The Mystery Tour is always one of my favorite tours because of the freedom we have in setting the itinerary and the element of surprise. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve been asked the destinations of the Mystery Tour. People use every method such as “Gene, so where will you be tomorrow?” hoping to catch me off guard. All the efforts at prying the destinations were in vain however, as my training as a CIA operative kicked in. I had a GREAT group of 29 people on the tour, and I had so much fun with them. Our motor coach operator was Jeff Hageman who drove the first tour I ever did back in 2009. We had several great guides who brought the Amana Colonies, Pella Historical Park, Bridges of Madison County, and the Strategic Air/Space Museum to life. In addition, there were several great meals - one of the highlights was the family style meal with incredible pie at the Ox Yoke Restaurant in Amana. We played several games on the bus and prizes of gold were distributed to winners – OK “gold” dollar U.S. coins. The Broadway show featured great singing and humorous dialogue.
Below is a recap of the destinations that we toured:
Day 1: National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque
The Amana Colonies
Hotel: Amana, IA
Day 2: Pella Iowa – Historical Village and Vermeer Windmill
The Bridges of Madison County
Dinner at Henry Wallace Farm (FDR’s VP)
Hotel: Omaha, NE
Day 3: Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha Neb.
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Hotel: Topeka, KS
Day 4: Kansas State Capitol
Brown v. Board of Education Historical Park
Evel Knievel Museum
Quality Hill Playhouse: Broadway Duets
Hotel: Kansas City, MO
Day 5 Hallmark Visitor’s Center and Crown Center
World War I Museum
Hotel: St. Louis, MO.
Day 6 Gateway Arch
Riverboat Cruise
There were so many great sights and experiences- please take a look at my photos! The 2024 Mystery Tour is planned, and it will feature an amazing array of destinations. Please sign up early as this tour sells out! I look forward to your efforts to get me to divulge the destinations…
