The newest additions to the “must-see” list for visitors are the Walldogs Murals. The downtown street lights went dark for one night, and the projector lights came on! Sketched overnight and painted over a four-day span in June 2011, 160 artists created 21 murals in downtown Plymouth (bringing the total to 23), capturing the nostalgia and historic significance of Plymouth’s rich business history.  Be sure to pick up a map, outlining the location of each mural, from the Visitors Center or from any of the downtown businesses.

Established in the late 1800s, downtown Plymouth is filled with historic charm. Shoppers will find everything from antiques, gifts, artwork, music, books, a cake shoppe, a coffee shop and much more. Along with the murals, you will be intrigued by the architecture and history of many of the buildings.  Enhance your walk through downtown with the “Historic Plymouth Walking Tour” brochure, a self-guided tour of noteworthy buildings.

The Plymouth Historic Museum is one of those buildings. The family-friendly museum features changing exhibits throughout the year and a gift shop. The newly remodeled Plymouth Arts Center is home to Gallery 110 North, featuring rotating shows of mixed media artwork. The Arts Center also hosts a number of theatrical and musical shows throughout the year.

Just to the east of downtown, on the Mullet River, is the Veterans Memorial Trail. The trail winds along the river, with 11 flags; each flag represents a war or conflict that our country was involved in. There is an entry plaza with a memorial bell and bricks honoring the individuals who have defended our country’s freedom. Those who enjoy biking will find that Plymouth’s Recreation Trail, consisting of both off-road (paved) and street pathways, connects to the Old Plank Road Trail, which runs parallel to Highway 23 for 17.5 miles, from Sheboygan to Greenbush.

Part of Plymouth’s charm is its eclectic mix of dining choices. Whether you are looking for Italian fare, Irish dining or an authentic German meal, you can find it here. Relax with a cup of coffee, enjoy a pizza with friends, lunch at a drive-in, or have breakfast any time of day.

End your day with a drive through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. While especially beautiful in autumn, the Forest beckons to those who love to take “the back way home” and explore the winding roads and spectacular views from the hilltops.

DAY ONE

4:30 – 7:00 pm

Fox Hills Resort in Mishicot welcomes you with an on-bus greeting and a welcome reception in our hotel lobby. Your complimentary welcome reception will include changing season receptions. Guest room keys will be dispersed as well as luggage delivery to individual rooms. Rest, relax and explore the wonderful things that Fox Hills Resort has to offer.

7 – 9:00 pm

Enjoy a wonderful dinner buffet that will be created just for your group by our catering department and served in our private dining room. Or you may dine in our on-site Willowview restaurant or Benchwarmers Sports Bar.

DAY TWO

7 – 9:00 am

Enjoy a hot breakfast in our Willowview restaurant or if your group has some golfers be sure to get an early tee time.

9 – 11:30 am

Rawley Point Lighthouse, located at Point Beach State Forest, is among the brightest traffic signals on the great lakes, rising 113 feet above water (no tours, but a great view) and you can get out and walk around for some photos. Continue the drive to Manitowoc and tour a fully restored World War II submarine at the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

11:30 – 1:00 pm

Lunch at the Lighthouse Inn where you will enjoy a great meal and a wonderful view of Lake Michigan while you dine.

1 – 3:30 pm

You are off to the Point Beach Energy Center where you will see exciting displays featuring the history of electricity and electrical power generation through the use of nuclear energy, fossil fuels and renewable sources.

3:30 – 5:30 pm

Take this time to head back to Fox Hills and enjoy some time to relax. Have your group take advantage of some of the amenities like a massage or special spa treatments.

5:30 – 8:00 pm

You are headed to the Courthouse Pub where you will enjoy a wonderful dining experience and some history!

DAY THREE

8:00 am

Have breakfast at the resort and then head south to Two Rivers and take a journey back in time at Rogers Street Historic Fishing Village. Celebrating 174 years of commercial fishing, Rogers Street Fishing Village and the Great Lakes Coast Guard Museum exhibit an 1886 historic lighthouse, shipwreck displays and artifacts. Discover tales of courageous seafarers and ill-fated schooners through old mariners’ tales of seafaring and survival. Learn about their French-Canadian history and heritage.

