heirloom gardens, a Moravian Culinary Trail, art, historical historical museums, museums, heirloom heirloom gardens, gardens, a a Moravian Moravian Culinary Culinary Trail, Trail, art, art, culture, shopping, and more—all within a walkable city center. And culture, shopping, and more—all within a walkable city center.

And culture, shopping, and more—all within a walkable city center. And with 5,000 hotel rooms—including 1,200 downtown—our city welcomes with with 5,000 5,000 hotel hotel rooms—including rooms—including 1,200 1,200 downtown—our downtown—our city city welcomes welcomes groups of all sizes. Come see why we were named as one of the groups groups of of all all sizes. sizes. Come Come see see why why we we were were named named as as one one of of the the “South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living.

“South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living.

“South’s Best Cities on the Rise” by Southern Living.

SIP & SAVOR SIP SIP & & SAVOR SAVOR

Yadkin Valley Wineries Yadkin Yadkin Valley Valley Wineries Wineries

TOUR TOUR TOUR

Historic Homes && Gardens Historic Historic Homes Homes & Gardens Gardens

DISCOVER DISCOVER DISCOVER

Moravian Culinary Trail Moravian Moravian Culinary Culinary Trail Trail

For Details and Group Itineraries, Contact: For For Details Details and and Group Group Itineraries, Itineraries, Contact: Contact: Kay@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4237 Kay Calzolari, CTIS Kay@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4237 Kay Kay@VisitWinstonSalem.com 336.728.4237 Kay Calzolari, Calzolari, CTIS CTIS

ITINERARY

Great Smoky Mountains, NC

SCAN FOR INFO

Visit NC Smokies is the place you want to gather.

The Why the Elk experiences in Haywood County covers everything from elk watching and live theater performances to classic motorcycles and adorable alpacas.

When you’re not on top of a mountain or in a park, you can enjoy some of their restaurants, shops and museums.

Haywood You Like to Go Wild in the NC Smokies?

Day 1

Arrive by lunchtime in downtown Waynesville to explore its award-winning Main Street. Looking for something local, stop by The Patio Bistro, Smoky Mountain Sub Shop, or BooJum Brewery Taproom.

Afterward, visit the local galleries and don’t forget to stop by Mast General Store to gear-up for the adventures that await.

Afterward, head over to the Shelton House for a personalized tour of the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts, a unique collection of traditional crafts and folk art created by some of North Carolina’s most renowned artisans. The charming farmhouse, built in 1875, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Harmon’s Den followed by a performance at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, known by the locals as the “HART.” This year-round theater features productions from classics like Macbeth to Broadway musicals like Mamma Mia!

Day 2 VISIT NC SMOKIES Ben Wilder ben@visitncsmokies.com 800-334-9036 visitncsmokies.com

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Head into Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see the elk and other wildlife in Cataloochee Valley. While there, you can tour a schoolhouse, a church, several homes and other structures dating back to 1910.

There are also numerous hiking trails and streams to explore before having a picnic lunch.

It’s on to Maggie Valley and Wheels Through Time Museum. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 38,000-square-foot facility features a premier collection of Vintage American Transportation.

The automobile and motorcycle collections are equally interesting and provide a walk through transportation history.

Take time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping at WaterRock Knob for some amazing views, a short hike and a talk with a ranger at the visitor’s center.

There are numerous overlooks along this section of the parkway for group photos.

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at any of the area’s group friendly restaurants.

Day 3 It’s time to recharge at Joey’s Pancake House, which has been a go-to breakfast spot in Maggie Valley since 1966. And when you are done you can always grab a coffee mug or box of their pancake mix to take home!

Just outside of Waynesville with the Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, you’ll find Winchester Creek Farm, a 20-acre family-owned and-operated farm featuring alpacas and miniature farm animals. The family loves sharing their farm and animal knowledge with visitors.

Register in advance for the 45-minute educational tour to meet some of the farm’s animal family.

Depart the NC Smokies with fond memories of fun experiences. More importantly begin planning your next adventure to the NC Smokies. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

2023 EDITION

PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY RETURNS EXPERIENCE THE NEW CARS AND VISITOR CENTER

COWBOY CULTURE

RODEOS, RANCHES AND FORTS

SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE

VISIT THE TRIBE’S SKY UTE CASINO RESORT AND CULTURAL CENTER

GROUP ITINERARY

EXPLORE MOUNTAIN VALLEYS AND WESTERN DOWNTOWNS

WWW.TOURCOLORADO.ORG

Cache la Poudre Scenic & Historic Byway

Photo courtesy of Colorado Tourism

2023 EDITION

C O N T E N TS COLORADO TRAVEL RESOURCES

Getting Here is Easy, Getting Around is Easier 40

Colorado’s Scenic Railways 42

Pikes Peak Cog Railway Reopens 44

Care for Colorado 46

Colorado’s Cowboy Culture 48

Moffat County 50

Southern Ute Tribe Experience 54

Map, welcome centers, Amtrak routes, airports

Stations of Colorado’s historic railroads

Enjoy the updated cars and visitor center

Leave No Trace

Rodeos, ranches and roundups

Dinosaur lore and pioneer history

Cultural Center and Casino Resort

SAMPLE ITINERARY

56 Summer Fun in Northern Colorado TOUR COLORADO MEMBERS

Member Listings 58

A directory of Colorado attractions, destinations, hotels and service providers

66 67 Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight Leisure West Tours Visit Fort Collins

38

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

ON THE COVER Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Photo courtesy of Cog Railway)

2023 EDITION

Editorial & Advertising Office Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 advertising@ptmgroups.com

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com

Associate Publisher – Dave Bodle

dave@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Jason Paha

jason@ptmgroups.com

Managing Editor – Miles Dobis

miles@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Lisa Hede lisa@ptmgroups.com

Unforgettable Rocky Mountain Adventures Await in Colorado!

We are proud to present the 2023 edition of our Colorado Group Tour Planner. This edition will take you on a tour full of history, culture and outdoor adventure. You will learn about the updated Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the state’s rich cowboy heritage, the “Care for Colorado” program and more! There

Production Coordinator – Kelsey Ledford kelsey@ptmgroups.com

is always something exciting around the next corner. We look forward to sharing our beautiful state with you and helping

Published in Partnership with Tour Colorado info@tourcolorado.org www.tourcolorado.org

you plan your next tour.

We would like to thank all our members for their continued support. Please take a

Tour Colorado Executive Director – Julianne Fredrick

moment to look at their listings and reach out to them for information and assistance in your itinerary planning. Within those

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

2023 Colorado Group Tour Planner is

published by Premier Travel Media, 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations.

Send Address Change to: Premier Travel Media 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 A

listings you will find attractions, hotels, destinations and service providers. All our members are eager to help you plan that perfect tour!

I, the Tour Colorado Board of Directors and our members are excited to welcome you, your clients and groups to Colorado!

Julianne Fredrick, Executive Director, Tour Colorado Tour Colorado is a Proud Partner with the Colorado Tourism Office and Proud Member of NTA, ABA and TAP

Learn more about Colorado’s group travel opportunities!

P.O. Box 4017, Durango, CO 81301 888-401-4330 www.tourcolorado.org

publication

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

39

GETTING HERE IS EASY.

GETTING AROUND IS

EASIER

10

COLORADO WELCOME CENTERS

T

en Official Colorado Welcome Centers are located throughout the state and easily accessible from every major highway entering the state. Services provided by dedicated volunteer Colorado experts are free.

More information is available at colorado.com/ official-colorado-welcome-centers.

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5

CANYONS & PLAINS

1. Colorado

Welcome Center at Lamar 109 E. Beech St. Lamar, CO 81052 719-336-3483 leslie.stagner@colorado.com 2. C olorado Welcome Center at Trinidad 309 Nevada Ave. Trinidad, CO 81082 719-846-9512 marty.hackett@colorado.com

DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES

3. C olorado Welcome Center at Fort Collins 3745 E. Prospect Rd., Suite 105 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-491-4775 drew@ftcollins.com

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MOUNTAINS & MESAS

4. Colorado

Welcome Center at Cortez 928 E. Main St. Cortez, CO 81321 970-565-4048 cortezwelcomecenter@mesaverdecountry.com 5. C olorado Welcome Center at Fruita 340 Hwy. 340 Fruita, CO 81521 970-858-9335 fruita@colorado.com

MYSTIC SAN LUIS VALLEY

6. C olorado Welcome Center at Alamosa 610 State Ave. Alamosa, CO 81101 800-258-7597 or 719-589-4840 welcome@alamosa.org

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

PIONEERING PLAINS

ROCKIES PLAYGROUND

7. Colorado

Welcome Center at Burlington 48265 I-70 Burlington, CO 80807 719-346-5554 rhonda.peterson@state.co.us

9. Colorado Welcome Center at Silverthorne 246-V Rainbow Dr. Silverthorne, CO 80498 970-468-0353

8. Colorado Welcome Center at Julesburg 20934 County Road 28 Julesburg, CO 80737 970-474-2054 sue.carter@colorado.com

10. C olorado Welcome Center at Dinosaur 101 E. Stegosaurus St. Dinosaur, CO 81610 970-374-2205 cheryl.mcdonald@colorado.com

THE GREAT WEST

AMTRAK SERVICES COLORADO

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Two Amtrak passenger train routes travel though Colorado. The California Zephyr connects San Francisco and Chicago with regular stops in the newly renovated Denver Union Station, Granby, Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Winter Park and Fort Morgan. The Southwest Chief connects Los Angeles and Chicago with stops in Trinidad, La Junta and Lamar, Colorado. (amtrak.com/west-train-routes) Introduced in 2017, the Winter Park Express seasonal route links Denver Union Station and Winter Park Resort and is ideal for groups seeking a day of winter sports or mountain air. Developed for ride-in/ride-out skiing, the Express operates Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between January and April.

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TAKE FLIGHT TO COLORADO 7

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Denver International Airport is serviced by 23 airlines that provide direct non-stop service from 215 destinations, including 28 international destinations.

Denver has the the third-busiest airport in the United States, eighth-busiest in the world and—with more than 58 million passengers—is one of the busiest airline hubs in the world. Travelers looking to explore the I-70 corridor should consider Aspen/Pitkin County Airport for unbeatable access to the area’s ski resorts and national forests. American, Delta and United travelers can also fly into Eagle County Regional Airport if they wish to experience the mountains.

Steamboat Springs, another premier outdoor destination, can be accessed from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden, which features non-stop flights from 15 destinations. Colorado Springs Airport welcomes Southwestern, American, Delta, Frontier and United flights daily, ideal for visitors to the Pikes Peak Wonders Region. Grand Junction Regional Airport receives flights from Denver, Chicago, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles and Salt Lake City for visitors seeking Colorado’s wine country. DurangoLa Plata County Airport welcomes American and United travelers. Smaller regional airports also include Montrose Regional Airport and Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport.

Colorado Travel Fun Facts • Colorado features North America’s highest paved road. The Mount Evans Scenic Byway passes through five distinct climate zones before reaching a final height of

14,130 feet.

• The Eisenhower-Edwin C. Johnson Memorial Tunnel is an engineering marvel and the highest auto tunnel in the world, bored under the Continental Divide at an elevation of

11,158 feet.

• The highest suspension bridge in America is over the Royal Gorge near Cañon City. The Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Arkansas River in Fremont County at a height of

956 feet.

• Denver International Airport is the largest in North America by volume and welcomes over 64 million passengers annually. The everexpanding airport covers

33,531 acres.

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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Colorado’s Scenic Railways • Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway 515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 cograilway.com

•C ripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad 520 E. Carr Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813 cripplecreekrailroad.com •C umbres & Toltec Railroad 5234 B Hwy 285, Antonito, CO 81120 cumbrestoltec.com

Rocky Mountaineer

• Colorado Model Railroad Museum 680 10th St., Greeley, CO 80631 cmrm.org

•D urango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad 479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 durangotrain.com

(Greeley)

Leadville & Southern Scenic Railroad (Leadville)

• Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad 326 E. 7th St., Leadville, CO 80461 leadville-train.com

•R oyal Gorge Route Railroad 330 Royal Gorge Blvd., Cañon City, CO 81212 royalgorgeroute.com

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

(Denver)

(Georgetown)

•G eorgetown Loop Railroad 646 Loop Dr., Georgetown, CO 80444 georgetownlooprr.com

•R ocky Mountaineer 1100-980 Howe St., Vancouver, BC, V6Z 0C8 rockymountaineer.com

Experience panoramic views in Rocky Mountaineer’s glass-domed coaches.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad (Cripple Creek) (Colorado Springs)

(Durango) (Conejos)

(Cañon City)

ROOM TO

EXPLORE Discover the wide-open spaces of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Wonders Region. Perfect for a group outing, reignite your sense of adventure with a variety of exciting excursions. Climb aboard the historic Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, enjoy an authentic old-timey western experience at the Flying W Ranch and discover your inner champion on an inspirational tour of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Whether your group is looking for leisurely activities or exciting adventures, Colorado Springs has the activities they’re looking for.

Learn more at VisitCOS.com/tours

CHERYL MCCULLOUGH

Senior Director Cheryl@VisitCOS.com | 719.685.7642

EXPERIENCE THE RESTORED

Photo courtesy of The Broadmoor

PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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GROUPS CAN RIDE THE UPDATED RAILWAY AND ENJOY STUNNING VIEWS FROM A REIMAGINED VISITOR CENTER

fter three years and $100 million in renovations, the historic Pikes Peak Cog Railway has reopened to whisk visitors to one of America’s most famous mountains.

Visitors can also enjoy a state-of-theart visitor center, updated onboard amenities and a restored depot as they climb the 14,115-foot peak.

“Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is an important part of the heritage of the Western United States,” says the railway’s website. “Taking this journey is like walking the footsteps of history, and now the adventure is even more iconic and inspiring.”

The railway first opened in 1891 after businessman Zalmon Simmons visited nearby Manitou Springs and bemoaned the arduous two-day trip by mule required to reach Pikes Peak. The track was constructed by laborers by hand, with only the assistance of pickaxes and mules, and the innovative cog-and-rack system allowed conductors to control speeds for downward descent. The railway was acquired by the nearby Broadmoor Hotel in 1925, and the result was a legacy of success. Over a century of incremental improvements brought diesel locomotives, electric vehicles and hydraulic-powered coaches to the tracks, but after 126 years of operation, the railway decided that major structural renovations were necessary safety reasons and for an ideal visitor experience.

Groups will begin their adventure at the restored depot, which maintains its 19th century mining town design but has been refreshed with bright blue paint, a second train platform, an overhead walkway and remodeled bathroom and gift shop spaces. Next, board a new 214-foot-long aluminum train outfitted with upholstered, cushioned seating for the journey to Pikes Peak. The trains travel 10 miles per hour on a 70-minute single-cog rail trip that slowly winds up Rocky Mountain ridges. Passengers will travel through Pike National Forest to see cascading waterfalls, ancient quartz boulders and canopies of Colorado spruce. You’ll also see plenty of

wildlife, including elk, eagles and Colorado’s iconic big horn sheep.

Once you’ve reached the famous summit of Pikes Peak, your group can admire the Collegiate and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges and even spot the skyscrapers of downtown Denver on a clear day. You will also want to spend time in the new Pikes Peak Visitor Center, a beautiful space with design elements that echo the colors and textures of the mountain’s granite. The state-of-the-art space was constructed with environmentally sustainable materials and passive design strategies that significantly reduce the building’s energy needs. A highly insulated concrete shell retains heat, solar arrays supply electricity, and prefabricated rooms helped minimized fuel for transportation (even vacuum-sealed toilets reduce trips for water replenishment).

ADA-accessible and designed with catwalks and immense windows to maximize the beautiful views, the center educates visitors on the mountain’s history, climate and conservations initiatives through interactive exhibit galleries and interpretive trails that circle the building. Visitors can download the Pikes Peak Summit Experience app to learn about the region’s history and immerse themselves in the interactive interpretive space. Users can identify wildlife during a hike, collect “stickers” for stopping at various Colorado Springs locations and play trivia games to learn frontier history.

You can also pose for a photo on the immense roof decks that are sheltered from the winds by the building and provide panoramic views of the mountains. If your group is hungry, the new Pikes Peak Summit house offers delicious breakfast burritos, fresh sandwiches and pork green chile. You can also try the world-famous Pikes Peak donut, which is based on a 1916 recipe and specifically designed to be deep fried at the mountain’s high altitude.

Group leaders should call ahead for a group reserved admission adult ticket of $63, and accommodations for group meals and tours can be made with advanced notice. This excludes departures between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more group tour information, visit www.cograilway.com or call 719-685-5401.

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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Rocky Mountain National Park

7 WAYS FOR GROUPS TO BE

COLO-READY

Photo courtesy of Visit Estes Park

WITH MORE THAN 40% OF COLORADO’S LANDSCAPE MANAGED BY STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES, IT’S LIKELY YOUR TOUR WILL TAKE IN SOME OF THE STATE’S MARVELOUS SCENERY

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he Care for Colorado Coalition is an unprecedented collaboration of more than 60 statewide organizations, businesses and agencies that serve to keep Colorado unspoiled. As a proud stewardship partner, Tour Colorado helps cultivate an appreciation and understanding of Colorado’s untamed uniqueness by educating visitors.

“Destination stewardship is a priority for the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). CTO was the first tourism office in the United States to reach out to Leave No Trace to develop these seven Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principles as a guide for visitors and residents to travel responsibly,” says Barb Bowman, CTO. Before exploring the wilds of Colorful Colorado, become part of the solution and practice these fundamental principles to keep the Centennial State resplendent for everyone.

CONSIDER THIS Colorado’s agencies oversee 42% of the captivating landscape with cities and counties safeguarding even more. Reduce waste and stay hydrated in the dry climate with convenient reusable water bottles and thermal cups. Explore lesser-traveled offseason spots for a deeper connection to nature and less impact on more popular areas. Springtime in Colorado is not immune from late-season snowstorms.

TRAVERSE THOUGHTFULLY

and never leave them unattended. Smokers should be extra vigilant in ashing and properly disposing of cigarettes. When extinguishing, water your campfire until you can manipulate the embers. Avoid building fires at trailheads and parking lots.

RESPECT WILDLIFE Tens of thousands of plant and animal species call Colorado home. To ensure their safety and your groups, do not approach, chase or feed wildlife. View them from afar and allow nature to thrive undisturbed. Fleeing animals are forced to expend crucial energy reserved for surviving cold winter months. Springtime is full of blossoming wildflowers and nesting animals, so travel thoughtfully, give them extra space and be sensitive to nature.

