HEARTLAND BYWAYS
Exploring our heritage in the "Land of Lincoln"
Including a 3 day cruise on the
Illinois and Mississippi Rivers from Peoria to St. Louis
12 - 21 May, 2012
While the big cities like Chicago have all the "glitz" and fame, the smaller towns and villages often provide a better insight into our Nation's heritage and culture. We invite you to come with us as we explore the sights and history of lesser known places: Dixon, Amboy, Bishop Hill, Metamora, Tampico, Utica, Ottawa, La Salle -- each with a fascinating story to tell.
Some highlights of our journey:
• Three day cruise on the Spirit of Peoria riverboat, from Peoria to St. Louis
• Stay at two classic 1930's hotels, at Starved Rock and Pere
Marquette State Parks 
• Ronald Reagan's birthplace and childhood home in Tampico and Dixon
• Swedish emigrant legacy at Bishop Hill
• Enjoy a concert on the mighty Barton organ at Joliet's Rialto Square Theatre
• Experience travel of yesteryear on a mule drawn canal boat ride on the Illinois & Michigan Canal
• Follow in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln at Ottawa and Metamora
• Learn about the exciting research projects underway at
Argonne National Laboratory and how they will affect our way of life in coming
years 
• Visit the hometown of W. D. Boyce, the founder of the Boy Scouts
• Learn about the Great Chicago Fire at a special presentation for us at the Aurora Fire Museum.
Fare: $1795 per person, from Chicago concluding in St. Louis. Connecting Amtrak travel package from California $395 to $1525 additional based on type of train accommodation selected. Prices include all transportation, 9 nights lodging, 18 meals, sightseeing with local guides at selected locations, admission fees, taxes, and services of a tour manager accompanying the group.
Photos: (top to bottom) Spirit of Peoria; waterfall at Starved Rock State Park; Rialto Square Theatre;
Amboy Pharmacy; Reagan boyhood home