Busy Parks

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January 4, 2024

Arches National Park, Utah. Credit: NPS/Veronica Verdin

Groups thinking about putting a national park on their itinerary will want to be aware of timed reservations that several of the parks are reintroducing this year.

Arches National Park, located in east-central Utah and which had a pilot vehicle registration system last year, will again initiate the program on April 1.

“We received many positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during the 2023 vehicle reservation pilot,” says Arches National Park Acting Superintendent Brendan Bray. “A repeat pilot program in 2024 will help us learn more about how such systems can provide visitors with the opportunity for enjoyable experiences while protecting the extraordinary landscapes they come to see.”

Program parameters will be the same as the 2023 pilot, according to information from the park. Visitors can book reservations on a first-come, first-served basis through recreation.gov. Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. As an example, reservations that opened in January are for the month of April. On Feb. 1, reservations will open for the month of May, and unreserved times in April will remain open. Additional months will continue the same pattern.

According to the National Park Service, the other national parks that will have timed reservations include:

Glacier National Park, beginning May 24 for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork, and on July 1 for Many Glacier.
Rocky Mountain National Park, beginning May 24.
Yosemite National Park will have a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates: On weekends from April 13 to June 30; every day from July 1 to Aug. 16; and on weekends from Aug. 17 to Oct. 27.
Zion National Park will require reservations to visit and hike the popular Angels Landing.

The aim of the timed entries is to help overcrowding at the parks. As an example, Arches National Park saw a 73% visitation growth rate—or an additional 2 million people annually—between 2011-2021, according to the NPS.

“This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage,” according to the agency. “During times of peak congestion prior to implementing the vehicle reservation pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gates until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all.”

It says the vehicle reservation pilots the previous two years “were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day.”

Main Image: Arches National Park, Utah, Credit: NPS/Veronica Verdin

Groups Find Riverside Recreation in Winona, Minnesota

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Group Tour Magazine

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July 13, 2023

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Scenic and historic Winona, Minnesota, is a great destination for group tours. Brimming with history, music, art, and outdoor recreation, this charming city has a wide array of activities to ensure an exciting travel experience for all visitors. Contact Visit Winona to start planning your tour today.

History

Not sure where to start on your Winona travel experience? The Winona County Historical Society and Visit Winona can coordinate step-on guides for bus tours to get an overview of the city. Based on your group’s interests, you can see Winona’s top attractions, view the river valley from atop the bluffs, tour museums, and more.

Groups can also explore Winona’s Windom Park Historic District with the help of local guides. This architecture and history tour sheds light on Winona in the late 1800’s, when the city allegedly had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. Tour highlights include a stop by the statue of the legendary figure We-no-nah, the namesake of the city.

Boats and Bluegrass Festival
Credit: Visit Winona

Arts

Winona is an artistic city with plenty of creative activities and events. In addition to its own plentiful art galleries and local performance venues, Winona plays host to popular live music events, including Minnesota Beethoven Festival, the Boats and Bluegrass Festival, the Mid West Music Festival.

From June through the end of July, groups can take in performances at The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF). Each year, the talented company performs multiple works by the Bard, in what Talkin’ Broadway calls “an essential part of summer in Minnesota.” In addition to attending the play, the audience can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, and panel discussions with the cast and crew.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s (MMAM) education programs and art exhibitions explore mankind’s relationship with water. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum’s six galleries contain contemporary exhibitions and historic artworks. Schedule a guided tour focused on three specific galleries, then wander the MMAM’s 3.5 acres of gardens with over 60,000 native plants.

Outdoors

Winona is in the gorgeous bluff region, a unique geographic area that offers myriad hiking and biking trails. Sugar Loaf Bluff might be Winona’s most famous landmark, offering excellent views of the surrounding area. The hike up to this nearly 85-foot bluff is only 20 minutes long, making it easy to incorporate into a busy day of exploring.

The National Eagle Center has two floors of exhibits on regional history of the Dakota peoples and other residents, the environment of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, and the history of eagles in the U.S. Book a tour with a live eagle ambassador and follow local experts to observe nest sites, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and other wildlife. Group discounts are available.

Get out on the water with the Winona Tour Boat. This narrated boat tour covers the history of Winona and its relationship to the mighty Mississippi River as it floats by the commercial port, barge systems, and famous boat house community. Not only will your group get a unique perspective on the city’s history, but it’s a great opportunity to spot eagles, turtles, deer, and more of Winona’s native wildlife.