RESPECT TRAVELERS Colorado’s magnificent environment invites visitors to unplug and reconnect with nature. Silence cell phones and speak softly so your group doesn’t disturb others. Allow folks, including those in your group, to resonate with the symphonies of nature. Be considerate and move aside for uphill bikers/hikers so they can keep their much-needed momentum.

For more information about how to prepare for your group’s next Colorado adventure and tools for group planning, visit https://oedit. colorado.gov/care-for-colorado-principles-program.

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When traveling any of the thousands of designated trails, stay in the middle even if they are muddy/slushy. Wet leaves and vegetation along trail edges make them vulnerable to damage and erosion. Shortcuts present the likelihood of plant and habitat destruction. Wear proper footwear such as sturdy, well-insulated, waterproof boots for enjoyable traversing.

LOOK, DON’T TOUCH The allure of discovering Colorado’s natural environment brings more than 80 million visitors each year. Leave plants, historical artifacts and rocks as you found them so that others may experience the joy of exploration. Capture scenery with snapshots and forgo natural keepsakes. All flora and fauna are living things, so maintain good intentions and judgments. Don’t carve into trees or mar ancient rockfaces as this can kill and disfigure the natural splendor.

KEEP COLORADO CLEAN If your group carries it in, carry it out. Pick up refuse and leave a place better than you found it. This includes cores/peels, bottle caps, cigarette buts and litter. When washing yourself, your pets and other items, do so at least 200 feet from bodies of water and use biodegradable soap. Harsh chemicals can kill marine/plant life. Pack out paper products using a disposable waste bag found at most outdoor stores.

FIRE AWARENESS The low humidity in Colorado creates a dry climate more susceptible to wildfires. Check for fire restrictions in your group’s area before building one. Keep all campfires small and manageable COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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COLORADO’S

COWBOY CULTURE R

LEARN ABOUT THE STATE’S RICH HERITAGE OF RANCHING, MINING AND HOMESTEADING

omanticized for generations through movies, television and books, the Old West goes far beyond the surface impressions of Stetson hats, saloons and railroad barons. Cowboy culture traces its roots to the 16th century, when Spanish settlers introduced domesticated horses, cattle and sheep to North America. The most potent vision of the “Wild West” in the public imagination remains the 1800s, when ranchers, miners and pioneers populated the region.

Colorado remains a global ranching capital, and your group can experience the state’s rich Western heritage in its many museums, historic sites and rodeos.

Orient your group to the region’s cowboy history at the ProRodeo Hall of Fame & Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs. Visitors can explore the immense exhibition hall that houses saddles, chaps and other equipment from centuries of rodeo history, and the Hall of Champions honors wranglers, stock contractors and rodeo clowns that contributed to rodeo culture.

Step into the spurs of 19th century

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

settlers at Colorado Springs’ Ghost Town Museum. Visitors can walk down a wooden promenade through an immense indoor recreation of a pioneer village that consists of preserved artifacts and buildings from the Pikes Peak area. Test your aim at the shooting gallery, try your hand at a printing press and pan for gold.

Learn about the profound and underrepresented influence African Americans had upon Western expansion at the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center. Located in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford (the first Black female doctor in Denver) the center profiles black cowboys, homesteaders and lawmen as the American West rapidly developed after the Civil War. Also in Denver is the History Colorado Center, which explores Colorado’s development and the expansion of the American West in 15 exhibits across four floors.

Groups can learn much more about cowboy history by venturing beyond the cities to interact with the authentic ranchers and visit settlements that have stood for centuries. Bent’s Old Fort in Colorado’s southeastern corner was once

a thriving trading post that connected fur trappers, westward pioneers and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. Register for an interpretive tour to interact with costumed craftspeople and walk the ramparts of this adobe structure to learn how these disparate groups interacted during the fort’s heyday in the 1840s.

The Fort in the town of Morrison was built in 1962 to match the style of Bent’s Old Fort, including an authentic adobe foundation and furniture and doors constructed using 19th century techniques. Groups can call ahead to tour the campus and learn about Colorado’s Western past before enjoying entrees of bison, elk and quail in addition to the signature house cocktail that was served in Bent’s Old Fort in 1833 (which consists of bourbon, sugar and mint).

You can also learn about Rocky Mountain history at the Gunnison Pioneer Museum, a 14-acre campus that

Buffalo Bill Museum

consists of 30 buildings. Tour a preserved schoolhouse, post office and rail depot to learn about the Native Americans and settlers who made a home of this rugged region. If you are staying in the Denver area, venture into the mountains to visit the Buffalo Bill Grave & Museum. The resting place of America’s famous cowboy and showman includes artifacts from the touring Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, a peace pipe that belonged to Lakota leader Sitting Bull and beautiful views of downtown Golden.

Colorado’s signature Western event is the rodeo. Originally developed as a showcase for vaqueros and cowboys to display their roping and livestock herding skills, rodeos have developed to showcase the ranching lifestyle with a broad array of skills competitions, live music, food and art. Dating back to the late 1800s and once the largest fair in the world, the Greeley Stampede is a massive festival

that welcomes over 250,000 annual visitors and features bull-riding, displays by local artists and performances by internationally renowned country singers.

Visitors can watch over 100 cars become rubble in a demolition derby, catch a variety of roping competitions and see beautiful Western-inspired paintings and sculptures at the art show.

Another must-see spectacle is the National Western Stock Show just north of Denver. Hosting over 15,000 animals, the event includes bull-riding competitions, barrel racing and booths that sell authentic Western ware like cowboy boots, belts and blankets.

Groups can also watching trick roping at the Mexican Rodeo, learn about unsung history at the African-American Heritage Rodeo and enjoy impressive tricks during the Super Dogs show.

Hosted annually in the fairgrounds outside of Pueblo, the Colorado State

Fair will appeal to every member of your group, whether you want to admire the local livestock or indulge in a funnel cake.

Is your group hankering for an interactive cowboy experience? Flying W Ranch in the foothills of Colorado Springs offers dinner & show in an operating cattle ranch. Sit down for a famous three-course chuckwagon feast and enjoy delights like the mouthwatering meats, Dutch-oven buttermilk biscuits and savory trail beans while being serenaded by one of the country’s oldest cowboy singing groups in their brand-new performance venue. The Flying W Ranch is also a great place to learn new skills and understand more of daily life in the Old West. Try your hand at Navajo rug weaving, silversmithing, horse shoeing or hat making, and get up close with the many ranch animals living on site.

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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DISCOVERING NORTHWEST COLORADO OUTDOOR RECREATION, DINOSAUR LORE AND PIONEER HISTORY LURE TRAVELERS TO MOFFAT COUNTY

Dinosaur National Monument

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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he far-flung corner of northwest Colorado appeals to adventuresome travelers looking to stray off the beaten path and lose the crowds. A land of expansive vistas, magnificent canyons and free-flowing rivers, not to mention dinosaur fossils and wild horses, the wide-open spaces of Moffat County invite discovery.

Amid mountain scenery that has changed little since frontier times, wildlife sightings abound in this neck of the woods. The county, for example, boasts the nation’s largest migratory elk herd. Birders flock to the area for the chance to see the rare ruffed grouse, plus herons, ibises and sandhill cranes, among nearly 300 other avian species.

Claiming 1.7 million acres of picturesque public lands, the state’s second-largest county has just a few small towns. The population is so sparse that it numbers only three people per square mile. Craig, with about 10,000 residents, is the only town of any size and serves as the gateway to area attractions and activities.

Dinosaur National Monument, a vast chunk of real estate straddling the Colorado-Utah border, is one of the best-kept secrets in the National Park Service system. Fans of the huge planteaters and fierce carnivores that lived millions of years ago get oriented viewing exhibits at the visitor center in the town of Dinosaur, Colorado. On the Utah side, they can actually touch dinosaur fossils on the “Wall of Bones” inside the Quarry Exhibit Hall, a modern building covering a cliff face embedded with the remains of Stegosaurus, Allosaurus, Apatosaurus and other species. The native rock wall exposes more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils— many still in the complete skeletal shapes of the beasts. Would-be paleontologists will see protruding skulls, femurs and vertebrae preserved in their original form.

An 80-foot-long mural tells the story of dinosaurs and other animals in the late Jurassic period.

Dinosaur National Monument is much more than dinosaur fossils, though.

Canyon trails reveal artwork by nomadic

Yampa River, Dinosaur National Monument

tribes that lived there 1,000 years ago. Trails lead to both petroglyphs (patterns chipped or carved into rock) and pictographs (patterns painted on rock) adorning the sandstone cliffs.

The national monument is also home to 400 different species of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope and bald eagles.

The monument’s rugged terrain can be appreciated on two paved touring roads— the 23-mile Harpers Corner Scenic Drive and 22-mile Tour of the Tilted Rocks Scenic Drive.

Two of the West’s premier whitewater rivers, the Yampa and Green, flow through the monument’s awe-inspiring canyons.

Authorized concessionaires operate guided rafting adventures—a great way to cool off on a hot summer’s day—that range from gentle one-day float trips to rollicking, multi-day rides involving Class III, IV and V rapids.

Float trips on an eight-mile, cottonwoodlined stretch of the Yampa River outside of Craig are particularly scenic and afford views of bald eagles, osprey and other big birds of prey, says Tom Kleinschnitz, director of Visit Moffat County/Moffat County Tourism Association.

Dinosaur National Monument petroglyphs

New for Craig next year will be a whitewater park where paddlers can enjoy the rapids in a confined setting. In reviewing plans for the facility and experiences with such parks in other cities, Kleinschnitz discovered that whitewater centers are just as big an attraction for spectators. “While I thought it would be mostly people coming to warm up for bigger trips on the river,” he said, “it seems that many people come out just to watch the action.”

Other recreational options in Craig include the only wave pool on Colorado’s western slope and the 18-hole Yampa Valley Golf Course, which offers public play through 240 acres of cottonwoods and wetlands.

Elkhead Reservoir State Park, nine miles from Craig, is Moffat County’s big COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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DISCOVERING NORTHWEST COLORADO

Dinosaur National Monument

water recreation playground. A highdesert oasis in the Yampa Valley, the 900acre manmade lake offers boating, water skiing, fishing, hiking, biking and wildlife watching. It has a swimming beach and newly built campground.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, near the tiny town of Maybell in the extreme northwest corner of Moffat County, is set in an isolated mountain valley formed by the Green River.

Animal sightings might include bald eagles, pronghorn, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, black bear, moose and wild turkey.

Wild horses are the draw at Sand Wash Basin HMA (Herd Management Area), a rugged expanse of high mountain desert located just northwest of Maybell and 48 miles west of Craig.

Tackling gravel, dirt and sand roads in four-wheel-drive vehicles, visitors are rewarded with the breathtaking site of horses running free on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Binoculars are recommended, as visitors are required to maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from the horses. A wide range of other wildlife, from elk to prairie dogs, resides at Sand Wash Basin.

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

In the old Colorado State Armory Building in downtown Craig, impressive displays at the free-admission Museum of Northwest Colorado span three levels covering 10,000 square feet. They tell the story of the American West, spotlighting early settlers, mountain men, cowboys and Native Americans.

The museum’s chief claim to fame is its collection of cowboy and gunfighter memorabilia, one of the largest such repositories anywhere. Artifacts include firearms, holsters, saddles and spurs.

Some of the guns belonged to notable lawmen and outlaws. Exhibits also showcase the stagecoach era and early railroads. Horse-drawn stagecoaches were a major form of transportation in the area as late as 1915.

The Marcia Car in Craig’s City Park was the private Pullman car of banker and mining magnate David Moffat, who was instrumental in bringing railroad transportation to northwest Colorado.

Wyman Living History Museum, just east of Craig, is an eclectic treasure trove of Americana, featuring everything from a Sherman tank and other military memorabilia to antique cars and farming implements. Browsers will find a sheep wagon, vintage hearse, and collections of

chainsaws and Colorado license plates.

Historical buildings on the premises include a hay barn, blacksmith shop, one-room schoolhouse and general store filled with period goods.

John Jarvie Homestead, a pioneer history attraction near Browns Park, features a dugout home, store and blacksmith shop along with a cemetery and museum. First settled in 1880, the 35-acre homestead once boasted a post office, trading post and river ferry. It was a regular stopping place for travelers and a secret meeting place for outlaws.

Also well-traveled is the region’s Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, a diamond-shaped National Scenic Byway that makes a 500-mile-long loop through western Colorado and eastern Utah. Interpretive signs and museums in both states spotlight dinosaur lore.

Craig offers some two dozen restaurants and more than 450 hotel/ motel rooms. Quality Inn & Suites, Best Western Plus, Candlewood Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites are among lodging brands represented.

More information on area attractions and activities is available from Moffat County Tourism Association’s website, www.visitmoffatcounty.com.

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EXPERIENCING COLORADO’S UTES FROM THE ANCIENTS TO MODERN DAY DISCOVER THE RICH NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE OF SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO

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he Ute Creation story tells us that in ancient times Sinawav (the Creator) and the Wolf were Earth’s only inhabitants. To increase the population, Sinawav gave Wolf a bag of sticks with specific directions to carry the sticks to the far hills and valleys. At no time was Wolf to open the bag before arriving at the sacred grounds. Wolf did not follow his instructions.

He opened the bag and inside were people that yelled in different tongues as they scattered in all directions. Only few remained in the bag. Wolf continued to the sacred valley and released the remaining few, the Utes. Upon returning Sinawav knew what Wolf had done. Those that escaped the bag would always be a thorn in the side of the Utes. Throughout their history the Utes have been strong warriors and defenders of their land. Fast forward to today.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation, Ignacio

A 30-minute drive from Durango and located on the New Mexico border, the Southern Utes welcome group visitors. The Sky Ute Casino Resort is

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

the group hub for a two- or three-night stay to explore all the reservation has to offer. The 140 resort rooms and suites are a perfect home base. All rooms have access to the resort’s full list of amenities from pool, lazy river and fitness center to in-room highdefinition television, high-speed internet, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker, and 24-hour front desk staff and housekeeping. The hallways feature art that is related to the culture of the area and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

Seven Rivers Steaks Seafood & Spirits is an authentic steakhouse from the past blended with chef’s modern culinary twist.

Prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood and memorable desserts served with premium wines and spirits make for a lovely evening. Willows Café Bistro on the main floor of the resort is perfect for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located closer to the gaming action, Rolling Thunder Grill combines an American casual menu along with friendly and efficient service.

With slots, table games, bingo and sports betting, there’s fun for everyone in the casino. There are free refreshments on the casino floor and a non-smoking slot room.

There are hundreds of state-of-the-art slot

machines with more than a dozen brand new games such as Zeus, Dean Martin’s Wild Swingin’ Reels, Pirates Ship, Bier Haus and more! Games offered range from the penny slot to $25 along with the “Most Liberal Video Poker in the Four Corners!”

Sky Ute Casino Resort offers high stakes on select slot machines and on all table games.

If table games are your choice, you’ll find some of the best games in Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners at the Sky Ute Casino Resort. Choose your winning strategy between blackjack, craps, roulette and 3-card poker.

Sky Ute Resort

Sky Ute Casino Resort has become the premier group base for experiencing the Southwest Colorado and Four Corners region. Check with your group coordinator for dates and rates at 970563-1757, or online at skyutecasino.com/ accommodations/groups-bus-tours/.

A visit to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Reservation is not complete until you’ve visited the remarkable Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum. Through effective programming and services, they are fostering understanding and respect for the unique origin, culture, language, history and way of life of the Ute people.

The second-level Welcome Gallery features “Nauchus: A Pictorial Gallery.”

Photographs taken from the late 19th and early 20th centuries portray the longevity and resilience of Colorado’s longest continuous residents: the Ute people. The images portray a unique aspect of the Ute culture.

The Permanent Gallery features two exhibits. “Nuuchiyu, We Are the Ute People” tells the story of the Ute people from prehistoric times to the present through photographic curtains, A/V presentations, interactive programs and life-size replicas. “KSUT Public Radio, Featuring 40 years 1976-2016” profiles a small local station that broadcast information to tribal members in their Ute language and grew to become a regional favorite and NPR affiliate. The exhibit showcases photos, promotional items, posters and more from the history of “two stations under one signal.”

With their rich culture, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe holds several events annually to keep those traditions thriving. The original meaning of the Bear Dance has been dropped in modern times, but it still shows respect for the bear and its spirit. According to tribal lore, everyone celebrated at the first spring thunder as a long winter came to an end and tensions were released. Today, dancers wear some sort of plumes and on the fourth day leave their plumes and tensions on cedar trees. The sun dance ceremony is

Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum

held four days in the middle of summer and is the most important spiritual ceremony in the Ute tradition. The 100th Annual Southern Ute Tribal Fair was postponed until 2022 and will again feature exhibits and competitions.

buffets. A new snack bar inside the casino is set to open with a full menu of pizza, sandwiches, desserts and beverage center.

Begin planning today by calling 1-800-258-8007, or online at utemountaincasino.com/contact-us/.

Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation, Towaoc

Ute Indian Museum, Montrose

Nineteen miles south of Cortez on the edge of the Fourt Corners of Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, you’ll find the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Reservation between Four Corners National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park.

The Mountain Ute Casino Hotel is the place to stay, eat and play. Relax in 90 comfortable rooms and suites with all the amenities you’d expect at a luxury property.

There’s plenty of action in the casino with 700 slot machines, including specialty slots, favorite classics and so much more from a penny to $25. Recently unveiled Summit Slots feature 70 of the latest slot machines. Live-action table games feature blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em and roulette.

With more than 400 seats the Bingo Hall is largest in the area. With different buy-ins, fun promotions and jackpot payouts, there’s never a dull moment.

If your action is more about the court, field or rink, then the Ute Mountain Sportsbook is for you. Get your wager down and follow the games in the multiscreen sportsbook room.

Kuchu’s Restaurant is open for an array of breakfast choices, tasty lunch dishes and a delicious dinner menu. Two nights are set aside for tasty signature

With expanded and newly enriched exhibit space, the Ute Indian Museum reopened in 2017. The project was the product of three years working with the Colorado Ute tribes. Visitors will journey across Colorado learning the culture and history and Ute life. Tribal members will share the stories while Ute life is shown in the exhibits. Included are survival of the culture, political self-determination and economic opportunities, and what’s a Ute Museum without celebration of the Bear dance?

In addition to the museum there are expansive grounds with pathways, outdoor seating and shaded lawns all accompanied by informational and educational exhibits.

