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Convention and Visitors Bureau October 2010_Quarterly Report
DuBuQ,uE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Quarterly Report October 2010 2010 Events Estimated Spectators Economic Impact Participants 132 Estimated Spectators 215 Economic Impact $43,750 America's River Festival The America's River Festival has become one of Dubuque's signature events. Our mission is to enhance a greater awareness to the regions attractions, gaming services, entertainment complexes, restaurants, hotel /motel services and much more. In 2009 the America's River Festival was awarded the Iowa Tourism Event of the Year for its excellence in developing a community based event that celebrates the development of our community and ways in which we can promote tourism both regionally and nationally. The America's River Festival took place on June 11 -13, 2010 in the Port of Dubuque, a great way to kick your summer off with great friends, family, musical entertainment and more. This year's crowd pleasing entertainment, Blood Sweat & Tears and Three Dog Night had the audience singing to every song. 10,000 $175,000 Duathlon DUBUOUE, IA 1 RUN BIKE RUN Dubuque Duathlon The first inaugural Dubuque Duathlon took place on Saturday, July 17, off Chavenelle Road and consisted of a 1.2 mile run, 17 mile bike and 3 mile run. Competitive or non - competitive, the Dubuque Duathlon welcomed anyone and everyone. Marketing to audiences both in and out of State, our mission is to develop a large base of participants to eventually combine the Duathlon with a Triathlon. Participants 50 Estimated Spectators 2,500 Economic Impact $42,000 Participants 20,000 Estimated Spectators 10,000 Economic Impact $2,581,000 writ ART ! °`a:7i-;�' Art Market Dubuque is a public market featuring fine and functional artwork produced by regional artists. The market attracted an estimated 1,000 spectators over eight Saturdays from IA, IL, and WI. This new outdoor event will begin July 17- Septmber 11, on Saturdays from 1 -6pm and offer various activities from food and beverage vendors, live music, theater performances to live pottery demonstrations and much more. Musical genres of jazz, blues and other classical entertainment completed the ambiance on July 17, July 24, August 14 and September 11 in the Alliant Amphitheater. RAG BRAI It has been 17 years since RAGBRAI has ended in Dubuque, and the timing to come back is perfect. With the many renovations to our Main Street, the growth in the Port of Dubuque and the expansion to Dubuque's westend, RAGBRAI riders will see a whole new Dubuque when they end here on July 31, 2010. Convention & Visitors Bureau Sales Update March through October 2010 Conferences Booked September 17 -19, 2010 Iowa Airforce Reunion October 1 -3, 2010 Serra Club October 8 -9, 2010 Minnesota Valley Corvettes September 2011 Korean War Veterans Reunion October 2011 Iowa Recycling & Solid Waste Conference 40 people Days Inn 150 people Holiday Inn 50 people Hampton Inn 150 people Location TBD 350 people Five Flags /Holiday Inn New Meeting Planner Unveiled First time ever that the Meeting Planner and Group Tour Planner were separated. Mailings of Group Tour Manuals to planners in the works Received DRA GRANT l Group Tour Planner Creation The Group Tour Manual will now be a stand alone piece. Committee working on creation of piece to be published in January 2011 Tradeshows Attended Heritage Clubs International Peer Group Group Tour Show CVB & Hotel Julien Hosting in March 2011 National Convention Connect Marketplace Meetings Planner Marketplace with 6 minute appointments "speed dating" 2 nd year attended Great show with quality appointments, working on lead booking Association News CVB continues to be heavily involved in the following Iowa Group Travel Association Eastern Iowa Tourism Association Iowa Society of Association Executives Meeting Professionals International - working hard to start a chapter in Eastern Iowa Welcome Center Report Welcome Center After starting the year a little slow, we are now showing record numbers of travel parties and individuals coming through the Welcome Center. This information is gathered by signatures in our Guest Book. It includes out of town guests, relocation people and locals. Anyone who comes in that we can help or provide information to is asked to sign our book • 3,365 Travel parties signed the visitor book, which is up 50.6% over 2009 • 7,841 Individuals within the Travel Parties, which is up 49.8% over 2009 • July and August have seen the most significant increases 131.8% and 148.1% respectively over the previous year ➢ September already showing another increase in Visitors in the Welcome Center JANUARY 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests came in from 23 different states, including Canada for a total of 115 requests. The majority of requests come from Illinois, Iowa & Wisconsin. Total Requests 115 Top 10 Iowa 35 30.4% Canada 1 Wisconsin 26 22.6% Illinois 14 12.2% MN, IN 4 each MI, MO, NE 3 each CO, FL, TN, TX 2 each How the requests came in: Online 75 65.2% Phone 40 34.8% Other 1 (EITA request) FEBRUARY 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests came in from 27 different states, including Canada for a total of 146 requests. That is an increase of 31 requests over the previous month. Again the majority of requests come from Illinois, Iowa & Wisconsin. Minnesota did see an increase of 10 more for a total of 13 in February. Total Requests 146 Top 10 Iowa 35 24.0% Canada 2 Illinois 28 19.2% Wisconsin 30 20.5% Minnesota 13 Missouri 4 NE, TX 3 each CA, CO, FL, IN, 2 each KS, MI, PA, TN How the requests came in: Online 103 70.5% Phone 36 24.7% Other 7 (Reunion - walk in w/ names to be sent) MARCH 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests came in from 44 different states, including Canada and Croatia for a total of 621 requests. March was the start of our Magazine leads. We received (3) from Travelmeredith; (46) from Better Homes & Garden; (339) from Ladies Home Journal, for a total of 388 out of the 621. The top 3 States were Illinois, Iowa & Wisconsin. Total Requests 621 Top 10 Illinois 94 15.1% Canada Iowa 80 12.9% Croatia Wisconsin 70 11.3% Minnesota 42 6.8% California 32 5.2% Michigan 26 4.2% New York 23 3.7% Texas 22 3.5% Florida 21 3.4% Missouri 20 3.2% Ohio 14 2.3% How the requests came in: Online 163 26.2% Phone 51 8.2% Magazine 388 62.5% EITA 14 2.3% Other 5 0.8% 1 1 APRIL 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS April we had requests from all 50 States, including Canada, Denmark & Italy for a total of 2441. The majority of the requests have been from the magazine leads with a total of 1996 of the 2441. Top 10 Iowa Illinois Wisconsin Texas Minnesota Missouri California New York Ohio Pennsylvania Online Phone Magazine EITA State Web By Mail Total Requests 2441 281 232 207 126 122 109 107 106 105 88 How the requests came in: 165 59 1996 11 207 3 11.5% 9.5% 8.5% 5.2% 5.0% 4.5% 4.4% 4.3% 4.3% 3.6% 6.8% 2.4% 81.8% 0.5% 8.5% 0.1% Magazine Breakdown: Better Home & Garden Family Circle Ladies Home Journal Midwest Living Travel Meredith 845 618 470 52 11 MAY 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Again we had requests from all 50 states for the month of May, including Canada (11), Germany (1), Italy (1) & New Delhi (1) for a total of 2468. Top 10 Illionois Iowa Wisconsin Minnesota Missouri Michigan Indiana Ohio California Nebraska New York Texas Online Phone EITA Mail Magazine State Leads Total Requests: 2468 817 355 172 137 97 93 73 68 52 49 49 49 How the requests came in: 144 55 9 3 1043 1214 33.1% 14.4% 7.0% 5.6% 3.9% 3.8% 3.0% 2.8% 2.1% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 5.8% 2.2% 0.4% 0.1% 42.3% 49.2% Magazine Breakdown: Better Home & Garden Family Circle Ladies Home Journal Midwest Living Travel Meredith 237 163 126 515 2 State Breakdown: Traveliowa .com Coop Ads Illinois TV Leads 482 191 541 JUNE 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests came from 47 states, including Canada (6), Germany (2), Moldava (1) Puerto Rico (1), Bankok (1), France (1) & Turkey (1) for a total of 1469 requests. Total Requests: 1469 Top 10 Illionois 323 22.0% Iowa 261 17.8% Wisconsin 150 10.2% Minnesota 67 4.6% California 52 3.5% Ohio 50 3.4% Missouri 48 3.3% Texas 44 3.0% New York 39 2.7% Michigan 37 2.5% How the requests came in: Magazine Breakdown: State Breakdown: Online 235 16.0% Better Home & Garden 146 Traveliowa.com 279 Phone 76 5.2% Family Circle 105 Coop Ads 73 EITA 4 0.3% Ladies Home Journal 47 Illinois TV Leads 171 Magazine 471 32.1% Midwest Living 166 State Leads 523 35.6% Travel Meredith 7 JULY 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests came in from 38 states and 1 from Canada for a total of 516 requests. The magazine leada are wrapping up and so has the Illinois TV Leads. Total Requests: 516 Top 10 Iowa 119 23.1% Wisconsin 97 18.8% Illinois 87 16.9% Minnesota 40 7.8% Michigan 21 4.1% Ohio 17 3.3% Indiana, KS 13 2.5% Missouri 12 2.3% California 11 2.1% Texas 9 1.7% How the requests came in: Online 172 33.3% Phone 92 17.8% EITA 6 1.2% Magazine 69 13.4% State Leads 173 33.5% By Mail 4 0.8% Magazine Breakdown: State Breakdown: Midwest Living 69 Traveliowa.com 173 AUGUST 2010 VISITOR REQUESTS Requests cam in from 42 states, 1 from Ireland and a record 17 from Canada (16, traveliowa.com; 1, phone call) for a total of 811 requests. Magazine leads still trickling in. Total Requests: 811 Top 10 Iowa 189 23.3% Illinois 121 14.9% Wisconsin 94 11.6% Minnesota 60 7.4% Missouri 38 4.7% Texas 27 3.3% Ohio 23 2.8% Michigan 23 2.8% Kansas 18 2.2% Nebraska 18 2.2% How the requests came in: Magazine Breakdown: Online 157 19.4% Phone 62 7.6% EITA 0 0.0% Magazine 23 2.8% State Leads 566 69.8% By Mail 3 0.4% Midwest Living State Breakdown: 23 Traveliowa.com Coop Ads 2010 OCCUPANCY PERCENTAGES FOR NON -FULL SERVICE PROPERTIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC MONDAY 37.4% 35.3% 40.4% 50.8% 56.8% 59.5% 55.0% 56.9% TUESDAY 45.6% 46.5% 48.3% 54.5% 62.4% 60.7% 58.8% 61.2% WEDNESDAY 44.4% 41.5% 47.7% 53.4% 62.6% 66.0% 64.0% 66.7% THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY OVERALL 43.2% 38.5/ 44.5/ 48.7% 54.1 / 64.0/ 61.0% 60.1 44.6% 50.8% 53.3% 55.7% 71.1% 76.7% 82.7% 66.7% 54.8% 65.1% 61.4% 60.6% 72.2% 92.3% 95.6% 82.9% 30.7% 37.1% 37.9% 34.9% 48.8% 47.9% 43.0% 45.0% 47.4% 51.3% 61.0% 66.5% 53.6% 52.8% 68.5% 63.2% 2010 OCCUPANCY PERCENTAGES FOR F JLL SERVICE PROPERTIES JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC MONDAY 38.3% 41.4% 42.6% 43.1% 44.1% 55.3% 55.8% 56.3% TUESDAY 44.2% 44.8% 53.3% 51.0% 55.4% 68.1% 71.4% 70.1% WEDNESDAY 38.1% 42.8% 55.9% 55.8% 60.0% 70.3% 71.7% 72.1% THURSDAY 37.5% 42.7% 53.4% 49.2% 54.2% 70.2% 76.0% 73.5% FRIDAY 57.2% 67.9% 74.5% 63.7% 72.5% 80.5% 92.2% 87.2% SATURDAY 71.9% 85.4% 85.9% 76.6% 86.9% 97.6% 99.2% 97.2% SUNDAY 27.5% 39.6% 33.0% 33.8% 37.9% 45.4% 61.1% 47.5% OVERALL % 45.6% 52.1% 56.4% 53.5% 58.5% 69.6% 76.6% 70.6% Page 1 2010 Advertising Madison, WI . Iowa City, IA . Coralville, IA Des Moines, IA . Chicago, I L 11 1111 MHO l 1 " 1 ! MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM Grandi-far6or RESORT AND WATERPARK Mr Mr MD IMP MI IMP vacation reinvented. rivertown reinvented vacation reinvented. w Sample of Outdoor Advertising IOWA swim lessons reinvented INA G NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM www. U bUq Ue.com IOWA reinvented. 111 vacation reinvented. Fun is out there. We're right in the middle of it. Art Market: Dubuque is a public market featuring fine and functional artwork produced by regional artists This market is not only geared towards the art over but a[so those seeking new genres of music, food and fun for ail at Dubuque's newest outdoor event. Art Market: Dubuque Jury 17, 24, 31 Aug. 7,14, 21 Sept, 4, 11 Art Market Information LOCATION - Port Gi Dubuque FliverwalklAlliant Amphitheater DATES - July 17 24, Si.. Augusi 7, 14. 21, September 4, 11 TIME - Saturdays 1.00pm - 6.00pm MUSIC - Musical genres et iazz blues acrd other classical entertainment will complete the ambiance Music Performances • July 17 - Kevin Burt arid flip Blum I nstogators: 2em Epm • July 24 - IBA • August 14 - Win Street Jazz Band: 2pm • 5pm • September 11-- Nate Jenkins: 2pm - 5pm Event Attractions • 15 - 20 art vt2inittors each weekend • Feed & beverage venders Star Flograurari1 & 81cmile (Aar Winery' • Live music on a central slags • Free Theater Performances • Kids art tent • 1 lun nottrini ruunrinn and ninsR hinwinn otomnnslmtinns Event information: Coordinated by Ihe Dubuque Art Cen1er. a non-ordfit arts organization 4r! Maricei: DC/brit/bre brings fine and functional lutied art from all over the tri-slate area SO the beeutriu Port 01 Dubuque On eigtit Saturdays throughout the summer This event will attract highly skilled ar: 575 and cultural tourists from throughout the •eg ion. Each market day will feature a host o1 free events tO ci rnpPIrnent the artwork being sold ncl-ding live music, theater performances. art demonstrations, and a kid art tent. Food and drinks will also be available lor purchase from local food vendors, irpluding Stone Cliff Winery and Star Restaurant. This woiect is supported by the Dubuque Conven:ion and Visitor'v. Bureau and the City Of Dub....que Art Market: Dubticara is coordinaled by the Dubuque Art Center. a 501(c)2 rion.p refit organization who MiSSi011 is to promote artistic growth in order to build OS communrty. ww. frwc/c1u bUCI e With over 1,700 rooms in Dubuque, our hotels combine old world elegant with contemporary luxury. Visit traveldubuque.corn Click On Where to Stay. Sample of Direct E.Blast to 35,000 qualified viewers Take me to the river. r i icrto reinvented. vacation r einvented, It is a HUGE summer at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. Over 50,000 sq. feet have been added to make room for the all new Sea exhibits, including sharks, seahorses, and a 3D /4D Theater! National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium The pride and joy of the Dubuque, Iowa riverfront is the National Mississippi River Museum and NATIONAL Aquarium. The history, creatures and culture of l� RIVER MUSEUM America's most famous river come to life with MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 1VMUSEUM interactive exhibits, historic sites, demonstrations AQUARIUM AQUARIUM an d six large aquariums. 