Lead Image:
Winona’s river valley from atop the bluffs
Credit: Visit Winona

All Aboard!

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April 24, 2024

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Prepare to be transported across space and time with a ride on the West’s many scenic railroad attractions. As your group chugs along through the mountains of Colorado or across the valleys of the Southwest, travelers will look out the window to see the varied landscapes of the West as they enjoy cultural programming, historical presentations about the region or train itself, and behind-the-scenes looks at the bygone era of rail travel.

If your group is traveling through Colorado, consider including one of the state’s many scenic train rides in your next itinerary. At 64 miles in length, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is “the longest, highest, and most authentic steam railroad in North America.” Depart from Antonito, Colorado, or Chama, New Mexico, and experience the best of both states’ scenery as the train crosses the state borders 11 times and passes through canyons, forests, and tunnels. Relive the “Golden Age” of rail travel with a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This train excursion is a National Historic Landmark, and the experience aims to re-create an authentic ride on the rails circa 1882. Ride through San Juan National Forest and see the beautiful Animas River and the Rocky Mountains. Experience Canon City, Colorado’s Royal Gorge, like never before with the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. Offering first-class dining and service, the on-board experience is only topped by the breathtaking scenery. The route runs along the Arkansas River and between towering rock walls, and your group might even catch a glimpse of an elk or bighorn sheep. Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian-owned railroad company that offers exceptional onboard service and a relaxing environment to take in the beauty of the West. Start your group’s two-day journey in the red rocks of Moab, Utah, before heading to Glenwood Springs and Denver, Colorado. Along the way, marvel at Ruby Canyon, Mount Garfield, Moffat Tunnel, and the Colorado River.

Narrow Gauge Railroad, Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad; Credit: Denise Chambers/Miles

Many train attractions include onboard entertainment and cultural programming so you can be immersed in the uniqueness of the region you’re riding through. Visit Lewiston in central Montana to board the Charlie Russell Chew Choo, which takes groups on a 56-mile roundtrip excursion through the heart of “Big Sky Country.” One of the most popular rides is the Montana Dinner Train, which includes a 4 1/2-hour train ride, full-course meal, live music, and Western-themed entertainment. Or, climb aboard the Sky Railway in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which offers train rides with flamenco dancing, sunset serenades, jazz performances, and much more as your group travels through the desert.

See some of the West’s most famous mountains via railcar. Travel to Pikes Peak, aka America’s Mountain, in style with a ride on The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The train climbs 14,115 feet in altitude to the top of the peak, where groups can disembark to enjoy sweeping 360-degree mountain views and explore the recently added Summit Visitor Center that offers dining services and interpretive visits that illustrate Pikes Peak’s unique geography and history. In Oregon, take a 3-mile train tour through the Columbia River Gorge near the base of Mount Hood. The attraction offers four different themed railroad experiences—Halloween Train, Christmas Train, Summer Train, and Easter Train—for a seasonal excursion. Just outside of Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad offers an hour-long train ride through the lush forests of Washington state. Pulled by a 100-year-old steam engine and featuring an open-air car and two historic Pullman passenger coaches, this vintage train ride will transport groups.

By Katherine Lawless

Main Image: Rocky Mountaineer tour; Credit: Rocky Mountaineer

Honor & Valor

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April 23, 2024

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Across the Midwest, there are countless memorials, monuments, and museums that honor America’s veterans, ranging from the ragtag groups of rebels that won the American Revolutionary War to the men and women who serve all over the world today. At these museums, groups can journey through America’s defining moments, and appreciate the camaraderie and acts of wartime valor of the Heartland’s veterans. Expert guides, some of whom may be veterans themselves, guide groups through the past and can offer insights into the lives and lessons of America’s heroes.

National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, tells the stories of the U.S. Air Force (USAF), which last year celebrated its 100-year anniversary. With more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles plus thousands of artifacts spread across 19 acres of indoor exhibits, this is the world’s largest military aviation museum. In its collection, groups can discover presidential aircraft used by Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan, to name a few. It also has galleries that offer an in-depth look at the Korean War, the Cold War, and the USAF’s airlift capabilities, which have offered support to servicepeople, prisoners of war, and hostages around the world.

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an excellent place to appreciate the engineering accomplishments of the U.S. military and the individuals pioneering the future of American aviation. This unique museum features more than 100 rare and historic air and space artifacts, amusement park-style rides, and full-motion flight simulators for an immersive, historical experience. Learn about the museum’s two restored Navy aircraft, which were rescued from the depths of Lake Michigan after 65 years of being submerged, or see exhibits that highlight the Apollo 11 mission, trailblazing female pilots and astronauts, technological advancements during the World War II era, and much more.

