Experience the charm and beauty of the Midwest on this seven-day journey through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. From the peaceful Amish community of Shipshewana to the timeless elegance of Mackinac Island and the thrilling Michigan Sand Dunes, each day brings something new to enjoy. Guests will explore historic landmarks, natural wonders, and unique cultural experiences along the way. It’s a warm and scenic getaway ideal for travelers who appreciate history, relaxation, and adventure all in one trip.
• May 19 – May 25, 2026
• June 2 – June 8, 2026
• June 26 – July 2, 2026
We depart Missouri and travel to Lincoln’s Home, where Abraham Lincoln lived before becoming President. Visitors learn about his life and the history of Springfield, IL. We spend the night in Pontiac, IL.
We travel to Shipshewana, IN, a charming Amish town known for handmade goods and peaceful countryside living. Guests may take a carriage ride (on their own) and enjoy local Amish restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
After a long travel day, we arrive at the ferry dock in the late afternoon and ride to Mackinac Island. The evening is free to explore — rent a bicycle, shop, or walk the island.
We begin with a tour of the island, ending at the iconic Grand Hotel, known for the longest porch in America. Guests then have the rest of the day free to explore, ride bikes, relax, or stroll the island before spending a second night on Mackinac Island. Lunch is on your own today. Breakfast is on your own while on the island.
We tour Fort Mackinac, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we take the ferry back to the mainland and travel to Grand Rapids, MI, where dinner is prepared for the group.
After lunch, we head to the Saugatuck Dune Buggy Ride for a mix of thrills and scenic views across the Michigan Dunes. Our exciting day concludes in Joliet, IL.
We journey home carrying memories of Shipshewana’s hospitality, Mackinac Island’s charm, and the fun of the dune buggy ride. Although the tour ends, the shared laughter and experiences will linger for years.
These cross country trips are designed so that you can see and do a lot of things in a relatively short time. We use custom built full size touring coaches which are designed to accommodate 22 passengers very comfortably with a lot of special amenities. Some of these amenities include card tables for the avid players, a kitchen, wi-fi, 110 volt outlets, and a couch in the back. Just being able to get up and walk around or lie down and take a nap is a great advantage. We also prepare hot lunches on board and carry our own tables and chairs so we can have picnics at some of the most beautiful places in America. The idea is to create a “family” atmosphere which is easy to do with so few people on each tour. These are not ordinary bus trips.
On all the trips, except those with special exclusions, we have vans pick up passengers within 130 travel miles of Rolla and then meet up with the motorcoach to head out toward the destination (see next section for more details). Each day we will typically see or do one thing in the morning and then another in the afternoon. Since there is so much to see and do, we usually depart by 8:00 am and arrive at our destination city around 6:00 pm that evening. Dinner is on your own; however, we will drive to a neighborhood restaurant if there’s not one very near the hotel. On the last day, we arrive back in Missouri in the late afternoon. If we picked you up, we will take you back home, and everyone else will go to Rolla to get their car.
The price of each trip includes the motorcoach, lodging, hotel breakfasts, lunches and the cost of all venues shown. It also includes the shuttle to and from your home if you live within 130 travel miles from Rolla (if there are several people at the same location, this 130 mile criteria will be extended). Everyone living outside the 130 miles receive a $100 discount. If you live inside 130 miles and choose to drive to Rolla, you will receive a $50 discount.
The price is based on two persons per room. If four people share a room, the price will be reduced by the cost of the saved room divided by four. If you would like your own room, please call our office for a quote. To reserve a seat, you must send a $200 deposit per person. The remainder is due 45 days prior to the trip. The price does not include gratuity for the driver and hostess.
If you cancel more than 45 days prior to the beginning of the trip, you will receive back all but a $50 per person processing fee and any credit card fees that may apply. If you cancel between 45 and 15 days prior, you will receive a 50% refund. If we are able to fill the spot you vacated, you will receive back all of your money except credit card and processing fees. If you have to cancel less than 15 days prior or have to leave during the trip, you will receive a refund of any hotel costs and venues we are able to cancel. If you want a cancellation waiver to cover the potential loss if you have to cancel inside of 45 days, the cost is $100 per person (or $75 for the 5/6 day tours). Our cancellation waiver provides no coverage once the trip begins. If you have previously been on 5 or more of our tours, you will receive the cancellation waiver at no cost.
**Itineraries and arranged sightseeing are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to operate tours as planned, but alterations may occur after the itinerary has been published.**
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