The Ute Ethnobotany Garden is the largest feature with only plants native to the region presented. Panels detail how the plants were used by the Ute from food and medicine to textiles, dyes and soap. The nearby Peace Pole is part of an international project with poles around the world. The same sentiment is proclaimed in hundreds of languages. “May Peace Prevail on Earth” features the message in English and Nuu-‘apaghapi, the language of the Ute. Part of History Colorado, look here for more information - historycolorado.org/ ute-indian-museum.

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ITINERARY

Rafting on the Cache la Poudre River

Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Collins

Summer Time Touring in Northern Colorado

There’s limitless fun traveling through northern Colorado’s remote beauty, where you can enjoy plentiful outdoor activities and numerous towns with eating and shopping opportunities.

5 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Day 1

trail is a favorite. Lunch is at the River Rock Café on Main Street in Walden.

Next stop is the Arapaho National Wildlife Center—one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System and the highest above sea level in the lower 48 states. Wildlife viewing is a key recreational activity. The trails and boardwalks go from a short easy walk to a challenging hike. Some trails feature displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.

We’re on the road again traveling through Rabbit Ears Pass for the 60-mile ride to Steamboat Springs. Check in at the centrally located Nordic Lodge. Unwind from a busy day before dinner at Mambo, a true taste of Italy.

For that true Western experience, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is your first stop. Hiking ■ Soapstone Prairie Natural Area trails are mostly rated Very Difficult. However, ■ Poudre River Waterway Park the Lindenmeier Overlook is Easy with a quarter-mile paved trail with interpretive signs ■ State Forest State Park and seating. With your hike completed, head to ■ Arapaho National Wildlife Center Fort Collins and lunch at Choice City Butcher ■ Yampa River Core Trail & Deli, an actual butcher shop offering great sandwiches and 37 craft beers.

Delve into the history of Fort Collins this THIS ITINERARY IS IDEAL FOR: afternoon with a guided tour from Traces of the Adults 18+ and Extended Families Past History Tours. Your program presenter is dressed in historic period clothing.

Check into the Elizabeth Hotel, which is situated in the center of Old Town. Relax and refresh before dinner at The Regional, a restaurant specializing in Day 3 hometown American food sourced from Colorado suppliers. Enjoy a unique shopping experience in Historic Old Town. There are Check out from your lodging and eat breakfast at Freshies, a treasurers to be had. favorite Steamboat Springs stop. Everything is hand-prepared. It’s

Day 2 Grab a coffee, juice and pastry, and we’re off to an early start at Poudre River Waterway Park for stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or paddle everyday; there are outfitters to set you up.

Depart Fort Collins by following Highway 14 and the Cache La Poudre River, the state’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. There are pull-outs along the Scenic Byway for photo-ops.

Arrive at State Forest State Park Moose Visitor Center. The terrain is similar to Rocky Mountain National Park but without the crowds. A population of over a thousand moose are the park’s calling card. Birding is a great activity on every trail, but the 1.5-mile Ranger Lakes Nature

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

on to the Yampa River Core Trail. Running through the heart of Steamboat Springs along the Yampa River, the trail is 7.5 miles. There are numerous stops along the scenic Yampa River. Watch fly fishermen place the perfect offering in front of the river’s trout. The Yampa River Botanic Park has grown from a flat horse pasture in 1992 to a six-acre gem with more than 50 gardens. Blending seamlessly with the gardens are ponds, sculptures and benches, making it one of the jewels of northwest Colorado. There are also shopping and art galleries all along the Core Trail. Lunch today is at Yampa Sandwich Co. The menu offers more than 20 sandwiches, plus salads and soups.

You certainly do not want to depart Steamboat Springs without stopping at F.M. Light & Sons. Founded in 1905, this historic downtown Western outfitter carries all the brands you’d expect from a store that has been outfitting the West for 113 years.

LOG OF F & EXP LOR E

PUEBLO RING IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with holiday festivities throughout November and December. Catch the Parade of Lights with the family, a spectacular fireworks and lighting ceremony at the Pueblo County Courthouse, a local production of Nutcracker the Ballet and lots of unique shopping options for the perfect gift.

SPRING INTO ACTION Grab your bike and join in a two day cycling road race. Held the weekend of April 23rd and 24th. Includes an out and back road race and a downtown criterium. Hosted by the City of Pueblo and the Rocky Mountain Collegiate Cycling Conference.

COLORADO STATE FAIR & RODEO So much of what there is to love about the state converges onto the famous fairgrounds in Pueblo for an end-of-summer week full of live entertainment, thrilling competitions, quirky vendor booths and good ol’ Western fun.

THIRD WEEKEND AF TER LABOR DAY

LAST WEEK IN AUGUST THRU LABOR DAY

PUEBLO CHILE & FRIJOLES FESTIVAL As summer fades into fall, celebrate Pueblo’s rich agriculture while kicking off harvest season. The event features live entertainment, street vendors, cooking competitions, and chilies, chilies, chilies!

VisitPueblo.org © 2022 Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce

AT T R A C T I O N S

Bar D Chuckwagon

8080 County Rd., Durango, CO 81301 Krystal Scarborough www.bardchuckwagon.com groups@bardchuckwagon.com • 970-335-9805 The Bar D Wranglers perform songs of cowboys and the Old West, comedy and lively instrumentals after supper to entertain the whole family.

Colorado Model Railroad Museum

680 10th St., Greeley, CO 80631 Michelle Kempema www.cmrm.org michelle@cmrm.org • 970-392-2934 The Colorado Model Railroad Museum houses America’s most scenic model railroad; an immersive experience for all ages. Private hours for groups available.

Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways

2829 W. Howard Pl. 4th Floor, Denver CO 80204 Lenore Bates www.codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways lenore.bates@state.co.us • 303-757-9786 Established in 2019, Colorado has 26 Scenic and Historic Byways, totaling 2,565 roadway miles located in 48 counties. These essential routes provide access to eight National Forests, eight National Monuments, two National Historic Sites and four National Parks.

MEMBER LISTINGS

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

Cumbres & Toltec Railroad

Colorado Tourism

Tour Colorado members are ready to serve you! Working to draw domestic tour groups and packaged travel to the Centennial State, these attractions, destinations, hotels and service providers are ready to accommodate visitors and make their Colorado experience unforgettable.

500 Terrace Ave., PO Box 1057, Chama, NM 87520 Amanda Vigil www.cumbrestoltec.com avigil@cumbrestoltec.com • 877-890-2737 The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad steam trains depart out of Antonito, Colorado and Chama, New Mexico daily at 10 a.m. from Memorial Day weekend until mid-October.

AT T R A C T I O N S

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Pikes Peak Cog Railway

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Rocky Mountaineer

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

History Colorado

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

479 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Carrie Whitley www.durangotrain.com cwhitley@americanheritagerailways.com • 970-247-2733 The 3.5-hour journey from Durango to Silverton climbs 3,000 feet through Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains. Part of the journey travels along jaw-dropping cliff ledges. Step back in time riding on 1880-era cars pulled by a 1920s steampowered locomotive.

PO Box 249, Georgetown, CO 80444 Tom Hill www.georgetownlooprr.com tom.hill@historicrailadventures.com • 888-456-6777 The Loop is a narrow gauge line that offers spectacular views of the mountains April through January. Mine tours with gold panning are available to add to your ride.

51000 Two Rivers Plaza Rd., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Kate Henion www.glenwoodcaverns.com khenion@glenwoodcaverns.com • 970-945-4228, ext. 118 Located atop Iron Mountain overlooking Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park offers a unique venue for groups. Your guests travel to the park in fully enclosed gondola cars that offer panoramic mountain views. At the top, choices include thrill rides, cave tours and family-friendly activities.

1200 N. Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 Zach Werkowitch www.historycolorado.org zach.werkowitch@state.co.us • 719-583-0453 At History Colorado, we believe in making our history accessible and creating opportunities that connect people to Colorado. Our eight museums around the state offer engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

515 Ruxton Ave, Manitou Springs, CO 80829 Ginger Hoolahan www.cograilway.com ghoolahan@broadmoor.com • 719-685-5401 The Cog Railway is back open for business after a three-year, $100 millinon rebuild. The trains give sightseers ample time to take in the magnificent panoramas. Passengers may refresh themselves in the brand-new and spacious Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.

1100-980 Howe St., Vancouver, BC Inna Germanotta www.rockymountaineer.com ingermonatta@rockymountaineer.com • 312-882-2187 The Rockies to the Red Rocks experience is a two-day journey between Moab, Utah and Denver. Vast canyons, inspiring deserts, natural archways and enchanting hoodoos are just a start. Available in SilverLeaf Service, this Rocky Mountaineer rail route is filled with beautiful highlights.

4218 County Rd. 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 Dona Webb (Basham) www.royalgorgebridge.com dwebb@royalgorgebridge.com • 719-276-8310 This quarter-mile journey through the clouds is undoubtedly the high point of any Colorado vacation. Come across the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

330 Royal Gorge Blvd., Cañon City, CO 81212 Sarah Martinez www.royalgorgeroute.com sarahm@royalgorgeroute.com • 719-276-4000 Experience America’s most spectacular rolling restaurant aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Come experience a memorable train ride through the Colorado Rockies and enjoy classes of service where we combine gorgeous scenery and great service with delicious food.

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

Alamosa CVB

Visit Colorado Springs

Canon City—Fremont County Tourism Council

VISIT DENVER

Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development

Visit Durango

354 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 Leslie Lewis www.manitousprings.org leslielewis@manitouchamber.com • 719-685-5089 Enjoy historic charm, mineral drinking springs, boutique shopping, art galleries, dining and lodging. Centrally located to all Pikes Peak Region attractions. Step-on guides and bus parking available by request.

802 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Stefanie Panetta www.durango.org stefanie@durango.org • 970-247-3500 From outdoor pursuits in the surrounding high desert and mountains, to fresh food raised at high-elevation farms, Native American history and Old West heritage, Durango is Southwest Colorado’s premier fourseason destination.

Mesa Verde Country

Visit Estes Park

610 State Ave., Alamosa CO 81101 Kale Mortensen www.alamosa.org director@alamosa.org • 717-589-9385 Let us guide you along trails in the San Luis Valley, show you where to get the best bowl of green chile and share our sacred fishing spots on the Rio Grande. Play at Great Sand Dunes National Park, walk through historic downtown or relax aboard the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad.

403 Royal Gorge Blvd. Canon City, CO 81212 Bryan Jordan www.royalgorgeregion.com marketing@royalgorgeregion.com • 800-704-6743 Let us help you plan a one- or two-day itinerary with lodging in the Royal Gorge Region you will want to market for years to come.

PO Box HH, Cortez, CO 81321 Kelly Kirkpatrick www.mesaverdecountry.com kellyk@mesaverdecountry.com • 970-565-8227 In the communities of Cortez, Dolores and Mancos you’ll discover thousands of years of history and endless outdoor adventures. Beyond the National Park, there’s more to explore in Mesa Verde Country.

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515 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Cheryl McCullough www.visitcos.com cheryl@visitcos.com • 719-635-7506 Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods Park, outdoor adventure, historic railroads, museums and iconic attractions provide authentic experiences for all ages in Olympic City, USA.

1555 California St., Suite 300, Denver, CO 80202 Lisa Bruening www.VISITDENVER.com lbruening@visitdenver.com • 303-571-9445 The Mile High City, where 300 days of sunshine, a diverse arts and culture scene, walkable downtown, chef-driven dining, urban adventure and natural beauty make a great option for groups.

PO Box 4426, Estes Park, CO 80517 Rebecca Pena www.visitestespark.com rpena@visitestespark.com • 970-586-0500, ext. 1231 Situated about 90 miles northwest of Denver, Estes Park sits in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Experience gold medal fishing rivers, iconic peaks, fertile valleys dotted with wildlife plus Rocky Mountain National Park, which is home to 300 miles of hiking trails and mountain wilds.

D E S T I N AT I O N S

Visit Fort Collins

Visit Loveland

Visit Glenwood Springs

Visit Moffat County

Visit Grand Junction

Visit Pagosa Springs

Visit Greeley

Visit Pueblo

1 Old Town Square, Suite 107, Fort Collins, CO 80524 Katy Schneider www.visitftcollins.com katy@ftcollins.com • 800-274-3678 Fort Collins’ ideal proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver and Denver International Airport make it a perfect location to bring your tour group. Fort Collins is known for its craft beer scene and all-American downtown.

802 Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Lisa Langer www.visitglenwood.com lisa@visitglenwood.com • 970-945-6580 Glenwood Springs, where world-famous hot springs meet year-round outdoor adventures and a vibrant dining and entertainment scene. Plan a trip to the Land of Water!

740 Horizon Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81506 Elizabeth Fogarty www.visitgrandjunction.com elizabethf@gjcity.org • 970-244-1480 Known for Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa, Grand Junction is an authentic Colorado experience complemented by friendly, hospitable locals. The Downtown Creative District boasts over 100 pieces of art, the region includes 27 wineries and rich regional cuisine.

902 7th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631 Amy Dugan www.visitgreeley.org amy@greeleychamber.com • 970-352-3567 Let’s plan your adventure to Greeley together! We know and love our city and look forward to you spending time with us. Visit Greeley will help with ideas for pre- and post-events, entertainment and day-trips for spouses.

5400 Stone Creek Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 Cindy Mackin www.visitlovelandco.com cindy.mackin@cityofloveland.org • 970-962-2626 Whether you are an art lover, foodie, outdoor enthusiast, love to shop or just want to get away, Loveland is the ideal location in the heart of northern Colorado for all your adventures. Book your stay for a vacation you’ll remember.

PO Box 12, Craig, CO 81626 Tom Kleinschnitz www.visitmoffatcounty.com tomk@moffatcounty.net • 970-824-2335 Moffat County is a little bit off the beaten path and that’s exactly why curious explorers and nature-loving stargazers vacation here. Nearly two million acres of pristine public lands and free-flowing rivers distinguish this unspoiled landscape where hundreds of species of wildlife find sanctuary.

105 Hot Springs Blvd., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Jennifer Green www.visitpagosasprings.com sales@visitpagosasprings.com • 970-903-9728 Pagosa Springs offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the world’s deepest hot springs and explore stunning scenery in over 2.5 million acres of surrounding wilderness.

302 N. Santa Fe Ave., Pueblo, CO 81003 Linda Lutz www.visitpueblo.org lindal@pueblochamber.net • 719-542-1704 Colorado’s most historic and culturally diverse city boasts yearround outdoor activities, celebrated and varied dining options, one of only 12 state-designated creative arts districts and exceptional business opportunities.

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HOTELS

AC Hotel Frisco by Marriott

Durango Hampton Inn

Clarion Inn Grand Junction

Fairfield Inn & Springhill Suites Denver International Airport

1202 Summit Blvd, Frisco, CO 80443 Donna Horii www.acfriscocolorado.com donna.horii@acmarriott.com • 970-368-6280 AC Hotel Frisco is where modern meets the mountains and recreational activities abound. Perfect location for excursions around the mountains, railroads and Lake Dillon, and 6 world class ski resorts within a 25 mile radius. SCENIC BEAUTY – YEAR-ROUND.

755 Horizon Dr., Grand Junction, CO 81506 Tracy Shelton www.choicehotels.com gm.clarioninngj@gmail.com • 970-243-6790 Clarion Inn amenities include indoor and outdoor pools and spas, complimentary hot breakfast buffet, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, free Wi-Fi and so much more.

3777 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Jenny Roberts www.durangoco.hamptoninn.com Jenny.Roberts@hilton.com • 970-247-2600 A gateway to all your itineraries. Hampton Inn Durango has easy access to all the adventures, just minutes from historic downtown and Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot. Not to mention our ample, free parking!

6851 Tower Rd., Denver, CO 80249 Kimberly Johnson www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/denda-springhill-suitesdenverairport kimberly.johnson@crestlinehotels.com • 303-371-9400 Designed with your needs in mind, Fairfield by Marriott Denver Airport provides easy access to the nearby international travel hub.

Far View Lodge – Mesa Verde

National Park PO Box 277, Mancos, CO 81328 Robin Marquis www.visitmesaverde.com/lodging-camping/far-view-lodge marquis-robin@aramark.com • 928-645-1119 Far View Lodge is the only lodging inside of Mesa Verde National Park.

The traditional Western decor of the lobby and dining room, fantastic views, warm hospitality, and superb dining all welcome you.

Grand Vista Hotel

2790 Crossroads Blvd., Grand Junction, CO 81505 Phyllis Veale www.grandvistahotel.com phyllis@grandvistahotel.com • 970-254-7142 The Grand Vista Hotel is located near I-70, offering a full-service hotel with 158 rooms and mini-suites. Dine in Oliver’s Restaurant and enjoy live entertainment, karaoke and nightly specials in Bailey’s Lounge.

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HOTELS

S E RV I C E P R OV I D E R S

Radisson Hotel Colorado Springs Airport

America 4 U

Sky Ute Casino Resort

Denver Local Tours

Soul Community Planet

GOGO Charters

1645 Newport Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80916 Melinda Jackson www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/ radissoncolorado-springs-airport melinda.jackson@radissoncs.com • 719-597-7000 Located less than 10 miles east of downtown and four miles to the Colorado Springs Airport. Enjoy beautiful views of the Front Range.

14324 Hwy 172 North, Ignacio, CO 81137 Jeff Lyman www.skyutecasino.com jeff.lyman@skyutecasino.com • 970-563-1757 Located amidst the rugged beauty and scenic landscapes of the diverse Four Corners region, Sky Ute Casino Resort is the perfect hub from which to explore the endless recreational options that are available.

2850 S. Circle Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Jenna Wheatley www.scphotel.com/colorado-springs jennaw@scphospitality.com • 719-430-5400 Mindfully designed for your relaxation and focus, our 174, pet-friendly guest rooms offer SCP’s trademark minimalist style, including the use of sustainable and regionally-sourced materials.

Strater Hotel

699 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 Tori Ossola www.strater.com tossola@strater.com • 970-375-7122 A historic hotel in the heart of downtown Durango with 93 unique rooms, the Strater Hotel is located near Mesa Verde National Park and two blocks from the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

P.O. Box 2214, Fullerton, CA 92837 Marita Ross www.america4you.net marita@america4you.net • 714-447-3826 America 4 You is a boutique receptive offering FIT hotels, activities, ranches and fly-drives. As a family business, America 4 You strives to provide hands-on service with customizable itineraries and in-depth knowledge of the United States.

