Heart of Iowa

DAY 1—WELCOME TO DES MOINES!
Arrive in Des Moines and kick off your adventure with a welcome dinner at our hotel where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. D

DAY 2—ALPACA FARM/JOHN WAYNE BIRTHPLACE
After breakfast at the hotel, we’re off to Winterset, stopping to view one of the many Freedom Rocks we will see throughout this tour. Once we arrive in Winterset, get up close and personal with dozens of charming alpacas at Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm. Next, immerse yourself in the rich history of the American West at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, exploring exhibits filled with memorabilia and artifacts that celebrate the life of the legendary actor. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, then head to Des Moines for a fascinating tour of JJ Gaffers Glassblowing Studio in Des Moines. Here, you’ll witness skilled artisans transform molten glass into intricate works of art. End today with a visit to Fort Dodge and marvel at the impressive Grain Mural, which pays tribute to the area’s agricultural heritage. B, L

DAY 3—FORT MUSEUM & FRONTIER VILLAGE/RIVERBOAT RIDE/HEARTLAND MUSEUM
This morning, visit The Fort Museum & Frontier Village in Fort Dodge and see the Swinging Bridge in Iowa Falls. After lunch, enjoy a scenic riverboat ride and lunch on the Iowa River. The day continues with a visit to the Heartland Museum in Clarion, dedicated to showcasing life in the heartland of America. End today with a delicious dinner together. B, L, D

DAY 4—CARTOONIST/POW MUSEUM AND NATIVITY/IOWA’S PRETTIEST FARM
Meet the impressive Dave Carpenter, a renowned cartoonist from Iowa often featured in Our Iowa Magazine. Learn about Dave’s artistic skill set and the inspiration behind his cartoons, some of which have appeared in Harvard Business Review, Reader’s Digest, and The Wall Street Journal. Next, we’ll visit the POW Museum and Nativity dedicated to preserving the history of the Prisoner of War camp that existed in Algona, Iowa from 1943-1946. After lunch, head to Little Brown Church, a historic church located in Nashua. Stop at “Iowa’s Prettiest Farm” gaining the distinction from Our Iowa Magazine before heading to your hotel in Cedar Falls. B, L

DAY 5—OELWEIN AMISH COMMUNITY
Visit the Amish Community in Oelwein, with a guided tour and lunch at an Amish home. Continue exploring the community before returning to Cedar Falls for dinner. B, L, D

DAY 6—CEDAR FALLS TOUR/ICE HOUSE/SULLIVAN BROTHERS MUSEUM
Start today with a guided tour of Cedar Falls, including a Freedom Rock, Barn Quilts, and more! Visit historic sites in Cedar Falls including the Ice House Museum, built to hold 16 million pounds of ice. After lunch, we will visit The Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, honoring the service and sacrifice of all Iowa veterans from the Civil War to present. Step into their stories through traditional exhibits, interactive activities, and an electronic Wall of Honor. B, L

DAY 7—MAYOR OF NEWTON/HOME
This morning, experience the town of Newton with a special introduction from the Mayor. Visit Dalton’s Farm Toys, home to over 2,400 farm toys! Tour the Newton Arboretum and learn about the town’s historic art and architecture with a step-on guide. Then, say goodbye to your fellow travelers before heading home with cherished memories of Iowa. B

QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: Holiday Inn, Des Moines
Night 2: Holiday Inn Express, Fort Dodge
Night 3: GrandStay Hotel, Algona
Nights 4-5: Hampton Inn & Suites, Cedar Falls
Night 6: Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Marshalltown

Dates:
Jul 28-Aug 3, 2025
Sep 8-14, 2025
Sep 29-Oct 5, 2025

Price Per Person:
Double $1,997
Single $2,485

Pre-/Post Tour Hotel:
$148/night

Depart/Return:
Des Moines, IA

Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service

Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport, starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart Des Moines International Airport any time after 3:00 p.m. on Day 7.

Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Des Moines Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.

Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.

Average Temps
July – high of 86°, low of 67°
August- high of 84°, low of 64°
September- high of 77°, low of 55°
October – high of 64°, low of 43°

Time Zone
Central

Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, and WiFi. The Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport, GrandStay Algona, and Hampton Inn Cedar Falls offer a fitness room and swimming pool.

Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.

Dress on tour is casual. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.

Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.