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Kalamazoo, Michigan;
Credit: Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

Many states have museums that honor hometown heroes. Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison, Wisconsin, preserves the stories of the state’s veterans through permanent exhibits on the Civil War, the Spanish American War, the Philippine War, and the U.S. Navy’s Great White Fleet led by the USS Wisconsin (BB-9). The museum’s collection of more than 2,800 interviews with veterans from World War I to the pres- ent allows guests to hear history through the words of the people who lived it.

In Frankenmuth, the Michigan Heroes Museum describes itself as “a shrine to ordinary lives, caught up in and sometimes ended by the extraordinary experience of war.” Dedicated to Michigan’s veterans, it holds more than 900 exhibits that each focus on one specific Michigan soldier, marine, sailor, airman, or astronaut, making for a moving and intimate museum experience. The Michigan Heroes Museum is also home to the largest collection of Medals of Honor out of any museum in the country and offers Heroes Next Door educational lectures that can be tailored to speak to the military experiences and interests of your group members. A few other examples include the Minnesota Air National Guard Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota; Iowa Aviation Heritage Museum in Ankeny, Iowa; and the Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes, Indiana.

Make way to Chicago, Illinois, to visit the National Veterans Art Museum, which is designed to “inspire dialogue of the impact of war through the collection, preservation, and exhibition of art by military veterans.” The museum was founded by the Vietnam Veterans Art Group at a time when many arts institutions were unwilling to showcase controversial art related to the Vietnam War. The museum created a space for veterans and artists to express themselves, and today it features works by 115 artists who served in conflicts from WWII to the modern Global War on Terror.

By Katherine Lawless

Main Image: National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio; Credit: Ken LaRock

Itinerary: Lewis County, West Virginia

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 22, 2024

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EXPERIENCE

From outdoor havens to museums and places to eat, Lewis County, West Virginia, has a great mix of offerings. Start with adventure at Stonewall Resort State Park, spanning 19,000 acres just 3 miles from Interstate 79. The spread is home to Stonewall Resort and Stonewall Jackson Lake, the latter touted as one of West Virginia’s most undeveloped and scenic lakes; it has more than 82 miles of shoreline. The park offers lakeside camping and cottages and more than 16 miles of trails. A boat launch and rentals, an 18-hole golf course, health and fitness facilities, and a full-service spa and swimming pool make this a place to relax and soak in some fun.

LEARN

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, formerly Weston State Hospital, in Weston is a historic building that dates to the mid-1800s. The site offers tours—paranormal, photo, and festival flashlight tours among them—during which visitors can hear stories about the area’s interesting history, including a gold robbery, raids during the Civil War, and the alleged ghosts that haunt the site.

Also in Weston is the The Museum of American Glass in West Virginia. Its mission is to promote the heritage of glass, honor the lives of glass workers and their families, and share information about the machines and tools used in glass houses.

TASTE

Lambert’s Vintage Winery is constructed of hand-cut stones from around West Virginia. The facility, besides offering wine tasting and group tours, sells pottery. If crab-stuffed shrimp, pasta, or bacon-wrapped meatloaf sparks an appetite, Thyme Bistro is a must stop. There is more on the menu, of course, including tasty desserts such as cobblers, pies, and ice creams. Buns is a burger restaurant that also caters to those with a craving for pizza and shakes.

LEARN MORE

West Virginia Department of Tourism

wvtourism.com

Main Image: Stonewall Jackson Lake; Credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism

Iowa Travel Industry Partners

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 17, 2024

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Celebration Bell Sur le Mississipi Etat de l'IOWA — Celebration Bell Sur le Mississipi Etat de l’IOWA

Clear Lake Motorcoach Group at Surf — Celebration Bell Sur le Mississipi Etat de l’IOWA

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Iowa! Dive into Iowa’s diverse landscape, from agritourism to bustling city life. Let the expert members of iTIP craft tailored group experiences, blending nostalgia with discovery. Explore captivating attractions, indulge in culinary delights, and unwind in charming accommodations under Iowa’s starry skies.

With activities catering to all ages and interests, from students to Baby Boomers, immerse yourself in the warmth of Midwest hospitality. Discover hidden gems and create lasting memories with our exclusive group-friendly itineraries. Trust Iowa Travel Industry Partners to curate your ultimate Iowa adventure.