'U The exciting new $40 million expansion opened in June 2010 that doubled the size of the current campus in the Port of the Dubuque. The new center includes three new galleries - River Ways, Rivers to the Sea, and River Works - featuring interactive exhibits, state -of- the -art displays and several new aquariums. River Ways Gallery tells our nation's story through its rivers and demonstrates the importance of America's rivers in history, as well as the vital roles they play today. This gallery has large- scale, immersing exhibits that allow guests to explore the West like Lewis and Clark while interactive, colorful displays provide unforgettable learning experiences. Rivers to the Sea Gallery features a large Gulf of Mexico aquarium that contains sharks, rays and other fish species of the Gulf region. Three more cylindrical aquarium tanks will hold more exotic fish species found in coral reefs and grassy seabeds. This gallery helps people trace the paths which different sources of water take -from headwaters to streams, rivers, oceans, and ultimately, to the sea - through various interactive elements. River Works Gallery is a children's "museum within a museum" featuring hands -on, fun, water -based activities where young and young at heart visitors learn about rivers and what rivers mean to all of us. A River Research Center and a 3D /4D theater are also part of the expansion. The theater is the first large- format, digital theater in the region. Using the most recent digital technology, it provides a 3 -D film experience. And for extra magic, the 4 -D elements provide synchronized special effects, like wind, scent, and water mist with films Enjoy a day or a weekend at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. V7wV . Sro.vc)dub With over 1,700 room in Dubuque, r hotels combine old world elegance with c - temporary luxury. Visit traveldubuque.com Ctick on Where to Stay. Sample of Direct E.Blast to 35,000 qualified viewers At Tv dam= ong mwe—go Oda. 2-Day ,14is.1 River Cr UlSe FON RATES. 71 P.A.ONEIL41' ' VW AdLat-ratA1 'Departs & Returns to Quad Cities • One Low Fare inkudes all Meals, Snacks, Entertainment & Overrkght AceqmOdations at Dubuque's Riverfront Grand Harbor Resort Coil 1-800-331-1467 INSNVO. RiverboulTwilig h1.com EAST www,bellevuem,com 1 vacution reinvented. Dubuque, Iowa is located 13 miles WEST of Gaiena, Illinois 11 8 Iowa Travel Guide 41111% C I NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM ALWAYS NEW Adventure Pori of Dubuque. Iowa NMI 226-3369 rivertown reinvented II II !Amount vvvvw tray eidubuque .com HOTEL JULIEN Ad in 2010 Iowa Travel Guide C A NX,110f441. MISSTSRFT1 RPnOIL MUMMA 1141431.14,11 800.798.8844 iib& nu d ik,j .ear ?L/ Innimpant TRAVEL BOONE - - COUNTY 1111 P0111 rreXt r RNA BIWA Boone Area Chamber of Conunerceiloa Convention & itrisitor Bureau www.beetneletra.es • 1,800.266.63l2 14i0 Marshalltown ' i IIiI Lid 1 Ail, . COMThW 1 VISITORIAIWNEAU Mason Cit Iowa Horne of llie Music Mon", Fronk Boyd Wright Prairie School Architecture, arfi BollorY, vintage paddle wheel excursions, historical village tours, gaol dining/ teahouses, quaint shops and lots of hands-on activities all located irr North Control lawn on Interstate 35 Cali today to receive your FREE destination planner guide. aria main 5 treer 5r and Garden Extravaganza Join as for a garden tour 5 cr Ir.h a www„vislimarshalllown.com 800 697 5 NAITONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM &MIAMIAN adison „ aunty Experience History & Rornan- ce ww madisoncounty cam 800-298-6 1 19 ==="' irri of Mew twee oii n6-3344 National Farm Too Museum DYERSVILLE, IOWA sr ri C) A. A +Hogue moult imwoo Moose a Cruise ... 2 % ROPY Prime Rib Mauer Cruise 4 Hour Teemed Cruises ' Big Bana ' Fall renege ' Classic Oldies All navCrauses ' Quad Cilies to Dubuque. LP " So Mewl d Cruises 10 St lou is, MO ' Fall Cruises te Wisconsin Make Reservakons °One of celebrationbelle.com 1-800-297-0034 LocVed in Mane 111 ne.s istw■I ,l41wwww We play with toys all day long! Opensevendaysa week from 8110a.m. to 6..0119..m. Nalional Farm Tay Museum MIX www.nationalltamitoymuseum.eam ir5 reinvented 800-423-5724 WWW ItMasonCilylowa.com I The Nab7 1■Xsersa; pp. Rive Mn:seurri Aquanun, .:`,W.traveidubuque.corri vated - 20CG Iowa Anrectio.r. el the Yee,' 800 798.4748 COOL. CLASSIC. O • hxre /pi z 0 L.0 tor o FREI Vislteirhirrarteellon o 1.800.2854338 www.rfrorInktionfo,rom 20110 IOWA ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR' NEW EXHIBIT OPENING SOWER 2010 NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM Sz AQuANJ um COME SEE WOWS NEW, SUM 2010! Hero Ezhalts. New Ottaii nuns. New Mitts Splash Zone. New 3d! Ad T heater Dubuque River Rides 'ruaing e Missirdmq RIA"7 Afay * Ideal for Groups :4X 17, , Non-Gambling Group Activity Fun for the whole family! True Mississippi River Experience Located in the Port of Dubuque www.D.ribuqueRiverRido4COM 563/583-8093 Ad in Group Travel Leader April 2010 PLAN YOUR adventure WITH Af 2010 IOWA TRAVEL GUIDE Dubuque River Rides nrdsing the :lfGcsru jyri ftasrr.ltr9�t+cmber Ideal for Groups Non-Gambling Group Activity Fun for the whole family! True Missksippi River Experience Located in the fan of Dubuque www. lubuyueRiverRides.cam 563/5834093 NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQW 3IUM 111E 2604 IOWA ATTRACTION Or THE YEAR! NEW EXHIBIT OPENING SUMMER 2011 COME SEE WHAT'S NEW, SUMMER 2010E New !LOON!: New Ikea Aquariums o Wdraa Ili 3e Pot09thwpe, Ira II09226 -3 �► traJet `O"I, A.00m 8 -345 -IOWA Ext. 382 '"" Open Dail Iwlaae: Fri Sam -Spm • Sat.: 14am -4pn3 • Sun,: 11• Over 225 Motorcycles on display leafuring American, European 8 Japanese models from 1904 1D Present Look for our New Larger Location Opening SUMMER 2070 PO Box 405 • Anamona.. Iowa 52205 • Phone: 319. 462. WWW.NATIONALBICIVIUSEUIVI.ORG Is - mail: moseum+snationalmewuseu POI Naomi Motorcycle wusw.• I. • nsolor pro'et 5O1{ )(31 carpo,•uon NATIONAL mtssIf & I AQUARIUM MUSE n1 vacation re 1nve:nted. The Na rr ar M o...s o p FRe..er Muserrm & Aro DUBUQUE ubuqua,com 800. 798.4748 -TEE sNIN!!N 111 HIM .. I1 I0NIIIN 11211119 Ins 2'a Fleur Prime Bib Dinner CBI'S Big Band 'PallP911111e' Classic Oldies Quad Cities 19 Dub uU He. IG S9uthReund (Cruises I9 SG Louis. M® ' Pall Ct1lseS 1E WiSconsin v112ke Reservations Online 3i eelebrationbelle.cam 1 -800- 297 -0034 LOPMErt in Marne, 111inois reinvented -4pm CELEBRATION BELLE LARGEST NON-GAMING RIVERBOAT ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVE.', Ad in Going on Faith Magazine May 2010 rivertown reinvented A IMP =I MEV MI vacation reinvented. An Art Event of a Different Kind. FINE ART. MUSIC. FOOD. DRINKS. Saturdays July 17- Sept. 11, 2010 Alliant Amphitheatre & Riverwalk For more information visit www.traveldubuque.com. Coordinated by the Dubuque Art Center and supported by the Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Dubuque, Iowa. www.traveldubuque.com 800.798.8844 Ad in Midwest Destination Guide Spring 2010 Chicago Tribune Circulation 130,000 oblique is overflowing with things 10 do and sec. Take a stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk, then ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator and explore the Victorian architecture that adorns its bluffs Try your luck in one of Dubuque's state-of-the-art casinos or enjoy all the sights, sounds and tastes of festivals year round in Dubuque. Sip on a glass of locally made wine or toast with a local brew Spend the day hiking and biking or skiing and snowboarding. Take in a show, visit the museums or spend some time in any of the boutique stores or local restaurants. No matter your particular ta-ste Dubuque has it! Situated in the tri-states of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, on the mighty Mississippi, Dubuque and its su rrounding communities are an open playground not only for the young, but also the young at heart. From its history as the first town to he established in Iowa, built on the hard work of miners and those that worked the docks, to its o_LbeLitiniu as one of the most modern cities in the Midwest, Dubuque is a true vacation destination. Tourists will delight in the America's River Project, a complete overhaul of the Port of SPRING/MANUA 2010 Dubuque. It features an interactive museum and aquarium, various ways to explore the river itself, an awe-inspiring hotel and indoor water park, an 86,000 square-foot convention center, an invigorated casino and gaming complex, a tiverwalk, an expansive outdoor plaza, and a large amphitheater. Further up the river, visitors will find a state-of-the-art remodeled gaming complex on Schmitt Island. A wealth of education and is available year round. Explore historical sites, indulge in nature's bounty, and dream along the riverside. Jump into the swing of things, whether it be golfing, gaming, biking along a legendary trail, snowshocing across rolling hills, or cruising on the river. Indulge in breakfast at a country inn, luxuriate in the services of a posh spa, tour a winery, or windowshop in the heart of downtown. Whatever it is you want to do while taking a break from the realities of life, Dubuque can take you there. Rethink and rediscover Dubuque. It's the ultimate vacation, reinvented. For more information visit www.ttaveIdubuque.com. MIDWEST DESTINATION GUIDE Gra.al 1at are Garza Afar Callyme a turiogacraxt Dot es mace *I Park Farm Reery, NCn 134 ari erw slat,K4-ine•arl Minted .10 GOAT Brentr :WI a at Harder Tral! En* a in*, riaa or a ma alcorwiverba LI& SSW Get ha& *a ad tap dose ba rage it tl'en raeara:a Kabul Igatami kier Meican 1 kquarhara. yr L DUE lj CALENDAR OF JUNE 4 - JUNE 5 Notional Farm T.7' DYERS v JUNE 11 - JUNE 13 America's Rivet H= DUBIJQt'E JULY 17 - :SEPT 11 CSATLIPCIAYS 1,6 Pre! ar7 AUGUST 7 PAGE 21 Midwest Destination Guide Editorial DockDogs National Championships October 1 5- 1 7, 2 0 1 0 1 Port of Dubuque Come see over 400 dogs compete in the world's fastest growing dog sport! presented by Friday, Oct. 15 9am - 4pm 1 Saturday, Oct. 16 9am - 4pm yl .o Sunday, Oct. 17 9am - 2pm .mmunity Credit Union vacation reinvented.' for more information visit www.traveldubuque.com 800.798.4748 Ad in Iowa Sportman's Magazine September 2010 Newspaper Insert A four color, four page, glossy insert was designed entitled 'Reinvent your summer in Dubuque, IA'. It featured the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium's expansion and highlighted an array of attractions in the Dubuque area with vivid photography. On June 10, 2010, 119,500 copies were inserted into the Des Moines Register for state -wide distribution. Another 66,000 copies were inserted to the WI State Journal. The call to action was on the back of the insert and was a free 3D /4D movie ticket with a purchased admission to the museum. Visitors simply needed to provide the voucher on the back of the insert along with their hotel key to receive the offer. This was an impactful and tangible way to reach visitors! Reinvent your summer in DUBU QUE, IA A I ' & Imp vacation reinvented. AMA NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE sMITHscNIAN INsTITUTIoN www.rivermuseum.com Take me to the river. The pride and joy of the Dubuque riverfront is the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. The history, creatures and culture of America's most famous river come to life with interactive exhibits, historic sites, demonstrations and six large aquariums. Opening this summer is an exciting new $20 million expansion that will double the size of the current campus in the Port of the Dubuque The new center will include three new galleries - River Ways, Rivers to the Sea, and River Works - featuring interactive exhibits, state -of- the -art displays and several new aquariums River Ways Gallery tells our nation's story through its rivers and demonstrates the importance of America's rivers in history, as well as the vital roles they play today. This gallery has large- scale, immersing exhibits that allow guests to explore the West like Lewis and Clark while interactive, colorful displays provide unforgettable learning experiences. Rivers to the Sea Gallery features a large Gulf of Mexico aquarium that contains sharks, rays and other fish species of the Gulf region Three more cylindrical aquarium tanks will hold more exotic fish species found in coral reefs, grassy seabeds, plus an octopus from the rocky coast. This gallery helps people trace the paths which different sources of water take —from headwaters to streams, rivers, oceans, and ultimately, to the sea — through various interactive elements. River Works Gallery is a children's "museum within a museum" featuring hands -on, fun, water -based activities where young and young at heart visitors learn about rivers and what rivers mean to all of us. A River Research Center and a 3D /4D theater are also part of the expansion. The theater will be the first large- format, digital theater in the region. Using the most recent digital technology, it will provide a 3 -D film experience. And for extra magic, the 4 -D elements will provide synchronized special effects, like wind, scent, and water mist with films. Enjoy a day or a weekend at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. special offer on back! Celebrate summer, Mark you calendars for the America's River Festival on June 11.13, 2010 in the Port of Dubuque, a great way to kick your summer off with great friends, family, musIe I entertainment and activities for everyone. This year's crowd pleasing entertainment, Blood Sweat & Tears and Three Dog Night will have you singing to every song. More info tn. .isii vrww.taveldubuque.com. Art Market Dubuque is a public market featuring in and functional artwork produced by regional artists. This new outdoor event will begin July 17- Septmber 11, on Saturdays from 1.4 pm and offer various activities from food and beverage vendors, live music, theater performances to live pottery demonstrations and more. Musical genres of 1AZ2, blues and ether das €foal tertainment will complete the ambiance_ on July 17. J•; v 74 . August 14 and September 11 in the AI!ian:! Amphitheater. Foe more traveldubuque.com, nf0 rmatiOn, VI$it WVW. Located in the Port of Dubuque. the 15th annual Taste of Dubuque, is where you will find more than two dozen local food vendors guarantnn to -.z: s,fv any craving. Live music and children's acrivsi. fell the Port of Dubuque. For more inform : ?nor,, tail 5.6 or visit uruw. rrvermuseun, coin On July 17th. 2010 the Field of Dreams "Ghost Players ' will reunite at the Commercial Club Parh baseball diamond in Dyersville, !A zt .. c ?rance ti compete against the U.S Military All Stars. Patriot Night focuses on the importance of paying respect to every man and •.woman in unifnnr, protracting the freedom of Aroma. America's River Festival 9th Annual Groat Galena Balloon Race Dubuque Arboretum Rosa Festival Dubuque... And All that Jazzl Dubuque ..