TRAVEL ALONG THE GREAT RIVER ROAD
ON THE 2014 AUTUMN EXCURSION
SEPT 4-6, 2014
This September 4th-6th, enjoy the adventure of a tour along the mighty Mississippi and the Great River Road on the Friends of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s annual Autumn Excursion! The trip will feature extensive tours and special historical presentations along the river with stops at La Crosse, Prairie du Chien, Cassville, Platteville and Dubuque. Marvel at the panoramic views from riverside bluffs, take a step back in history with colorful re-enactors, and tour some of Wisconsin’s earliest homes in this unique travel experience!
Highlights of the excursion include:
–In LaCrosse, stops will include the grandeur of Grandad Bluff, historic Hixon House, the Riverside Museum with a visit from Doc Frank “White Beaver” Powell, and a lunch aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat on a tour of the river
–Learn about the tragic trail that ended the Black Hawk War and the Winnebago Treaties signed at Ft. Crawford
–Prairie du Chien will feature a tour of the Villa Louis mansion and participation in the “Carriage Classic” held on the estate grounds, a walking tour of this oldest town in the state including stops at the rarely open to the public Francois Vertefeuille House and the oldest cemetery in Wisconsin, a visit to the Ft. Crawford Museum and a supper overlooking the river
–In Dubuque, highlights include a visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, a Personal Dubuque City Tour which includes views of the one-of-a-kind Fenelon Place Elevator & historic Mathias Ham House, and a picnic lunch at Eagle Point Park overlooking the river
–The Platteville stop will include a tour down into an actual lead mine at the Rollo Jamison Museum, a presentation on the ethnic settlement of the region, and a special program by historic re-enactors
–At Stonefield, near Cassville, attractions include a working turn-of-the-century family dairy farm, displays of antique farm implements, experiencing the sights and sounds of Wisconsin’s early railroads, and a tour of the grand summer estate of Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin’s first governor
This magnificent and historic Autumn Excursion features deluxe Lamers motorcoach transportation with on-board entertainment, two nights stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Prairie du Chien, most meals (all for FWHS members), and all entrance & site charges and special speaker & presentation fees included in the price of only $535 for double and $660 for single occupancy. An optional Lamers Cancellation Protection Program is available for $45.
Reserve your spot on this fantastic tour now by calling Lamers Tour & Travel at 1-800-236-8687 or 414-281-2002. You can also download and print the registration form and itinerary here: 2014 Excursion Registration & Itinerary. A $125 deposit will save your seat on this wonderful traveling experience – final payment is due by August 1. If you have additional questions about the trip, contact FWHS tour coordinator JoEllen Hegwood at 414-476-4061.
