Leave 1:00 pm (time to have lunch before they get on coach)
In a short, scenic ride south among the rolling hills of Central Iowa sits the picturesque town of
Winterset, home to the world-famous "Bridges of Madison County." Experience authentic Iowa charm, beautiful natural scenery, ties to history and a thriving courthouse shopping square.
Only six covered bridges remain today. Five are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Roseman Bridge was used in the movie "Bridges of Madison County" as well as in Robert Waller's novel.
We will tour this bridge and a few of the other scenic icons.
Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, John Wayne began his life in a modest home in Winterset,
Iowa. The home has been restored and features memorabilia, movie props and rare photographs of
"The Duke" with co-stars and family. A tour of this home and the new museum is included.
Your day will start with a stop at Howell's Dried Florals and Greenhouse. With 5 acres of flower gardens, a giant barn stocked with beautiful air-dried florals and a greenhouse full of plants for hanging baskets, yard decorations and gardens; there is something for everyone.
Dinner is included at Northside Cafe on the square. This cafe has been operating since 1928 and had a cameo appearance in the internationally known movie.
Leave at 12:00 noon tour includes lunch
We hope through your stay in Iowa allows you to experience our Midwestern hospitality. Discover everything from heritage to architecture around every bend of our scenic city.
This tour begins with East Village. Located at the foot of the capitol this district extends five blocks to the Des Moines River. "The Village offers an eclectic blend of historic buildings, hip eateries, boutiques, the Iowa Historical Museum and a wide variety of other retail establishments. New apartments and loft-style housing are springing up in the area. You will have the opportunity to wander and enjoy lunch on your own.
Then it is off to see the city. First we will drive around the Iowa State Capitol. This is an impressive revived classical structure complete with a 23 carat (gold leaf) dome. It sits on an 80-acre park among memorials and monuments with a breathtaking view of the city's skyline. As we continue, hear the stories that built our beautiful city. A walk thru the World Food Prize with our own narrator to tell the story of Norman Borlaug. From here our coach will continue on and circle around Terrace Hill, also known as the Hubbell Museum and the Benjamin F. Allen House. Present day it is the official residence for the Governor of Iowa.

We will drive down Grand Avenue to the historical Salisbury House, where we will enjoy our own private tour of this English tudor style mansion. Our day will finish up at the West End Salvage, many of you may have seen the TV show on the DIY Network!
Experience up close and hear their stories of raising this unique breed. Ask questions and have the opportunity to purchase items made from their wool.
Leave at 12:30 Lunch on the coach
Within a short driving distance of downtown Des Moines you will find a family farm raising Alpacas!
Bonobos are right here in central Iowa to be studied and learn to communicate with us on computers specially designed for them. You may ask questions and they will answer in their unique way of communicating.
We will end our day at the race track! Here we will learn the ins and outs of the betting game then try our luck if you wish. Dinner will be available on your own within the Prairie Meadows complex. Lunch will be included as well as entrance fees, transportation and driver gratuity.
Leave at 1:15pm time for lunch on your own before tour
The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum's mission: "To honor and depict the military experience of Iowa citizens in all wars, homeland defense and Iowa service." Experience the collections and exhibit materials that tells the story of Iowa's military past to present honoring their heroic service. Your tour guide at Camp Dodge will explain exhibits from the Mexican War through the current Iraq /Afghanistan
War on Terror.
A short trek down the road near Woodward, Iowa is Picket Fence Creamery. This locally owned dairy produces high quality 100% non-homogenized "cream line" products. They carry foods from over
100 families around Iowa including buffalo, chicken, Iowa Wines, jams, noodles, salsas, fresh pies, baked goods and produce in season. Tour this 80 acre family owned and operated dairy business. Visit the cows and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the farm and samples too!
Dinner will be at Gortz Haus, a unique bistro in an elegant landmark that originally was the home of
St. Peter Lutheran Church. Hear the history of this unique building while enjoying a delicious dinner.