- .And All that Jan! Dubuque Duathlor Art Market 18 Patriot Night 7 Taste of Dubuque 20 Dubuque .. And All that Jazz! 28 lrish Hooey 11 -13 18-20 18 -20 18 16 17 Saturdays, Jul 17 Sup 11 View a cwnete lrax of surnrrrrs averts at wawa:. uo e daf q r For additrcnal iq.:Trek:0,ns, can the. tome Wefrnnnre cantor at 8417.793 9 t.,. This summer spend scree time mrtnyin 1 all the things Dubuque haste offer surrounded by natural beauty in a hig,orie river town. For more information, or to plan your itinerary visit traueldubuque.com. Plan your trip What is buttery, comes in a bucket, and best enjoyed, in the 4th dimension? ):'''". Buy one get one free 3D/4D movie ticket for 3D /4D movie experience with purchased admission to museum. Present this coupon and your hotel key to receive discount. www.rivermuseum.com NATIONAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER MUSEUM & AQUARIUM 2010 Editorial featured in the Midwest Star t taLS E3 LJSI f leSS Cdtd PY∎bill . .Jti ri WWW MEET INOSrsic , S.COM Welcoming ri v cr fro ; ales in 'Eastern kJ, va blend wall -town charm with cosmopolitan olitan amenities THE DESTINATION EXPERTS VOLUME 7 I NUMBER 1 I JANUARY /FEBRUARY 2010 8' MatinggsL L*JAMLE JC. fiirmA.y. +7=.c1 2010 u � , 8,y Bath Bartle Lo. J� IIen ❑1hl : ?•i ] ;_ .lr' LLp i Ced -,92 Welcoming riverfront locales in Eastern Iowa blend small -town charm with cosmopolitan amenities COVERSTORY 1 I , 7i% - .. 1 • j= C_ lffiF:°`t �I HERE'S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE IN Eastern Iowa; Midwestern hospitality flows like the rivers that thread through these cities, and the area brims with pleasant surprises, from the Victorian beauty and steep bluffs of Dubuque to the diverse eth- nic experiences in Cedar Rapids and the Amana Colonies. Whether it's an evening riverboat reception down the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities or a sports - themed meeting in Iowa City, there's plenty to keep attendees' interests afloat. As a meetings destination, Dubuque is a picturesque choice. The natural beauty of the Mississippi River against the rolling hills combined with the historic charm of paddle wheel boats and gingerbread houses make it popular with all types of groups. While this city features a vibrant downtown, art gal - 17 -^" leries, a botanical garden and even a regional hockey team, the river remains the heart of this com- {l '- munity. "We take the river and embrace that;' says Keith Rahe, director of the Dubuque Area CVB. "Many groups request an evening social on an old- fashioned paddle wheeler with Dixieland music and food, and it's great to see the river from that vantage point. We'll also help arrange vintage costume parties i C at the National Mississippi River Museum so delegates can truly get in the spirit of the event" 0J; J The museum, part of the Americas River Project, is expanding its cam . ' �— P j xP g us and will have new inter - P active displays and activities by this summer, Rahe says. The project continues planned develop- ment S.." with a completed expansion of the Diamond Jo Casino, which now boasts 8,000 square feet of meeting space and a 300 -seat entertainment venue. Within walking distance of the casino in downtown, the Hotel Julien Dubuque re- cently finished a $36 million renovation and now offers a restaurant, spa and meeting space for up to 300 delegates. Other meeting facilities in the area include the Grand River Center, the city's main convention facility, the Best Western Midway and the Holiday Inn Dubuque Galena. In nearby Clinton, the new Wild Rose Casino Resort opened last year after mov- ing inland from its original riverside location. The Mississippi River may split the Quad Cities of Bettendorf and Davenport in Iowa and Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, but all together the region offers a diverse selection of venues and attractions. Topping off the lineup is the new Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, which opened last year with more than 25,000 square feet of event space. This development, plus a recently added hotel tower at the Isle Casino Hotel and Conven- tion Center, has opened up the area for larger groups, says Lynn Hunt, vice president of sales for the Quad Cities CVB. "Our new center is just beautiful, and the fact that the Isle is the largest hotel in the state really broadens our options for associations, corporate and religious markets;" she says. Hunt has seen a -lot of movement in the area's religious market recently, something the CVB has en- couraged with tailor -made experiences for groups, including a Greek culture immersion package with food and music at the local Greek Orthodox Church. Other off -site venues popular with all groups include receptions at the noted Figge Art Museum or the Putnam Museum, which offers a stunning view of the Mississippi River. For a convention success that hits it out of the park, the Modern Woodmen Park has become a meetings favorite. The concourse has open space for exhibitors, and meetings for up to 300 can be held on the suite level. Using this St. Louis Cardinals - affiliated venue not only gives attendees a great view of the park, but also provides something different for events and a taste of Davenport's local baseball culture Another tempting bite of local color can be shared at the River Music Experience, which showcases the work of both regional and national American talent. The option of using local musicians for receptions and events makes this venue doubly appealing for its historic and entertainment value. 'Whether attendees stay on the Iowa side or visit attractions across the river, any travel from point A to B takes continued on page 10 www.meedngx�. _. corn 1 MeettagsM^i r•- A 1 9 less than 20 minutes, Hunt says. We have the water taxi and new fuel - efficient transport buses to get people back and forth between all the downtowns of the Quad Cities area;' she says. In addition to the new convention center and the Isle of Capri, other meeting facili- ties include the RwerCenter in Davenport, the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center and the Lodge Hotel and Conference Center in Bettendorf One of the hardest -hit areas of the 2008 Iowa floods, Cedar Rapids has made significant strides since the storms. Iowa residents have a gift for seeing the silver lining in any dark cloud, and the glint after the storm for Cedar Rapids is potential funding from the Economic Development Administration to renovate and expand the U.S. Cellular Center, also known as the Cedar Rapids Event Center. If approved, the grant funds will allow the city to add 60,000 square feet of exhibit space and 12,000 square feet of meeting space to the center This would make Cedar Rapids a competitive player for larger conventions and provide a significant boost to the local economy and downtown revitaliza- tion, according to Jessica Palmer, director of marketing for the Cedar Rapids Area CVB. "Cedar Rapids has gone through intense planning since the flood, and one of the major focus points is the events center," she says. "We're hoping for an announcement soon that will allow renovations to start" Two attractions displaced by the flood anasOaci PE'JEtl: Davenport's Modem Woodmen Park is a hot spot for locals and visitors alike. are making comebacks: Theatre Cedar Rap- ids, the local theater company, will return to the historic Iowa Theater Building in February after an extensive renovation, and the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library is wrapping up renovations on the historic Kosek Building and will launch a new interactive exhibit this spring. Plans were also announced in November to move and elevate the formerly flooded museum building, making it part of an expanded, 60,000- square -foot facility. The $25 million project is slated to begin with the museum 10 1 MeetingsMlOAMEWCA January/February 2010 Eastern Iowa contnued from page9 sarEPT 00101 Visitors are transported to another time in the Amana Colonies. move this year and end with the grand opening in 2012. Other new developments include re- cently finished renovations of the Crowne Plaza Cedar Rapids, connected to the U.S. Cellular Center, and the Best Western Long - branch Hotel and Conference Center. The new Hotel at Kirkwood Center will open this fall with 71 guest units, a ballroom that can accommodate up to 480 attendees and nine meeting rooms. "Cedar Rapids is rich with history and culture," says Susan Lloyd, convention marketing director for the Cedar Rapids Area CVB. "We have the Cedar Rapids Symphony and Orchestra Iowa, plus the historic studio where Grant Wood painted the second most recognized painting in the world, American Gothic, Wood's studio is part of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art complex and is available for group events. The city also offers other cultural opportunities for groups that deal with the American experience, including the National Czech and Slovak Museum and the African American Museum, offering meet- ing space and the 240 -seat Celebration Hall. Other meeting facilities include the Cedar Rapids Marriott, Clarion Hotel and Convention Center and Cedar Rapids Edu- cation Conference Center. More than a museum, the Amana Colonies offer an authentic journey into early German - American heritage dating back to the 1850s. Just a short drive from Cedar Rapids, these seven villages span 26,000 acres and feature historic sites, quaint shops and old -world crafts, from bakeries to an operating wool mill. The area also boasts modern amenities for groups, including an 18 -hole golf course, several restaurants with meeting and event space, and the Amana Colonies RV Park and Event Center, with indoor and outdoor function space. Other meeting facilities include the Amana Colonies Golf Club; the Amana Pioneer Building; and Zuber's Homestead Hotel, an 1850s -era hotel fully renovated with modern amenities in 2007. Due to its proximity to the Iowa River, Iowa City and Coralville continue to recover from last year's flood. Some shops and one popular group venue, Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa (UI), remain closed but all other hotels and meeting facilities are open. Several hotels renovated after the flood, including the Heartland Inn and the Iowa House Hotel, while the Sheraton Iowa City finished an $11 million renovation of meet- ing space and guest rooms last September. Although Handier Auditorium is still closed due to flood damage, the facility will rebuild, and university officials are cur- rently scouting new locations. The region enjoys a reputation as a center for literature and the writing arts. The University of Iowa is home to one of the best writer's workshops in the country, and UNESCO recently bestowed Iowa City with the honor of being a City of Literature. An upcoming development celebrating this cul- ture is still in the planning stages: the Stories Project, a $90 million effort that will include an interactive writing and storytelling center, the Iowa Language and Literacy Institute and the Hall of American Literary Achievement. Although progress on the project, slated to be located in the Iowa River Landing district by the Marriott Coralville Hotel and Conference Center, was put on hold due to the flood, it's still on the table as a future attraction, according to Eric Heinkel, conven- tion sales manager for the Iowa City/ Coralville CVB, who sees the areas arts and athletics culture as a prime backdrop for group events. "The Englert Civic Theater is a major off - site venue, and Kinnick Stadium just has that `wow' factor as a venue as well;' he says. "Also, the UI Athletics Hall of Fame is very popular, with interactive displays and three floors of space' Heinkel adds that the CVB can assist in arranging for alumni, coaches or broadcast- ers as speakers for group events. Other area meeting facilities include Iowa City's hotelVetro; the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in nearby Riverside; and the Bella Sala reception and banquet facility in nearby Tiffin, slated to open in February with 17,000 square feet of event space. North of Cedar Rapids along the Cedar River, Waterloo and Cedar Falls are two towns teeming with historic sites, outdoor activities and artistic charm. "Outdoor activities are our main strength;' says Kim Burger, manager of the Cedar Falls Tourism Bureau. "Our trails set us apart, and we're also known as a shop- ping destination since our downtown area has become known for unique, individually owned shops and boutiques" There's plenty of outdoor fun for nature lovers, with land and water trails for bicy- cling, hiking, rollerblading and kayaking, as well as team - building programs. Two new hotels will open in the next few months within a mile of the Park Place Conference Centre: the 70 -room Suburban Extended Stay Hotel and the 57 - room Super 8 Cedar Falls. Additional meeting facilities are available on the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) campus, including the 20,000 - seat UNI -Dome and the Holiday Inn Cedar Falls- University Plaza. Unique attractions in Waterloo in- clude the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum and the re- creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling at the Galleria de Paco restaurant and art gallery. Both Iocations are popular off -site venues, and group tours of the John Deere Engine Works facility are also available. KM MIA TOM Dubuque has plenty of after -hours diversions for delegates. "Waterloo is truly a hidden gem, says Brooke Burnham, director of convention development for the Waterloo CVB. "We offer the culture and history of an old manufacturing, riverfront town with mod- ern amenities and great attractions" contmved on page 30 The Newly Enhanced AAA.com REQUEST ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE a& 1 AAALiving .2 3 456 7897 RENEW r.r Iminwpril ,g41 drry g+o-,m 1111)1ill k / :Z; 17: ' - t - kt: ill PE stpiTAftz..