Arrive by Interstates 80/29 to see the towering Iowa gateway by Albert Paley over the South 24^th Street Bridge. Make this your first of many calls to a free cell phone tour from Iowa West Public Art.

Take Exit 1B to continue your art adventure at the Mid-America Center. Wander through five public art sites starting with Sunrise, William King’s pioneer couple, standing tall in gleaming aluminum.

Around the corner, see Rhythm, a massive sculpture garden by Jun Kaneko. Expect the unexpected in bright, bold color – giant bronze heads, Kaneko’s signature ceramic dangoes and vivid tile walls. It’s just the place to stop and take it all in.

A short walk away, look up to see the larger than life Molecule Man by Jonathan Borofsky. The 3-D sculpture made of shiny aircraft aluminum is a hit with young and old alike. Dial up to hear how the giant figures came together.

In historic downtown’s Bayliss Park, Brower Hatcher’s iconic fountain and pavilion, Wellspring and Oculus, welcome all. You’ll find a great place to relax here, bordered by a striking Veteran’s Memorial and Plaza complete with lifelike bronzes.

After lunch at a nearby café, stop at the Ruth Anne Dodge Memorial, known as the Black Angel, and the nearby Lincoln Monument. Then, follow your map a few blocks away to see Deborah Masuoka’s whimsical Haymarket Rabbits at Main and Pearl Streets.

End your day with a must-see artist, in the heart of Council Bluffs’ historic downtown. Restored Grant Wood pieces are on display in the Pottawattamie County Courthouse lobby.  Then stop just east of town at Looft Hall on the Iowa Western Community College campus for one last look at the beauty of the Midwest in Grant Wood’s murals commissioned in 1926.

For more information regarding this Travel Guide please call 800-228-6878 or visit www.councilbluffsiowa.com.

Day 1

1- 3:00 PM

Make your way to Owatonna at the Preferred Outlets at Medford for the best outlet prices south of the metro area!  Shop stores such as Columbia Sportswear Company, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, Bass, Nike Clearance Store, Levi’s and many more.

3 – 5:00 PM

Visit Cabela’s World’s Foremost Outfitter and largest fishing, hunting and outdoor gear store in the Midwest. With four million visitors a year it is the second most popular tourist attraction in Minnesota!

5:00-6:30 PM

Bundle up and make your next stop in downtown Owatonna to line the sidewalks for the Hometown Holiday Lighted Parade – Owatonna’s version of the popular Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade!  Window shop and pop-into some of the stores for their holiday open houses.

6:30-9:00 PM

Central Park for a free cup of hot cider and Christmas cookies and catch a glimpse of Santa in the Bandshell as he welcomes the holidays by flipping the switch for the synchronized twinkle lights and music show.  Enjoy the Owatonna High School Carolers singing Christmas carols; also simulcast on the radio for those who want to sit indoors. End your evening with dinner at one of Owatonna’s fine restaurants.

Day 2 

10 – 12:00 PM

Take to the streets of downtown Owatonna for “Santa Specials” at Owatonna Shoe – a “REAL” Shoe Store and Kristi’s Clothing, for something unique and different for your wardrobe!  There’s sure to be something for everyone on your shopping list with all the shops in downtown Owatonna.

12 – 1:00 PM

Have lunch and treat your group to Costa’s Café & Chocolate Shop.  Everyone will enjoy some hand-made/hand-dipped candies in their stockings this year!

1 – 3:00 PM

Take in Owatonna’s attractions, all decked out for the holidays, including the National Farmer’s Bank downtown, designed by world-renowned architect Louis Sullivan.

3 – 5:00 PM

Brave the elements and enjoy childhood again by renting ice skates at the Morehouse Park Chalet and skate your way along the Straight River, or watch a game of boot hockey or broomball in the rinks!