Day One

2:00 pm

Arrive in Marquette Country in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the afternoon. Enjoy a welcome reception in your honor and check in to an area lodging facility.

5:00 pm

Travel to Landmark Inn in downtown Marquette. Enjoy dinner from a limited menu at the Skyroom Restaurant on the top floor overlooking Lake Superior and the downtown area. Discover a place that time forgot… but you never will! Tour this beautiful landmark, including some of their nicest rooms, all restored to their original splendor.

Day Two

8 – 9:00 am

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and meet your step-on guide from Marquette Country Tours in the hotel lobby.

9 – 11:30 am

Spend the morning touring the historic city of Marquette on this sightseeing tour. The tour includes Marquette’s Historic Home and Harbor District, Presque Isle Park and over 7 miles of scenic Lake Superior shoreline.

(Note: If interested, visit the Lake Superior shoreline museum to learn of Marquette’s rich maritime history).

11:30 – 1:00 pm

Travel to Upfront and Company in downtown Marquette for lunch. Relax in this unique atmosphere and enjoy great American cuisine and quality service within a pleasant, inviting, and unique atmosphere

1 – 3:00 pm

Marquette Maritime Museum – The museum tells a rich rewarding story of the maritime heritage of Marquette and Lake Superior. Exhibits include birch bark canoes, a “Fresno” lighthouse lens, mini-auditorium, antique inboard and outboard motors, restored boats, shipwreck charts & displays, 40′ coast guard vessels, 36′ coast guard lifeboat restoration and ore boat flags and related memorabilia. The museum is on the national historic places register.

3 – 4:30 pm

Do some shopping and sightseeing on your own for the remainder of the afternoon in downtown Marquette. Meet at Docker’s Candy and Gifts for a sweet treat before heading back to your hotel.

4:30 – 6:00 pm

Get freshened up for dinner.

6:00 pm

Meet your guide for dinner at the Casa Calabria Italian Restaurant in the Village—a dining experience in a festive Italian atmosphere with pasta, pizza, steaks and more!

Day Three

8 – 8:30 am

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and meet your step-on guide from Marquette Country Tours in the hotel lobby.

8:30 – 10:00 am

Enjoy the scenic drive along Lake Superior to the Glass Bottom Boat Shipwreck Tour on Munising Bay.

10 -12:30 pm

Enjoy a fully narrated 2-hour tour viewing three shipwrecks & East Channel Light House. Take some time to enjoy the gift shop after your tour.

12:30 – 1:30

The Dogpatch Restaurant is famous for their seafood & steaks, large menu selection and the Legendary Vittles and Gift Shop!

1:30 – 3:30 pm

Take a scenic drive to Munising Falls in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The park is located on the shoreline of Lake Superior encompassing cliffs, dunes, waterfalls and lakes with a on-site interpretive center.

3:30 pm

Head back to Marquette for more evening fun.

5:30 pm

Dine at Elizabeth’s Chop House located in Marquette’s historic waterfront district. Outdoor seating overlooking the famous Lower Harbor of Lake Superior make it a perfect destination for dinner. After dinner you may want to let your group take some time to enjoy downtown.

The gem of our city is Falls Park located near the downtown district. The park covers approximately 123 acres and is centered around “The Falls of theBig Sioux River.” Each second, an average of 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the falls.

The first Big Sioux River Greenway was adopted in April, 1975. The objectives were parks, trails, flood control, picnicking, archery, nature study, camping, motorized recreation, horseback riding, winter recreation, water activities, and historic sites. The second Big Sioux River Greenway Plan was adopted in April of 1987. It had seven goals and 39 items of concern.  Nineteen have been completed and others are still in the planning stages and have yet to be completed. Today, the River Greenway is best known for the 20-plus mile bike trail surrounding our city. The River Greenway project continues with construction on the east bank of the Big Sioux River with plans for the future on continued improvements.

The Falls of the Big Sioux River have been a focus of life in the region throughout history. Native American people were the first to visit the falls and bring stories of them to European explorers.  The Falls have been the center of recreation and industry since the city of Sioux Falls was founded in 1856. See the city’s namesake as well as some of the first buildings built in Sioux Falls.