1701 Wynkoop St., Denver, CO 80202 Rachel & Will Strobolson www.denverlikealocaltours.com info@denverlocaltours.com • 720-778-1170 Experience Denver through the eyes of a local! We offer fun and exciting walking tours of Denver’s iconic neighborhoods. Let us be your insider guide to the Mile High City.

8 E. 1st Ave., Suite 108, Denver, CO 80203 Hala Faruqi www.gogocharters.com info@gogocharters.com • 720-216-2068 Since 2012, GOGO Charters has provided high-quality, luxury coaches for groups in and around the United States. Our 24/7 reservation specialists are available to take your call, whether it’s for existing trip confirmations or last-minute emergency.

Leisure West Tours & Cruises

1266 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601 Lee Dahl & Joan Fields www.leisurewesttours.com lwt@leisurewesttours.com • 303-659-4858 Have a group? Want to plan a tour of Colorado or the Southwest? We can provide a complete tour package customized to your group needs.

COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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S E RV I C E P R OV I D E R S

Lively Tours and Talks

PO Box 1554, Grand Lake, CO 80447 Dave Lively www.livelytoursandtalks.com info@livelytoursandtalks.com • 970-531-1211 Your local step-on guide for Rocky Mountain National Park and your new north-central Colorado itineraries.

Rocky Mountain Guides Association

4820 E. Kentucky Ave., Unit B, Glendale, CO 80246 Mike Pearl www.rockymountaintourguides.com rmgapresident@rockymountaintourguides.com • 303-868-0023 Professional, independent members providing tour and travel services throughout Colorado, including tour directors/guides, step-on-guides, tour operators and hospitality services.

Southwest Adventure Tours

382 E. 650 S. Circle, Cedar City, UT 84720 Jason Murray www.southwestadventuretours.com info@southwestadventuretours.com • 800-970-5864 Southwest Adventure Tours specializes in group tours to the National Parks in the Western United States. Our tours offer active hiking, scenic and photography experiences.

Warther Tours

221 Front Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 Mark Warther www.warthertours.com mark@travelwarther.com • 330-556-4535 Travel with train historian Mark Warther on a personally designed “Trains and Parks of Colorado” adventure featuring amazing trains, breathtaking scenery, fantastic hotels and great food. Mark’s life-long love of trains and the majestic beauty of Colorado makes this Colorado experience a trip like no other.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

LEE DAHL & JOAN FIELDS

Leisure West Tours and Cruises

The tour operators celebrate nearly 25 years of showcasing Colorado

Lee Dahl & Joan Fields Co-Owners/Operators

everywhere you go, you can see something new and different. People often think Colorado is just about mountains, but it is so much more than that if you have someone explain it to you and show you the differences.

Learning about and appreciating the differences one can experience in Colorado, as well as the commonalities, it is possible to really appreciate the uniqueness of Colorado’s landscape, culture and beauty.

With nearly 25 years in the business, how has your approach to organizing trips changed, and do participants come with different expectations than 1998?

H

ow did you get started in the tour industry?

Lee: I had been driving motorcoach tours for over 15 years. After driving so many of the tours that I didn’t feel were done very well, my thought was that they could be done better.

Joan: I had worked in law offices for 30+ years and was burned out and wanted a career change. I am a Colorado native, have a passion for Colorado and love to travel.

US: It worked out that we had the opportunity to collaborate together on a tour for a historical preservation organization and realized that our thoughts, strengths and abilities were a good match, and in 1998 we decided to give it a go.

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

What sort of tours/programming does Leisure West Tours offer?

We specialize in Colorado because that is what we love and know the best. We strive to emphasize learning and education about Colorado so those who travel with us have an understanding of the places they visit and what they are seeing and why they are visiting that place.

What distinguishes Colorado visually and characteristically that makes it such an appealing destination?

We just finished a tour of National Parks and Monuments of Colorado.

Each of the Parks or Monuments is totally unique from each other.

The differences are so great that

Tour participants used to want to be led by the hand, shown what they are supposed to see, and follow along.

Now they are more independent and somewhat more informed because they can Google everything, and that means we need to be very informed about where we are taking them and what they will be seeing and experiencing.

Why is it important to also be active in Tour Colorado, primarily a supplier organization?

We find being a member of Tour Colorado gives us a much better relationship with our suppliers and we know that Tour Colorado members are interested in Group Tours. Also Tour Colorado suppliers know what group expectations are. This allows us to work well together in providing groups with the best possible experience.

We are confident that Tour Colorado members understand and will meet our expectations and those of a group leader.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

KATY SCHNEIDER

Visit Fort Collins

Katy spotlights the city’s craft beer tradition and outdoor activities

completely remodeled the beautiful space.

The menu focuses on delicious farm-totable ingredients and baked goods, and there is also a teaching kitchen that can really immerse your group in Ginger and Baker’s philosophy and showcase how the meals are prepared.

What distinguishes Fort Collins from other cities in Colorado?

We are always receiving feedback that people feel they are not a visitor and that they are truly treated like a local in Fort Collins. We’re also very well-positioned and in close proximity to quintessential Colorado attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park as well as other group-friendly cities like Cheyenne. We are an excellent hub-andspoke for groups to consider.

What would a personal itinerary around Fort Collins look like for you?

Katy Schneider, CTA Vice President of Marketing

W

hat Fort Collins attractions would you recommend for groups?

We have a breadth of attractions that are popular with groups. We are the craft beer capital of Colorado, so attractions like New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Company offer tours for large parties and are great introductions to craft beer. Our downtown is also a major attraction for groups because it’s the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. and provides a very quintessential all-American experience. It’s very walkable and easy to explore, with easy motorcoach parking and beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.

Does Fort Collins offer outdoor activities?

We have over 50 natural areas within the city that are protected for environmental purposes that contain many hiking trails and paved pathways that are ideal “soft excursions” for groups that don’t want a strenuous experience. We’re also next to the Cache la Poudre River, which is the state’s only Wild & Scenic River. There are five rafting companies that utilize the river for commercial trips.

What Fort Collins dining experience would you recommend for groups?

Ginger and Baker offers fantastic group service and can take reservations in advance. The restaurant is in a building that dates back to 1905, and they have

I would start the day by heading to Horsetooth Resevoir with my paddleboard after stopping at Vatos Tacos to get a breakfast burrito for fuel. After paddleboarding, I would come back to Old Town for a bite to eat while listening to an outdoor concert or people-watching in the town square. That evening, I would catch a show at the Comedy Fort, which is an incredible stand-up comedy venue that offers performances almost every night.

How has Tour Colorado benefited Visit Fort Collins and its other members?

Tour Colorado is really the preeminent voice for group tourism in the state, and they do a phenomenal job representing us at shows for tour operators across the country. Any groups that visit the state and work directly with Tour Colorado are ahead of the game since they are so up-todate on DMOs, hotels and attractions that save the operators valuable time.

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COLORADO GROUP TOUR PLANNER

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DREAM IT UP. SOAK IT UP. LIVE IT UP.

From the breathtaking views of our mountains to new discoveries sprinkled throughout the city, Colorado is where everything SHINES A LITTLE BRIGHTER. Start planning your next adventure today.

TOURS.COLORADO.COM

MONTANA I T I N E R A RY G U I D E

2023 EDITION

INSIDE: Group-Friendly Itineraries and Attractions Montana’s Dinosaur Trail Outstanding State Parks In the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

A GREAT STATE FOR GROUP TRIPS Tour planners find scenic splendor, outdoor adventure, pioneer history and Native American culture

Learn more about Montana’s group travel opportunities!

G L A CI E R CO UNT RY

to Cranbrook, BC Rexford

Yaak

Eureka

GLACIER

to Sandpoint, ID

NATIONAL

Polebridge

Fortine Trego Troy

PARK

the

Trout Creek

Rollins Proctor Dayton Elmo Big Arm

Thompson Falls Hot Springs Haugan De Borgia St. Regis

AH

O

ad

Superior

Augusta

Ulm

Missoula

Alberton

Stevensville

Helena

Corvallis

Elliston

Garrison

Deer Lodge

Philipsburg

Hamilton

Anaconda

Darby

569

Conner

Divide Wisdom

to Salmon, ID

Melrose

Twin Bridges

PIONEER MTNS SCENIC BYWAY

278

Jackson

S O UT HW E S T M ONTA NA

Harrison Pony

Alder

278

Dillon

Bannack

Three Forks

Roundup

Virginia City Cameron

Clyde Park

Big Sky

Quake Lake

Laurel

Park City

Fishtail

Nye Roscoe

Silver Cooke Gate City Tower Junction

YELLOWSTONE

Canyon Norris NATIONAL Madison Junction West PARK Lake Yellowstone West to Idaho Falls, ID Thumb to Rexburg, ID Old Faithful Grant Village Lakeview

Billings

Columbus

Absarokee

Pray Emigrant

Mammoth Hot Springs

Pompeys Pillar

Greycliff Reed Point

McLeod

Bozeman

Nevada Ennis City

324

Roberts

Red Lodge

Joliet

Rockvale

Bridger

Pryor

N

*2013 U.S. Census Estimate

Garryowen

Wyola

WYOMING to Cody, WY to Lovell, WY BEARTOOTH ALL-AMERICAN ROAD

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

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NO IN

Decker to Sheridan, WY

Y E L L OWS TON E C OU N TRY CITY/ TOWN

POPULATION

HIGHWAYS

Interstate Route Principal Highways Other Highways

Under 50

2,500-10,000

ROUTE MARKERS

10,000-25,000 State Capital

Interstate U.S. Route State or Provincial Route Other Route

Map provided for general information only. Consult the Official Montana Highway Map for accurate and detailed information.

Getting To & Getting Around Montana Airport, Driving & Amtrak Information ontana has seven main airports, most with year-round service or seasonal direct flights from major cities. Three interstate highways and countless scenic byways with endless vistas provide access to Montana’s major cities and charming small towns. Traveling between Chicago and Portland/Seattle, Amtrak’s Empire Builder makes a dozen stops in Montana’s Hi-Line, including several near Glacier National Park. Find additional resources here. visitmt.com/plan-your-trip/getting-to-montana

M

Busby

Lodge Grass

Fort Smith

Over 25,000 Land Area: 145,392 sq. miles Water Area: 1,746 sq. miles Total Area: 147,138 sq. miles

Lame Deer

Crow Agency

Saint Xavier

Belfry

1,000-2,500 to Grand Teton Natl Park and Jackson, WY

Hardin

CROW INDIAN RESERVATION

50-1,000

State Capital: Helena Montana Population: 1,015,165*

Forsy

Hysham

Worden

Big Timber

Belgrade Livingston

Gardiner

IDAHO

Harlowton

Ingomar

Bighorn

Wilsall

Manhattan

Gallatin Gateway Norris

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Monida

Melstone

Ringling

Grant

Dell Lima

Cohagen

Mosby

Custer

Sheridan

Polaris

Sand Springs

Winnett

Grass Range

Utica

Two Dot

Logan

Whitehall

Silver Star

Jordan

Lewistown

Hobson

Martinsdale

Butte

Wise River Dewey

Sula

Stanford

White Sulphur Springs

Townsend Boulder

Georgetown Lake

Brusett

Judith Gap

Montana City Winston

Jefferson City

Basin

Zortman

Roy

Denton

Raynesford Geyser

Neihart

East Helena

Clancy

F P Landusky

Monarch

Wolf Creek

Marysville

PINTLER SCENIC ROUTE

Stockett

Canyon Creek

Drummond

Florence

Belt

Craig

Lincoln

Bonner Clinton

Lolo

Victor

Cascade

Ovando Greenough Helmville

Glasgow

Winifred

Fort Shaw

Seeley Lake

Arlee

S M

Vandalia

Malta

Virgelle

Great Falls

Fairfield Vaughn

St. Ignatius

Dixon

Loma

Fort Benton

Condon

Ronan

FLATHEAD INDIAN Moiese R E S E R V A T I O N

to Kooskia, ID

RESERVATION

Hinsdale

Saco

Dodson

FORT BELKNAP INDIAN RESERVATION

ROCKY BOY’S

Big Sandy I N D I A N

Choteau

Charlo

Paradise

Fort Belknap Agency

Brady

Bynum

Polson

Plains

Havre

Box Elder

Conrad

er

Swan Lake

Chester

Rudyard

Dupuyer

Riv

Whitewater

Chinook

Galata

Valier

Heart Butte

Fla

Lakeside

Noxon

to Coeur d’Alene, ID

Bigfork

Somers

Loring

Shelby

East Glacier Park

Opheim

Turner

Sunburst

Cut Bank

Browning

Martin City Hungry Horse Essex

Kila

Marion

Heron

to

to Swift Current, SK

CANADA

Sweetgrass BLACKFEET INDIAN RESERVATION

Columbia West Glacier Falls Coram

Kalispell

MISSOURI RIVE COUNTRY

C E N TR AL M ON TAN A

CANA DA to Lethbridge, AB

Babb St. Mary

Lake McDonald

Apgar

Libby

Whitefish

ID

to Cardston, AB

MA

Montana Matters, Protect Montana Moments

ER RI R I VER UNTRY

Scobey PlentywoodPlentywood

Nashua asgow

NashuaWolf

Poplar

Bainville

Bainville

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Glendive Glendive

Wibaux

Cohagen

253

Terry Fallon

Terry

Fallon

Ismay

Miles CityMiles City

Ismay Plevna

Ekalaka

Olive

R A IL HTI G Busby H A O R T H E R NNCOHRETYHEENRNNEC H E Y E W N NYE

en

Olive

HI G

H WA Y Broadus

Broadus

N D I A N R E SI N ER T IROENS E R V A T I O N DVI AAN

Birney Otter Decker

WY

Birney Otter

Biddle

Biddle

Alzada

Alzada

to Belle Fourche, to Belle SD Fourche, SD WYOM INGWYOM ING to Gillette, WY to Gillette, WY

S O U THSEOAUST TH E A S T MONTAMO N AN TA NA

epending on your activities consider bringing extra water, snacks, bug D spray and a first aid kit. Montana weather and terrain can change quickly.

Pack clothing layers that can be added or removed as conditions change.

▶ Play it Safe

ake it slow, choosing activities that fit your groups age, agility and T stamina. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Bring your binoculars and utilize observation areas. Don’t feed wildlife.

▶ Leave No Trace TA SO UT H DA KO

Ashland

OR T R A IL

▶ Plan Ahead

Ekalaka

TA SO UT H DA KO

Ashland WA R RI

WA R RI O R

Baker

Rosebud

Colstrip

Lame Deer

Plevna

Baker

Forsyth

Colstrip

Wibaux

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ive others space. Montana is all about wide-open spaces. There’s G plenty of room to explore without overcrowding.

to Bowman, ND

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▶ Practice Physical Distancing

to Dickinson, ND

Savage

Brockway

Brockway

TA NO RTH DA KO

TA NO RTH DA KO

Lambert Crane Crane

Savage Bloomfield Bloomfield Circle

Circle

Rosebud

heck the status of your destination before arriving. It’s good to have a C backup plan in case it’s closed, or crowded.

Sidney Sidney

Lambert

yth

▶ K now Before You Go

Fairview

Fairview

Fort Peck

Jordan

here are more than 147,000 miles of roads in Montana that are waiting for you to explore. Discover the natural beauty, amazing wildlife and charming small towns.

Each deserves the respect of visitors and residents. The following guidelines help preserve the Treasure State while building a treasure chest of unforgettable memories.

to Bowman, ND

Fort Peck

Culbertson Culbertson

WolfPoplar Point

Point

Froid

Froid

Lustre

to Williston, ND

Saint Lustre Marie

T

Medicine Lake Medicine Lake

F O R T P E C KF O R T P E C K I N D I A N R E SI N ER DVI AAN T IROENS E R V A T I O N

dale Saint Marie a

to Fortuna, ND

Scobey Peerless

Peerless

to Williston, ND

Four Buttes

Opheim

Westby

to Dickinson, ND

m

Westby

Whitetail Flaxville

FourWhitetail Flaxville Buttes

to Fortuna, ND

to Regina, SKto Regina, SK to Assiniboia,to SKAssiniboia, SK o Kildeer, SKto Kildeer, SK

ake care of the land by staying on trails and taking all trash when you T leave. Montana is the home of two National Parks and 55 State Parks.

When visiting take care of these unspoiled treasures.

▶ Build an Inclusive Outdoors

e kind to nature and kind to others while exploring Montana, B regardless of age, identity, or ability. Be mutually patient and respectful.

Learn more here. visitmt.com/plan-your-trip/montana-matters

AP SYMBOLS MAP SYMBOLS AND OTHER AND FEATURES OTHER FEATURES

Discover Indian Country

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ith each of Big Sky Country’s 12 tribes having a distinct cultural heritage, their native languages, rituals, histories and governments are alive. Visitors are welcome to experience the customs of each tribal community on seven reservations.

The best place to begin planning your trip is the MONTANA Explore Indian Country Guide. A comprehensive presentation begins with Road Trips along the “Warrior Trail Highway”, “Peaks and Valleys” and “Sleeping Buffalo Trail.”

Discover the seven reservations in Montana and the Native Americans that call them home.

Read about the historical and religious ceremonies and the importance of the buffalo in the indigenous culture. Understand the importance of a pishkun, or buffalo jump in ancient hunting practices. Appreciate the beauty and splendor of Native American arts and crafts. As you visit the reservations and tribal communities watch for goods labeled Native American Made in Montana. If planning to attend the dozens of events throughout the year, do catch up on PowWow Etiquette.

The Explore Indian Country Guide should be a planning tool for all Montana tours. Read online here. https://www.visitmt.com/indian-country

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

ute

State Boundary State Boundary Major Airports Major Airports Secondary Secondary Airports Airports Amtrak Line Amtrak Line Amtrak Station Amtrak Station

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TOURING MONTANA

From historic treasures to scenic pleasures, endless discoveries await group travelers in the nation’s fourth-largest state

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

THE STORY

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Badlands formations wow visitors to Makoshika State Park in eastern Montana.

of Montana is really the story of the American West. It’s a tale told through the state’s great historical attractions and wide-open spaces, a tale that will regale your tour members as they visit sites that reveal glimpses into Native American culture and colorful chapters in the saga of intrepid explorers and settlers. Sprinkle your group itinerary with museums, forts, battlefields and ghost towns, along with recreational activities and places of unsurpassed natural splendor, and you can’t go wrong.

By Randy Mink

In the Footsteps of Lewis & Clark

them. Narrated two-hour boat tours showcase the splendor of these 1,200-foot-high stone walls, which are guarded by bighorn sheep and mountain goats. South of Helena, the quaint town of Whitehall is worth a stop for the variety of vibrant murals depicting Lewis & Clark in Montana.