Nearby attractions: Iowa Travel Industry Partners has members all over the state. We can help brainstorm attractions that should be on your itinerary or put you in contact with those that you are interested in.

Type of Receptive: Statewide DMO

Features/Services Offered: Each member and attraction offers a range of group tour services. iTIP can plan itineraries and connect you with the right team to make a booking.

Iowa Travel Industry Partners
Group Sales Contact: Chelsea Lerud
PO Box 1173
Burlington, Iowa 52601
Phone: 515-207-0009
Group Sales Email: info@iowatravelindustry.org
Web: iowatravelindustry.org/itineraries

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Travel the Night Skies

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 17, 2024

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Stargazing (and we’re not talking about the celebrity kind) is a wonderful group activity in the Western states because of wide-open spaces, dark-sky initiatives, and public observatories on mountaintops that offer access to the country’s most powerful telescopes. Groups seeking out quasars, comets, planets, and the wonders of the night sky will enjoy awe-struck evenings at the Griffith Observatory, just a short jaunt from the famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

The Griffith’s 12-inch refracting Zeiss telescope has been peered through by more than 7 million people since it was installed in 1935. Your group will also enjoy the Signs of Life program, which details how chemistry and physics incite the universe’s constant evolution. The program also takes your group through the solar system, the Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond to discover more signs of life.

Experts speak every evening in the summer during astronomy events at the Lick Observatory, perched on the 4,213-foot summit of Mount Hamilton, east of San Jose, California. Groups are welcome, free of charge, to visit the visitor center during regular open hours, while tickets are required for evening programs during which visitors can look through the 36-inch Great Lick Refractor and the Nickel 40-inch reflecting scopes. A selection of evening programs also include musical events and photography sessions.

Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tucson, Arizona;
Credit: Visit Tucson/Matthew P. Hunt

Arizona has several famous observatories. The rings of Saturn can be sighted through the Alvan Clark 24-inch refracting telescope at the Lowell Observatory, a mile west of Flagstaff. The Lowell’s instrument is so powerful it has been used to look for life on Mars. Farther south, about 50 miles outside of Tucson, the Kitt Peak National Observatory at the summit of Kitt Peak claims the largest collection of research telescopes in the world, with two scopes available for viewing. The observatory is also very active during the day with a variety of programs for groups. When the sun sets, the Kitt’s famous evening and overnight programs teach groups how to discover constellations, view hidden objects in the sky with binoculars, and find deep-sky objects with the telescopes.

Last, but not least, the Mount Graham International Observatory in Safford, operated by Eastern Arizona College, includes the Discovery Park Campus that offers tours from mid-May through October. The tour includes information on the mountain’s rich geology, history, and biodiversity; lunch near the summit; and a visit to the observatory’s Submillimeter Telescope, Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, and Large Binocular Telescope.

By C. L. LeFevre

Main Image: Lick Observatory, San Jose, California; Credit: Unsplash/Anshul Jain

Coastal Virginia

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 16, 2024

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When you’re planning a group tour in coastal Virginia, chances are you’re going to take a deep dive into “The Cradle of American History.” The area is also home to the greatest military in world history. You’ll want to book with AFR Tours, the region’s only full-service receptive tour operator. From world-class museums and historic sites to military bases and the plentiful Chesapeake Bay, there is a lot to take in.

AFR Tours specializes in cruise ship excursions. The area is surrounded by water—the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, rivers, back bays, sounds, and streams—so opportunities lie in fine-dining sunset cruises, whale-watching, and kayaking with dolphins. The tour company also offers full-service planning of inbound motorcoach tours from all over the East Coast.

In Norfolk, specifically, groups can spend the morning at Nauticus, a fun and interactive maritime discovery center, to explore the power of the sea. Discover the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, where groups are introduced to over 200 years of naval activity in Hampton Roads. Walk the teak decks of Battleship Wisconsin, one of the last and largest battleships built by the U.S. Navy. Stand beneath her 16-inch guns and feel the excitement of being aboard a historic warship.

Groups can visit the MacArthur Memorial, the final resting place of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his wife, to discover the compelling story of this five-star Army general and the millions of American men and women who served our nation during the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Occupation of Japan, and the Korean War.

For fare, tourgoers can enjoy dinner at Stripers Waterside, which offers a local, fresh seafood menu and waterfront views. A few favorites on the menu include she crab soup and choice prime rib. Have a sweet tooth? End the group’s evening with a famous waffle cone from Doumar’s Cones & Barbeque. Abe Doumar invented this sweet novelty by rolling a waffle into a cone shape, to which he added ice cream. Doumar’s still bakes cones on the original cone machines. Some other fun haunts include the Norfolk Botanical Garden and Norfolk Premium Outlets.

