Grand Excursion 2004 celebrates the renaissance of the upper
Mississippi River region and builds upon the original Grand Excursion of 1854, a
celebration and journey that brought world-wide attention to what was then
America’s wild, western frontier. Throughout 2004, the 50 plus communities
along 400 miles of the upper Mississippi invite the world to celebrations,
educational events, enhanced recreation opportunities, and cultural programs.
The signature event of Grand Excursion 2004 is the Grand Flotilla, the largest
steamboat flotilla in 100 years, that will journey through four states, from the
Quad Cities to the Twin Cities from June 25 – July 5, 2004. Come and
experience the magic of Grand Excursion 2004, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We’ll
begin our day browsing the “Cloudy Waters” Exhibit at the
Minnesota Historical Center, an architectural masterpiece made of Minnesota
materials Rockville Granite and Winona Limestone. It’s been called the finest
building constructed in Minnesota since the State Capitol. The “Cloudy
Waters” exhibit will be an introduction to the multi-faceted history of the
Mississippi River and its importance in the history of Minnesota presented from
the Native American perspective. “Minnesota” loosely translated from the
Dakota language means “cloudy waters.” This exhibit, like the River, will
present contradictions. The Mississippi has been a source of life and an avenue
of death. It’s ever changing, yet a constant presence connecting people and
transporting goods. The viewer will, like the river, meander through the exhibit
visiting different areas with different stories and different methods of
storytelling. After lunch on our own in the Cafeteria of the History Center,
we’ll be ready for our leisurely guided one hour Mill Ruins Park Walking
Tour in the St. Anthony Falls area, rich in historic features. We’ll get a
glimpse into an era when Minneapolis was number one in flour milling. We’ll be
walking across the restored James J. Hill Stone Arch Bridge with a
beautiful view of St. Anthony Falls and ending at the Mill City Museum,
Minnesota’s newest state-of-the-art museum. Built within the limestone ruins
of the Washburn A Mill, this National Historic Landmark along the Mississippi
River was once the centerpiece of the world’s flour milling industry. Because
of this industry, Minneapolis became known as “Mill City.” With its access
to rail and river shipping, Mill City fed the world and changed forever the way
people purchased and baked their food.
After our Welcome
Reception at the Hilton Minneapolis North we’ll have time to freshen up
and then have dinner on our own in the nearby Cracker Barrel Restaurant. This
evening we’re in for a special treat! Our step-on-guide will
lead us on “The Grand to Great Tour,” showing us the sights visited
by the original Grand Excursion of 1854. We’ll learn about the shady deal that
kept St. Paul the Capital City and view the accomplishments of the early
pioneers. We’ll experience the magnificent renaissance of St. Paul,
highlighted by a visit to restored Harriet Island. We’ll
arrive back at the Hilton for a good night’s sleep – dreaming of days gone
by!
Day 2
After our early included breakfast, our coach will be waiting to depart
for Prescott, Wisconsin, where we’ll board the Celebration Belle, the
largest luxury excursion boat on the upper Mississippi
River.
This ornamental Sternwheeler is 190 feet long and it’s homeport is Moline,
Illinois. We’ll have a six hour luncheon cruise up the Mississippi River,
as a part of the Grand Excursion Flotilla, the largest steamboat flotilla in
100 years. What a wonderful memory this we’ll be with the crowds lining the
river, waving and cheering our entry, just as it happened 150 years ago.
After
docking and leaving the Belle behind, we’ll attend the “Taste of
Minnesota” on Harriet Island. Don’t count calories, count on satisfying
your appetite with ethnic specialties as well as unique and traditional festival
food offered by over 50 of the area’s best establishments. There will be music
and entertainment to satisfy all “tastes”, as well as many informational
display booths. Choose from among the delicious foods available at Taste of
Minnesota for your evening meal before our coach departs for home at 6pm..
We’ll be able to sit back and relax, replaying in our minds our wonderful
“Grand Excursion I” weekend. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Boarding Points/Departure Times: Fairmont
6:20am/6:25am
Blue Earth 6:45am/6:55am
Winnebago
7:10am/7:15am Amboy
7:30am/7:40am Mankato
8:10am/8:15am
St.
Peter 8:35am/8:45am
Cost: Quad
$199 Triple
$209 Double
$219 Single $259
Riverboat Cruise Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Grand
Excursion I Reservation Form
Friday & Saturday July 2 & 3, 2004
Cost: Quad
$199, Triple $209, Double $219, Single $259
Deadline:
Tuesday, February 24,
2004 Walking Ability
Name(s)_____________________________________________Nickname______________________
Address ______________________________________ Boarding Pt
___________________________
City _______________________________ State
___________________________ Zip ____________
Phone ___________________________________ Email
____________________________________
Rooming With
_______________________________________________________________________
Please make
Reservations and Payment to your Local CE Office or Travel Club.
I(we) have read and accept the policies of Pioneer Travel & Tour, Inc.
Signature(s)________________________________________________________ Tour #
40702