History at its Finest: from Bluffs to Barns

  EASTERN IOWA - 3 days

Day 1: Burlington

Tour Time - 6-7 hours

• You will be greeted by the Greater Burlington CVB, and pick up your step-on guide at an official State of Iowa Welcome Center located in the historic Port of Burlington. View displays and browse the gift shop.
• Drive through the Downtown BurlingtonÕs historic district which was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Nearly 160 structures reflect many architectural periods and styles.
• Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River from Mosquito Park. Named for its size, this park provides a bluff-top look at the massive river.
• Visit a house museum which was home to three generations. This Victorian house features furnishings dating from 1774. Take some time viewing priceless antiques and everyday items the family used over the years.
• See the "crookedest street in the world" designated by Ripley's Believe It Or Not. The alley consists of five half curves and two-quarter curves and drops 58' over a distance of 275'. The brave are invited to walk down, the motor coach will pick up walkers at the bottom of the hill.
• Enjoy a meal at one of Burlington's many fine restaurants. From steaks to salads to international cuisine, we have something to please every palate.
• Tour one of the dozens of churches located in Downtown Burlington, and learn more about the church's involvement with the Underground Railroad. Beautiful stained glass windows dating back to the 1900's will surround you in the Gothic Revival style structure.
• Step back in time at your next stop. The first free public library west of the Mississippi is now home to an extraordinary new museum. Discover the history and creative spirit that exemplify the area, and relive the glamour and talents of local musicians.
• Stop for dessert and coffee or tea at one of Burlington's premier Bed & Breakfasts. This home was built by a lumber baron in 1877, and is graced with European craftsmanship. Enjoy a private tour from the innkeeper.
• Catch the excitement of minor league baseball at community field. Group rates and space locations are available. A baseball style picnic supper can be arranged. (Games on select dates April-September and begin at 6:30pm.)
• Overnight in Greater Burlington.

Day 2: Burlington - the Villages of Van Buren

Tour Time - 7-8 hours

• Burlington to Keosauqua
  Drive Time - 70 minutes - 57 miles.
• Explore the historic Villages of Van Buren, a 7-time "Iowa Tourism County of the Year" award winner. You'll enjoy unique gift & antique shopping in two National Historic Districts. Choose from the following options to create your customized tour.
• You may dine in a restored 1878 grist mill which is situated on the banks of the Des Moines River or you may wish to take a step back in time to the "Old World" and dine in the home of one of our Amish families which is always a treat. Unique dinner/luncheon theater presentations are also available for groups and are held in a restored 1853 woolen mill.
• Our Mennonite-owned businesses are some of our most popular attractions. An Old-time general store is a must-see as is a cheese factory that produces award-winning gourmet cheeses. You'll want to sample all of the varieties of delicious cheese curds too.
• Our numerous Historic Sites are full of interesting stories for the history buff. You'll enjoy hearing tales about escaping slaves as you visit a stop on the Underground Railroad.
• A historic pottery tour is simply fascinating. Guests can have the opportunity to make their very own piece of pottery with the original 150 year-old molds.
• A visit to our most popular winery, which boasts several varieties of award-winning wines, will make for a perfect ending to a perfect day in the Villages of Van Buren County, Iowa.
• Keosauqua to Burlington
  Drive Time - 70 minutes - 57 miles.

Day 3: Burlington

Tour Time - 5-6 hours

• Experience acres of beautiful gardens uniquely designed with over 200 different trees and dozens of varieties of flowers. The owners of these privately-owned gardens will be there to welcome you and show you around their grounds. An extensive antique tractor display will also be available for you to view during your visit.
• View the day-to-day operations of a working elk farm that has been raising and breeding elk for more than 10 years. Samples will be available as well as products for purchase.
• Visit a river terminal along the banks of the Mississippi and learn about the custom blending of agricultural fertilizer products and see how they are stored. Learn about the unloading of barges and rail cars and perhaps see the unloading process first-hand.
• Enjoy lunch or dinner and a river view at a local restaurant that serves elk meat from the very farm you just visited.
• Spend some time at Burlington's land-based casino complex, which has something to offer everyone in the group. In addition to the casino, several restaurants are available on site along with bars, a bowling alley, upscale billiards area, a spa and much more.

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