__________ It= Bo o N I+ TRI higar MARCH /APRIL 2010 GET INSURANCE To learn more, see page 18 Dubuque's Crown Jewe DUBUQUE —Once again, grandeur occupies the corner of Main and Second in Dubuque. The Hotel Julien reopened last fall after an extensive restoration and renovation of its stone exterior and inviting interior. The lobby and ballroom have been restored to their original 1915 appearance. The rest of the $30 million transformation went into renovating rooms, adding a swimming pool and fitness cen- ter, and developing a spa that opened in February. Third- generation owner Tony Pfohl undertook the restoration to support the current revitaliza- tion of historic Dubuque, and to honor his grand- parents, who purchased the property in the 1960s. Steps from Dubuque's Main Street shops and restaurants, the hotel offers unexpected luxury near the shores of the Mississippi. diyo Billy Elliot AAA TRAVEL AGENCY III HOT SPOT The renovated Hotel Julien exudes luxury and old - fashioned charm. CHICAGO —It's a classic story of boy- meets - ballet. Billy Elliot the Musical begins at Chicago's Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre on March 18 for an open run. Set to music composed by Elton John, the production follows a young boy in Britain who drops boxing lessons to take up dance. Its 14- year -old star, Tommy Batchelor, comes direct from the original Broadway show. Judging by the stellar audience reaction on the Great White Way, along with a 2009 Tony Awards sweep, it shouldn't twirl away from Chicago any time soon. For tickets, 800- 775 -2000, &oadw oCiticago.co, a. II MARCH /APRIL 2010 1 Cedar Meadows Resort and Spa Thunder Bay Goff 61 RV Resort *.Win a 19;" LCD HDTV Zoos and uariums help groups cli . -r a Zink with creatures and small SPRING 2010 Chicago Boston NYC z 2 a T 7l . top :__, _._. „ sis,5 ippi ='. i v r life ca. = _ercinthe Displays ;-;.erpa - et the physical a - a ; culturai History of the ilessissipp= Ri ° + g Old Man River Learn the secrets of North America's longest river at this acclaimed museum The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque is an Iowa treasure. The Smith- sonian Institution Affiliate interprets the history of the Mississippi River, and it has been named the No. 1 attraction in Iowa by the 2009 Iowa Department of Tourism and Travel Federation of Iowa. The William Woodward Discovery Center is the museum's aquarium component. Established as the Mississippi River's national headquarters interpretive center, it serves as the only facility of its kind in the world. Large freshwater aquariums, live animals, touch pools, stream tables, interactive theaters, living history demonstrations, the National Rivers Hall of Fame, a changing exhibit gallery, and public archives make up the center — along with animals such as alligators, otters, turtles, fish, and snakes. The Fred W. Woodward Riverboat Museum is the original museum and remains the focal point for river history, riverboats, and the home of the River of Dreams Theater. Constructed in 1902, the build- ing was the original home of the Dubuque. Boat and Boiler Works which manufactured some of the largest boats and paddle - wheelers in America. Today, it is the only place on the Mississippi River for fascinat- ing stories, Native American Indian exhibits, local history, and art. The Boatyard is the museum's outdoor hands -on area, featuring large steamboat artifacts and a boat building demonstrations. Visitors can even take part in the ceremonious launching of boats into the Port of Dubuque Ice Harbor several times a day. William M. Black Boat and Breakfast is a one -of- a -kind exhibit and is listed on the National Historic Register. The Black is a working dredge boat that once roamed the waters of the Missouri River dig- ging up tons of mud and muck, making the channels safe for navigation. Today, it's an integral part of the museum and an adventurous, authentic place for an overnight stay. Guests sleep in the crew's quarters, dine in the galley, and see what life was really like working a dredgeboat. On the Nature Wetland Trail, interpretive natu- ralists guide visitors through a living wetland with the many animals and flora that are native to this wetland habitat. Packaging power The Mississippi River Museum offers several pack- ages that combine museum visits with a trip to popular Dubuque locations. Guide services from the Dubuque County Historical Society can be arranged for a variety of interests, including history, architecture, and Ameri- cana tours. Popular sites include the Old Jail Museum and the Mathias Ham House Historic Site. Victorian Progressive Dinners are available for groups of 20 -48 people. A trained guide escorts groups through some of Dubuque's beautiful historic homes, where groups can learn about the architecture, fami- lies, and events from the 19th century. Of course, group members will be enjoying a five- course gourmet meal the whole time, xoo. The Victorian tour includes a performance based on William "Hog" Ryan or, during the holiday season, a special Christmas performance. Progressive dinners are available year - round, and reservations are required. Groups smaller that 20 can arrange for a dinner and tour on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, June through October.° National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium 35o E. Iii St. Port of Dubuque, !A 52001 1 -800 -226 -3369 (5 557 - 9545 ww vr. mississippirive -•-:°; ,t.!seurn.corn lows 85 FROM THE EDITORS OF r Best Tilp Ever! r 1 , ; L Display until September 7, 2010 ( 5 o 4C C 8') 8 Crowds flock to Dubuque each June for America's River Festival on the banks of the Mississippi. Il I I day in quaint downtown shops and at history -rich spots like the Vesterheim Norwegian - American Museum. For the full -blown cultural experience, visit during Nordic Fest, an annual summer celebration of traditional food, crafts and entertainment (July 22 -24 this year). History also flows through the state's oldest city, Dubuque (population: 62,000), which has reinvented its Mississippi River waterfront as a lively destination. Riverboats and excursion vessels cruise the water, A riverwalk passes through the redeveloped area, itself part of a 26 -mile Heritage Ttail stretching west to Dyersville. The route starts at the Smithsonian - affiliated National Mississippi River Museum, which is undergoing a major expansion to enhance its already sterling character. Gaze at it all from the Fenelon Place Elevator, the world's shortest and steepest railway. Iowa City, once the state's capital, is now a thriving center of education and culture. The University of Iowa injects a progressive spirit along the Iowa River. Hawkeye football dominates interest here, but music, arts, theater, parks and restaurants all provide a fair share of action year -round in a welcoming atmosphere. 92 BEST OF THE MIDWEST • 2010 Iowa's northeast corner with their culture, which still thrives. For information: Winneshiek County Convention and Visitor's Bureau (800/463 -4692; de oraharea.com). What to to Decorah Fish Hatchery A visit to a fish hatchery is great family fun. The trout are in concrete tanks outside, and It's possible to walk right up and look in. You can even get a handful of fish food for a quarter and toss it into the tank to incite a feeding frenzy. Free (563/382-8324; iowadnr.gov). Vesterheim Norwegian - American Museum With more than 24,000 artifacts and 16 historical buildings, the Vesterheim is the most comprehensive museum in the United States dedicated to a single immigrant group (563/382 -9681; vesterheim.org). Where to eat McCaffrey's Doke Vita Their specialty is thin- crust, wood -fired pizza. Try the Thai Kickin' Chicken or Greek pizza, but be sure to get good directions to their secluded restaurant (563/382 -4723; mcdol cevita. com ). Oneota Co-op The selection of fresh, local organic foods and goods impresses, as does the wine and beer selection. At the deli, go for a panini (563/382 -4666; oneotacoop.com). Rubaiyat Local flavors in creative dishes star at Decorah's premier restaurant, where dining is an elegant experience. Save room for the Rubaiyat Boat: chocolate decadence (563/382 -9463; rubalyatrestaurant.co m). Where to stay B &B on Broadway Victorian charm and authenticity reign here. Luxe SWEET T DEALS Arnana festivals Yost don't have to spend a dimo to enjoy the Colonies. daring in free feats, including "Brew and Blues."' Fos a list, visit ainaaracoloniaas. c+ar Lock- and -Darn lours The lb gates and COO- foot, -long chamber of Dubuque's Look and Dam Nn. 11. are prate mil. Cheek. 'en. out during free touts . at 2 p,n1 on Sundays Memorial Day through Labor Da I (563/582- a8 rnissriv'er.org). Herbert Hoover was the first president born west of the Mississippi, in West Branch, Iowa. 0 5 94 The Pentacrest is the hi$turic heart of the University of low's pretty campus. baths (including comfy robes) and a central location make this an easy place to stay. Breakfasts include the famed caramel French toast. From $110 (563/382 -1420; bandbonbroadway.com). UBUQUE The state's oldest city, Dubuque (population: 62;000) has a lively and historical riverfront district along the mighty Mississippi. For information: Dubuque Convention and Visitors Bureau (800/798 -8844; traveldubuque.com)_ BEST OF THE MIDWEST 2010 6 THE le TICKET Wien I YJFnt to Park Farm Winery for wedding. I learned tl1t you red good direLtions. But the drive through rolling hills about 20 rides west of Dubuque is worth it The wines and vlows are winners, and the owners' philotirrphy harmony vuil their setting shines through from the vines to the main chateau (5631557 312); parkfarrnwinery,cornI LtRi rS [7r5R! i The Air]gr er is an Fovea City tradition (3191351 -9259, theairrinerbar.corn). 'What to do Cable Car Square Victorian homes house two dozen shops, galleries and restaurants in a two -block area downtown (cablecarsquare.com). Crystal Lake Cave Travelers can tour this living natural cave, 3 miles south of Dubuque, May — October (563/556 -6451; crystallakecave.com). Dubuque River Rides Iowa's only authentic paddle wheeler, The Spirit of Dubuque, cruises the Mississippi on sightseeing or dinner cruises, May —October (563/583 -8093; dubuqueriverrides.com). Eagle Point Park 164 acres above Lock and Dam #11 provide views of the Mississippi and spots to picnic from May — October (563/ 589 -4263; cityofdubuque.org). Field of Dreams Movie Site This century -old farm in Dyersville (28 miles west) made movie history. Sit in the bleachers, run the bases or bat a few balls. The place still looks exactly like what you remember from the Kevin Costner film. Free (888/875 -8404; fieldof dreamsrnoviesite.com). Mines of Spain State Recreation Area A 1,387 - acre national historic landmark encompasses limestone canyons, dense old timber and Catfish Creek along 21 miles of hiking trails. 