5:00-7:00PM

Step back in time for a Victorian Christmas at the Village of Yesteryear! Horse-drawn sleigh rides, pictures with Santa, fancy cookie sale, Christmas carolers, and a stroll along the boardwalk lit by luminaries! See the Dunnell House lavishly decorated for the holidays. FREE admission!

Day 3

10 – 12:00 PM

Stop by Christmas in the Village at the Steele County Historical Society and stock up on more goodies from their fancy cookie sale.  Grab some lunch before your tour of homes begins.

12 – 3:00 PM

Visit unique homes in Steele County on the Historic Holiday Home Tour. All houses are decorated for the holidays and have a story to tell.

3 – 5:00 PM

Stop by the West Hills Campus to see the winter decorations of the Minnesota State School Orphanage and Owatonna Arts Center.

5:00 PM

Don’t forget about those stocking stuffers!  Russell Stover Candies features a full selection of Russell Stover boxed candies and chocolates!  The candy kitchen offers handmade specialties, cookies, peanut brittle, caramel apples and more.  The ice cream parlor serves delicious Blue Bell ice cream, sundaes, floats and shakes.  Build a box of your favorite chocolates or select from one of the many gift baskets.

For more information on Owatonna’s Holiday Shopping and Attractions Itinerary contact

Lisa Havelka, Tourism Director at (507)451-7970 or go to www.visitowatonna.org

Since 1875, the St. James Hotel has provided guests with service and incomparable experiences. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, the St. James Hotel offers a setting that few other establishments can boast. Bring your group and take full advantage of this perfect blend of history, setting and ambience.

DAY ONE

9:00 – 10:00 am

Watch pottery being made at the Red Wing Stoneware Company. Admire local potters creating beautiful stoneware in the tradition of Red Wing’s famous Union Stoneware Company.

10:00 – 12:00 pm

In the old Pottery District sits the historic Pottery Place Mall—once home to the Union Stoneware Company. Today you can shop antique stores and specialty shops. Next door is the Red Wing Pottery Salesroom—a must for any visit to Red Wing. It is said that the salesroom has the largest selection of dinnerware, pottery and gifts in the upper Midwest!

12:00 to 2:00 pm

Enjoy lunch at the Veranda Restaurant located on the first floor of the St. James Hotel. The delectable menu includes Sturdiwheat pancakes, a local favorite. Sturdiwheat is a locally owned and operated line of pancake, bread and cereal. After lunch check your group in at the St James Hotel for a memorable stay.

2:00 – 4:30 pm

Downtown District boutiques

Shop the downtown district for unique storefronts, as well as indoor shopping protected from the elements. You’ll find women’s clothing, golf wear, Red Wing shoes – the shoes that made the city famous – and German and Scandinavian clothing, jewelry and other wares. Around every corner is an antique store. Some shops focus on pottery, with everything from tableware and serving dishes to mixing bowls and crocks.

4:30- 6:30 pm

Falconer Vineyards opened their Vineyard Bistro in 2011, located on a covered deck that overlooks a 6.5-acre vineyard. Your group will sip on Falconer Vineyards wine and enjoy the serene surroundings. 
Wood fire pizzas are currently available in 8″ personal size, made on a wheat crust of their own recipe.

6:30- 9:30 pm

Take you group to experience a little bit of Broadway at the Sheldon Theatre. Choose one of their many crowd-pleasing productions.

DAY TWO

8:15- 9:00am

Enjoy morning coffee, tea or hot chocolate in the historic lobby of the St. James Hotel.

9:00-1:00pm

Check out and head North on Highway 61 to Treasure Island Resort & Casino and spend the morning playing games. With huge jackpots and new bingo games every month, Island Bingo is a sure bet for a good time. Bingo Matinee warm-ups start at 11:45 am. Great times are in the cards at Island Bingo!

For more information or to customize this itinerary please call your tour operator or contact the St. James Hotel, 800-252-1875.

“Holy Bells” –featuring the original cast!

