Please contact the Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau to help you arrange your next Group Tour!
(Pricing on group tours is subject to change without notice.)

Sculpting Your Way in Central Iowa - Click here to view/download PDF
Sugar and Spice - Click here to view/download PDF
Discover the Past – Enjoy the Present - Click here to view/download PDF
Red, White & Blue (Newton) - Click here to view/download PDF
From the Prairie to the Dairy - Click here to view/download PDF
Newton Sculpture Tour - Click here to view/download PDF
Prairies to Tulips - Click here to view/download PDF
Ladies Day Out - Click here to view/download PDF
Visiting the Past of Pella & Newton - Click here to view/download PDF

Hawkeye Stages/Legacy Tour & Travel
6375 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313
641-752-6718 or 877-694-8726
Contact: Sandy Porter
sandy@hawkeyestages.com
www.hawkeyestages.com and www.legacytours.travel

Sculpting Your Way in Central Iowa
Click here to view/download PDF
Celebrate the importance of sculpture in contemporary civic life by visiting Central Iowa! You will certainly foster and promote creativity at these artistic stops.

Begin your trip in Newton where you’ll explore their diverse collection of more than 70 installations of one, two and three-dimensional artworks that includes sculpture, bas relief and painted murals. Drive or even walk throughout the community to take in the wonder. Make sure to take in two of their many outstanding sculptures including International Harvestor, a.k.a. Harvey and the Ol’ Lonely sculpture, both stapes of the community, located at Maytag Park.

As you move through the city, make sure to stop at the Jasper County Courthouse. This Neo-classic building is on the National Register of Historic Places. To honor all veterans, a monument was created by a local artist and is placed on building’s south side.

Next, arrive at LaCorsette Maison Inn for a delightful gourmet lunch and tour. This opulent, mission-style mansion, built in 1909 by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amid the charm of the original mission oak woodwork, art nouveau stained glass windows, and brass light fixtures, visitors enjoy gourmet dining. Contact (641) 792-6833 for more information.

If your group visits in June, the Iowa Sculpture Festival is the ideal setting for sculpture displays and festivities. Don’t miss your chance to take part in this event! Start your journey at Des Moines Area Community College campus in Newton to take in the wonder of sculpting at its best. Visit iowasculpturefestival.org for more information or contact the Newton CVB at (641) 792-0299.

Next, follow the path to Iowa’s capitol city of Des Moines to explore why New York Times and ABC News recognized the city as a world-renowned art destination.

As you make your way into the city, take in the splendor of art along your path including public art at the State Capitol Complex, Historic East Village, Polk County Courthouse, Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and many other locations. A map of public art in Greater Des Moines can be found at SeeDesMoines.com.

Start your journey off by visiting the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The park, residing in downtown Des Moines, showcases a collection of sculptures worth an estimated $40 million. John and Mary Pappajohn, well-known philanthropists in the community, donated the sculptures. The Pappajohns are known worldwide and ARTnews magazine listed them as one of the top 200 art collectors in the world. The 26 sculptures purchased by the Pappajohns is the largest single public gift in Des Moines' history and the largest public gift of art in Iowa history. Guided tours are available through the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405.

Next, tour the incredible compilation at the Des Moines Art Center. Recognized by international critics, this museum is a collection of modern, contemporary and non-western masters set in an astounding architectural setting. Make sure to take in the five pieces outside on the Art Center grounds including the Standing Stones and Animal Pyramid.

Speaking of architectural wonders! Your next two stops will show you extraordinary works of art and take you back in time…

Terrace Hill, a National Historic Landmark is also the actual Iowa Governor’s residence. This glorious mansion was built in 1869 by Iowa’s first millionaire, Benjamin Franklin Allen. Tours can be scheduled by contacting Jacqueline Devine at (515) 280-3980.

Your final tour of today will be to a 42-room architectural wonder, the Salisbury House and Gardens. This breathtaking beauty, built by pioneer cosmetics magnate, Carl Weeks, displays more than 10,000 fabulous finds from around the world. To schedule this must-see tour, contact (515) 274-1777.