Another must-visit spot in Virginia Beach is Beachside Social, a 10,000-square-foot shuffleboard club and games bar. By combining an unusual mixture of games, design, and entertainment, Beachside Social offers a unique day and nighttime venue with a full bar, fast-casual menu, and stunning ocean views. Try your hand at shuffleboard, bocce ball, and plenty of board games.

If your group wants to get in the water, dolphin kayak tours with Kayak Nature Tours is the way to go. The company has been offering tours for 26 years and specializes in experiencing dolphins up close and personal from late April through October. The trip is $62 per person and includes all kayak gear. No experience is necessary, but advance reservations are required. For booking information, check out visitvirginiabeach.com.

By Andrea Stehle

Main Image: AFR Tours, Norfolk; Credit: AFR Tours

Itinerary: Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 15, 2024

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EXPLORE

In southwestern Pennsylvania, 3,000 miles of the Laurel Highlands hide serene, stunning natural and manmade wonders. The highlands attract visitors looking to explore and reconnect with nature in all its forms, from the sweet-scented, laurel-covered hills to the drama of cascading waterfalls.

DISCOVER

The rolling mountains and valleys of the Laurel Highlands inspired Frank Lloyd Wright to design some of the most impressive gems of his architectural career, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fallingwater. Fallingwater, the iconic “organic architecture” home positioned over the crest of a serene waterfall, is located in the highlands, as are three other incredible homes he designed.

TOUR

Pennsylvania’s craft beverage history runs deeper than its valleys. Both the oldest whiskey distillery and the oldest brewery reside in the state, and it is home to numerous modern whiskey makers, wineries, and craft breweries. Groups can request a passport with a list of craft beverage makers in the area, then embark on the self-guided “Pour Tour.” Some highlights on the tour include the West Overton Village and Ridge Runner Distillery, located near where the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion took place.

LEARN

Incredible history is hidden away around the highlands. To see everything, groups can embark on a four-day road trip called the Historic National Road Byway with 20 stops at some of the most historically significant places in the entire country. The Byway offers groups an easy itinerary to see sites like the Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and more.

LEARN MORE

Go Laurel Highlands

golaurelhighlands.com

Main Image: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater; Credit: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

A Ride Through History

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April 10, 2024

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Harley-Davidson Museum exterior — Hill Climber monument at Harley-Davidson Museum Hill Climber monument at Harley-Davidson Museum Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum

A walk through the Harley-Davidson (H-D) Museum is like taking a walk through the history of America. With an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia, a park-like campus, two retail stores, an amazing restaurant, and a calendar full of activities, the H-D Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations for visitors from around the globe.

More than just a motorcycle museum, the H-D Museum is a celebration of freedom and passion for the open road. Visitors are welcome to discover culture and history through stories and interactive exhibits that celebrate expression, camaraderie, and love for the sport. With a selection of rotating exhibits, there is always something new to experience. Two new exhibits will open in 2024, including one that focuses on how art and design play together to create the world’s most iconic motorcycles.

Tank Wall Exhibit at Harley-Davidson Museum — Tank Wall Exhibit at Harley-Davidson
Museum Photo by Brad Chaney

For groups seeking more personalized experiences, various enhancements are available. Audio tours can be arranged in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Guided tours are another option: “The Spotlight Tour” (one hour) is an ideal walkthrough and introduction to the story of Harley-Davidson. The “Beyond the Gate Tour” (one and a half hours) is perfect for enthusiasts and guests who want to delve deeper into the experience. Lastly, the “VIP Tour” (two hours) includes a walkthrough of the exhibits, a visit to the Motorcycle Vault, special time with a curator or archivist on staff, and a commemorative coin. Youth group programs are available as well, including Engineering Merit Badge and STEM experiences.

Harley-Davidson Museum
877-436-8738
h-dmuseum.com

Lead image:
Hill Climber monument at Harley-Davidson Museum
Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum

Itinerary: Frankenmuth, Michigan

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 10, 2024

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SHOP

Nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” Frankenmuth, located an hour and a half from Detroit, looks just like an actual German town. Find German-inspired buildings and shops throughout the town, like the Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Co. that looks as if it has been transported from Europe. Here, your group can stock up on authentic German wares, like cuckoo clocks. For more shopping, go to the Frankenmuth River Place Shops, found right on the Cass River and filled with delightful retail shops and eateries. To experience the holidays year-round, look no further than Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store.

