Twilight Riverboat Cruise

This morning, we board the Twilight Riverboat in LeClaire, Iowa, for a two-day cruise on the Mississippi River, a 94-mile voyage where we will experience Locks No. 12 and 13. There will be an expanded continental breakfast waiting for us on board as we depart north on our journey. We will encounter lots of beautiful river scenes, birds of all kinds, including bald eagles, white pelicans and beautiful snowy egrets. There is the Dutch settlement at Fulton with its windmill, the grave site of President Ronald Reagan’s father and the gothic mansion at Belleview. The food aboard The Twilight is delicious and we will enjoy a continental breakfast, morning snack, scrumptious lunch, afternoon snack and a bountiful dinner. The captain will be our guide to the wildlife, valley landscapes, and historic river towns. There will be live entertainment and Bingo aboard the riverboat during the day. You might want to just lounge on the outside deck and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful view. After dinner, the Twilight will dock along the Mississippi River Walk in the Port of Dubuque where we will overnight at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort. The evening is free to explore the city of 5 flags; France, Spain, Great Britain, Napoleon and USA. (B, L, D)

Day 3

Following breakfast at Tony Roma’s in the hotel, we have the morning free to take a trolley to the Diamond Jo Casino, visit Iowa’s #1 attraction, the must-see Smithsonian-accredited National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, visit Felton Place Elevator or perhaps shop at Cable Car Square. Cable Car Square is Dubuque’s most famous shopping neighborhood, centered around the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. A continuous shuttle to the many activities will depart from the main lobby of the hotel throughout the morning. Reboard the Twilight at 11:00am and depart for our return journey. Take in the sites and listen to the Captain’s narration. We will enjoy lunch and dinner on board with afternoon entertainment and views of the beautiful Mississippi River. Upon our return to LeClaire following dinner, our motorcoach will transport us back to Bally’s Hotel for the night. Complimentary $5 play included. (B, L, D)

Day 4

After breakfast ($15 breakfast voucher), we depart this morning, stopping for a riding tour of the John Deere Harvester Works (based on availability) or the John Deere Pavilion in East Moline that manufactures combines and associated headers. We learn of the manufacturing process of combines and headers and how all the pieces come together to create a massive green machine. Lunch is included at The Machine Shed. This unique restaurant’s great home-cooked food is well known in this area and not to be missed! We then head for Southern Illinois, arriving late afternoon. (B, L)