For dinner, try any of Des Moines’ downtown establishments in the historic Court Avenue District including Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Company, Dos Rios Cantina & Tequila Lounge or Spaghetti Works… just to name a few!
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10:00 a.m.
Arrive at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a morning refreshment break and program. Stretch you legs as you arrive in Newton for your first stop. Refreshments will be served and a short program on the history of the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Stroll around the beautiful gardens at your leisure before departing for your next attraction. ($6.00/person)

11:30 a.m.
Depart the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden for LaCorsette Maison Inn.

11:35 p.m.
Arrive at LaCorsette Maison Inn for a tour followed by a delightful gourmet lunch. This opulent, mission-style mansion, built in 1909 by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amid the charm of the original mission oak woodwork, art nouveau stained glass windows, and brass light fixtures, visitors enjoy gourmet dining. ($17.50 plus beverage, tax and gratuity)

1:00 p.m.
Depart LaCorsette Maison Inn for Pappy’s Antique Mall / shopping on the Newton Square.

1:05 p.m.
Arrive in Downtown Newton for an hour of shopping. Pappy’s Antique Mall, located on the South side of the Newton Square is filled with quality antiques and collectibles. Bank Club members could spend more than an hour in this store alone! The entire downtown area is covered with a canopy in case our Iowa weather isn’t cooperative. Newton’s Downtown area is thriving with many stores including specialty shops for music, crafts, books, shoes, floral, and antiques. (FREE)

2:45 p.m.
Depart Downtown for Trainland USA

3:00 p.m
Arrive at Trainland USA in Colfax, Iowa for an afternoon filled with toy trains operating in exceptional background displays. This operating toy train museum depicts a cross-country tour of the USA, featuring 25 Lionel “O” gauge trains running on 4,000 square feet of track, covering 2,600 square feet of display area. 55 and over - $4.50, 13 and above - $5.00, 12 and under - $3.00, Under 2 - Free. For groups of 15 or more, please call for special pricing.

4:00 p.m.
Depart Trainland USA for Newton to check in and freshen up for the evening meal at one of our local hotels. (We can help you with a bid to the hotels for your best pricing)

5:30 p.m.
Depart the Hotel for the Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gathering Place

5:40 p.m.
Arrive at Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gathering Place for an elegant evening of dinner theater. (Please call for menus and pricing)

7:30 p.m.
Depart Sugar Grove for the hotel.

Day 2
8:00 a.m.
Wake up to a free breakfast at your hotel. All Newton hotels/motels offer a continental breakfast, breakfast bar, or full breakfast at no additional charge. (FREE)

9:00 a.m.
Depart the hotel for your Newton Sculpture/Mural Tour. The community of Newton houses over seventy sculptures/murals all across the city. Newton is also home of the annual Iowa Sculpture Festival. You’ll enjoy a guided riding tour on your motorcoach as you take in the scenery. (FREE)

10:15 a.m.
End your Newton Sculpture Tour and depart for the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center in Prairie City.

10:45 a.m.
Arrive at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center located southwest of Newton. The refuge is the largest ecosystem reconstruction project in the United States. Here, on nearly 6,000 acres is a protected habitat. An auto-tour route, walking trails and an award-winning Prairie Learning Center awaits you and your group. Experience state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, a walk-through underground prairie rootscape, interpretive displays and much more. (FREE w/o guide or $50 for guide service)

Noon
Depart the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center for a hometown lunch in Prairie City at Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe – home of Iowa’s Best Breaded Tenderloin in 2009 as voted by the Iowa Pork Producers. (Pricing varies)

1:00 p.m.
Thank you for joining our tour. Travel Safely Home!
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9:00 a.m.
Welcome! Arrive in Newton! Start your historic-filled day at the Jasper County Museum, just off Interstate 80 at Exit 164. The Jasper County Museum, built in 1979, houses many artifacts of the county displayed in individual room settings, as well as the Maytag Historical Museum. ($5 per person or special group pricing)

10:30 a.m.
Depart the Jasper County Museum.