LEARN

One local must-see museum is the Michigan Heroes Museum. It honors Michiganians who hold notable military and space accomplishments, with collections that feature more than 900 veterans and their achievements, from the Civil War to space missions. Among all of the museum institutions in the United States, this museum has more medals of honor than any other.

EXPLORE

One of the very best ways to see Frankenmuth in all its glory is from the water—namely, through a tour on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, which looks like a paddlewheel riverboat from the 1800s. Your group will board the 150-passenger boat via a handicap-accessible dock to glide along the Cass River. From early May to mid-October, set sail for a one-hour narrated tour where you can learn about the area’s history and see the sights. To take a look at one of the most notable landmarks in the region, visit the Holz Brücke Covered Bridge, which (appropriately!) is German for “wooden bridge.” The bridge was constructed in 1980, but it looks like the real deal from times gone by, stretching across the Cass River and offering ideal opportunities to snap pictures.

LEARN MORE

Visit Frankenmuth

frankenmuth.org

Main Image: Bavarian Belle Riverboat; Credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Little Rock Welcomes Hundreds for Domestic Showcase

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Group Tour Magazine

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April 9, 2024

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This year’s Domestic Showcase, hosted by Southeast Tourism Society (STS), was held March 20-22 in Little Rock, Arkansas. People from across the country—346 in total—attended the three-day event, which comprised group tour planners, sales and marketing professionals, public relations representatives, and journalists.

“Attendance was down slightly due to it being over spring break,” says STS President and CEO Monica Smith, “but the feedback we’ve received so far was that the quality of appointments was high, and attendees enjoyed the tours and off-site events.”

Smith says she and her team were excited to be in Little Rock and the experiences they had there were memorable ones.

“We were so grateful to the Little Rock CVB and Arkansas Tourism for hosting the event,” she tells Group Tour. “It’s been amazing to see the growth of Little Rock and the addition of new attractions and tourism assets to the destination. … Every time I visit Little Rock, I discover something new, and this visit was no exception.  The Little Rock CVB did a great job in hosting STS Domestic Showcase.”

Likewise, Little Rock was happy to play host to Domestic Showcase, says Jeff Chastain, director of communications with Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s always a privilege to welcome so many industry professionals to our home, as it allows us to do more than tell you about our city—we get to show it to you,” he tells Group Tour. “Our partner attractions, hotels, and restaurants were also delighted to showcase what makes Little Rock special.”

The event kicked off Wednesday, March 20, with tours around the host city, including media tours for journalists. That evening, an opening reception was held at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum, where, besides tasty eats, guests had the chance to self-guide parts of the center to see historical documents and memorabilia from President Bill Clinton’s time in office at the nation’s capital.

William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum;
Credit: Andrew Weeks

The main event of the Showcase was held Thursday and Friday at the Statehouse Convention Center at the Little Rock Marriott Hotel, where representatives from the tourism departments of the Southern states and some of their cities shared information with members of the media and others about their destinations. The format was much like speed-dating, where a journalist, for instance, would spend 12 minutes with a marketing organization before moving on to the next appointment.

One highlight for journalists was dinner at Brave New World, a gourmet restaurant that overlooks the Arkansas River and is known for its goat cheese mousse, walleye, and chocolate crème brulé. Its menu has many other options as well.

When the event ended on Friday, another group of tours started the following day for those media types who had signed up to visit other areas of Arkansas. These post-event familiarity trips returned on Monday, March 25.

“We hope our guests left with a picture of how much Little Rock has to offer,” Chastain says. “From the world-class Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts to the only purse museum in the country and the historic Central High School, we have so much culture to observe. Our dining scene is vibrant and diverse, and our outdoor activities start right here in town.”

Typically, the location for the following year’s Domestic Showcase is announced on the final day of the event, but that didn’t happen this time. Instead, officials say they want time to evaluate this year’s gathering to see what modifications, if any, they may incorporate into planning next year’s event before announcing the next host city. They expect to make an announcement later this spring or early summer.

Little Rock hosted Domestic Showcase about 10 years ago, a span of time that is “too long between visits,” Chastain says. “So much has changed in Little Rock [since then], and we are enjoying a forward momentum. There will be more to see in the future, and we will definitely want to host again!”

By Andrew Weeks

Main Image: Visitor Center at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, near Little Rock, Arkansas; Credit: Andrew Weeks

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