Travel Club

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.

---

Discover the Colors of New England

October 16th-23rd, 2024

Day 1: Saturday, October 16, 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 17, 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 18, 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 19, 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 20, 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 21, 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 22, 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 23, 2024 Ogunquit - Boston, Massachusetts

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

---

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.