Those loveable nuts from Deer Camp are back in another great mishap filled adventure in the north woods!  With Christmas fast approaching, the Mighty Hunters of Elmwood head back to their shack to cut fresh trees for the all-church Christmas choir recital and Nativity service at the Elmwood Town Hall.  When the ACLU steps in and says “No church service on public property”, the guys take it as a personal insult.  Armed with an old chainsaw, plenty of fresh beer, all new songs, and four feet of snow, what could possibly go wrong?

Check out http://www.deercampthemusical.com for more information and locations.

“Almost Home”-Doug Spartz & Friends Holiday Show

Available only through the holiday season, this show features Americana singer/songwriter Doug Spartz , along with several Nashville and Midwest friends.  This Branson-styled show will showcase some time honored traditional holiday music and also some of Doug’s original songs from the musical “Holy Bells, a Deer Camp Christmas”.  If your group is looking for something different this holiday season, this show is a sure bet!  Rounding out the entertainment will be some special comedy skits with “Moose” and “Diesel”, as they reprise their roles from the hit musical play, “Deer Camp” and “Holy Bell’s”.  Available exclusively through Great North Show Providers.

Check out Doug’s music at http://www.dougspartz.com/music.html

A step on guide can meet your group and share the fascinating story of what began as Nathan Bentley’s love of decorating for Christmas at his residence in Esko in 2001 – and continued at his residence in Cloquet, where the family moved in 2004, to what has now transpired into an amazing experience at Bayfront Park in Duluth for one and all to enjoy.

‘Nathan went from stringing a few lights on his home to renting boom lifts to put up decorations, all the while attracting bus loads of people to his property.

“Each year we would add a few more things like popcorn, coffee, cookies, fire pits, and then Santa was there each night. It just continued to grow very quickly in just four years,” says Nathan.’

Come enjoy a winter wonderland of lights, good will and smiles all around!

Bentleyville is an official collection site for the Salvation Army to collect non-perishable food items or new, unwrapped toys to support those less fortunate this season.

9 – 10:30 am

Welcome to The Grande Depot. Housed in a beautifully restored 1912 Soo Line Depot, it offers two upscale retail choices for discerning consumers. Accentric offers extensive stylish home décor, gourmet foods, exclusive culinary, children’s gifts and much more. Cork & Cask offers central Minnesota’s most unique selection of fine wine and spirits.

FREE samples of wine and food products on Saturdays.

10:30 – 12:00 pm

Next stop is Crafts Direct, the get inspired, create and decorate store!  Offering a huge selection of arts and crafts supplies – it’s the largest craft store in the state!  See their website for project ideas, current sales flyer, and calendar of craft classes.

12 – 2:00 pm

Time for some serious shopping in downtown and your first stop is Herbergers!   It’s always a fun stop when visiting St. Cloud!  Do a little browsing before and after the show today. Your reward for a short walk down St. Germain Street is a stop at the specialty shop called Northern Brights featuring unique, handbags, jewelry, gifts, art and fashions!   You’ll find many other shopping treasures along your way plus lunch at Mexican Village – fun, food and fabulous margaritas!  Including FREE chips and salsa.

2 – 4:00 pm

See a matinee at the Paramount Theater for one of Great Theatre’s productions. Sat. or Sunday matinees are perfect for mid-afternoon fun. Grab a glass of wine or a soda and sit back to watch the show.

4 – 6:00

Resume shopping before heading over to Café’ Renaissance for an elegant dinner. Enjoy their unique pan-Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes from the south of Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Moroccan, and the Eastern and middle-Eastern Mediterranean. When you’re ready to turn in, the AmericInn in Sartell is a great choice for groups to relax and unwind around their pool.

For more information of to customize this itinerary for your group, contact the St. Cloud Convention and Visitors Bureau /Jean Robbins at 1-800-264-2940, ext. 129 or jean@granitecountry.com.