2010 brings an expansion to the E.B. Lyons Interpretive and Nature Center. Free (563/556- 0620; minesofspain.org). National Farm Toy Museum This Dyersville funhouse displays thousands of scale -model farm toys (563/875 -2727; nationalfarmtoymuseum.com). National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium The experience at this riverfront museum includes a touch tank of Mississippi snails, the chance to tour a 1934 steamer and views into six big aquariums full of river creatures. Watch for special events (ice sculpture, log rolling) throughout the year (800/226- 3369; rivermuseum.com). Whore 4,o at Catfish Charlie's River Club At this casual place, enjoy Cajun cornmeal catfish and Mississippi River views (563/582 -8600; catfishcharliesriverclub.com). Mario's Italian Restaurant Try the panzerotti, a doughy pizza turnover, at this long- standing local favorite {563/556 -9424; mariosdubuque.com). Pepper Sprout Make reservations to taste the gourmet, seasonal, Midwest cuisine prepared with upscale flair. Closed Sundays and Mondays (563/556 -2167; peppersprout.com). Star Restaurant Near the historical downtown on the Mississippi, the multilevel Star is peaceful and classy, featuring global cuisine (563/556 -4800; dbgstar.com). Where to stay Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark This seven -story hotel and indoor water park stands on the Mississippi riverfront near other attractions. From $99 (866/690- 4006; grandharborresort.com). Hancock House Some of the nine rooms in this Queen Anne Victorian bed and breakfast have whirlpools. Built on a bluff, it 3 S The Corn Belt Volume XXXI, Humber 5 • May/tin e 2010 wf-A J I Airs AfvforTJ Serving bus and group tout planners sinr Visit us at www.bustoursinag- The unique sights, sounds and sensations of a water journey are a fun diversion from road travel and are delightful expe- riences enjoyed by groups young and old. Whether taking a relaxing cruise aboard a riverboat or an exciting whitewater rafting journey, the water soothes and invigorates at the same time. River Cruises, Twilight LeClaire, Iowa Considered the Midwest's best kept secret, the Riverboat Twilight offers an affordable two -day, overnight cruise on the mighty Mis- sissippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Dubuque, Iowa. A cruise aboard the Victo- rian- styled Twilight takes your clients on a journey back in time to the days when river- boats were the fastest, safest, most luxurious means of transportation in the country. You begin your cruise at the charming river town of LeClaire, Iowa. Here, where the famous Green Tree marked the beginning of the rapids, river pilots and deckhands could wait in its shade for the next sternwheeler to 20 • Bus Tours Magazine /May, 2010 Adventure Afloat Y V ' � ;ll(III, IM?,1t(dllllt arrive. Eventually, the most successful river pilots began building their homes in LeClaire. The rich diversity of materials and architec- tural styles created a town with unique char- acter. Make sure to plan an afternoon of shop- ping along their recently renovated historic district. The boat landing is located on Front Street in LeClaire. Buses will be greeted at the landing by staff members who will assist your bus driver with baggage and parking. Boarding time is at 8:15 a.m. Passengers will be welcomed aboard by the friendly staff and a continental breakfast. The cruise to Dubuque passes through a variety of pic- turesque scenery. The river's character changes around each bend. In addition to the beautiful scenery and wonderful food, they provide lots of activities to make the trip inter- esting and enjoyable. There is comfortable indoor and outdoor seating available on all three decks to offer passengers the best oppor- tunity to relax and enjoy the native beauty of the upper Mississippi River. The all inclusive fare includes meals, activ- ities and lodging. For group rates and infor- Take a relaxing journey on the Mississippi aboard the riverboat Twilight. Cruising between serene river towns LeClaire and Dubuque, Iowa, your guests will enjoy not only some of the most picturesque scenery in the Midwest, but also top notch meals, lodging, onboard entertainment and more. TW[UGFT. mation phone Group Specialist Carrilynn at (800) 331 -1467. You can also learn more by visiting www.riverboattwilight.com. Oklahoma River Cruises Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Navigate the beautiful Oklahoma River aboard an Oklahoma River Cruise. Cruises depart Wednesday through Sunday, April through December. A one leg trip lasts approximately 45 minutes. Oklahoma River Cruises offers a fun and exciting, family - friendly adventure, traveling through locks (much like the ones used on the Panama Canal) and presenting stunning scenery of Oklahoma City. Once a nearly dry river called the North Canadian, the rejuvenated Oklahoma River is now one of Oklahoma City's most popular des- tinations for outdoor recreation as well as the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training site. Since its launch in April 2008, thousands of passengers have toured the scenic seven - mile stretch of the Oklahoma River on the cli- THE DESTINATION EXPERTS E L A Starnats Busin Media Pun( at fun = �~IVlee In the Show -Me State, planners can craft events centered on value and incomparable attractions mi merica tnfWVI+.f1�EET N SF OCU5 C VPLUME 71 NUMBER 4 1 JUNE 2010 Iowa has built a solid following as a forward - thinking state that preserves its rich heritage • ill:, 01111111111111111 lain 1. ' arrr L FIJrE wt srer sm,ar �a 0, t,i, J ys one re0iraflxed DESTINATION OWA IS SIMULTANEOUSLY THE ARCHETYPAL Upper Midwest state and a symbol of how the en- tire U.S. may change in the 21st century. While its German, Czech - Slovak and Dutch heritage remain strong, immigrants from Latin America and East Af- rica bring new vitality to its small towns. While Iowa farms still grow all the corn and soybeans its farmers can sell, it also partici- pates in a quiet revolution in biofuels and wind power. And while Iowa may seem distant from big regional cities, a network of interstates and airports has helped draw the state steadily closer to its neighbors. For meeting planners, the state's combination of progress and preservation bodes well for successful events. Des Moines is Iowa's capital and the headquarters for the lion's share of state associations and agencies. Like many Iowa cities, it straddles a river, with the primary government of- fices and a beautiful capitol building to the east and the campus of Drake University to the west, plus plentiful riverside parks. The city's other major businesses are insurance and the quadrennial Iowa caucuses that kick off the major -party presidential race, inspiring many candidates and media outlets to set up shop here for months or years. Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines CVB, is bullish about Des Moines' prospects. "With the improvements we've done in the last 10 years —a new convention center, a new arena, a totally revitalized downtown with a new science center, a new $40 million sculpture park, new hotels —it gives us more product to sell, and we can go after larger regional groups;' Edwards says. Meetings - friendly properties include the historic Renaissance Des Moines Hotel Savery and the beautiful Hotel Fort Des Moines, plus numerous chain properties. Between the Iowa State Fairgrounds and the Iowa Events Center (including the Hy -Vee Hall/Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Wells Fargo Arena and Polk County Convention Complex), plan- ners will find that large groups are covered. When you're hungry, just follow state legislators to restaurants such as the 801 Steak and Chop House, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse or the Iowa Beef Steakhouse. Attractions include walking through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, seeing AAA Iowa Cubs baseball at Principal Park, taking in Broadway performances at the Civic Center of T4 1 MeetingsMIC.M.E•RLCA 1 June 2010 Greater Des Moines, or making your own chocolates at Suzette Candies. To the northeast, Ames is home to Iowa State University, where agriculture and tech- nology will meet at the new BioCentury Research Farm here. This facility will both grow biofuels crops and test ways to scale up their production —and with biomass - conversion and wind -power facilities nearby, Ames has developed alternative- energy tours that appeal to a wide range of professionals. Downtown Arnes's Main Street Cultural District features a microbrewery, a chocolate shop, restaurants and antique stores. Large meetings venues include the Central Iowa Expo site and the Stephens Auditorium and Hilton Coliseum, while meetings- friendly lodgings include the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, Holiday Inn Ames Conference Center and Best Western University Park inn & Suites. Located between Des Moines and Iowa City, Pella was originally a Dutch American colony and still embraces that heritage. Its skyline is dotted with windmills and downtown has an Old World charm — complete with a canal —that perfectly complements the annual Tulip Festival. Properties such as the Royal Amsterdam Hotel and Bos Landen Golf Resort wel- come meetings, while unique spouse programs such as windmill tours and wooden -shoe painting classes complete the picture of a unique destination. In nearby Ottumwa, Bridge View Center is a 92,000 -sgare -foot events facility with mul- tiple meeting rooms, an exposition hall and a theater. Mason City is located midway between Minneapolis, Iowa City and Des Moines, and is considered the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School of architecture. The last - surviving Wright- designed hotel, the Historic Park Inn, will reopen here in spring 2011 following an $18.5 million renovation. Wright and his devotees also built several adjacent blocks of downtown Mason City along Prairie School lines. Mason City was also home to Meredith Wilson, creator of The Music Man. His life is commemorated at Music Man Square, which recreates the feel of "River City, USA' from the Broadway play and film. "You immediately feel part of the movie because you're on this set. There's a working ice - cream parlor, for instance;' says Sue Armour, executive director of the Mason City CVB. Meetings facilities include the Holiday Inn Mason City as well as the Muse- Norris Con- ference Center at Northern Iowa Area Conununity College. Waterloo is situated on the Cedar River and, having successfully withstood the 2008 floods, continues beautifying its downtown through the Cedar River Renaissance program, whose projects include a proposed Riverwalk Loop of pedestrian /bicycle trails and a river- side amphitheatre. Performances will be visible from boats on the water. Cultural facilities here include the Five Sullivan Brothers /Iowa Veterans Museum that www.meetIngs _ s.com 1 MeetingsMll 1 1 examines Iowans' roles in wartime, plus the Grout Museum of History & Science and the Dan Gable_lnternational Wrestling Institute & Museum. Hotel facilities include the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, Hampton Inn & Suites and Fairfield Inn. In addition, the Ramada Hotel & Convention Center participates in the Green Cedar Valley initiative by focusing on recycling, composting and reusability. Closer to Des Moines is Marshalltown, a manufacturing center now reinventing itself as a cultural and meetings hub. Mar- shalltown has a large number of meeting and conference facilities for its size, which Marshalltown CVB director Shannon Espe- nscheid attributes to local companies' need to do training nearby. "Businesses like Emerson Processing, Lennox and Mechdyne needed to bring people in for meetings and training, so we have a conference center here, and our community college has meetings facilities, Espenscheid says. The city features a historic Main Street and the classic Orpheum Theater, which will reopen in June 2010. The Best West- ern Regency'fnn and Conference Center is a meetings -ready property, while the Hampton Inn and AmericInn also have function space. 86,000 ;,rl. c. ryleetsng Space 13 meeting rcorr :Available 3.000 Person B Capacity 30,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall 12,000 sq- Flexible Ballroom. 12,000 xq. . Ftaxinie Meeting Room 193 ru_ -1H Attached at the Grand Harbor Pesartand Waterpark Contact Sales Staff pis 553 &JG 4500 fx 563 6 0 1350 CEDAR RAPIDS /AMAlsl. :CONIES Cedar Rapids continues its remarkable recovery from the 2008 floods, especially considering that in dollar terms, the floods were Americas fourth -worst natural disaster, says Susan Lloyd, convention marketing manager at the Cedar Rapids Area CVB. "Much of our private- sector rebuilding is done, and you would never know there had been any impact; Lloyd says. Our com- munity theater reopened m February, and a lot has come back way better than it was before the flood." For example, the U.S. Cellular Cen- ter arena will undergo upgrades to make it state -of- the -art, but the city will also construct a 60,000 - square -foot addition by closing an adjacent street and building on the resulting space. Downtown restaurants and shops are also on the rebound. Meetings - friendly properties include the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, Cedar Rapids Marriott and the Best Western Longbranch Hotel & Convention Center, and the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center is focused on becoming the city's greenest hotel through renovations to improve its environmental efficiency. Southwest of Cedar Rapids are the Amana Colonies, a cluster of small towns whose German heritage and out- put of meats, fur- niture, crafts, wine and beer attract visitors. This areas largest meeting facility, the Amana Pioneer Building, seats up to 350 for banquets and is complemented by smaller facilities such as the Ron - neburg Restaurant and the Ox Yoke Inn. RIVER C Irt L7u.