Travel Club

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2025 Events

Mackinac Island

June 20th-28th, 2025

Day 1: Friday, June 20th, 2025 Chicago, Illinois

Get ready for a relaxing journey through the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island and the Great Lakes region. This stunning landscape comes alive amid old-fashioned traditions.

Day 2: Saturday, June 21st, 2025 Chicago, Illinois

Begin your day with a locally guided tour of Chicago’s remarkable and impressive architecture. This dynamic city goes by many names including "Second City" and “The Windy City," but no matter what you call it, you’re sure to fall in love. Highlights of your tour include famous Michigan Avenue, the “Magnificent Mile,” the Wrigley Building, the Loop, the Lakefront, and a walking tour through Millennium Park. The remainder of your day is at leisure. You may want to visit one of Chicago’s many museums, relax during a scenic boat ride along the Chicago River, or visit the Chicago Cultural Center. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at the legendary Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse. The historic landmark building, which houses the restaurant, has a storied past including ties to notorious gangster, Al Capone.

Day 3: Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 Chicago - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Travel north as we make our way to the city of Grand Rapids. This afternoon, take some time to explore the many gardens, greenhouses, and art exhibits of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

Day 4: Monday, June 23rd, 2025 Grand Rapids - Mackinac Island

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive before arriving in Mackinaw City at the tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. You will have some time to explore this coastal vacation town and grab lunch before boarding the ferry that will take you back to a simpler time on Mackinac Island. Upon arrival, listen for how the neighs of horses replace the roar of engines. Your home for the next two nights is the glorious Victorian-era resort, the Grand Hotel.* Both your hotel and the island itself are National Historic Landmarks. The island is a natural gem with over eighty percent of its land preserved by Mackinac State Park, a woodland paradise accented with limestone formations and ringed by Lake Huron. After dinner at your hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. Perhaps you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the quaint village or relax on the Grand Hotel’s famous porch

Day 5: Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 Mackinac Island

Climb aboard your horse-drawn carriage for an island tour that includes stops at the Surrey Hills Carriage Museum and Arch Rock. Following your tour, savor some time to enjoy all of Mackinac Island’s quiet pleasures. Enjoy brilliant views while sitting on the front porch of the Grand Hotel or take a walk downtown to visit the shops and buy some fudge, a favorite item on the island. Later, choose from a menu of tasty delicacies when you dine at the elegant Salle à Manger. After dinner, enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the refined sounds of the Grand Hotel's orchestra. If you crave a secluded hideaway, retreat to the charming Cupola Bar.

Day 6: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025 Mackinac Island - Bay City

Enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Hotel and in town before departing this afternoon for your riverfront accommodations in Bay City. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps you will take to the river walk where you can explore the downtown on your own.

Day 7: Thursday, June 26th, 2025 Bay City - Frankenmuth - Southfield

Today, explore the architectural artistry of Alden B. Dow’s home and studio during a guided tour. This legendary 20th century architect designed his home to be the peak of Mid-Twentieth Century Modern Architecture, and since its construction has been declared a National Historic Landmark. This afternoon, we visit the quaint town of Frankenmuth, or as the locals call it, "Little Bavaria," because of its Franconian-style architecture. Upon arrival, visit the largest Christmas store in the world - Bronner’s.

Day 8: Friday, June 27th, 2025 Southfield - Dearborn - Southfield

Today we visit Dearborn, hometown of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. Visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village for an experience in living history. Learn how the automobile forever changed American life and society as you explore the Henry Ford Museum. At Greenfield Village,** take in the historic homes and see the workshops where famous American icons like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Robert Frost were once inspired. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting the end of your wonderful journey.

Day 9: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 Southfield - Tour Ends

Your tour ends today, leaving you with a bounty of happy memories from your visit to America’s heartland.

Full Brochure

• All completed forms should be returned to:
  • Jane Messingham, 330 E 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50703-4704

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2024 Past Events:

Pella Tulip Festival

May 2nd, 2024

On May 2nd, you have the chance to travel with the BankIowa Travel Club to the Pella Tulip Festival! There, you will experience the beautiful tulips, Dutch attire, food, fun, and more!