10:35 a.m.
Arrive at Pappy’s Antique Mall for some shopping! The five floors of quality antiques and collectibles are a tourism attraction in itself. If antiques are not of interest to some, they can visit a variety of shops and coffee houses located in Newton’s downtown area – all of which is covered by canopies to protect against any bad weather. (No charge)

11:35 a.m.
Depart Pappy’s Antique Mall.

11:45 a.m.
Lunch – after leaving Pappy’s, browse around downtown for a great lunch spot. PJ’s Deli, Uncle Nancy’s, Midtown, Dan’s Sandwiches/Maid-Rite or Snook Inn are all on or just off the main square and within walking distance. Enjoy a little extra shopping at our lovely downtown shopping area.

12:30 p.m.
Depart the downtown area.

12:45 p.m.
Arrive at the Maytag Dairy Farm for a short tour and cheese sampling. Manufacturers of world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese welcome visitors to their cheese shop overlooking the cheese plant and farm. Visitors have an opportunity to view a 10-minute video and visit the packaging area. (No Charge)

1:45 p.m.
Depart the Maytag Dairy Farm.

2:00 p.m.
Arrive at Iowa Speedway for a tour around the nation’s newest and most state-of-the-art motors sports facility. Iowa Speedway is the first ever driver-designed track. NASCAR champion Rusty Wallace has created a track with the driver and the spectator in mind. When finished touring the track, take a stroll around the gift shop. ($5.00 per person)

3:30 p.m.
Depart Iowa Speedway

3:45 p.m.
Arrive at the Kellogg Museum to complete the historic tour of Newton and Jasper County. The community of Kellogg takes pride in a seven-building museum complex including the main two-story building, an agricultural building, a factory/bank museum, a country school, church, machine shed, and blacksmith shop. (Donations welcomed)

5:00 p.m.
Depart the Kellogg Museum for your trip home.
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9:30 a.m.
Begin your time in Newton by stretching your legs at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church., 223 E. 4th St. N. This church has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places as an example of the "Carpenter Gothic" style of architecture. Completed in 1874, the interior design and furnishings remain largely in their original form. We’ll enjoy coffee, rolls and a tour.
($2.00 per person)

10:30 a.m.
Driving Tour of the Newton Sculptures all around the city. See Sir Rustolot at the Newton Library, Driven to Success at DMACC Newton Campus, Cartwheel Kids at Skiff Medical Center, Old Lonely at Maytag Park, and Periwinkle at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, just to name a handful of over 70 sculptures in the community.
(No charge)

12:00 p.m.
Lunch at LaCorsette Maison Inn. This opulent, mission-style mansion, built in 1909 by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy gourmet dining amid the charm of the original mission oak woodwork, art nouveau stained glass windows, brass light fixtures and even some of the original furnishings. After lunch, we’ll feast our eyes on the home’s grand interior during a guided tour.
($17.50/person plus beverage, tax & gratuity)

2:00 p.m.
Let’s add some color to our day. How about blue, as in blue cheese. We’re off to the Maytag Dairy Farms, home of internationally famous Maytag Blue Cheese. Visitors enjoy the fact that the world famous cheese is still being produced by hand in small batches on the family farm as it has been since 1941.  The cheese shop overlooks the historic family farm with its three grand old barns dating back to early 1900's.  Maytag Blue Cheese continues to be aged in hillside caves behind the original cheese plant. We’ll tour the packaging and shipping areas, view a video of the history and significance of Maytag Blue, and of course, sample cheese!!
(No charge)

3:00 p.m.
Tour of Iowa Speedway. There will be time to stop at the Gift Shop or if you are interested in purchasing tickets to events at Iowa Speedway the ticket counter is right there too.
($5.00 per person)

4:30 p.m.
Before we drive toward the setting sun, we’ll enjoy an elegant dinner theatre at Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gathering Place. Located high above the rolling countryside, the view seems to be snatched from a Grant Wood landscape. The two-acre pond and wooded areas often host Iowa wildlife. The upper level of this former Grange hall features The Gathering Place hall retaining its historical ambiance with the original tin ceiling and wood floors, period lighting, and architectural details. Artwork created by Iowans and regional artists is displayed and available for sale.
(Pricing varies so please call ahead)

6:30 p.m.
Time to mosey home as our warm, relaxing summer day comes to a close.
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9:00 a.m.
Welcome to Prairie City! Arrive at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center. Just west of Newton sits the largest prairie reconstruction project in the United States. Here, on nearly 6,000 acres set among rolling hills of prairie grasses and rare prairie flowers is a protected habitat. An auto-tour route, walking trails and an award winning Prairie Learning Center awaits you. Experience state-of-the-art audiovisual programs, a walk-through underground prairie rootscape, interpretive displays and much more. (1-1/2 - 2 hours, FREE without a guide or $50 for guide service)

11:00 a.m.
Depart Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center.