`.:,e.ie [5r Zvi The University of Iowa (UI) in Iowa City was hard -hit by 2008's floods but is bounc- ing back as meetings- friendly spaces such as the Iowa Memorial Union and Iowa House Hotel have reopened, says Eric Heinkel, convention sales manager at the Iowa City/ Coralville CVB. "We've definitely seen a lot of prog- ress [and] a lot of the businesses along the Coralville Strip have recovered" Heinkel says Iowa City lies on a bluff overlooking the Iowa River and offers an array of restaurants and shops, including One Twenty Six and the Motley Cow for dinner plus the famed Prairie Lights bookstore for browsing. Rowing is one highlight of university athletics, and planners can rent the crew team's new Beckwith Boathouse, while the press box at Kinnick Stadium is another unique venue. Other meeting venues here include the Ul Athletics Hall of Fame, the Bnglert Theatre and hotels such as the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hotel Vetro and the Sheraton Iowa City, which recently finished a renovation of its guest rooms, lobby, pool area and 11,000 square feet of meeting space. Just south of Iowa City is Riverside, home to the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort. Have the beautiful vsews oil the Mr iii ipri Pivr'r piss .'irle I c rnsaarafion tor your nom rorilerence cr "ioetng 1 al our charming and experienced stall take care n` a;l °.Ii while you onjny tics ise lal s large patoa. sleassot fi :- lui ,r:l,! an-ace' asie enbd Thaw-to-ceiling glass wall Ir re t arena. S sntl an ma r err . ise narks and riverwaltl. sat =nr rsrrkirly vice MiOehs';ippl Make your way to the ilii,1111.10 lay wnsais pi'Rivar ialurourri A Atlllaari rrl r I:_ rn evcryth!nq y u ae warliet `o know abtiva lile.onn Lhe river. Rolm. in lit 5 ss inner. Grano tirirbar net - Alig ,r ,,i ltil; .,c li , ticker avatorp tk ai it '1 try _ytlor rr+axt dnar ;al 1Fse Dsrnond Jo Canino PORT OF DUBUQUE o. GRANDRIVERCENTER :;0.1 continued on page 16 www.meecingsi, .corn Meetings' _...._... _. 15 Does vour peed 1 db) Wa the m u in Iowa Co to travel for your chance t wins SO & Noh!e Gift C: 16 1 Meetings. _ 1 lune 2010 DESTINATION Dubuque lies on the Mississippi River and attracts groups from both Iowa and neigh- boring states. Its elegant, 86,000 - square -foot Grand River Center offers spectacular Mis- sissippi views from its meeting rooms, while the Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark, Diamond Jo Casino and the Hotel Julien provide guest rooms and additional meeting space. The Julien recently finished a $36 million renovation, and now includes a spa, numerous meeting spaces and a restaurant with private dining rooms. The city continues the America's River project to revitalize the Port of Dubuque, with the newest piece being the reopen- ing in mid -2010 of the popular National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, including more hands -on exhibits and a new large- format theater. Other at- tractions here include the Fenelon Place Elevator (the world's shortest, steepest railway), the Dubuque Star Brewery and Dubuque River Rides sightseeing and dinner cruises. Just west of Dubuque is Dyersville, where the Field of Dreams movie site is a top attraction. The Quad Cities face each other across the Mississippi, with Moline /East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The four combine to offer planners surprising flexibility through a formidable number of guest rooms, attrac- tions and meeting spaces. The cities connect themselves through the Loop, a circulator -type bus system with a route that runs both clockwise and counterclockwise through all four cities' downtowns. Attractions include the Figge Art Museum, Quad City Symphony Orches- tra, Great Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds and Mississippi River cruises. While corporate business may be slow, leisure travel within the Midwest and non - corporate meetings are taking up some of the slack, says Lynn Hunt, vice president of sales at the Quad Cities CVB. "We're seeing some good return on the religious market and in sporting events," Hunt says. "That's kind of the last thing Fields of Dreams continued tram page 15 01 a91010 families cut from their budget: travel with their kids who are going to tournaments" In partnership with the Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf opened the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in 2009 with 24,000 square feet of meeting space plus a skywalk connection with the Isle Hotel. Other meetings - friendly properties here include Davenport's RiverCenter and the adjoining Radisson Quad City Plaza Hotel. In addition, the boutique Blackhawk Hotel will open in Davenport in December 2010 with 130 rooms. In Iowas southeast, Burlington is noted as a manufacturing center and for Snake Alley, one of the world's crookedest streets. Its industry and proximity to Missouri and Illinois make it a meetings crossroads. A top group choice is the Pzazz! com- plex, which includes the Pzazz! Event & Convention Center, Catfish Bend Casino, Catfish Bend Inn & Spa and Fun City amusement park. In 2009, Council Bluffs saw a big spike in visitation —about 10 million —at least partly thanks to the Register Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) begin- ning here. That's the way it is when you're a sports and gaming hub straddling two states, as Josee Beier, director of convention sales at the Council Bluffs CVB, explains. "We have a lot of sporting events — wrestling, AAA baseball, a half marathon, World Wrestling [Federation] tryouts, the conventions that come through," Beier says. "And we're just 10 minutes from the Omaha airport" Of course, Council Bluffs has Iowas three largest casinos —the Ameristar Ca- sino Hotel, Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino and Horseshoe Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino —right across the Missouri River from gaming- hungry Nebraska. In late 2009, the Horseshoe opened a Hilton Garden Inn while the Ameristar debuted a Holiday Inn and Suites. Other meetings venues here include the MidAmerica Center, which has an attached SpringHill Suites and Country Inn & Suites, and a Best Western. The city's trail system leads to the new Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, which lets people stroll or pedal across the Miss River from Council Bluffs to Omaha. Sioux City will kick off this year's RAGBRAI ride and expects around 20,000 visitors for this single event. The number suggests the capabilities of this Missouri River city of 85,000, whose attractions range from nature centers and ice - skating to museums and a symphony. Popular meetings options here include the Sioux City Convention Center, the Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center and the Holiday Inn Downtown. In Northwest Iowa, options include the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center and the Inn at Okoboji in Okoboji and King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake. Me Paul D. Kretkowski ate his way through Iowa City's cafes and restaurants for two years, and may go back for seconds. f_ oritaci s Amsslra CalealeaGV5 15 1'92 yi"NTa. zifiltdlitanICI4e Ca+ri' Annex LIC 515 232 4032 v i s i iar> r•>;s . cum Cedarflapids Ana ^INH .i I u„.3.$5 91000 4NYpJaIi li rn[n1l Ei1111 CauIlea Wits CV15 712_325 IMO 4av es:o air It+ull awtle Ihrtme to CUR 5E3.53 IP' 9'430 walehlraviddajar5IIe.. nm Goa r ll alh slam Cif 119.7W. FOLEr sVi , ,1541OurIIR9tnnluw noir Grader Des PilNutc CUkt 'al 5 .211643a'li wirtniseeitioliriewnesicum ' Greater Newtea I LIC c'1 ..7.92_554. ',Nava 71614f1° Lai'I Itrpn' is s d ]19.13e 6592 tsvd>me,irmacifnerttolle Maistratltmus Col® Aiiil .053..111145 wrwar aM3r1liadlttlwnffilia tits i 'NB 1541.4V 111113 letaw,nunnraelayiniarisel eau] Pella Oa 6.41.6219. PEN 1YaYral m '0561 Waterier) 319.233igi Bead Ciii DM 50.322,M111 ina vistlrTAlcitu+r oath awa,1i /dnalslieri cltr 1w+I e zings 1 foous.com A Stamats Business Media Pubis mi amenca WWW,MEETINGSFOCIJS.COM THE DESTINATION EXPERTS VOLUME 7 f NUMBER 5 I JULY /AUGUST 2010 $5 1111131WEAtill Best ofMi rim 2010Winners The Grand Harbor Resort and The Grand River Center 'EN= RAr Located in the Port of Dubuque, Iowa, the Grand Harbor Resort is the perfect spot for enjoying this beautiful and exciting destina- tion area Gather with friends for a relaxed conversation in our Tony Roma's Restaurant & Lounge, or slide Into a whole new world of water fun in our 25,000- square -foot indoor water park. The Grand Harbor Resort features an interior bridge to the Grand River Cen- 86,000 sq- ft- Total Meeting Space 13 meeting rooms Available 3,000 person Banquet Capacity 30,000 sq. ft. 12,000 sq. ft_ f= leoible Etailruciri 12,000 5q Flexible Meeting Daunt 193 roor- Attached at the Grand Harbor rResortand Waterpark Contact Safes Staff ph 563 690 4500 fx 563 690 1350 ;O I Meet5nt5Pil!DAH €,. 1 July /August 2010 ter, which offers the ideal setting for training seminars, retreats, annual meetings or any important meeting your company holds. AMEtp7IE35.. FR = The Grand Harbor Resort has high standards of excellent services, offers easy access to non - smoking meeting and event facilities, an on -site business center, updated rooms and public space, 193 guest rooms, and a recently renovated fitness room on the 7th fioor overlooking the beau- tiful bluffs of Dubuque In addition, guests at Grand Harbor enjoy a complimentary made- to-order hot breakfast from Tony Roma's. f[?;''JING Enjoy your dining experience at Tony Roma's Restaurant in the Grand Harbor Resort, with magnificent views of the Mis- sissippi River. Considered the pioneer of baby back ribs, Tony Roma's can now be found all over the world. With nearly 200 restaurants in 32 countries, the sensation that Tony started has become a worldwide success story We are committed to provid- ing you the best ribs anywhere. Using new rib styles and sauce flavors, our chefs are working hard to make Tony Homa's your only choice for ribs. But the Tony Roma's story does not end with the ribs. Crispy, fresh salads, mouth- watering char - grilled steaks, our original barbecue chicken and delicious seafood make up a menu that is sure to please ev- ery guest. At the Grand Harbor Resort get ready for a splashin' good time. We've got 25,000 square feet of Mississippi - themed wet fun for kids and adults of all ages with thrilling waterslides, an exhilarating inside /outside tube ride, rope ladders, waterspouts, water chutes, squirt guns and powerful water can- nons. There's also a lazy river, activity pools and two giant hot tub whirlpools. Situated along the magnificent Missis- sippi River, adjacent to gaming and enter- tainment venues and within easy walking distance of historic downtown Dubuque, the Grand Harbor Resort and Grand River Cen- ter feature a diverse, intimate atmosphere where you will enjoy dedicated service and the finest cuisine. .li [1! =.R CE The conference center has over 86,000 square feet of centralized and elegant meeting space. With a total 0111 meeting rooms and a 30,000- square -foot exhibit hall, we can accommodate groups for 10 to 3,000 with style and ease. You will find the perfect venue for every occasion within one facility. Our grand ball- room is ideal for weddings, holiday parties or any formal gathering up to 1,000 guests. The all -glass "River Room" will enchant your more - private gatherings, and the Exhibit Hall is a massive space for huge crowds, floor events and more. A Grand River Center event expert will work with you to reserve dates, plan events, coordinate all catering details and coordi- nate our full staff to anticipate your every need and ensure a successful event. J Grand Harbor Resort &The Grand River Center Sue Moran, ]ireelor of Sates & Marketing 500 Bell St. Dubuque, IA 52001 Tel (855} 690-4006 smoran @qrendrrverconter.corn wwuv grandherborresort. com: v mw.grantlrivercenter,cony a+a g; n ,trot. �llui news of -ha Missies pp Ris 'r rrro or: tea Iflsp,r4hcn `or your nett cunferenr_^,e r meeting tct nth I I• =N r - uati .r .i :•:I.. --erie ceo staff take care an a I '.I details wino: yota enjoy tns facit'y's large pol,rs, elega pre unction s, arse WW1 aui 1; lino• to•crdiirg g-uta.t. wets m se .c[ 3_ as `zt erll anti the expansive palls and nverw:11OO civerloa'kina tttl_ Miss. stppl Make lox way rn the N ilia a M.osiaeipni Rive Museum & Aquan_nr •n teare eve(ytninq you've wanfsd ka „{� tt hfe cn tf r yr w- F di In er ya� � t G,nti 1 lartore Herru't e 23,000 se fr- r rntf;la* , niatepark and try youyour lut;k fex c'r ,: the Lei n nn I PORT OF DUeUOUE rcWit, 1 GRANDRIVERCENTER Explore the Mississippi from the Twin Cities to the luad Cities September - October 2010 Vaiiey Wined 1111111111111111 11111111111111311111111111 11111111i1IB1I1I 11 SOLO - tOOZS V7 3110.11EVIG SOL XO8 Od runt (» an x c1TAPrri -r-) V )-TV fl f(Irma www.BigRiverMagazine.com 6£ZtI 'ISaI3OS IN 4 l= OLS .1.IOIQ €* *O.Lt1V *** n: *** -*: *** ** w • By Constance R. Cherba and Edward E. Deckert J n 1833 the first white citizens of Dubuque — Iowa's oldest city — settled on the flat land between the Mississippi River and the foot of the seven hills that form the city's majestic bluffs. By the late 19th century Dubuque's population had spread onto the bluffs and beyond. Many grand mansions as well as more humble abodes were built atop the bluffs to take advantage of the river view and to distance residents 26 BIG DIVER MAGAZINE / SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2010 from the noise and smell of the down- town commercial district. While the wealthy used horses and carriages, the less affluent relied on a system of stairways to walk back and forth between the high bluffs and their jobs, churches and schools in the lower part of the city. Early in the 20th century Dubuque boasted 25 public stairways. The Mad- ison Street steps, at the north end of Main Street, were considered the most sophisticated and elaborate. The origi- nal set of steep wooden steps that led from the downtown district to Mad- ison Park was replaced in 1918 with a concrete stairway. The new steps cost $2,100, a 100 percent cost over- run. They were as much admired for their architecture as for their practical value. At night, lights illuminated the landings of the eight flights of steps, which included a spiral staircase. By 1945, neglect became evident. The ri lmu 1 11111111111111111111111111111111111111( Cl imb r Q �� s� Sluft Concrete Madison Street steps were built in 7978 for $2,100. (courtesy of the Center for Dubuque History) deterioration was allowed to contin- ue until, in 1956, the steps were closed and allowed to collapse under their own weight. In 1989 the debris was removed. Today, only a short stairway leads to a residence once served by the fabulous Madison Street Steps. An equally valued and, perhaps, more popular set of stairs ascended to the celebrated Eagle Point Park, ded- icated in 1909 in the north end of the city. Dubuque's natural wonder, the 146 -acre park perched on rock out- croppings overlooking the Mississippi River. The city acquired a half acre of land from Eagle Point Lime Works on which to build the Riverside Stairway along the bluff to connect Rhomberg Avenue with the new park. The stair- way was completed in 1911. Accord- ing to a 1915 postcard written by an enthusiastic visitor to Eagle Point, the steps were one of three ways of gaining entrance. The wealthy rode Known as the Park Stairway, the 15th Street steps from Bluff Street to Montrose Terrace have been restored to historic standards. (Constance R. Cherba) A vintage postcard shows the early 7900s Pork Stairway. in carriages or autos or paid to ride the streetcar, but those who walked climbed the steps. The stairs were demolished during the widening of Rhomberg Avenue in the 1930s. In time, electric streetcars, buses and automobiles made many of the stairways obsolete, and they fell into disrepair. In 1997, Dubuque's Community Development Adviso- ry Commission conducted a survey to determine which of 15 remaining SEPTEMBER -OCTOBER 2010 / BIG RIVER MAGAZINE 27 1 J 1 _I! _ I 11 1 l WI . 