Important information about the trip:

• When: May 2nd, 2024
• Cost: $98
• Convenient Pick-Up Locations: Independence, IA & Waterloo, IA
• Trip Includes: Bus transportation, grandstand seats for the parade, food and fun on the bus, and a BankIowa gift bag.
• Deadline to Register: April 15th, 2024

To reserve your spot, please call BankIowa at (319) 334-7181.

A Journey Through the Heartland

June 11th-15th, 2024

Day 1: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 St. Louis, MO

We board our motorcoach this morning and head toward St. Louis with stops for comfort and lunch as a group along the way. Today's journey comes to an end in St. Louis, MO, where we will have a guided tour and tasting at the iconic Anheuser Busch Brewery, a cornerstone of St. Louis history. Tonight, we will settle in at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch, where you can enjoy the complimentary snacks and cocktails during the hotel’s 5:30 Kickback or dine at your leisure at one of the restaurants located within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Louisville, KY

Breakfast will be enjoyed at the hotel before we head next door to ride the tram up the Gateway Arch. As the tallest monument in the country, the views of the Midwest landscapes that await us at the top are fantastic! We’ll also explore the Arch’s newly expanded museum celebrating westward expansion. Be sure to grab lunch at the Arch to enjoy as we sit back and relax on the journey to Louisville. Up first in Louisville is a guided tour of the Frazier History Museum, a great place to explore Kentucky, US, and world history. The museum houses collections on a wide range of topics, from historical weapons and toy soldiers and accessories to the history, craft, and culture of bourbon. A tasting of some fantastic Kentucky bourbon will round out our visit to the museum. After a full day, we will enjoy a late group dinner before checking in to the Aloft Louisville Downtown for the night.

Day 3: Thursday, June 13, 2024 Dry Ridge, KY

Today we are off to Churchill Downs, the home of the legendary Kentucky Derby. It is the longest continually held sporting event in America and one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. We’ll watch the horses during their morning workout as we enjoy a Backstretch Breakfast and then embark on a guided tour with time to explore the Derby Museum’s exhibits celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality, and pride of the world-renowned Derby. A boxed lunch will be enjoyed as we continue on to the Ark Encounter to explore at our leisure. The centerpiece of this park is a full-scale representation of Noah's Ark as described in the Genesis Flood narrative of the Bible. At 510 feet long, eighty-five feet wide, and fifty-one feet high, the Ark is massive! Numerous teaching exhibits about the Flood, Noah, and the animals are designed to answer your questions about the biblical account of Noah's Ark. Be sure to visit the Ararat Ridge Zoo to spot some exotic animals like Tibetan yaks, kangaroos, and ostriches! We will then check in to the Hampton Inn in Dry Ridge, KY, and freshen up before dinner and a show at the Barnwood Bravo Theatre.

Day 4: Friday, June 14, 2024 Chicago, IL

The morning is yours to explore the 75,000-square-foot Creation Museum and have lunch on your own at Noah’s Café. Marvel at the Garden of Eden alongside Adam and Eve, walk through stunning botanical gardens as animatronic dinosaurs munch on leaves around you, and take a seat in the special effects theater to get a first-hand experience in the story of the Flood. With state-of-the-art exhibits, a full-size Allosaurus skeleton, a petting zoo, and much more, there’s plenty to enjoy at this one-of-a-kind museum. After lunch we will head to Chicago and the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel. A wonderful farewell dinner will be the perfect way to cap off our adventure!

Day 5: Saturday, June 15, 2024 HOME

After breakfast we will set out on an architecture cruise (subject to availability) beginning with an up-close look from the Chicago River and continuing onto Lake Michigan for an impressive view of the city’s skyline. Once back on land, lunch is on our own at Navy Pier before we journey home with stops for comfort along the way.

2024 Iowa State Fair

August 14th, 2024

On August 14th, you have the chance to travel with the BankIowa Travel Club to the 2024 Iowa State Fair! There, you will experience fair food, unique exhibits & vendors, and more!