Here is a small sampling of what’s coming up, be sure to check the St. Cloud CVB’s website for a more detailed list:

West Side Story

April 28-May 13, 2012

Paramount Theater presented by Great Theatre  productions

The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments. Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Stephen B. Humphrey Theater, Saint John’s University

presented by Great Theatre  productions.

May 18 – 20th

One of William Shakespeare’s most hilarious and enchanting works comes to the stage in a production created especially for students. A whimsical story of love, mischief, matchmaking and magic.

Our hospitality staff has a variety of resources to make your day at the fair even more fun! We can help you organize a fairgrounds scavenger hunt or a trivia contest, provide self-guided tour maps for the fair’s beautiful gardens and tree sculptures or help you plan your activities with a sample itinerary. We also provide daily entertainment and activity schedules so you won’t miss a thing! Most exhibit buildings are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For early arrivals, there is plenty of activity in the Livestock area as animals are groomed and readied for judging.

From 6 a.m. to midnight, there’s always something different to see all 12 days of the Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Morning is the best time to…

• schedule a breakfast and welcome session for your group at the Blue Ribbon Picnic Area.

• learn about renewable energy and sustainability at the award-winning Eco Experience.
• experience the Miracle of Birth Center where lambs, calves and piglets are born.

Mid-day is the best time to…

• catch one of more than 75 acts on seven free entertainment stages.

• check out nearly 70 rides from around the globe at Mighty Midway and Kidway.
• browse through the shops atHeritage Squareor the International Bazaar.

Afternoon is the best time to…

• meet Princess Kay and see the famous butterhead sculptures.
• choose a snack from the menu of 350 foods including more than 50 foods on-a-stick.
• stroll throughMinnesota’s largest juried art show in the Fine Arts Center.

Evening is the best time to…

• go to extremes onAdventurePark’s rides.
• see big-name entertainers at the newly-restored 1909 Grandstand.
• watch the nightly fireworks spectacular.

Call Us: (651) 632-2689 or email to book your group for 2012

Bloomington celebrates winter during the 10^th annual Bloomington Winter Fete, January 23-29, 2012.  The annual celebration brings residents and visitors out of hibernation to celebrate the joys of winter.  The event begins with the International Nordic Ski Jumping competition at Bush Lake Ski Jump, features a hockey and broomball tournament, ice fishing competition, a photo scavenger hunt and a history festival.  Warm drinks will be available throughout the days of the events.  Be sure to book your hotel packages in Bloomington early, to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the family-friendly event.

Be sure to purchase The Big Ticket™ Attraction Pass, to experinec 6 of the Twin Cities most popular attractions, and find out for yourself that Minnesota is a great place to visit during the winter!

To book this itinerary, visit our website at bloomingtonmn.org or contact the Sales Department at 1-866-435-7425 or sales@bloomingtonmn.org.

9 – 12:00 pm

Arrive in Burnsville and check into your hotel. Then it’s off to the Minnesota Zoo. No matter the time of year, this is a zoo for all seasons!  Even when the weather is cold and nasty, the Tropics Trail and Discovery Bay are warm and toasty, featuring animals from the Caribbean, South Pacific, and tropical rain forest.

The Minnesota Zoo is home to more than 4,240 animals representing 542 species, many of which are considered rare, threatened, or endangered.

12 – 2:00 pm

Break for lunch at a local eatery and follow it up with sweets and treats from Abdallah Candies and Gifts. Come in see them hand dip & make chocolates first-hand through their viewing window! The staff will personally greet each group with information, history and candy facts. Plenty of free samples on hand and discounted specials available.

2 – 4:30 pm

Spend some time shopping in Burnsville. A stop at Ficus and Fig, in the Grande Market Square Building is a sure hit. Offering 3000 sq feet of home décor items, bath & body products, accessories, and unique gifts! Burnsville Center is another option with 3 department stores plus 130 specialty stores for your shopping enjoyment.