Falls Park features a visitor information center with a gift shop, a five story viewing tower offering a panoramic view of the park and the Overlook Café, which offers planned meal options for large groups. Falls Park is also home to a FREE Sound and Light Show featuring information about the history of Sioux Falls and is shown nightly at 9:30pm, weather-permitting, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Fountain Show Schedule:

Monday through Sunday

Top of the Hour Shows beginning at noon through 10pm

Two Show Presentations at 7pm

*Special Performances of The Star Spangled Banner:

Sunday – Thursday: noon & 8pm

Friday & Saturday: noon & 9pm

Among the rolling hills and farms across the northern part of the state, you can find stories about innovative people and processes that highlight American ingenuity. The corridor—spanning 36 miles south and 36 miles north of the actual highway—is dotted with museums and landmarks that will take more than a week to explore.

Day One

1 – 3:00 p.m.

Mount up and head to the Pony Express Museum. This famous mail delivery service started within these walls on April 3, 1860. Your guide will give a personalized tour of exhibits covering the creation, running and demise of the Pony Express.

3:00 p.m.

Add color to your tour with a visit to Tobiason Stained Glass Studio. They have over 50 years of experience designing, fabricating, installing and restoring church windows throughout the country. Restoration is a difficult and tedious task, but is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects for owner Rick Rader. He specializes in all styles—whether traditional or contemporary—executed in stained glass, faceted glass or etched and carved glass. Come see how they create these timeless, beautiful and architecturally harmonious works of art. Visitors are invited to create their very own stained glass angel.

Day Two

9 – 10:00 a.m.

Start your quest of innovation for the day by visiting the Glore Psychiatric Museum. Noted as one of the most unusual museums in the United States, Glore will give you a taste of medical innovation as the museum shares the history of mental health. You will be fascinated by the story of this self-contained city that housed over 3,000 patients. Three floors of display rooms cover 400 years of psychiatric treatment and the history of this impressive facility. Glore is one of only six museums of its kind in the country.

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Your group will enjoy a leisurely walk through the exhibits at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. This museum houses one of the finest collections of 18^th, 19^th and 20^th century American art in the Midwest. Call ahead to find out whose artwork will be featured during your visit.

10 – 11:30 am

Visit the State School Orphanage Museum to learn the story of Minnesota’s orphans from 1886-1945. Explore and tour the grounds of the West Hills Campus and stop at Cottage 11. Highlights include the Children’s Cemetery, Audio Kiosks, Root Cellar, gift shop, and of course, the opportunity to walk through an original cottage from the orphanage era and learn the story of the boys who lived there. The village hosts a history Extravaganza in July.

11:30 – 1:30 pm
Discover the architecture of the National Farmer’s Bank, designed by world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan.  The bank building is famous for its Prairie School architecture. Relax and enjoy the historic buildings, coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants downtown. For treats of the chocolate sort, stop by Costa’s Café & Chocolate Shop featuring delicious hand-made/hand-dipped candies.

1:30 – 3:30 pm

Schedule a group tour at the NEW Steele County History Center, featuring their first exhibit “Minnesota on the Map,” based on the book Minnesota on the Map: A Historical Atlas by David Lanegran. This exhibit features seven exhibit panels, an in-depth look at Minnesota’s geography and a video station provides commentary on a selection of maps.

3:30 PM

Enjoy an afternoon treat with Blue Bell Ice Cream at Russell Stover’s Candies and pick up gifts for your friends and family!

6:00 PM

Join the Steele County Historical Society for a gala evening of fine art, superb food, and entertainment at their Art Auction!  Local celebrity auctioneers will sell a unique variety of art. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Silent auction items will be available to bid on, too. All proceeds benefit the NEW History Center.

Day Two

8 – 9:30 am

Rise and shine and discover Owatonna’s Parks and Trails for a brisk walk through Kaplan’s Woods or enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Kohlmeier.

9:30 – 11:30 am

Return to the History Center for their Plant and Vintage Sale!  Enjoy finding unique treasures and locally grown plants.  Modeled after English country sales, this fundraiser for the History Center is sure to have something for everyone!