Pompeys Pillar National Monument, 25 miles northeast of Billings, preserves the only remaining physical evidence of the momentous expedition along the entire Lewis & Clark National Trail. On a prominent sandstone butte that towers over the prairie, Clark, on his return journey through the Yellowstone River Valley in July of 1806, carved his name on the face of the rock. His signature is still clearly visible and can be viewed by those who negotiate a series of steep stairways or can be viewed on video in the visitor center, which houses many interesting exhibits relating to the expedition.

Cruising the Missouri River at Gates of the Mountains

Ghost Towns

Some 60 ghost towns offer another peek into the state’s colorful past. Almost half of them are in southwest Montana, where miners stricken with gold fever flocked in the 1800s with hopes of striking it rich. These settlements went from boom to bust in a short period, but some still have intact buildings and are maintained as open-air museums steeped in Old West lore.

In Virginia City, the most “alive” ghost town, more than 130 early buildings have been preserved, and others have been reconstructed.

Some function as a hotel, restaurants and shops.

Walking the wood-plank sidewalks, you can visit the state’s first newspaper office, a period-accurate pharmacy, Wells Fargo office and general stores carrying 1860-1880 merchandise. In summer, there

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Under President Thomas Jefferson, the United States in 1803 purchased the vast Louisiana Territory from France, adding a huge chunk of land to the country’s western flank. Setting out from St. Louis in May of 1804, Meriwether Lewis (Jefferson’s personal secretary) and Captain William Clark were tasked with leading a 45-man expedition through the uncharted new territory in search of a safe trade route from the Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis & Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery, entered what would be the state of Montana in April of 1805, following the Missouri River to its headwaters near the present-day town of Three Forks. They continued down the Bitterroot Valley and over the mountains through Lolo Pass near the Montana-Idaho border. After reaching the Pacific, the Corps backtracked through Montana in June of 1806, splitting into two parties for a time.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls provides a good introduction to the explorers’ epic journey. Perched on a bluff overlooking the site of the Corps’ portage of the five waterfalls of the Missouri River, the center is one of the state’s best museums, featuring a two-story diorama of the portage, exhibits on encounters with Plains Indians, impressive videos

by Ken Burns and others, ranger-led programs and a network of self-guided trails. One trail leads to Giant Springs State Park, where Lewis & Clark discovered one of the country’s largest freshwater springs. The Corps spent one month portaging around the great falls, which Lewis called a “supremely grand spectacle,” to reach navigable waters again. Views of the cascades can be enjoyed from scenic overlooks for vehicles.

Northeast of Great Falls, the largest city in central Montana, stands the Lewis & Clark Memorial on the levee beside the Missouri River in Fort Benton. The heroic, larger-than-life-sized statue—a great photo op—depicts the explorers gazing out at the waterway with their young Shoshone Indian guide, Sacagawea, and her son. Visitors can tour the Old Fort (a fur trading post) and peruse exhibits on natural and cultural history in the interpretive center of Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, famed for its breathtaking landscapes, geology and wildlife.

Gates of the Mountains, a spectacular Missouri River canyon north of Helena, was named by Lewis for the steep limestone cliffs that create the illusion of a gate that seems to open as you approach

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the Garnet Mountain Range. Though most of the original buildings have collapsed, some 30 structures, including cabins, stores, a saloon and hotel, have remained intact and are open to visit on guided and self-guided tours. Social life was more civilized than in other mining towns, as men were encouraged to bring their families, and there were schools for the children. After the 1930s, the town fell into disrepair and by 1950 it was deserted.

State Parks

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Bannack State Park preserves one of Montana’s best ghost towns.

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are bawdy cabaret shows at Gilbert Brewery, and the Virginia City Players stage melodramas and variety shows at the Opera House. Visitors can pan for gold, see the gold mining museum and experience living history exhibits scattered around the sites. The narrow-gauge Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad, featuring a 1910 locomotive, offers a scenic train ride to nearby Nevada City, another ghost town that contains buildings that remain virtually unchanged from the glory days of the 1860s gold rush along Alder Creek.

A National Historic Landmark, Virginia City (population 200) boasts the finest collection of boomtown buildings on their original sites and, with Nevada City, the largest collection of Western memorabilia outside the Smithsonian. Soon after gold was discovered there in 1863, thousands flooded in, and the prosperous settlement served as the territorial capital for 10 years. By 1875, however, mining activity in the region had abated and the population had dwindled to less than 800.

Bannack State Park, 70 miles from Virginia City, comprises what many consider to be the best of all Montana ghost towns. Bannack was the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery (July 28, 1862 at Grasshopper Creek) and first territorial capital. More than 50 log and frame buildings, many in excellent condition, still stand along Main Street in a town that is well preserved but not commercialized. Nearly all the weathered buildings can be explored by visitors on their own. Highlights include the mid-1860s Graves House, the first frame house in the Montana Territory; Masonic Temple, whose first floor served as a school; a saloon; a jail; and the Meade Hotel, originally the Beaverhead County Courthouse. Free walking tours of the National Historic Landmark are conducted from the visitor center.

Garnet Ghost Town, tucked away down a gravel road 56 miles east of Missoula, is an unspoiled, well-restored 1890s gold camp named for the semiprecious ruby-colored stones found in

While Montana may lay claim to two of America’s most famous national parks—Glacier and Yellowstone—its cornucopia of outstanding state parks should not be overlooked. These protected enclaves, 55 in all, offer the same kind of scenery and activities as their federally funded counterparts, happily without the crowds. Consider them for nature-based experiences like wildlife watching or active pursuits such as hiking, fishing and boating.

Some state parks showcase cultural treasures.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park, near Whitehall, is Montana’s first state park. Easily accessible off I-90, it is one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest. Guided tours reveal a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and other dazzling formations decorating the vaulted chambers. In southeastern Montana, Pictograph Cave State Park features faded pictographs (rock paintings) of animals and humans made by peoples who inhabited area caves 2,000 years ago.

Makoshika State Park is Montana’s largest state park (11,538 acres). Located on the eastern edge of the state near Glendive, this land of eroded buttes has yielded fossils of the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops and other prehistoric life. Scenic drives and hiking trails lead to overlooks affording views of the pine- and juniper-studded badlands formations,

A century after Garnet emerged as a mining town, remnants of the community still exist.

Clark camped. Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo preserves a large grassy area with a tree-lined creek where the explorers stayed in 1805 before setting out on the grueling journey through the Bitterroot Range. They stayed there again in 1806.

North of Dillon, two parks have Lewis & Clark connections. Beaverhead Rock State Park is named for a rock resembling the head of a swimming beaver. When Sacagawea recognized the natural landmark, it gave the expedition hope that they were in the vicinity of her relatives, from whom they would acquire horses. Clark’s Lookout State Park, located above the Beaverhead River, is where Clark viewed the route ahead on August 13, 1805. Interpretive signs explain the expedition’s navigational methods and a monument shows Clark’s compass readings.

In Yellowstone Country, Missouri Headwaters State Park, the site of the explorers’ encampment in 1805, is where the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin rivers join to become the mighty Missouri. Fishing, hiking and biking are among the activities available.

In northwestern Montana, six state parks offer water fun on beautiful Flathead Lake. Measuring 28 miles long and nearly 15 miles wide, the sprawling body of water is the largest natural freshwater lake (by surface area) west of the Mississippi.

Breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Swan and Mission mountains add to the allure of one of the West’s favorite playgrounds.

Wayfarers, West Shore, Big Arm, Finley Point, Yellow Bay and Wildhorse Island state parks provide a variety of options, from fishing, swimming, hiking and camping to kayaking, sailing and stand-up paddle boarding. ■

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

and the visitor center has excellent geology exhibits and fossils on display. Visitors to Makoshika also will find an outdoor amphitheater, a disc golf course and a group picnic area.

At First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, an archaeological site near Ulm in central Montana, groups learn about the method Native Americans used to kill herds of buffalo. They will spot bone fragments at the foot of the mile-long sandstone cliff from which the bison were stampeded to their deaths for more than 2,000 years. The education center explores buffalo culture in depth, and there is an interpretive trail. In his journal, Meriwether Lewis described the kills in great detail. From the top of the cliff are panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain Front, Missouri River Valley, and distant buttes and grasslands characteristic of the Great Plains. Nearby is a black-tailed prairie dog town.

In southeast Montana, Greycliff Prairie Dog Town State Park protects another black-tailed prairie dog community. Interpretive displays tell the story of the comical critters that entertain onlookers as they dash from hole to hole and sound their chirpy alarms. Lewis and Clark referred to them as “barking squirrels.”

In the Bitterroot Valley town of Stevensville, Fort Owen State Park (only 1.9 acres) commemorates the spot of some Montana firsts. Stevensville, founded in 1841 by Jesuit missionaries, was the state’s first permanent white settlement. It claims Montana’s first Catholic church, first sawmill, first grist mill, first school and first agricultural development.

Period furnishings and artifacts are displayed in the restored rooms of the east barracks.

Several state parks occupy land where Lewis &

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Fort Peck Interpretive Center

can be found all across the state, mostly in the northern half. Two of them offer the opportunity to help scientists dig for dinosaur remains.

The Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station in Malta, located in the heart of “dinosaur country,” features a cast of “Leonardo,” recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the best preserved dinosaur in the world. The “mummy” Brachylophosaurus was discovered in 2001 with a majority of its body covered in skin. On dinosaur digs conducted on select dates in summer, guests can work with scientists to collect fossils that may go on display or be the focus of research.

Just down the road from the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, visitors to the Phillips County Museum can meet “Elvis,” a 33-foot-long Brachylophosaurus fossil, one of the best articulated skeletons ever found. It was named for the rock ’n’ roll legend because its hip was found first. A 28-foot-long, full-size Albertosaurus, a relative of the T. rex, greets arriving visitors, and they can pose with a 700-pound Apatosaurus femur.

Folks can play paleontologist on half-day, fullday and multi-day digs organized by the Montana

MONTANA’S DINOSAUR TRAIL

Museums across the state give us a better understanding of these prehistoric giants

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

By Randy Mink

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M

ontana boasts some of the most important discoveries of dinosaur specimens and some of the most renowned paleontologists in the world. The state’s landscapes, from rugged mountain peaks in the west to sweeping plains in the east, have provided the ideal conditions for finding fossils.

The folding and shifting that produced this varied terrain exposed rock formations from nearly every geologic era—including the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods, when dinosaurs lived. These rock formations are at the surface, often in dry, rocky “badland” environments with little vegetation and topsoil to cover the fossils, thus making it possible for people—paleontologists, ranchers, farmers, hikers—to discover them. And because Montana is sparsely populated, sites haven’t been disturbed or covered by heavy development.

The 13 museums and one state park that make up the Montana Dinosaur Trail shed light on this aspect of prehistory, showcasing fossilized dinosaur bones and, in some cases, full skeletons. These locations

Dinosaur Center (aka Two Medicine Dinosaur Center) in Bynum. The museum displays the first baby dinosaur bones found in North America.

Close to the Montana/North Dakota border, Makoshika State Park (Montana’s largest) counts more than 10 different dinosaur species discovered there. Fossils in its visitor center include a complete Triceratops horridus skull.

Impressive fossils also are on exhibit at the nearby Frontier Gateway Museum in Glendive.

The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, a Smithsonian Affiliate, has the world’s largest collection of T. rex and Triceratops specimens.

Visitors also can see the bones of “Big Al,” a nearly complete Allosaurus, and numerous dinosaur eggs. A cast of the most complete T. rex specimen ever found (known as “Montana’s T. rex”) is on display at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center in Fort Peck, and the real skeleton is at the Museum of the Rockies.

For information on the Montana Dinosaur Trail, visit mtdinotrail.org. ■

MONTANA GROUP ATTRACTIONS Montana abounds with group-friendly attractions that tour organizers easily can incorporate into their itineraries. Here are just a few crowd-pleasers to put on your radar.

By Randy Mink

Since the 1930s, the Red Bus Tours fleet of vintage vehicles has been offering guided tours on the park’s iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the world’s most scenic roadways. Glacier Park Boat Company, another park concessionaire, operates narrated, 45- to 90-minute excursions on McDonald, St. Mary, Swiftcurrent, Josephine and Two Medicine lakes. Some cruises include a guided walk or hike.

Sun Tours provides interpretive bus tours of the park from the perspective of the Blackfeet Tribe.

Conrad Mansion Museum, Kalispell

Built in 1895 for Charles E. Conrad, the founder of Kalispell, this 26-room mansion has been restored to its Victorian splendor, and more than 90 percent of the furniture and artifacts are original to the house. Innovative features included a freight elevator, dumbwaiter, built-in fire hoses, and a communication system with an electric call box, intercom and speaking tube.

C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls

This museum complex, covering an entire city block, pays homage to Western artist Charles Marion Russell (1864-1926), famed for his depictions of cowboys, Native Americans, and Montana landscapes and wildlife. Galleries feature Russell’s watercolors, oil paintings, sculptures, drawings and published illustrations. Also on display are works of Russell contemporaries who have captured the traditions of North Plains Indian life. The campus includes the artist’s home and log studio as well.

Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument In southeastern Montana’s Valley of the Little Bighorn River, see where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and the 210 men of his 7th Calvary Regiment made their last stand against several thousand Lakota, Arapaho and Northern Cheyenne. A national

cemetery, museum exhibits, and various monuments and memorials tell the story of the Native Americans’ victory. The Crow Nation’s Apsaalooke Tours offers van excursions departing from the visitor center. A step-on guide from Indian Battle Tours will provide a memorable perspective of the battle from both Native American and Cavalry points of view.

C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls

Last Chance Tour Train, Helena

This one-hour narrated trolley ride through Montana’s capital city showcases the original and current governor’s mansions, State Capitol, Cathedral of St. Helena, opulent mansion district, a restored miners’ village called Reeder’s Alley and the charming Victorian-era buildings of Last Chance Gulch, today a pedestrian mall with shops and restaurants.

Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center, Fort Peck Adjacent to the largest hydraulic earth-filled dam in the world, the center features a cast of a Tyrannosaurus rex known as Peck’s Rex, exhibits on dam history, the fauna of neighboring Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and large aquariums housing fish from Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River. Tours of the power house can be arranged.

World of Mining Museum, Butte

This 44-acre site on the grounds of the old Orphan Girl silver and zinc mine spotlights Butte’s heyday as a mining center with large-scale exhibits, equipment on display in the mine yard and Hell Roarin’ Gulch, a re-created 1890s mining town with 50-plus buildings filled with antiques. Visitors don hardhats, cap lights and battery packs on underground tours led by former mine workers. ■

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Glacier National Park

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Bannack State Park, a ghost town, was the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery.

Access the mobile version of this itinerary.

PARK TO PARK Ghost Town Route DAY 1

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Begin your journey on MT-83 from West Glacier with a stop in the charming town of Bigfork. Take in a great view of Flathead Lake, but find time for some shopping in the town’s upscale art galleries, highend boutiques and fine restaurants.

Continuing south on MT-83, enter the Seeley-Swan Valley. There’s plenty of recreation opportunities on the valley’s chain of lakes, including Swan Lake,

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Holland Lake, Seeley Lake, Lake Placid and Salmon Lake State Park.

After a refreshing time on the lakes, it’s on to the first ghost town stop, Garnet Ghost Town. Garnet is an historic mining town with more than 30 buildings preserved.

From 1862 to 1916, millions in gold were taken from the Garnet area.

Many believe there’s more available.

DAY 1: Shop Bigfork a charming, historic waterfront village.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: Step back in time to the frontier and explore Montana’s ghost towns. On your way from Glacier National Park to Yellowstone National Park, you’ll wander through some forgotten towns of the past while exploring Montana’s rich history.

Begin your day in Philipsburg, an 1890s mining town renovated into a National Historic District. Quaint shops dot the walking tour, with a must stop at the Sweet Palace. “The grandest candy emporium in the West” offers 1,000 candies and free fudge and taffy tastings every day. Try prospecting at the Sapphire Gallery and be sure to visit the Granite County Museum and Mine Exhibit and the Ghost Town Hall of Fame.

Consider a stop at nearby Granite Ghost Town State Park. At the time it was the richest silver mine in the world at $40,000,000, and might never have been if a telegraph from the east hadn’t been delayed. (Access is on a rough road that may not be suitable for all vehicles or travelers.)

Continue to Anaconda in the Deer Lodge National Forest, the town that

sprang up when the Anaconda Mining company of Butte needed a smelter for its copper ore.

Operations were suspended in 1980, but “The Stack” remains a landmark.

Catch a show at the Washoe Theater, a 1936 movie theater with Art Deco furnishings and murals. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the venue is well worth a visit.

Final stop is the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with four hot spring pools, two mineral soaking pools and a waterslide.

Dinner is at the Waters Edge Dining Room and a nightcap, if you’re so inclined, can be enjoyed at Whiskey Joe’s Lounge. An option is to continue to Butte for an overnight. Check out the Spooks and Spirits Haunted Tours and the Dumas Brothel tour. It’s the longest operating brothel in the U.S.

DAY 2: Sweet Palace in Philipsburg will satisfy your sweet tooth.

DAY 3: Exploring nuggets of history in Virginia City Photo courtesy of Valerie Manne

DAY 3

Travel the Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway with a stop at Crystal Park.

Rockhounders and others will enjoy searching for Quartz crystals scattered throughout this National Recreation Area.

Next stop is historic Bannack State Park with more than 60 preserved structures. Begin at the visitors center to get a full briefing on this site that was the first major Montana gold discovery July 1862. With a reservation picnic tables are available for groups.

Finish your day at Nevada City, an 1860s stagecoach stop and Virginia City, which emerged from the discovery of gold in Alder Gulch. Virginia City was the Montana

Territorial Capital for 10 years until the gold ran out. Discover nuggets of history as you shop and dine in an 1860s atmosphere. More than 150 restored buildings have been certified authentic by the Montana Historical Society. Catch a show at The Opera House with The Virginia City Players, or a performance by the Brewery Follies Players at Montana’s first brewery, H.S. Gilbert Brewery.

Continue on U.S. 287 to West Yellowstone, your gateway to Yellowstone National Park. On the way stop at Earthquake Lake and its informative visitor center overlooking this eerie lake. In West Yellowstone stops at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to see wolves and bears native to this area and at the historic Eagle store for a souvenir are musts.

Kim Birrell 406-841-2898 • KBirrell@mt.gov

Montana Department of Commerce • VISITMT.COM

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The Trail to Iceberg Lake Photo courtesy of National Park Service Access the mobile version of this itinerary.