4:30 pm

Back to your hotel to freshen up for the evening’s activities.

5:15 pm

Enjoy dinner around town before attending a performance at the Burnsville Performing Art Center. Catch a holiday extravaganza, a comedian or a symphony, all just among the few options available at the Performing Art Center. Take time before the performance to enjoy the beautiful views of downtown Minneapolis and take in the setting at Nicollet Commons Park in Burnsville’s Heart of the City.

Day Two

8 – 12:00 pm

After breakfast at your hotel, your group heads to Minneapolis to view Macy’s Annual Holiday Display, featuring three-dimensional animated figures. Then it is off to the American Swedish Institute to admire their annual holiday display of lavishly decorated trees, tables set for a Christmas meal, hand crafted ornaments as celebrated in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland.

1:00 pm

After lunch, it’s time to head home, and take lasting memories of a wonderful trip with you.

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group please contact your tour operator or the Burnsville CVB. 800-521-6055 or visit www.burnsvillemn.com

9 – 11:00 am

Begin your day in Stillwater, Minnesota.  Located on the St. Croix River, it’s one of Minnesota’s oldest towns. Its beautiful historic architecture houses an array of antique shops, art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants.  Board the Stillwater Trolley with a step-on guide to give you a guided tour!

11 – 1:00 pm

Your next stop will be the St. Croix Vineyards & Winery.  Located just west of Stillwater, this winery offers complimentary wine tasting in a restored century old barn.  Stroll through their picturesque vineyard and have a picnic lunch.

1 – 3:00 pm

Groups love to visit the Landmark Center located in downtown St. Paul. Built in 1902, originally used as the Federal courthouse and Post Office for the upper Midwest.  One of the most popular tours they offer is the Gangster Tour, fully enhanced by costumed guides educating your groups about the life and times of people like “Ma” Barker, Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, John Dillinger and his moll Evelyn Freschette, and more.

Also in the Landmark Center is the American Association of Woodturners Gallery of Wood Art, Schubert’s Club Musical Instrument Museum & Gilman Ordway Collection of Musical Manuscripts.

3 – 4:00 pm

Located just a few blocks from the Landmark Center is the Cathedral of St. Paul.  The Cathedral dominates the skyline and is situated on the highest point in downtown St. Paul.  Each year, the Cathedral of St. Paul welcomes over 200,000 visitors.  Tours are free of charge, though donations are gratefully received.

5 – 9:00 pm

Spend the evening at The Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis. Established in 1963, this newly built facility opened in 2006.  Explore this world-renowned theater, see a play, have dinner and take a walk on the “endless bridge”, a glass-enclosed walkway jutting out to offer breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.

Your coach will whisk you away to one of the many group-friendly hotels in Eagan for a peaceful nights sleep, as tomorrow is another big day around Eagan!

Day Two

8 – 9:00 am

Enjoy breakfast with your group in your Eagan hotel before taking on another exciting day!

9 – 11:30 am

Today’s excitement begins with a visit to the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Zoo.

Take a step back in time and ride Cafesjian’s Carousel located in the $1.1 million dollar copper-roofed pavilion just steps from the entrance to Como Zoo.  Tickets are only $1.50!

11:30 – 4:00 pm

No visit to the Twin Cities would be complete without a visit to Mall of America. As one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, Mall of America features something for everyone! Enjoy more than 520 stores, 50 restaurants, attractions galore and over 300 free events annually. Plus there’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes!

4 – 5:00 pm

Head back to your Eagan hotel to freshen up for tonight’s entertainment.

6:00 pm

A night at Chanhassen Dinner Theater; the largest professional dinner theatre in the nation. Always a guaranteed hit with groups!

For more information or to customize this sample itinerary for your group, please contact Eagan’s tour operator: Denise Olsen at 651-675-5542 or denise@eaganmn.com.  Don’t forget – $250 Cash Rebate with 20 or more rooms booked in Eagan!