11:30 – 1:00 pm

Grab lunch at the Northwoods Cache in Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitters store and try their delicious Elk Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. Take a little time to shop for all your outdoor needs and home décor. The newly remodeled store includes animal displays, fresh water aquariums, and fudge shoppe.

1 – 3:30 pm

Shop until you drop!  Visit the Medford Outlet Center to get the latest deals on your spring and summer fashion.  Shop at great stores like GAP, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Nike Clearance Store, Country Goods and many more stores at outlet prices.

3:30 PM

Head back to one of their group friendly lodging properties to freshen up for dinner.

5:00 PM

Looking for a nice dinner before hitting the show?  Whether you like Mexican, Asian, BBQ or a home cooked meal, Owatonna has everything for your taste buds.

7:00 PM

Take in a show at the Little Theatre of Owatonna and enjoy an exciting performance by talented local actors.

9:30 PM

Not ready to go back to your hotel? Enjoy a chocolate martini or an old-fashioned at Torey’s Restaurant.

Day One

2:30 – 4:30 pm

Begin with a drive through the city with your Fairmont CVB step-on guide, and make a stop at the Martin County Court House, originally a stockade to provide safety to the locals against Indian uprisings and was called Fort Fairmont. The present Court House was built in 1906 and is one of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Courthouses in Minnesota. Especially noteworthy are the upper level murals and artistic construction.

4:30 – 6:30 pm

Built in 1867 on a hill overlooking Lake Sisseton, The Chubb House is the oldest surviving house in Fairmont. The house is of Greek revival architecture where square nails can be seen in places throughout the house. Your group will enjoy dinner relaxing around the warm and friendly fireplace, or the backyard is suitable for picnics overlooking Lake Sisseton. The view is great and food service will be arranged.

6:30 – 10:00 pm

An evening performance at the Fairmont Opera House awaits you; a unique building, which has enriched the architectural, cultural and commercial life of the region for over 100 years. The atmosphere, ghosts, memories of great actors, entertainers and shows are all here.

Day Two

9 -11:00 am

Heritage Acres 
is an Agricultural Interpretive Center with community events and festivals celebrated throughout the year. Enjoy taking a stroll through “Old Main Street” with its one room schoolhouse and country church. Tours by appointment are conducted through yesteryear’s Pioneer Village.

Day One

12 – 1:30 pm

Arrive in Willmar and stop for lunch at Jazz N’ Java. A hot latte or cappuccino will energize you after the drive and some homemade soup and a sandwich always hit the spot. The atmosphere is friendly and the locals consider it some of the best coffee around!

1:30 – 4:00 pm

You’ll be amazed as soon as you arrive at J & L Bison Ranch! It’s home to 300 bison that roam over 200 beautiful acres where you can view the herd in their natural habitat. As educational as it is astonishing, there’s much to know and learn about this sacred animal. We’ll save the details for the tour.

4 – 5:00 pm

Check in to your hotel and freshen up for the evening.

5 – 7:00 pm

Enjoy dinner with a view at The Oaks at Eagle Creek. Overlooking Willmar and Swan Lakes, with a view of their championship golf course, The Oaks offers a great atmosphere for groups on a night out.

7 – 10:00 pm

Head to the New London Little Theater. Their venue includes theatrical productions, musical variety shows, concerts and an information entertainment night designed to nurture local budding musicians. Your group may also enjoy Glacial Ridge Winery – one ofMinnesota’s newest wineries – which boasts the uniquely distinctive “Barrel Room,” a walk-in, sit-down lounge area.

Day Two

7 – 9:00 am

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

9 – 11:00 am

Head over to scenic Prairie Wood Environmental Learning Center for an experience you won’t soon forget. This special nature center celebrates an abundance of local wildlife on its 500 acres.

11 – 3:00 pm

Travel a few miles to Spicer on the south shore of Green Lake and have a delicious lunch at the brand new Zorbaz restaurant (formerly Melvin’s). After lunch, right outside the door, the Houseboat Cruises on Green Lake will welcome your group on board for a lovely afternoon cruise aboard their 56’ houseboat. Take in the sun, fresh air and the sights around this beautiful lake.