ENJOY AN ADVENTURE in Western Montana

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DAY 1: Historic St. Mary’s Mission, founded in 1841, was Montana’s first pioneer settlement, Stevensville.

Photo courtesy of Glacier Country Tourism

Arrive in Stevensville, the first permanent pioneer settlement in Montana. View well-preserved artifacts, learn about the founding of Historic St. Mary’s Mission and stroll through Main Street’s locally owned shops in this Bitterroot Valley community.

Continue your trip through Montana’s past with an interpretive tour of the only archeologically verified site of Lewis and Clark at Travelers’ Rest State Park in Lolo. The Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery stopped here on their western journey and their return. Lolo Peak Brewery & Grill is a favorite for lunch.

Just 12 miles north in Missoula, stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center for a guided tour of the largest smokejumper base in the country. Learn about the jump gear and firefighting tactics these parachuting, wildland firefighters use to protect the West. Check in at your Missoula hotel. This vibrant mountain town is home to gourmet restaurants, popular breweries and its very own cidery, all offering plenty of local flavor. Take time to explore Missoula’s local scene with its numerous galleries and shops that line the main street.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: Experience three days in Glacier Country, starting in the Bitterroot Valley. See Montana through the eyes of missionary settlers and Lewis and Clark. Spend the night at Montana’s arts and culture hub—Missoula. Explore the Bison Range or cruise scenic Flathead Lake. Top off your trip at the Crown of the Continent—Glacier National Park.

DAY 2: A walk along the lavender overlooking Flathead Lake.

Photo courtesy of Discover Kalispell

Wake up in Missoula and enjoy breakfast at your hotel or check out a local-favorite hot spot. Then head north for about 55 miles to explore the Bison Range—an 18,500acre national wildlife refuge on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Established for the conservation of the American bison, the range offers views of the Mission Mountains and ample chances to see bison, elk, pronghorn, deer and bear.

Continue your scenic drive along the eastern side of Flathead Lake— the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. Grab lunch in the picturesque, lakefront community of

Bigfork and spend the afternoon shopping at worldclass art galleries and numerous shops and boutiques. Check into your hotel, resort lodge, or motel. Bigfork caters to every taste and budget. This evening, take in a Broadway-caliber performance at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse.

OPTION: After shopping and dinner in Bigfork, travel to nearby Kalispell or Columbia Falls. Enjoy an evening sunset cruise with spectacular views on Flathead Lake

aboard a Far West Boat Tour before checking in to your accommodations for a good night’s rest.

DAY 3: A vintage 1930s Red Bus interpretive tour is a fun way to experience Glacier National Park.

Photo courtesy of Glacier Country Tourism

DAY 3

Wake up in Bigfork, Kalispell or Columbia Falls and enjoy breakfast in one of these three charming towns before heading to Glacier National Park for an interpretive full-day tour with Sun Tours or Red Bus Tours on the spectacular Going-to-theSun Road. The park boasts 1 million acres of stunning peaks, vast valleys, hidden alpine lakes and more than 200 waterfalls. On the east side of the park, include a stop at Saint Mary Lake. Take a historic boat ride

for incredible views from the second largest lake in Glacier National Park.

See a variety of wildlife and the iconic Wild Goose Island, often featured on magazine covers and postcards.

Stay in East Glacier Park at Glacier Park Lodge, just outside the boundaries of Glacier National Park—where Great Northern Railway history comes alive and you can learn more about the Blackfeet Nation. Enjoy a laid-back casual dinner and evening at historic Glacier Park Lodge—a timbered lodge built in 1913 that offers a great setting to recap your day’s adventures and plan your next Glacier Country getaway.

Debbie Picard, Director of Sales 406-532-3231 • debbie@glaciermt.com

Glacier Country Tourism • www.touroperators.glaciermt.com

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Sunset over the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex Photo courtesy of Eric Visocan Access the mobile version of this itinerary.

EXPLORING CENTRAL MONTANA DAY 1: Montana Dinosaur Center Photo courtesy of Central Montana Tourism

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Depart East Glacier and Browning connecting with US 89 South. Look west and you’ll see those dramatic peaks of the Rockies and trails that lead to the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

This massive complex was named after conservationist Bob Marshall, one of the co-founders of The Wilderness Society.

Look east and notice the contrast of rolling grasslands dotted with relaxedpace small communities.

Stop in Dupuyer for local shopping at Dupuyer Cache. Yarn from Merino

After Visiting Glacier National Park sheep raised nearby and books authored by Ivan Doig, who spent his school years here, are available at the Cache. Enjoy lunch at Buffalo Joe’s Eatery and Saloon with an inviting Old West atmosphere and great food.

Continuing south on Highway 89 for 20 minutes puts you in Bynum, population about 33.

The town is home to the incredibly significant Montana Dinosaur Center and the world’s largest replica of a Seismosaurus, stretching throughout

the facility. There’s a bone prep lab, the first discovered dinosaur remains in North America and other dino displays.

Another 20-minute drive and you’ll be stepping into the Old West in Choteau.

A great place to overnight is the Stage Stop Inn. Large rooms are supported by a pool, hot tub and on-site saloon. Nearby is the Old Trail Museum complex, an official stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: After absorbing the majestic beauty of Glacier National Park, spend time exploring the region on the eastern side of this national icon. Central Montana is a mix of it all when it comes to geography – mountains, rivers and plains.

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before checkout and get ready for a short hike. Across the highway from the Stage Stop Inn you’ll find maps and trail information at the Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest. For an easy hike try the 2-mile North Fork Teton Trail. The South Fork Teton Trail and Our Lake hikes are more challenging but deliver some unique views. Before departing, pick up sunscreen, a hat, water and a snack. All are available close-by.

After your hike, a short drive south on Hwy 89 will bring you to Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area, home to yearround wildlife viewing. Spring

and fall waterfowl migrations, raptors, shorebirds, deer and antelope all delight visitors. There are driving loops through the wildlife management area with plenty of photo ops.

Depart Freezout for the 35-mile drive to Great Falls.

Dinner options tonight are as diverse as Central Montana’s landscape. Enjoy elegant or rustic settings featuring steaks, sushi, hamburgers or the self-described best pizza in Montana. There are breweries and local cocktail lounges for a night cap.

DAY 2: View wildlife at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area.

Photo courtesy of Central Montana Tourism

DAY 3: Tipi on the grounds of the First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park Photo courtesy of Central Montana Tourism

DAY 3

The day begins at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.

The educational Center sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and one of the waterfalls the expedition portaged more than 200 years ago. Nearby Giant Springs State Park is home to a fish hatchery and freshwater spring bubbling at a constant 55 degrees.

Next stop is the C.M. Russell Museum complex showcasing the largest collection of works by Charlie Russell,

America’s Cowboy Artist, and his contemporaries. Grab lunch at a local favorite, Roadhouse Diner.

Fifteen minutes from Great Falls is First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park and the visitor center with a stunning photo op.

Walking trails take you to the top of the jump, or you can drive.

The views are literally endless.

You can certainly end your visit to Central Montana with some great memories, but you might just want to spend another day in Great Falls. There’s a half-dozen more attractions to enjoy.

800-527-5348/406-761-5036 • director@centralmontana.com

Central Montana Tourism Office • www.CentralMontana.com

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They’re still panning for gold in the Little Rocky Mountains near Zortman, MT Photo courtesy of Melynda Harrison Access the mobile version of this itinerary.

HUNTING FOR TREASURES

in Missouri River Country

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DAY 1: A walk to the historic little white church is refreshing, Zortman.

Photo courtesy of Rick and Susie Graetz

Arrive in Zortman on Highway 191. Just 50 miles north of Roy, Montana, this small community of around 70 people is located in the Little Rocky Mountains. Once a booming mining community of nearly 2,000 people, it is now a quaint and quirky place to get outside and meet some locals.

Spend your day panning for gold. This is the real deal, not an amusement park type flume and a bag of soil that promises gems inside. Trust your luck there is gold

in those streams. Prefer a walk in the clear, fresh air then take a hike to the iconic little white church.

There are also great fishing and bird watching available.

Zortman Motel & Garage is the place to get all the info you need for fishing, bird watching and panning for gold. Dinner tonight is at Miner’s Club & Café. This small diner provides generous portions for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Friday night is Prime Rib Special.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: Missouri River Country is full of hidden treasures and fascinating finds. From the Badlands formations with buried fossils to agates along the Yellowstone River to panning for gold in the Little Rocky Mountains, keep your boots handy and your spirit of adventure ready.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast before checkout and departing for the one-hour drive to Malta. Today is all about digging for dinos. Eastern Montana is truly Big Sky Country and home to countless dinosaur specimens. Make your reservation well in advance before heading to the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum and Field Station to meet your dig crew. The museum is a premier stop on the Montana Dinosaur Trail. On display at the museum are rare fossils, including fish, invertebrates and a variety of dinosaur species.

The dig crew will provide transportation to the dig site, lunch

and water. Make sure you have a small back pack, or tote, refillable water bottle, hat, neck scarf, lightweight clothing, good boots, or hiking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray and your camera. There will be plenty of photo ops.

Rest and relax after checking in at the Great Northern Hotel, Malta’s full-service hotel with updated lounge and coffee shop.

Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel’s elegant steakhouse. Save room for a slice or two of pie.

DAY 3: Kids love to touch the Dino’s massive teeth at the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center & Museum, Glasgow

DAY 2: The dig crew from the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum leads the Dino dig, Malta.

Photo courtesy of Donnie Sexton

DAY 3

You’ve panned for gold, hunted for fossils and now it’s time to go rockhounding. After an early breakfast and checkout, we’ll be doing the 3.5-hour drive to Sidney. Glasgow, which has been deemed the official “middle of nowhere,” makes a fun stop along the way. The Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum features two of Montana’s largest aquariums showcasing native and game species of Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River. Other displays feature present and historical animals of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.

Grab lunch at any Sidney Central Avenue grill or market before heading to the Yellowstone River to see what

outdoor adventure awaits you.

Spoiler alert: you’ll be searching for agates along the shore of the Yellowstone River.

You’ll need knee-high rubber boots, or hip boots, so you can access shallow areas of the Yellowstone River and get from sandbar to sandbar. Most of the land adjacent to the Yellowstone is private, so you’ll enter the river where fishing access is provided. It’s perfectly legal to hunt for colorful agates on any part of the river that is below the highwater mark.

Check in to one of the half-dozen group-friendly hotels for some rest and relaxation. Make tonight’s dinner special at any of Sidney’s fine restaurants. Share the wonderful treasures you’ve discovered in Montana’s Missouri River Country.

Carla Hunsley, Executive Director 1-800-653-1319 • 2mtmrc@nemont.net

Montana’s River Country • www.missouririvermt.com

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Photo courtesy of Rick and Susie Graetz

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Makoshika State Park Photo courtesy of Nathan Satran

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SOUTHEAST MONTANA is Your Trailhead for Adventure DAY 1

DAY 1: Billings Brew Trail

MONTANA ITINERARY GUIDE

Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

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Arrive in Billings and begin your experience with a guided tour of the Western Heritage Center, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate and member of the American Association of Museums. The museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the Yellowstone River Valley.

Lunch is at Ravens Café D’art (reservation required) at the Yellowstone Art Museum. As a contemporary art museum, the primary focus is on recent work by artists who live, or work, in the Mountain West and North Plains region.

Our final stop is Moss Mansion Museum, a red-stone residence built in 1903 by Preston Boyd Moss.

Check in at your group-friendly accommodations. Enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurants that have gained the appreciation of the locals and national accolades. The state’s only walkable brewery trail is located in downtown Billings. The Billings Brew Trail features six breweries, two distillers and one cider house all within walking distance.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: Discover the rich history and culture of Southeast Montana in a half dozen museums. Breathe the outdoor air along the Yellowstone River. Visit Montana’s largest state park with its scenic vistas and prehistoric residents.

DAY 2: WaterWorks Art Museum Photo courtesy of Visit Montana

Start your morning with a walk above the Yellowstone River or catch the views at Swords Park. There’s plenty of outdoor options before checkout and breakfast.

Dig deeper into Billings’ history with a visit to the Yellowstone County Museum. Learn about the 1890 Ghost Dance and other Plains Indian Art & Culture. See how the original Coulson City Saloon really looked.

Next stop is Swanky Roots and a tour of its unique aquaponics greenhouse.

Swanky Roots is growing a variety of lettuce types and its greens can be found at numerous stores and a large number of area restaurants. Tours are by appointment.

A visit to ZooMontana is a must before departing Billings. This 70-acre

zoological/botanical garden houses nearly 100 animals, representing 58 species in their natural habitat. It’s now time to depart for the two-hour drive to Miles City.

On the way to Miles City, a must stop is Pompeys Pillar National Monument. At only 51 acres, it is one of the smallest National Monuments.

William Clark’s engravement cited he climbed the sandstone pillar on July 25, 1806.

Continuing on I-94, plan a stop in Forsyth. If you missed lunch with greens in Billings you might find The Joseph’s Café more to your liking, one of 24 stops on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail.

If you’re a true antique seeker, make your way to Rusty Dog Antiques in Forsyth and Vintage & Rustic in Montana, just 30 miles away in Miles City. This is the home of the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale,

which has been held the third weekend in May since 1950.

A must stop is the WaterWorks Art Museum, which opened in 1977 and is housed in the concrete basins of the 1910 WaterWorks that supplied Miles City’s drinking water. Permanent collections of contemporary and historic selections rotate regularly along with vintage photographs of the 1800s by notable photographers. Dinner tonight is at The Historic Montana Bar. It has offered good food and good service since 1908.

DAY 3: Yellowstone River Adventures Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

DAY 3

After checkout and breakfast, depart for Glendive, about an hour away. Halfway stop at the Prairie County Museum in Terry. Housed in former banks from the early 1900s the museum complex is the essence of early pioneer life.

Arrive at the visitor’s center at Makoshika State Park, Montana’s largest state park.

Exhibits introduce you to the site’s

geological, fossil and prehistoric stories.

Hiking trails over a natural bridge are an option for exploring the Badlands landscape. Grab lunch at Bloom Coffee House & Eatery before departing for your Yellowstone River Adventures custom tour on the Yellowstone River via jet boat, or kayak. Plan to spend the night in Glendive. There’s so much more to see, including Frontier Getaway Museum, Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum and The Gallery.

Brenda Mass, Director of Marketing 406-294-5270 • brenda@SoutheastMontana.com

Visit Southeast Montana • www.SoutheastMontana.com

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The incredible view of Paradise Valley Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

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MONTANA’S YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY: DAY 1: Tippet Rise Art Center Photo courtesy of Yellowstone Country Montana

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Set out on the Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive, taking in gorgeous views of the Stillwater River, sweeping valleys and the majestic Beartooth Mountains, while exploring the charming little communities of Absarokee, Fishtail and Nye. Beginning in Absarokee, the route heads west on Highway 420.

Near Nye, there’s an option to stretch your legs on a 1.4-mile out-and-back hike to Woodbine Falls. You’ll find beautiful views the entire way, plus a

A Road, Trail & Small-Town Tour scenic waterfall at the end of the trail.

From Nye, travel east toward Absarokee on Highway 419, with the option to visit the Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail. Tippet Rise is a 12,500-acre working sheep and cattle ranch set against the backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains. Tour the center’s large-scale, outdoor sculptures and check their events schedule for classical music offerings.

Head to the Fishtail General Store— the oldest continuously operating

general store in Montana is not to be missed.

Before heading south on highway 78 for Red Lodge, grab some delicious food made with fresh, organic, local ingredients at Wild Flower Kitchen.

Once in Red Lodge, grab a drink and a good night’s rest at the historic Pollard Hotel.

Too much for one day? Choose between the Woodbine Falls hike and Tippet Rise.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: Spend three days exploring some of the most gorgeous landscapes, encompassing two scenic drives plus the Beartooth Highway All-American Road. Discover hiking trails and experience Yellowstone National Park’s wildlife-laden Lamar Valley. Enjoy arts and culture plus brewery and culinary delights in charming small towns.

Spend the day immersed in the scenic beauty of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and AbsarokaBeartooth Wilderness. Day hikes range in distance and difficulty.

Recommendations include West Fork Trail (7.2 miles, easy); Glacier Lake (4.6 miles, moderate); and Becker and Albino Lakes (5.5 – 12.2 miles, easy – moderate), but there are many options to choose from depending on your desires and comfort level.

You’ve a few options for postoutdoor-adventure food. Head to Prerogative Kitchen, a Tripadvisor

Travelers’ Choice, also recommended by Restaurant Guru for Best Burgers, or mosey on over to Red Lodge Ales for some finely crafted Montana beer, casual dining, and a warm Montana welcome.

Explore downtown Red Lodge before settling in for another overnight at the Pollard Hotel, which also has a newly remodeled and rethemed restaurant on-site. Don’t forget to ask the Pollard’s staff about the hotel’s famous visitors!

DAY 2: Make time to visit charming downtown Red Lodge.

Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

DAY 3: Travel scenic Beartooth Highway.

Photo courtesy of Andy Austin

DAY 3

Take the stunning Beartooth Highway—hailed the most scenic drive in America—from Red Lodge to Cooke City. This All-American Road is the highest-elevation highway in the Northern Rockies, winding through the Absaroka and Beartooth mountain ranges with numerous scenic pull-outs and views of 20 peaks towering over 12,000 feet. Pull over and explore alpine plateaus, glacial lakes, lushly forested valleys cascading waterfalls, and the “Top of the World.”

Once in Cooke City, explore this tiny outpost before driving to Gardiner through the northern edge of

Yellowstone National Park, including the wildlife-laden Lamar Valley, dubbed “America’s Serengeti.”

From Gardiner, take the Paradise Valley Scenic Drive north to Livingston, stopping along the way for a soak at historic Chico Hot Springs in Pray. This scenic loop follows the Yellowstone River along the soaring peaks of the Absaroka Mountains to the east, with the picturesque Gallatin Range to the west.

Stop at Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site for the ultimate Montana view.

End your day in the vibrant community of Livingston, with dinner and drinks at the legendary Murray Bar. If you’re up for it, opt for an overnight at the Murray Hotel.

Robin Hoover, Executive Director 800-736-5276 • robin@yellowstonecountry.net

Yellowstone Country Montana • www.visityellowstonecountry.com

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Big Hole National Battlefield Photo courtesy of Donnie Sexton

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DISCOVER THE BEGINNINGS DAY 1: Taking a horse-drawn cart through Bannack State Park Photo courtesy of Tempest Technologies

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Travel 85 miles from Yellowstone to Virginia City/Nevada City. Mining brought fortune hunters to the area and established these cities. Virginia City was actually once the territorial capital and social center of the frontier and a National Historic Landmark. The entire town of Nevada City is a living history museum with many original buildings.