Important information about the trip:

• When: August 14th, 2024
• Cost: $85 (customer), $90 (non-customer)
• Convenient Pick-Up Locations: Independence, IA, Waterloo, IA, & Cedar Rapids, IA
• Trip Includes: Bus transportation, admission to the fair, light breakfast and supper on the bus, and a BankIowa gift bag.
• Deadline to Register: July 31st, 2024

Discover the Colors of New England

October 12th-19th, 2024

Day 1: Saturday, October 12, 2024 Boston, Massachusetts 

Tour Begins Welcome to Massachusetts, where your journey through charming and vibrant New England begins. Start your tour in the heart of Boston.

Day 2: Sunday, October 13, 2024 Boston - Woodstock, Vermont - Stowe 

This morning, set out for Vermont where tree-covered mountainsides dot a charming landscape of quaint villages with traditional, white steeple churches. Visit Quechee Gorge — known as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon. This afternoon, watch glassblowing artisans craft unique art at the Simon Pearce flagship store. Savor a lunch prepared with fresh, local ingredients served on Simon Pearce dinnerware. After lunch, arrive in Woodstock, “the quintessential New England village” with its beautifully restored Georgian homes, a covered bridge, and even a town green. This evening, settle into your resort in Stowe, nestled in the tranquil Green Mountains.

Day 3: Monday, October 14, 2024 Stowe

 Start off your day by heading to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill. In this historic mill, watch – and learn – how fresh cider is produced the old-fashioned way, via rack and cloth press; a process that’s been passed down for generations. This afternoon, visit the Trapp Family Lodge where you'll get to see the stunning alpine architecture and mountain views that reminded the famous family of their home in Austria. Indulge in the charms of this spectacular Alpine inspired property and learn their family history as depicted in the film The Sound of Music.

Day 4: Tuesday, October 15, 2024 Stowe - North Conway, New Hampshire 

Today you will be New Hampshire bound! Soak in the lovely New England countryside as you journey through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Make a stop to explore the Rocks Estate, home to the North Country Conservation & Education Center. On a tour of the farm, learn about the history and importance of maple sugaring in the region and visit a virtual tap room. Later, continue to North Conway via the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic byway offering spectacular views of the White Mountains region.

Day 5: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 North Conway

After breakfast, make your way to Mount Washington — the highest peak in the Northeastern United States. Break into smaller groups and enjoy a tour up the twisting Auto Road. Take in the sight of the peaks jutting into the sky alongside a local expert who will teach you about the unique history, plant, and animal life you may see along the way. Once you reach the summit, take time to appreciate the fantastic view and spend some time inside the museum to learn about the extreme, rapid changing weather conditions that impact the mountain’s peak. Later, it’s your choice! Spend some time appreciating the great outdoors alongside your Tour Manager during a nature walk -OR- spend your afternoon exploring downtown North Conway, with plenty of free time for souvenir shopping.

Day 6: Thursday, October 17, 2024 North Conway - Lake Winnipesaukee - Ogunquit, Maine 

Journey to New Hampshire’s picturesque lakes region, a popular vacation spot for visitors year-round. Board the M/S Mount Washington and spend the next hour cruising stunning Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Then, visit the charming town of Wolfeboro, the “oldest summer resort in America.” Later, travel to Maine’s seacoast. Arrive in Ogunquit, located in Perkins Cove and known for its sandy beaches.

Day 7: Friday, October 18, 2024 Ogunquit - Portland - Kennebunkport - Ogunquit 

This morning, head to Portland. Once home to sea captains, the area is now known as one of “America’s coolest cities.” A locally guided tour includes Fort Williams Park to view the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in America and the oldest in Maine. As you take in the views of Portland Harbor and Casco Bay, four more lighthouses can be seen. Enjoy some free time this afternoon in beautiful Portland to stroll the historic Old Port neighborhood’s many shops and restaurants. Then, travel along spectacular Ocean Drive through the seaside community of Kennebunkport. See Walker’s Point, the home on a rocky promontory that’s a summer residence to the family of the late President George H.W. Bush. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a very special farewell dinner featuring fresh native lobster, for which coastal Maine is renowned.

Day 8: Saturday, October 19, 2024 Ogunquit - Boston, Massachusetts

Tour Ends Today, return to the Boston airport with the many wonderful memories of your adventure.