1111 1 1 111 I.11 l__111_If. 31 • • km • • ft los 1 stairways to remove, repair or restore • to historic standards. Several stairways have been rebuilt. Some were closed and posted • with bright green signs. A few were Ir removed entirely. The Dorgan Street • steps were allowed to decay and are now visible only in the winter after the leaves have fallen. Of the rebuilt steps, two were restored to historic standards. The Park Stairway, at 15th Street, connects Bluff Street to Montrose Terrace. Orig- inally built in the early 1900s, this long stairway passed through a park- like landscape and led to a fashion- . ft 1 I 1 1 II I I I I II i 28 BIG RIVER MAGAZ1NE f SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2010 11111111111 - 1 able row of houses overlooking the city. The recent- ly restored steps include six switch- back flights and landings. Historic street lights, limestone walls and flow- er beds provide stylish touches. The West 11th Street steps can also be traced to the 19th century. Origi- nally the stairway from Bluff Street to the mansions on Highland Place paralleled the route of the 11th Street Elevator, which was placed in oper- ation in 1887. Never as successful as Dubuque's landmark Fourth Street Elevator, the 11th Street cable car was torn down in 1929. The city has restored and maintains the 11th Street steps, which run through the old ele- vator's arch within a limestone retain- ing wall. 1111111 Above: An 7889 birds -eye view map of Dubuque shows the hills overlooking the city. (Henry H. Wellge) Left: Sightseers pause along a stairway in this fate 1800s stereoscope slide. (Samuel Root) Constance R. Cherba and Edward E. Deckert are freelance writers from Dubuque, Iowa. This is their first story for Big River. In June 2010 the Dubuque City Council approved the reconstruction of a deteriorating set of steps that link Loras Boulevard with Montrose Ter- race. Councilperson David Resnick said "I think it's essential that we keep this a walkable neighborhood and repair the steps_" Construction began in July. Today, the remaining stairways stand as witnesses to yesterday's cit- izens who walked between their homes on the bluffs and the city below, However, the steps are not just monuments of the past. Dubuquers and visitors use them every day. 111 111111111111 1111111111111111 . OI, R11 ,1SLLL iAi:� II I I 0 P1 I18 i ffif iragi I N 4 11 lid LI II I II i 1 U la Above: The 11th Street steps descend from Highland Place to Bluff Street through the old elevator arch. (Constance R. Cherba) Inset: Until 1929, the stairs paralled the 11th Street elevator between Highland Place and Bluff Street. (vintage postcard) Left: The steps connecting Catherine Street to W. Locust are closed. {Constance R. Cherba) Where to find the stairways at the base o the bluff: Fifth Street Steps near Bluff and W. Fifth streets Seventh Street Steps near Hill and W. Eighth streets W. 71th Street Steps at Bluff and W. 11th streets Montrose Terrace Steps near Montrose Terrace and Loras Blvd Park Stairway at Bluff and 15th streets 78th Street Steps at 18th Street and Central Avenue • SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2010 / BIG RIVER MAGAZINE 29 'THE RISE AND FALL 10F Y BETH 5'!ll_UM BITTER } ,EXILE „OSA .SOU D CIFF s EPTiN Bilaj Cl-hrAGdMAG u,5.'$4.9g OUT -OF -THE •WAY BIKE 'TRAILS SURPRISING VINEYARDS AND LEISURELY DRIVES THROUGH FABULOUS FOLIAGE THE ESCAPE ARTIST Take the slovv lane from LeClaire to Dubuque, Iowa, on a steam- boat cruise up the Mississippi River BY CATEY SULLIVAN HERE ARE SHARKS IN THE MISSISSIPPI River. So says Captain Kevin Stier, a river pilot of 28 years. Nobody's going to film Jaws V: Revenge of the Big Mud- dy on location in Iowa. But having nav- igated the churning chocolate - colored waters since he was a teenager, Stier, 47, knows what lurks deep in the shadows of the great river. His description of the hidden predators —small bull sharks that swim up from the Gulf of Mexico —is part of an ongoing narrative that keeps things in- teresting on the Twilight. Stier logs 12,000 miles a year piloting the Twi- light, an engine- driven, 149- passenger replica of a steamboat. From Memorial Day through mid - October, the Twilight picks up passengers every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday in Buffalo Bill's hometown of LeClaire, Iowa, and ferries them ten hours upriver to Dubuque. Everyone stays overnight at the Port of Dubuque's Grand Harbor Resort before meandering back to LeClaire, via the Twilight, the following morning. The land - based portion of the trip offers a tourist's -eye view cf Dubuque: Museums, wineries, and casi- nos are within walking distance of the resort. But the heart of the trip is the river, with vast stretches seemingly untouched by the relentless pace of development. There's only one town in the 40 -mile stretch from Savanna to Dubuque: Blink and you'll miss Bellevue. The rest is feder- ally protected wilderness, a no man's land of more than 600 uninhabited islands and seclud- ed campsites accessible only by small boat. Look up and you'll see bald eagles wheeling overhead, 36 CHICAGOMAG.COM SEPTEMBER 2010 You cart practically hear a banjo playa,;: The Twilight evokes a quieter, less hectic age. r€ Get our Pee weekly - new51o;irt Uc?1.i 1eF Artist—trawl CMS and Sears dellaerad to gvsur nbas. sir u thicargamagg.4c ilif' &ewn tiers. But as Stier's laid -back commentary makes clear, the Mississippi has changed since Mark Twain's time. Huck Finn didn't have to deal with the unexploded bombs that pock the abandoned army depot near Palisades State Park. Every year since President Reagan closed the depot in the 1980s, Stier notes, bomb disposal teams deto- nate a few more of the weapons that were left be- hind. The government then opens up a bit more of the area for camping. Nor did Huck have to contend with barges al- most the length of an aircraft carrier. The river's standard 16 -barge loads carry the cargo of 36 miles' worth of train cars. Watching these leviathans maneuver the river's narrow draw- bridges is akin to watching a disaster movie at its tipping point. Beyond the barges are the river towns that boomed during the lead- mining and logging heyday of the 39th and early 20th cen- turies. Upriver and down, Stier delivers their idiosyncratic histories. The storytelling breaks for meals, when passengers gather to dine in or- nate parlors with bordello -red carpeting, ba- roquely scrolled ceilings, and lighting sconces that look like gas lamps. On deck 3, the bartender, Bob Hexamer, serves up milk shakes and margaritas with equal aplomb, while on deck 2, balladeers and Mark Twain impersonators provide folksy en- tertainment. Twain himself would surely have loved the view from any deck. And were he on the river today, gazing at the long, wild stretch between Bellevue and Dubuque, he might even recognize it. 1 f/ / i DESTINATION LeClaire, Iowa DISTANCE FROM CHICAGO #70 miles; 3 Iio.is by car STAY - The two -day Twilight cruise - -5329 per aer'sn based en double cupan y 1ED0•131'1467: - ixesboattwilighLt rn }— - nelildesa night at Mc Grand Harbor Restsr. sand 4ilaterparJ¢ 1350 Eat it., Dul;vgee: randharllsrr sort.com'.e -4 Yleet to extend your stay? the Holiday ln+r Express (12CI Canal Shure Dr, Ledge: 561-a$9 built on the bank of the Mississippi, oilers soeelar- Mllar 41E 5 (rates start around a 139 per night) EAT+ 41 Tile Faithful Pilot {117 N. Cody Rif_ e a la ire: 563-,9-4156, faiihfulpilot.conl, Robert Cook serves surf (citrus' snared scallops, Mil and turf (prune sirloin with cacorebuttered Ilrocco- lini 2$), 4 The lobster Isgn:a (SH) at L May Eatery (1D72 Maln 5t, Dubuque 50-554 Iniayeaterv-.om) will make 'rou happy. PLAY — tie Dubuque Dragon Boat Festival, in which reildIETS sprint down the Mississippi in Taiwanese dragon boa I:?, gates all the spectacle , D1 3angKOk's Royal Barges Museum minus the hassle Ol a 20 -hour plane ride. September 10th through 12th; les more info, I;abuquedragonboat:org. 4 The National Missis- sippi Giver Museum Aquarium ?350 E. Third St., Port of Dvauque; 56351' - 9545,. missiesIljpiri per ISluseurnCDm; opened a rnultimIl Ilan- dcllrar 'sing in June. 8 Eg = TRAVEL • STAR TRIBUNE • SUNDAY, SEPTEM&ER12, 2010 WEEKEND AWAY DUBUQUE,IOWA des Hotel reclaims its past glory A costly renovation has restored a historic Dubuque hotel to elegance. Photos providedbythe Hotel IutienDUbuque The lobby of the Hotel Julien Dubuque reflects just part of its $32 million renovation, which included the addition of a fitness center and full service spa By MEI.AHI£ RADLIICKII MCMANUS = Special to the Star Tribune `s boxy, red-brick-and-limestone exterior is decidedly unremarkable. E t:,t step ir the 1 Jultirt Dubuque and you're in for a pleasant surprise. Recealtly after a $32 aniltion-plus interior renova- tion anti exterior restoration that included the addition of a pool, fit- ness center and 41i1- service spa, the 133 -room boutique hotel dishes up his- tory, charm grid elegance at affordable prices. The hotel's origins stretch back to 1839, when a four -story inn called the WUaples Douse was opened on the site — the first building visitors saw upon crossing tizc Mississippi from cast to west. The inn was later expanded and renamed the Hotel Julien after the city's namesake, Julien Dubuque. In 1913 it was destroyed by fire; the current building rose from its ashes. In 1962 the once -grand hotel became the rath- er lowbrow Julien Motor Ann. At one point, doors were covered in shag carpeting. When downtown Dubuque began its re- naissance several years ago, the hotel's own- ers decided it was time to similarly resurrect the grand Hotel Julien. Rooms were enlarged, suites crafted and the historic lobby and ball- room were restored, Today, the hotel exudes elegance, from an impressive grand staircase in the lobby to soothing chocolate- and - honey- toned guest rooms, which feature high- quality linens and towels, granite- topped vanities and Aveda bath products. in the lower level, employees of the Potosa Spa are vvaitg to pamper you with a full com- plement of treatments inspired by the Amer- ican Indian medicine wheel and its four ele- ments: earth, wind, fire and water. More than 50 services are available, including massage, bath treatments, body treatments, facials hair care and nail services. Prices here are also modest for a boutique hotel: a 60- minute facial is $60, a lavish hourlong pedicure, $70. Down the hall from the spa is Caroline's Res - taurant, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner daily. Breakfast and lunchmenus fea- ture typical fare; the dinner menu offers sea- food, steaks and sandwiches, along with cre- ative dishes such as apple- and fig-stuffed pork fillets and andouille portabella quesadillas. History buffs will appreciate learning that the hotel was yet another one of gangster Al Ca- pone's hiding spots. Letters from the private re- cords of Louis Pfohl, who purchased the prop- Over the years, Hotel Julien Dubuque, shown in a historic post- card, has hosted Mark Twain, Abra- ham Lincoln and Al Capone. erty in 1962, along with testimony from a long- time hotel employee confirm Capone stayed there often, and may have even owned the ho- tel for a while. Capone supposedly comman- deered the entire eighth floor when in town, using a vault in one guest room to stash valu- ables — and sometimes himself — when the feds were hot on his tail. You can rent the multi - room Capone Suite, complete with the infa- mous bank vault, for $499 per night Not near- ly as affordable as the rest of the hotel's rooms, but not criminal, either, given the swanky ac- commodations. Melanie Radzicki McManus is a freelance writer in Sun Prai- rie, Wis. IF YOU GO Rooms at the Hotel Julien, 200 Main St., start at $109. Call 1-800-798-7098 or see www.hotel juliendubuque.com.FOI tislormation or appoint- ments at the Potosa Spa, call 1- 563 -588 -5570. GEOGRAPHY LR9800N The region was held by the Mlesqualde (Fox) In- dians when fin trader Julien Dubuque arrived in 1785. Situated on the Mississippi,the area first at- traded immigrants for mining and fur trading, an later for heavy industry It was chartered in 1837. BETTING THERE Dubuque is about 300 miles from the Tian Cities One route is Interstate 35 south to Hwy. 20 east. POPULAR ATTRACr800Ja The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium recently opened a new addition, the National River Centex, with awealtth of interest- ing information on the United States' great rivers. (Did you know Illinois reversed the flow of the Chicago River more than 100 years ago so the rive would dump Chicago's sewage into the Mississipg instead of Lake Michigan? Nice.) The facility also contains four saltwater aquariums; RiverWorks, a kids'hands -on area; and a 3D /AD immersion theater showing two flicks. The original museum, housed in a building adjacent to the River Center, entices visitors with six aquariums showcasing, for instance, river snakes, long nosed paddlefish and freakishly large blue catfish. You can also op- erate abarge simulator or step into a re- created steamboat pilothouse to take a turn spinning its wheel. (350 E.3rd St.; vr✓vw.rivermuseum.com;1- 800- 226 - 3369). A few blocks from the Hotel Julien is the Fesaelona Place Elevator, an incline elevator or funicular that whisks riders up the steep bluff via cable car. The funicular was created in 1882 by business- man J.K. Graves so he could get home each noon in time to eat and take a 30- rninute nap before returning to work. Today the elevator is open to the public; rides are 62 each way. Hop on andheea, up the bluff for prime views of the Mississippi, downtown Dubuque and neighboring Miarne- sota, Wisconsin and Illinois. (512 Fenelon Place; www.dbq.com /fenplco;. 