Experience life in the 1800s at both these historic communities. Take the trolley ride to Nevada City. They have the Music Hall which is the largest collection of

of American West History in Southwest Montana automated music machines in North America. It has the largest music organ in the world.

Depart for Bannack State Park, the best preserved of Montana’s ghost towns. In 1862, this was the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery. By 1863, the population had soared to more than 3,000. Today, you’ll walk the streets of the “Old West” and get a real feel of Montana’s pioneer days. Groups are welcome and guided tours are available.

Arrive at Big Hole National Battlefield.

During the Nez Perce Flight of 1877, more than 800 entered into Montana passing through Bitterroot Valley. The dawn turning point battle interpretation begins at the Visitors Center and Viewing Deck. The must see 26-minute video runs continuously until the National Battlefield closes. The gift shop is a must stop. A hiking trail takes visitors to key battlefield points of interest. Depart the sprawling Big Hole Valley catching glimpses of fisherman applying their skills on blue ribbon waters while continuing to Anaconda.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: The history of Southwest Montana is told by the people and the land they called home. Travel through time getting a glimpse of the people and places that developed the character of Montana.

DAY 2: An out building at the World Museum of Mining, Butte Photo courtesy of Andy Dalton

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local coffee shop and check out before departing for the 30-minute drive to Deer Lodge.

Get your cowboy on at the GrantKohrs Ranch National Historic Site.

Once a million-acre cattle empire, the site preserves the symbols and honors the role of the cowboy and cattlemen in America’s history. Start at the Visitor Center then step back in time as you explore some of the 88 historic structures. Experience the wide-open spaces of the ranch and old ranch house through a guided tour.

Arrive at nearby Old Montana Prison & Auto Museum Complex.

It was in July 1871 that Montana’s Territorial Prison incarcerated

its first occupants. By the late 1970s, all prisoners were gone. Today, guided tours lead you through this intimidating structure providing insight into life behind bars. USA Today listed the Montana Auto Museum as one of the Top 10 Car Museums in the nation. That should be no surprise with more than 165 cars on display telling the story of automotive history.

Depart on I-90 for the 40-minute drive to Butte.

Begin your visit with the popular Trolley Tour. Led by a knowledgeable driver, it’s the perfect way to be introduced to Butte and colorful characters from its past. Allow time to visit the World Museum of Mining.

Located on an actual mine yard, there are 50 exhibit buildings with artifacts and 66 primary exhibits.

DAY 3: All aboard the Historic Trolley Tour, Helena Photo courtesy of Sarah Bolt

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checkout and departure for the 50-minute drive on I-15 North to Jefferson City.

Arrive at Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum featuring six acres of gardens and an arboretum. Explore Montana’s only full-time operated Botanical Garden and Arboretum.

More than a dozen individual gardens have a full array of flowers and woody plants on display. Depart for the 20-minute drive to Helena.

The Historic Trolley Tour is the perfect way to see historic and

beautiful Helena.

Cruise by the Cathedral of St. Helena, Reeder’s Alley, Pioneer Cabin and much more.

Not to be missed in Helena is the Montana History Museum. The museum houses more than 50,000 artifacts, including pieces from Native American tribes that resided in Montana.

Arrive at the Gates of the Mountains for a boat tour to explore what Lewis & Clark experienced more than 200 years ago.

1-800-879-1159 • info@southwestmt.com

Southwest Montana • www.southwestmt.com

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When does daylight last well past bedtime?

MEDICINE ROCKS STATE PARK

In Montana, summer days are long and adventures are endless. Discover miles of inspiration that will stay with you forever.

learn more at

ITINERARY

Carbon County, WY

Find Your Foodie Paradise SCAN FOR INFO

Carbon County is the perfect spot to discover Wyoming by Food.

From Historic Elk Mountain Hotel and Hotel Wolf to local bars & grills serving great food to neighborhood cafes offering “just right” sandwiches, foodies are in for a real treat.

CARBON COUNTY VISITORS COUNCIL

Leslie Jefferson director@wyomingcarboncounty.com 307-324-3020 www.wyomingcarboncounty.com

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Day 1

Arrive in Rawlins at the Carbon County Museum for a guided tour. You’ll visit 150 years of Women’s Suffrage in Wyoming, explore Wyoming’s only Edison Exhibit and see the impact of the Union Pacific Railroad on Carbon County. New York Times best-seller and Wyoming author CJ Box-autographed books are on sale with proceeds going to the museum.

Enjoy lunch at Buck’s Sports Grill, a local favorite and the largest menu you’ll ever see. Really, it’s at least 10”x16” printed both sides. Burgers are the specialty of the house.

With a menu this large everyone will find something to please them.

Follow lunch with a nice walking tour of Historic Downtown Rawlins, a nationally designated historic district. The 19th century architecture, murals and ties to the Union Pacific Railroad are highlighted. Then it’s on to the Wyoming Frontier Prison and a guided tour of Wyoming’s first state penitentiary.

Tonight’s progressive dinner starts at Anong’s Thai Cuisine, offering the best Asian cuisine with exceptional customer service. Pick from a variety of delicious appetizers and a choice of two traditional soups to start your meal. Continue your evening at Aspen House Restaurant a local’s favorite for more than 20 years. A steakhouse-style restaurant beef entrée is joined on the menu by a rack of lamb, seafood specialties and pasta.

Day 2 Grab a coffee and enjoy the 40-minute ride to the Saratoga Sandwich Company. Don’t let the name fool you, this just might be the best breakfast in Saratoga.

Much of Saratoga’s history has to do with the area’s world-famous mineral hot springs and thermal waters.

Today, Hobo Hot Springs is open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with water temperatures ranging from 106 to 119 degrees. Discover a few hidden treasures you didn’t know you needed while shopping in Downtown Saratoga. Lunch is at the Hotel Wolf, a bastion of modern hospitality in an old west setting dating back to 1893. There are both Traditional and Specialty Wolf Burgers, including the CJ Box Burger.

The Saratoga Museum, with its regional railroad display, bison diorama and archeology exhibits, are enjoyable. Check in at the Saratoga Hot Springs Resort and the original state bathhouse for some rest and relaxation before dinner at Firewater Public House for a high-quality dinner. Back at the resort, grab a nightcap at Snowy Mountain Pub and Biergarten, a perfect oasis to finish your day.

Day 3 Savor a coffee with something light and depart for Grand Encampment Museum in Encampment, just 20 miles away. More than a dozen buildings filled with artifacts showcase the history of Southern Wyoming.

Make time for shopping at The Sheep Shed studio. An early lunch this morning is at The DiVide Restaurant & Lounge. There’s a full lunch menu tempting you, but pizza is the call at “The Best Pizza in Wyoming.”

It’s on to Riverside and a stop at Bear Trap Café & Bar. Share a Trash Can Nacho with a friend. The fishing is spectacular in the Riverside area. End your day with an elegant dinner at The Historic Elk Mountain Hotel in the Town of Elk Mountain.

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EAST

REGION

Massachusetts Museum Bustles with

HISTORIC CURIOSITIES

A

By Heather Dale

lbert B. Wells was an industrialist with a passion for “primitives,” the antiques he fondly referred to and began collecting in the 1920s. If it weren’t for a haphazard trip to New Hampshire, Wells might never have stumbled into that first antique store realizing his love for hand-wrought and historical items from earlier days.

His love for collecting eccentric artifacts started as an innocent hobby and became the catalyst for something glorious. As his mansion and two barns eventually filled to the brim with his treasures, A.B. and his wife moved from their Southbridge home, and he and his brothers, Channing and Cheney, purchased Quinebaug Farm in south-central Massachusetts. Their vision was to create a living museum that would bring 19th-century New England alive, stocked with everything A.B. had collected over the years, and share his wonders with the world.

Soon after, a storybook town emerged encompassing early 1800s rural New England.

Old Sturbridge Village is a museum like no other, bringing to life a time capsule of strength, perseverance, survival and robust

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change during the Industrial Revolution.

Glimpse the lives of families and laborers who comprised the community through living exhibits and costumed interpreters portraying early settlers.

According to Maryann Bubala, social and content producer at the Village, “Adult groups visiting Old Sturbridge Village will be immersed in a re-created early 19th-century rural New England community where guests are invited to explore 200+ acres and more than 40 historical buildings, chat with costumed historians as they work the tasks of the past, and hear stories of early 19thcentury rural New England life.”

“On any given day,” Maryann said, “visitors can see the blacksmith, potter, cabinetmaker, and printer at work, catch special music or storytelling performances, smell the aroma of food cooking over the hearth, learn how textiles are processed from raw materials to finished clothing, visit with cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and more.”

The Village is parceled into three areas – the Center Village, the Mill neighborhood and the Countryside featuring buildings, covered

Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

One man’s proclivities for 19th-century oddities comes to life at Old Sturbridge Village

>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Old Sturbridge Village, a treasure chest of Americana, takes visitors back in time.

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Photo courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village

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By Heather Dale

• Sadie Green’s Curiosity Shop opened its doors to patrons in the early 1970s offering handcrafted sea glass jewelry and trinkets. Peruse exquisite necklaces, earrings and bracelets made with beachcombed sea glass, seashells and mixed metals inspired by vintage and floral styles. Take home adornments that made their way around the world to places like Bali, Asia, India and Mexico.

The blacksmyth’s shop at Old Sturbridge Village

bridges and structures that were relocated from New England towns throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts with a few historically accurate replicas added for provenance. In this hybrid museum, groups can delve into old-century New England history in a memorable way.

In 2021, the Village celebrated its 75th anniversary and unveiled its newest replica, the Cabinetmaking Shop. Witness the fusion of modern materials with past-time tools and techniques, taking inspiration from masterful cabinetmakers like Oliver Wight and Nathan Lumbard.

Old Sturbridge Village boasts a waterpowered Carding Mill circa 1840 relocated from South Waterford, Maine, and the only one of its kind in existence today. These facilities brushed wool creating batting rolls for quilting and spinning yarn for clothing and other textiles. The oldest building on the property circa 1725 is the Fenno House, which was relocated from Canton, Massachusetts, in 1949. See the massive working handloom it houses where you can watch the spinning process of yesteryear.

Take a peek at the Fitch House circa 1737 and see how the well-off lived. This Cape Codstyle Connecticut home reveals an ell kitchen, a quaint picket fence, a trellis adorned with climbing roses and a flower garden blooming with color. This home is an example of how a prosperous tradesman’s family would have lived. Its antithesis, the Small House, is a 400-square-foot replica of the type of dwelling poor families, renters, and laborers 96

Central Massachusetts Stops to Put on Your Radar

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would have stayed in.

While your group meanders the property, make sure to connect with any of the three nature trails offering unique perspectives of the Village. Take an experiential stroll along the River Walk and admire the scenic landscape, the Quinebaug River and Wight Family Dam, the former owners of the Village property. As you wander the banks of the river, learn how the power of water is utilized to operate the carding, grist and sawmills.

As the name hints, a trip through the Pasture Walk lends views of 19th-century grazing pastures where cows and sheep would have dotted the landscape. During the 1840s, New England settlers harvested hardwoods for lumber to make tools and furniture and clear the land for agricultural ventures. As you explore the Woodland Walk, notice the young beech, pines and hemlocks replacing the cultivated mature trees harvested long ago and stone walls erected to corral livestock. Marvel at humongous boulders that hitched rides on ancient glaciers during the last ice age 12,000 years ago and were permanently deposited here.

Maryann adds, “Every season lends different magic to the Village with special events and activities planned throughout the year. Groups of 15 or more adults can take advantage of the adult group and motor coach rate of $20 per person.” The possibilities are endless at Old Sturbridge Village with living history, authentic artifacts, period-garbed historians and idyllic nature walks. Visit osv.org for more information and plan your trip today.

• With 210 acres of lush, bucolic scenery,

antiquated structures and New England artifacts, Fruitlands Museum in Harvard explores culture through diverse material and historical collections. Discover exhibits like Building Relationships: Artwork from the Permanent Collection at the Native American Gallery. Or view this year’s showcase at the Art Gallery, New England Triennial 2022, featuring contemporary art installations.

• At the Worcester Art Museum (WAM),

the focus is on establishing a connection between the audience and the artwork as well as creating one-of-a-kind initiatives for schools and artists. The cornucopia collection at WAM dates back to 3,000 BC, exploring ancient relics from Asia and Near East, exhibiting imaginative paintings and sculptures from Europe and America.

• Established in 1983 and located at the

College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, the Iris and B. Cantor Art Gallery displays contemporary and historical exhibitions and educates visitors and college students on the connections between art and life. The Gallery strives to enhance the spiritual community on and off-campus through its installations.

Visit visit-massachusetts.com/ central/90-great-things-to-do-inmassachusetts for more information and destinations. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

ITINERARY

Spotsylvania County, VA

Finding Your Outdoor Spots in Virginia SCAN FOR INFO

Spotsylvania County offers a harmonious blend of rural landscapes and outdoor adventure all in a setting as unique as its name.

Spotsylvania is a one-of-a-kind destination offering award-winningwineries and breweries, a worldfamous distillery and diverse dining options.

SPOTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA

Lindsay Leach Community Engagement & Tourism Manager LLeach@spotsylvania.va.us 540-507-7755 www.VisitSpotsy.com

Day 1

Day 2

Just south of Fredericksburg, stop for lunch at The Battlefield Country Store, a destination lunch, grocery, coffee and ice cream experience. The Spotsylvania County Museum is across the street. There you’ll discover Spotsylvania County, a Virginia gem.

Formal guided tours of the museum are available with three weeks advance notice. The Special Collections and Museum presents objects, photographs, art and textiles that contributed to the County’s 300-year history. Next stop is First Day at Chancellorsville Battlefield. The 215-acre site features a walking trail that loops more than a mile and traces the action that began the morning on May 1, 1863. Walking the battlefield promises a profound experience. Arrive at the Spotsylvania Court House District for a walking tour. Designated a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in 1983 in the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll discover why the area is labeled “Crossroads of the Civil War.” Your walk will take you to seven stops in the District and two adjacent sites. Begin at the Spotsylvania Courthouse, which moved in 1839 to where it sits today. The county saw three major Civil War battles with the courthouse being the bloodiest battle site due to its strategic location on the road to Richmond. Adjacent to the courthouse sits a Work Projects Administration project. Other points of interest include the Spotsylvania Jail 1855, Confederate Cemetery, Christ Episcopal Church and the Spotsylvania County Museum.

Enjoy tastings at Wilderness Run Vineyards/1781 Brewing Co. It’s the best of both worlds on a family owned and operated historic farms. A food truck dinner can be arranged. Ready to get your wilderness on? You’ll find it at Wilderness Presidential Resort.

Begin your day at a nearby breakfast spot or prepare something in your accommodations. There’s plenty of outdoor activities to fill your morning.

Choose what fits your style. For the active lifestyle there is a ropes course, rock climbing, tennis, or Knockerball®, (trust us, you’ll have a blast.) mini golf, disc golf, archery, gem mining and an escape room round out your land options.

Pick up a box lunch before arriving at Lake Anna Outfitters, Virginia’s paddling headquarters, just a half-mile paddle from the undeveloped coves of Lake Anna State Park. You’ll want to check out Paddlers Beach and Skinny Dippers Cove. Perfect picnic spots.

If it floats and you can paddle it, Lake Anna Outfitters has your favorite from Paddleboards and Premium Paddleboards to Canoes and Pedal Boats to Single and Double Kayaks. Definitely allow for some gift shop time.

Stop for a casual dinner at nearby The Cove at Lake Anna before returning to Wilderness Presidential Resort.

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Day 3 Early checkout at the resort and enjoy breakfast at a local spot. Arrive at the Shannon Air Museum for a peek at some rare aircraft and exhibits. Before viewing the only known surviving Vultee V-1AD, The Stars & Stripes, The Pitcairn PA-5 and other aircraft and their stories take time to follow the museum’s history. It’s a story in itself from the Shannon Airport in 1950 to the Shannon Air Museum in the early 1970s to hard times to its grand reopening in 2017.

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TOUR IDEAS FOR VIRGINIA

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By Heather Dale his year, the Accent Travel Network is hosting its annual fall Accent East Group Travel Trade Show in Fairfax County, Virginia from November 3-5, followed by a spectacular FAM Tour from November 5-8 throughout Fairfax County and Washington, D.C. Come be a part of one of this year’s best trade shows and network with an ensemble of travel professionals and industry experts.

“We are excited to host Accent On The East and to showcase the incredible array of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, coupled with outstanding services, that Fairfax County provides. Just minutes from our nation’s capital, we invite visitors to Northern Virginia to reach beyond the typical Washington, DC experience and create lasting memories,” said Lori Scott, National and International Sales Manager at Visit Fairfax.

Fabulous FAM Tour Get acquainted with Fairfax County during this year’s phenomenal FAM Tour, boasting visits to the new National Museum of the United States Army and the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial, plus an after-dark Illuminated Monuments & Memorials Tour in D.C. and so much more.

Hottest Travel Trade Show

What’s in a Name?

Located just west of Washington, D.C., Fairfax County offers an unexpected blend of picture-perfect natural surroundings and big city amenities, positioning visitors in the heart of the National Capital Region.

Its deep history dates back to 1649 when King Charles II gifted 5 million acres to the 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, the county’s namesake.

Comes to Fairfax, VA

Accent East Group Travel Trade Show and FAM Tour offers a hidden gem full of untapped potential

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Photo courtesy of Visit Fairfax

Turning Point Suffragist Memorial is located in Lorton, Virginia’s Occoquan Regional Park on part of the prison grounds where scores of suffragists were jailed in 1917 for picketing the White House.

History and Culture Take a walk through the picturesque strolling gardens of George Washington’s Mount Vernon in southern Fairfax County overlooking the magnificent Potomac River – an area newly coined Potomac Banks. Step back in time to Washington’s boyhood life and astounding home as well as his military service, agricultural entrepreneurship and legendary presidency. Also situated >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

on the stunning property are the Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center offering 25 interactive showcases, galleries, theaters playing original films, hands-on exhibits and more, plus George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, where visitors can learn how Washington made his Signature Rye Whiskey. Originally part of George Washington’s impressive property, Woodlawn Estate, was gifted to his nephew and step-granddaughter upon their wedding.