11:45 a.m.
Arrive at Pizza Ranch of Newton for a buffet luncheon that is beyond compare. From broasted or barbeque chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables and all the fixins’, to a full salad bar and pizza to you’re your stomach’s content! After finishing your buffet luncheon, don’t forget the dessert and ice cream! ($7.29 + tax per person – includes drinks)

1:00 p.m.
Depart Pizza Ranch of Newton

1:15 p.m.
Arrive at Pappy’s Antique Mall and downtown shopping! The five floors of quality antiques and collectibles are a tourism attraction in itself. If antiques are not of interest to some, they can visit a variety of shops and coffee houses located in Newton’s downtown area – all of which is covered by a canopy to protect against any bad weather.

3:00 p.m.
Depart Pappy’s Antique Mall

3:15 p.m.
Arrive at the Maytag Dairy Farm for a short tour and cheese sampling. Manufacturers of world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese welcome visitors to their cheese shop overlooking the cheese plant and farm. Visitors have an opportunity to view a 10-minute video and visit the packaging area. Bring a cooler for your purchases! (No charge)

4:15 p.m.
Depart the Maytag Dairy Farm for a safe trip home!
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Newton Sculpture Tour
Click here to dowload brochure

1 - Jasper County Courthouse - 1st Ave and 1st St N
Jasper County Veteran’s Memorial
Nick Klepinger, Bronze

2 - First Newton National Bank - 100 N 2nd Ave W
Classic Relief [above main entrance]
Artist Unknown, Stone

3 - Des Moines Area Community College [DMACC] Newton Campus - 600 N 2nd Ave W
Driven to Success*
Eric Mart and student artists, Found Metal

4 - Fred L. Maytag II [indoors, 2nd level, near auditorium]
Artist Unknown, Relief

5 - The Vernon Company - 604 W 4th St N
Synergy*
Gary Lee Price, Bronze

6 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W - Sir Rustolot
Nick Swearer, Found Steel

7 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
Library Kids*
Nick Klepinger, Bronze

8 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
Chair*
Marilyn and Randy Terlouw, Painted Wood

9 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
Broken Silence* [indoors]
Herman Deaton, Bronze

10 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
More Than Words* [indoors]
Greg Todd, Bronze

11- Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
America* [indoors]
Rusty Fritz, Bronze

12 - Newton Public Library - 100 N 3rd Ave W
Sand Pendulum [indoors]
Jared Kingery, Mixed Metals

13 Center for Arts and Artists - 501 W 3rd St N
Sunburst [to be placed Fall, 2008]
John Brommel, Mixed Metals

14 - Center for Arts and Artists - 501 W 3rd St N
To the West Country
Jason Seley, Welded Steel [auto bumpers]

15 - Skiff Medical Center - 204 N 4th Ave E
Cartwheel Kids*
Gary Lee Price, Bronze

16 - Skiff Medical Center - 204 N 4th Ave E
Toadly Cool* [indoors, left through entrance, to inner courtyard site]
Jane Rankin, Bronze

17 - Park Centre Retirement Community - 500 1st St N
[view from rear parking lot accessed from 2nd St N]
Flyin’ *
Blair Muhlestein, Bronze

18 - Sersland Park, Corner of 1st Ave E and E 2nd St N - Love at First Sight*
ISF Community Purchase Award 2004
Norman Neal Deaton, Laminated Epoxy

