Itineraries

Here are suggested itineraries to consider when planning your group tour to Iowa!

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Politics, Prohibition, Preservation & Poop

Begin the day with the story of a famous Russian visitor to a small town seed corn grower in Iowa. It'll be a "shoe" in for entertainment.
Add some levity to your trip with a shot of "rye" before lunch.
Have lunch at the Santa Maria Vineyard Winery & Restaurant in Carroll in a little bit of Italy. A tour, some tasting and great food in the Tuscan atmosphere is a must.
Carroll to Dennison.
Drive Time - 35 minutes - 27 miles.
Next stop is the area of the Crawford County Chamber and Development where you will learn the philosophy of the community, "It's a Wonderful Life," and tour a restored theater. Perhaps you'll even catch someone in the "act." You may want to take a walking tour of the historical homes, do some shopping or people watch and then retire to the overnight at a "rock solid" hotel near the golf course.

Dennison to Manning.
Drive Time - 32 minutes - 24 miles.
At the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park, you will be welcomed by a costumed tour guide. The Park contains a German Hausbarn, built in 1660 in Germany and rebuilt in Manning in 1999, a 1917 farmstead on the National Register of Historic Places and a century-old Church.
You will have lunch at the Hausbarn, prepared by the "church ladies" who can make sure that everyone gets a share and that the food doesn't run out. You may add a tour of the mosaics at the John Deere dealership in Manning which show four generations of the family who own the shop.
Travel south to the master manure haulers' operation. From a small beginning pumping out pits on hog operations, it has grown to be an innovative, creative, and successful business known nationally and internationally. Have no fear, there is no smell at this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
Manning to Elk Horn.
Drive Time - 43 minutes - 36 miles.
From the Germans to the Danish Windmill. The Danes were known to "rape and pillage," but have been tamed down to a very hospitable group. If you'd like, you can ask to have tea and pastry at one of the sites.
Elk Horn to Atlantic.
Drive Time - 20 minutes - 15 miles.
End the day with the hospitality of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, where you will overnight in this unique community.

After a "refreshing" night and the story of Atlantic, the Coca-Cola Capital of Iowa, you will proceed to a stop on the underground railroad which has been lovingly preserved by loyal volunteers.
Atlantic to Council Bluffs.
Drive Time - 55 minutes - 50 miles.
The Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau will be glad to help you find a site to interest your particular group. There are many historic sites in the Bluffs as well as great places to eat and stay.