Over time, Woodlawn was operated by Quaker families who sought to establish a free-labor economy in a progressive move of social activism.

For a dose of modern history, Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, visitors can take in the largest collection of German and Japanese WWII aircraft in the world and some of the rarest air and spacecrafts from aviation history.

Visit the one-of-a-kind National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir, and get a comprehensive look into the lives of soldiers through interpretive stories, interactive exhibits, galleries, army missions and pivotal breakthroughs.

Located in a part of the former Occoquan Workhouse (Lorton Prison), the Lucy Burns Museum at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, tells 91 years of prison history, including an exploratory look at the lives of several key women suffragists who were imprisoned here for fighting for equality.

Today, the Workhouse Arts Center as a whole is a thriving arts community, with 60+ artists-in-residence in studio space, galleries and exhibit space for hundreds more.

native plant collections at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, one of the hidden treasures of the Capital Region. This serene garden park is lined with blossoming cherry trees in the spring and is the home to an authentic Korean Bell Garden, which features a 3-ton handcrafted bell in a custom-built pavilion.

Unmatched Shopping & Dining No trip is complete without a little shopping and a lot of dining. Mosaic takes both to a whole new level with a vibrant, uniquely sophisticated atmosphere in an urban-designed town center layout. Groups can take advantage of brick-and-mortar stores like Anthropologie and Williams Sonoma or shop one of the many artisanal boutiques offering one-of-a-kind products.

Dine at any of the 35 eateries boasting an array of delicious drinks and cuisine, get a massage or take in a film at the

arthouse cinema.

Tysons Corner Center in Tysons offers over 300 amazing stores and a beautiful open-air plaza that features live performances, concerts and other free community events.

Uncork in Virginia Wine Country Did you know that Virginia is really for wine lovers? People are flocking to the Napa Valley of the East for wine tastings, vineyard tours and agritourism opportunities. Sip wine and immerse in Civil War history at The Winery at Bull Run which sits across from the historic Manassas National Battlefield Park overlooking scenic horse pastures and lush Virginia countryside.

Visit accenttravelnetwork.com/ accent-east for more information. For more information on Fairfax County, go to www.fxva.com – the official source for all things Fairfax.

Get Back to Nature An unforgettable adventure awaits at Great Falls Park, an 800-acre expanse owned and operated by the National Park Service that features postcard-worthy panoramas of the Potomac River and the cascading Great Falls along with miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

Pack a picnic lunch and camera for a serene day at the rolling rapids.

Stroll among 95 acres of ornamental and LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

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CENTRAL

REGION

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By Quinn Valdivia

Great Places to Paddle in Michigan Groups seeking to get out on the water and enjoy picturesque surroundings have plenty of options in the Wolverine State

hen it comes to enjoying fun on the water, Michigan has plenty of opportunities for groups. With hundreds of rivers and thousands of lakes in Michigan, going for a nice paddle is one of the best choices to enjoy adventure and exercise.

Here are some locations that are both picturesque and friendly to the beginner and advanced paddler alike.

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1

Backwaters of Tippy Dam

Whether you want to fish or go for a relaxing paddle, this place is perfect for you. These secluded backwaters are ideal for basking in nature and spotting wildlife. Spanning five miles and 1,600 acres, there is plenty of exploring to be done in this calm area. The Tippy Dam Backwaters was created between 1916 and 1918 when the Tippy Dam was constructed. The pond is known for its variety of fish species including rock bass, black crappie, sunfish, yellow perch and rainbow trout.

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Crystal Lake

Located in Benzie County, about 25 miles southwest of Traverse City, this

lake is famous for its extraordinarily clear waters and sandy beaches. This area is perfect for beginners who don’t want to go too far off the beaten path. There are multiple resorts close by as well as other activities, Crystal Lake is the perfect spot for a tranquil paddle.

3

Grand Traverse Bay

This spot is well-known to kayakers, and for good reason too. The open water is surrounded by beautiful beaches and miles of trees making it ideal for a scenic paddle. The waters, located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, are generally calm and perfect for adventure. You may pass multiple uninhabited islands and hidden coves on your journey through these clear waters. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Michigan’s natural beauty makes it a perfect place to paddle.

6

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Found along Lake Superior, you’ll find this unique destination is an opportunity to witness nature at its finest.

Staggering rock formations stretch for 15 miles of the lakeshore, standing at 50 to 200 feet above the lake. In addition to the colorful rocks, you’ll find beaches, dunes and many spots for camping. This location is friendly to various levels of paddler, depending on the day’s conditions.

Photo courtesy of UP Travel

7 4

Lake Dubonnet

This is another beautiful spot popular for fishing and ideal for a nice paddle.

There are very few houses along the shores, making this a great place to bask in the peace and quiet while spotting a diverse array of wildlife. The waters are rarely rough, making this a great space for exploring inlets and offshoots. Located near the community of Interlochen in northern Michigan, locals consider these stunning waters a hidden treasure. You will too.

5

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is an extraordinary spot to visit, as this national landmark features no cars, no chain hotels and a

LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

variety of fabulous shopping and diverse dining. It is also a great place to kayak as groups can enjoy fabulous views from the water. Paddling around Mackinac Island is an eight-mile voyage that takes four to six hours and features incredible sightlines like Arch Rock, an arch that towers above the water and is more than 50 feet wide. There are also shorter excursions that take you to the famous rock formation and back to the Mackinac Island harbor.

The three-mile trip takes about two hours and is excellent for beginners.

Along the way, you’ll pass by such fun and beautiful locales as historic Fort Mackinac, Mission Point Resort and even the historic Ste. Anne’s Church.

Platte River

Situated in the lower part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Platte River is lined with picturesque foliage and is a beautiful spot for paddling.

This river is split into two parts, each geared toward a different type of paddler. The upper portion runs cooler temperatures and swifter rapids while the lower portion is warm and shallow, and is perfect for beginners.

8

Two-Hearted River

Flowing from Lake Superior, it’s easy to see why this river was of such inspiration to famed author Ernest Hemingway. This location is surrounded by acres of gorgeous foliage and provides multiple breathtaking views. The waters are calm and manageable, making this a perfect spot for paddlers.

9

Turnip Rock

This location is for the more advanced paddler, but the journey is well worth it. Named for its shape, this geological masterpiece is found 3.5 miles from the shores of Lake Huron. Once you reach the rock, you’ll find the water is shallow enough for exploring the surrounding area. This landmark is definitely worth the journey.

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Explore the Preserved Beauty of

COSTA RICA

Photos courtesy of the Pacuare Outdoor Center

INT’L

Pacuare Outdoor Center is an ecologically minded luxurious adventure

S

By Margaux Shearer

ip on a cup of Costa Rican coffee while gazing over the rugged rainforest. Soak up the sun while taking in a surfing lesson on turquoise Caribbean waters. With a specially designed itinerary of outdoor adventures, the Pacuare Outdoor Center in Costa Rica is determined to provide groups with a spectacular experience of Costa Rica’s rich culture and diverse ecosystem. Established in 2003, the Pacuare Outdoor Center is the No. 1 adventure company in Costa Rica, offering rafting, ziplining, mountain biking and stand-up paddleboarding multi-day adventures.

Locally owned and operated, Pacuare’s guides speak both English and Spanish and the firm boasts more than 200 five-star reviews including an excellent 4.9 out of 5.0 ranking on Google (across 229 reviews). With five unique experiences to choose from and three Caribbean treehouses and Ecolodges plus partner hotels and resorts, the Pacuare Outdoor Center is your Costa Rica vacation expert.

3-Day Adventure Rafting and Zipline

The most popular adventure trip in Costa Rica, this iconic package offers two days of Pacuare River rafting, one day of ziplining and two nights at the riverside lodge. Groups will meet in front of the University of Costa Rica in Turrialba before beginning their adventure which kicks off at La Cruz, located near Turrialba. Possibly the most breathtaking feature of Costa Rica is the Pacuare River, which weaves its way through lush terrain. It was voted among the top 5 most scenic rivers on the planet and can be viewed from above via zipline, through the whitewater rapids or paddleboarding on the calm 102

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channels. The rafting on the first day consists of some great Class II and Class III rapids along with a delicious lunch on the river prepared by local chefs.

One of the best ways to see Costa Rica is via a zipline.

2-Day Pacuare Rafting Trip

A two-day and one-night stay at the luxurious eco-lodge provides the most surreal experience for those wanting to truly experience the power of the Pacuare River. With 50 adventurous rapids to explore and breathtaking viewpoints of the Huacas and Fer-de-Lance waterfalls, the river lodge is an unbelievable opportunity to nestle into the breathtaking Cabecar Indigenous Reserve.

After a fun-filled day of paddling, groups can return to the ecolodge, which features hot showers and rooms that are purposely designed to be open-air with screens so you’re fully immersed in the jungle yet in a comfortable queen bed.

Even more great experiences

Looking for a trip longer than the three-day Pacuare adventure?

With Pacuare Outdoor Center having so many experiences, building a custom vacation to create your perfect Costa Rica getaway is something they specialize in. In addition to the above listed experiences, other activities available include rappelling, hiking the local volcano, mountain biking, cultural tours and much more.

For more information, group planners should visit pacuareoutdoorcenter.com. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

e t e l p m o C e h T e c n e i r e p x E n a c i R a t s o C

Tailor-made adventures Ecolodges and Caribbean treehouse Customized itineraries to fit your needs

Book your group today!

506-694-3462 • PacuareOutdoorCenter.com

INTERNATIONAL TOUR IDEAS

Portraits of residents decorate homes in the village of Mogarraz.

SPAIN at Its BEST

Straying off the beaten path in Castile-Leon, a region ripe for discovery 104

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>> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Randy Mink photo

D

By Randy Mink oes your town have a distinct look or personality? Something that really sets it apart from others?

In western Spain, tiny Mogarraz (pop. 250) plasters its personality all over town, festooning houses with pictures of residents past and present. These portraits are large artworks that visitors can’t help noticing as they prowl the little plazas and narrow streets of this obscure town in the Sierra de Francia LeisureGroupTravel.com <<

Mountains of southern Salamanca province.

Overlooked by most travel guidebooks, quirky Mogarraz was one of my favorite discoveries on a recent trip that included some under-theradar places in Castile-Leon, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions. Our group concentrated on the region’s less-traveled western frontier, dropping in on remote rural areas, sampling three of its designated wine routes and venturing as far as the Portugal border.

This was my first trip overseas in three years, so I was more than revved up. Like a lot of Americans whose international travel plans were stifled by the pandemic, I had been itching to travel abroad. What a joy it was to be in Europe again! Each day was a revelation, a real adventure delving into art history, gastronomy, wine and everything that gets me psyched about Spain. Talk about pent-up wanderlust. The week-long trip provided a much-needed boost indeed.

Castile-Leon, situated west and north of Madrid, makes up about 20 percent of Spain’s total area but is only its sixth largest region in population (2½ million). Consisting of nine provinces, the vast chunk of real estate is slightly bigger than Portugal. Castile-Leon claims nine of Spain’s 34 wine routes (rutas del vino) and counts more than 400 wineries.

The quaint medieval village of Mogarraz, on the Sierra de Francia Wine Route, would be a delightful destination if just for the enchanting cobblestone lanes that snake past its stone and half-timbered houses, many with flower-filled balconies. But portraits of the people who live in these ancient buildings add a strange twist. Charming, if a bit bizarre.

The novel art project began in the 1960s, when poverty in the area drove many residents to seek jobs in South America, for which they needed a photo ID card. These IDs inspired the idea of decorating houses with photographs of the adults who lived in them. In 2012, local artist Florencio Maillo took over the project and today he paints each of the 300-some portraits, from wizened grandmothers to young men in military caps.

Mogarraz and other towns in this mountainous region base their economies on tourism and winemaking. The delicate, dark-skinned rufete grape is special to the Sierra de Francia area, where vines have been tended in terraces for centuries.

Our nest for the night, Hotel Spa Villa de

Mogarraz, was right in the heart of the fairytale town and just steps from Bodega Vinos La Zorra. Under a tent canopy on La Zorra’s streetside patio, bistro patrons savor wines and tapas at tables fashioned from colorfully painted oil drums. We noshed on croquetas (croquettes), those addictive deep-fried balls of mushy goodness, and patatas meneas, mashed sweet potatoes flavored with garlic and paprika and topped with a pork rind.

Our group also went back in time in Miranda del Castanar, another gem on the Sierra de Francia Wine Route. With a guide we wandered the cobbled streets and took in forested panoramas from the 12th century walls of the pretty hilltop village. The medieval castle is now a brewery.

The city of Salamanca, unlike sleepy Mogarraz and Miranda del Castanar, is rather well known as a visitor destination, its historical core centering around the venerable buildings of Spain’s oldest university, founded in 1218. With a magnificent central plaza, lively pedestrian streets and youthful vibes, the manageable, medium-size city of 150,000 offers just the right ingredients for a pleasant day or two of seeing the sights and soaking in the ambience. To me, it’s Spain in a nutshell.

In Salamanca’s Old Town, an open-air museum of radiant sandstone buildings, prime attractions lie within walking distance of each other. I recommend these five experiences: 1. T ouring the Old and New Cathedrals.

Built centuries apart, they are attached; you can’t visit the 13th century Romanesque church (Cathedral of Santa Maria) without going through the Cathedral of La Asuncion de la Virgen, or New Cathedral, which isn’t new at all.

It was built hundreds of years ago in the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles.

2. Ascending the “Stairway to Heaven” on a 200-step climb up Le Clerecia Church’s bell towers for bird’s-eye views of Old Town. The colossal Baroque building, now Pontificia University, began life in 1617 as a training school for Jesuit missionaries.

3. Walking across the River Tormes’ Roman-era bridge while admiring the classic Old World skyline.

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INTERNATIONAL TOUR IDEAS

5. Relaxing over tapas at a cafe on postcard-perfect Plaza Major, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Spain. Try hornazo, a meat pie with layers of pork chorizo, pork loin and ham wrapped in lattice-crusted yellow dough.

Randy Mink photo

4. Touring the University of Salamanca, a popular place for American and other foreign students to study Spanish. Standing before the main building’s intricately sculpted sandstone facade, tourists try to find the “hidden” frog, said to be a symbol of good luck.

Tasting the fruit of the vine at Bodegas Vinas del Cenit, a stop on the Zamora Wine Route.

Randy Mink photo

Zamora, a town of 60,000 north of Salamanca, is called the “Romanesque City.”

Its 23 Romanesque churches, 10th century walls and Duero River bridge ruins provide a magical setting for communing with the past.

The Zamora Wine Route in Zamora and Salamanca provinces takes travelers through traditional rural landscapes of sheep pastures, hay fields, vineyards and unspoiled villages with stone houses and Romanesque churches.

In Villanueva de Campean, we did wine tastings in the barrel room and vineyards of Bodegas Vinas del Cenit, which makes Cenit Tradicion, an unusual blend of red and white grapes (mostly tempranillo)—a light, refreshing wine with less alcohol. The vines have been mixed since the times of the Franciscan friars who tended them from their 15th century monastery, the ruins of which we

On tour with the co-owner at La Antigua cheese factory

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saw in the distance. (Older locals remember when monks still inhabited the monastery.)

“They just wanted to make wine, with no worries whether it was red or white. It was just wine for them,” said Ana Belen Hernandez, Cenit’s director of marketing. “Cenit Tradicion is our commitment to carrying on the tradition and personality of the historic wines of this territory. It’s a wine with no recipe, a wine we think our ancestors would have made.”

In the nearby village of Casaseca de Campean, our group enjoyed an atmospheric wine country lunch at Cafe de Quintano. Deep underground, we feasted amid the rustic trappings of a vaulted, 200-year-old cellar.

The servers must have made 20 trips each from the upstairs kitchen to our cozy “cave.”

The group menu featured platters of cheeses and paper-thin slices of cured ham, chickpea soup, tuna steak and Iberian pork steak.

My best memory of the Zamora Wine Route was touring Quesaria La Antigua, a high-tech dairy in Fuentesauco. Donning a white plastic coat, hairnet and shoe covers, we followed guides who explained how sheep’s milk is turned into prize-winning cheeses. Afterwards, we watched a video and sampled six varieties. Under construction is a museum that will showcase La Antigua’s passion for making cheese. A sheep farm visit can be arranged for groups.

When our bus passed a shepherd tending his flock later that day, we got giddy and were granted a photo stop. We were en route to the far western stretches of Zamora and Salamanca provinces where the Douro River’s scenic canyonlands straddle the SpainPortugal border. (“Douro” is the Portuguese

spelling; it’s “Duero” in Spanish.) For Spaniards, this remote valley of granite cliffs and outcroppings is considered the “Wild West.”

Our introduction to the Arribes del Duero Wine Route, set against the backdrop of the valley’s Arribes del Duero nature park, involved vineyard and winery visits hosted by Bodega el Hato y el Garabato in tiny Formariz. Dinner and overnight were in the comfortable Posada Dona Urraca in Fermoselle, a quiet Spanish border town famous for its centuries-old network of wine caves (more than 1,000, so they say), a few of which have been opened for tourism. After our subterranean tour and wine tasting, we did more sampling at Bodega Frontio, a winery started by a young Danish entrepreneur who goes by the nicknames “Chus” and the “Crazy Dane.”

A brief foray into Portugal the next day took us to Miranda do Douro, where we boarded an excursion boat for an ecology cruise focusing on the geology, flora and fauna of the UNESCO Meseta Iberia Biosphere Reserve. Our one-hour journey provided a chance to witness up-close the spectacular gorge topography we had viewed from a lookout point earlier that day.

Exploring Fermoselle and other villages tucked away from the crowds, we often felt as if we had Castile-Leon to ourselves. On early morning strolls up and down the twisting, shadowy alleyways, sometimes the only sounds were chirping birds, crowing roosters and our own footsteps. It was good to be back in the Old Country, making new discoveries in corners of Spain off the beaten track.

For tourism information on Castile-Leon, visit www.turismocastillayleon.com. >> LeisureGroupTravel.com

Rediscover

AT L A N T I C C I T Y

A world of entertaining and unique experiences awaits your arrival in Atlantic City.

Enjoy tax-free shopping, the world-famous Boardwalk, award-winning dining for every taste, exhilarating gaming action, and live entertainment. It’s all back better than ever! Create a casino package with deluxe accommodations today for the ultimate getaway at the shore.

Atlantic City expert Heather Colache is available at 609-318-6097 or hcolache@meetac.com to make sure you enjoy Atlantic City as it was meant to be experienced.

Meet AC received funding through a grant from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism.

TourAtlanticCity.com