1 - 563 - 582 - 5496). The Mines of Spain Stage Recreation Area is just a 10 minute drive from downtown Dubuque. The 1,330 - acre park hugging the shores 06 the Missis- sippi got its name because Spain owned the land at one time. The park features hiddng and cross- country ski trails through wooded blufflands, wet lands, prairie and meadows; scenic vistas; huntin and trapping. (www.iowadrr.gov /parks /; - 563 - 556 - 0620). MORE INFORalcaTPOS The Chamber of Commerce offers information at wuyw.traveldubuque.com or 1- 800 - 795-8844. x 4. Visitors check out a fish netted at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. How to find your way through autumn's color palette - chicagotribune.com Page 1 of 4 www. chicagotribune. com /travel /ct -trav- 0926- fall - colors- drives -2- 20100926, 0,23 50021. story chicagotribune.com How to find your way through autumn's color palette By Lisa Davis, Special to Tribune Newspapers September 26, 2010 This is our second installment of fall -color drives in the Midwest. Last week we featured Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin. This week we present Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. Happy hunting! Illinois Rock River Valley and the Lincoln Highway Distance from Chicago: 96 miles to Byron Peak season: mid - October advertisement The Internet. Chrome fast. Get Chrome The browser by Goode The Rock River Valley's lush green landscape along the river changes into glowing fall foliage on its oak and maple trees. Starting in Byron, you have two options: You can take River Road on the east side of the river or Illinois Route 2 on the west. Both run along the river, but locals will tell you that Route 2 is more scenic with its red and yellow leaves and sandstone bluffs. If you do choose River Road, you can walk along the river at the Byron Forest Preserve (7993 N. River Road) and take a drive through Lowden State Park (1411 N. River Road) to the Black Hawk statue, the seeming lord of the river. Going south along Illinois 2 from Byron, you also will see the statue, but this time from a distance and high on a cliff. It's worth getting out of the car and taking a photo of the statue set against the fall leaves. Continue south on Route 2 to the Maxson Riverboat & Restaurant (1469 N. Illinois Route 2), where you can take a 15 -mile river lunch cruise past Lowden State Park. Drive a little farther south to what is considered to be the sculpture capital of Illinois: Oregon, where the bronze Michael Jordan statue in front of the United Center was made. Oregon makes a quaint overnight, perhaps at the historic Pinehill Inn B &B (815- 732 -2067, pinehillbb.com). If you take the River Road, cross the river into Oregon at Illinois Route 64. Venture to one of Oregon's four state parks, including the 385 -acre White Pines, which is wooded with oaks and hickories and where you can have dinner inside a historic log cabin (6712 W. Pines Road). Castle Rock State Park (1365 W. Castle Road) is worth a stop to see its meadows of wildflowers and a scenic overlook of the surrounding valley. http: / /www. chicagotribune. com /travel /ct -trav- 0926- fall - colors- drives -2- 20100926,0,24191... 9/27/2010 How to find your way through autumn's color palette - chicagotribune.com Page 2 of 4 From Oregon, travel south on Route 2 toward Dixon. Before you get into town, you will see John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour (8334 S. Clinton St.). There is the home John Deere built and Deere's original blacksmith shop, plus fall colors of burgundies and reds from the site's maple trees. Tip: The site's resident blacksmith sells iron pieces, including candlestick holders, at the gift shop. From there, Route 2 will take you to Dixon, where President Ronald Reagan grew up, and then to Sterling and Rock Falls. In Rock Falls, you can stretch your legs along the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park's wooded trails, then take the Lincoln Highway (U.S. Highway 30) west to Fulton. In Fulton, the big draw is the foliage along the Mississippi River and also an authentic Dutch windmill at First Street and 10th Avenue. Tip: You can purchase flour ground at the mill at the Windmill Cultural Center across the street. The Heritage Canyon (515 N. Fourth St.) is another good stop. It's a historic 1850s village with plenty of fall foliage and park benches that overlook the river. Heading back east on U.S. 30, you can take Illinois Route 78 north to Damen Road. Go right and take that to Crosby Road, where you will turn left toward the Morrison- Rockwood State Park, a choice stop for fall leaf photos. From there, go back to Damen, head east and follow that road past a covered bridge and into Morrison, where you can connect to U.S. 30 east. Tip: If you are a train buff, before heading home, stop in Rochelle, off Interstate Highway 88, and visit the Rochelle Railroad Park (124 N. Ninth St.), the first railroad park in the U.S. dedicated to train viewing and where more than 100 trains pass each day. Directions from Chicago: Take I -88 west to Interstate Highway 39 north to Illinois Route 72 west. More information: Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition: 866 - 455 -4249, drivelincolnhighway.com Indiana Ohio River Scenic Route, southern Indiana Distance from Chicago: 315 miles to Corydon Peak season: mid - October The waves of fall colors along the scenic Ohio River in southern Indiana are nature's grand finale before the cold, gray days of winter. Start your drive in Corydon (Indiana's first capital) and go south on Indiana Route 135 to Indiana Route 62 heading west toward Leavenworth, where you can spend the night at The Leavenworth Inn (930 W. Indiana Route 62, 888 - 739 -2120, leavenworthinn.com) overlooking the Ohio River. Take a photo of the fall colors from the inn's restaurant, appropriately called The Overlook, with views of the river and a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and oranges from the sycamores, maples and tulip poplars. The next day, get back on Route 62 going west, and pass through Beechwood and then on to Indiana Route 66 toward Sulphur Springs and Oriole. For a scenic detour just past Oriole, take County Road 182 http: / /www. chicagotribune. com /travel /ct -trav- 0926- fall - colors- drives -2- 20100926,0,24191... 9/27/2010 How to find your way through autumn's color palette - chicagotribune.com Page 3 of 4 to the Buzzard Roost Recreation Area, which begins on a bluff and descends to the Ohio River through a hardwood forest. From there, you'll head south on Buzzard Roost Road to Magnet and then onto Dexter Magnet Road, which takes you to Dexter, where you'll pick up Route 66 again toward Derby. In Derby, you can overnight in one of the Ohio River Cabins (13445 N. Indiana Route 66, 812 - 836 -2289, ohiorivercabins.com) with fully equipped kitchens, campfire pits near the river, outdoor hot tubs and indoor fireplaces. (Another choice is the Colucci Log Cabins in Magnet; 17735 Magnet Valley Road, 866 - 452 -9431, coluccirivercabins.com.) For dinner, try the catfish and fried chicken at Ramsey's Tavern in Derby (15364 Old Indiana Route 70). From Derby, continue on Route 66 to Cannelton, ending the drive at Tell City. Recommended stops along the drive include the Scout Mountain Winery (2145 Scout Mountain Road) between Corydon and Leavenworth. Tip: From the winery, take a leafy detour through the O'Bannon Woods State Park off Route 62; the Blue Heron Vineyards & Winery (5330 Blue Heron Lane) in Cannelton; and the Squire Boone Caverns (100 Squire Boone Road SW) in Mauckport, discovered by Daniel Boone's brother in 1790. Also, west of Beechwood, the drive takes you through the Hoosier National Forest most of the way to Derby. The 200,000 -acre forest is almost a destination in itself, with more than 200 miles of trails and lakes. Directions from Chicago: Take Interstate Highway 65 south toward Louisville, then Interstate Highway 265 west to Interstate Highway 64 west and exit Corydon. Tip: If you want to make a leaf stop in Indianapolis (183 miles from Chicago), check out Fort Harrison State Park, Eagle Creek Park or Crown Hill Cemetery, which has tree tours that cover the 50 trees of Indiana. More information: Perry County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 812 -547 -7933 or 888 - 343 -6262, perrycountyindiana.org; Harrison County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 812 - 738 -2138 or 888 -738- 2137, thisisindiana.org; Crawford County Tourism Office, 888 - 755 -2282, crawfordcountyindiana.com Iowa Grant Wood Scenic Byway Distance from Chicago: 178 miles to Dubuque Peak season: early October You might wonder if you are in upstate New York when you begin the drive along the Grant Wood Scenic Byway. Instead of the Midwest's typical topography of flat cornfields, you'll find a hilly tour along the Mississippi River with dramatic tree - filled limestone bluffs. Start your drive in Dubuque, where you snap photos of the Mississippi River and the fall leaves aboard the Spirit of Dubuque (500 East Third St.). Afterward, stroll along the Port of Dubuque's riverwalk to the Stone Cliff Winery (600 Star Brewery http: / /www. chicagotribune. com /travel /ct -trav- 0926- fall - colors- drives -2- 20100926,0,24191... 9/27/2010 How to find your way through autumn's color palette - chicagotribune.com Page 4 of 4 Drive) for a glass of hot spiced apple wine and enjoy a prime rib sandwich at the adjacent Star Brewery. Spend the night at one of Al Capone's former hideouts, the Hotel Julien (200 Main St., 563 -556 -4200, hoteljuliendubuque.com), which recently completed a multimillion - dollar renovation. (Be sure to book a room with a view of the river and fall trees.) The next day, head south on U.S. Highway 52 to Bellevue, about 25 miles from Dubuque. There you can grab a picnic lunch at the Water Street Market (120 North Riverview) and sit along the Mississippi River. Continue south on U.S. 52 to the Bellevue State Park (24668 Highway 52) for hiking and a butterfly garden that attracts 60 species of butterflies each year. From Bellevue, take County Road Z15 south to Springbrook and then take County Road E17 west to Andrew. The scenery along the route will change a bit, showing more farms with trees dotting green fields. Continue on E17 past Andrew, where you will see patches of gorgeous white featherlike grass. Cross U.S. Highway 61 and take E17 to County Road Y31 south, where you'll come up to the wooded Maquoketa Caves State Park (10970 98th St.), which is nice for a quick drive- through. Continue on Y31 to Iowa Route 64 and go west on 64 to Baldwin, about eight miles away. For a scenic leaf detour, take a left on County Road Y34 in Baldwin toward the Eden Valley Nature Center (1415 50th Ave.). You can continue on the tree -lined Y34 with its limestone bluffs, then turn back to the nature center for a hike. Continue back up Y34, crossing over Route 64 to the Tabor Home Winery (3570 67th St.). Tip: Purchase a bottle and enjoy it outside at one of the winery's picnic tables. The winery also makes Iowa's first sparkling wine, called Toast of Iowa. Take Y34 back to 64, and head west to 136 at Wyoming. Head north to E17 east, and then take Y31 south to Maquoketa. If you have time, you can also go to Anamosa off of 64 and visit the Grant Wood Art Gallery (124 E. Main St.). There you can see historical photos of artist Grant Wood, whose famous "American Gothic" was inspired by nearby Stone City. Anamosa also is home to the National Motorcycle Museum (200 E. Main St.), which has more than 200 rare and vintage motorcycles dating to 1903, and the Daly Creek Winery and Bistro (106 N. Ford St.). In Maquoketa, spend the night at the Queen Anne mansion -style Squiers Manor Bed and Breakfast (418 W. Pleasant St., 563 -652 -6961, squiersmanor.com), where the owners serve homemade dessert each night. Other sites to visit include the Old City Hall Art Gallery (121 S. Olive St.), the 50,000- square -foot Banowetz Antique Mall and Showroom (122 McKinsey Drive), and the historic Decker Hotel and Restaurant (128 N. Main St.). Directions from Chicago: Take Interstate Highway 90 west to Interstate Highway 39 south toward Rockford and then onto U.S. Highway 20 west. More information: Iowa Tourism Office: 888 - 472 -6035, traveliowa.com ctc-travel@tribune.com Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune http: / /www. chicagotribune. com /travel /ct -trav- 0926- fall - colors- drives -2- 20100926,0,24191... 9/27/2010