*Sculptures sited since 2003 when Iowa Sculpture Festival [ISF] began.
Some pieces are placed indoors and may only be viewable during business hours. Please respect the privacy of the businesses and individuals who graciously participate in this tour. Photography of pieces for recreational private use is acceptable.
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Prairies to Tulips
A Three-Day/Two Night Newton & Pella Tour
Discover the Heartland, visit Buffalos, enjoy a Gourmet Lunch, taste World-Famous Maytag Blue Cheese then enjoy a full day and a half at the Pella Tulip Festival
(Pricing subject to change)
Click here to dowload brochure

Day 1 - Newton
9:00 a.m.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center: Just west of Newton sits the largest prairie reconstruction project in the United States. Here, on nearly 6,000 acres set among rolling hills of prairie grasses and rare prairie flowers is a protected habitat. An auto-tour route, walking trails and an award winning Prairie Learning Center awaits you (no charge or $50 w/guide)

11:45 a.m.
Lunch at LaCorsette Maison Inn: This opulent, mission-style mansion, built in 1909 by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
($17.50/person plus beverage, tax and gratuity)

2:00 p.m.
Shopping at Pappy’s Antique Mall: Five floors of quality antiques and collectibles. (No charge)

3:15 p.m.
Tour Maytag Dairy Farm: Manufacturers of world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese welcome visitors to their cheese shop overlooking the cheese plant and farm. Visitors have an opportunity to view a 10-minutes video and visit the packaging area. (No charge)

4:15 p.m.
Newton Hotel check-in: Make reservations at any of the local Newton area hotels (Prices vary)

5:30 p.m.
Dinner Theatre at Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gathering Place: This location occupies the historic 1870 Sugar Grove Grange Hall. You will enjoy a wonderful dinner and show performance (pricing and shows vary, please check with Sugar Grove)

8:30 p.m.
Return to Newton Hotel: Get a good night’s sleep because tomorrow will be another full day of fun and tulips!

Day 2 - Pella
Breakfast at Newton Hotel

8:30 a.m.
Depart

9:00 a.m.
“Welkom” to our Dutch Village of Pella!
Tour of the Community: Step-on guide in authentic Dutch Costume. 1 hour ($2/person or $40 minimum)

10:00 a.m.
Tour the Historical Village. 23-buildings showing authentic displays plus the
135-foot replica Vermeer windmill tour. ($7.00 per person)

11:30 a.m.
Lunch at one of Pella’s eateries or enjoy the variety of vendors throughout the downtown area. (We can provide you with a list of group-friendly restaurants.)

12:45 p.m.
Seating for Street and Stage Performances/Parade: (seating is reserved at $5/person)

1:00 p.m.
Street Performances begin followed by the Volks Parade (3 ½ hours)

4:30 p.m.
Stage Performances:
Thursday & Friday: Theater Organ Concert by Bob Ralston (Lawrence Welk Show) - $15
Reserved seating by calling the Pella Opera House Box Office
OR
Thursday & Friday (6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (4:30 p.m.): “Return to the Forbidden Planet” (Pella Community Center) Shakespeare’s forgotten musical. Fun for the whole family. Presented by the Central College Theatre & Music Departments - $9/person

6:00 p.m.
Dinner (reservations recommended)

7:00 p.m.
Evening Street and Stage Performances/Lighted Parade: (seating is reserved at $4/person)

9:30 p.m.
Return to Newton Hotel

Day 3 - Pella
Breakfast at Newton Hotel and Check Out

8:30 a.m.
Depart for Pella

9:00 a.m.
Scholte House Tour & Tour of Gardens

10:30 a.m.
Flower Show

11:15 a.m.
Quilt Show

12:30 p.m.
Depart Pella and Head HOME!
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Ladies’ Day Out
Everyone needs to be pampered now and again and this itinerary is for the Ladies!
(Pricing subject to change)
Click here to dowload brochure

9:00 a.m.
Arrive at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for refreshments, a program and tour. This is a beautiful place to relax for a morning coffee break. While enjoying refreshments, sit back, relax, and listen to a program through Project Awake. After the program, take a stroll around the paved path in the beautiful Botanical Gardens. A guide will talk about the various plants and flowers along the way. ($6/person)

10:30 a.m.
Depart the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for shopping and more in Downtown Newton.

10:40 a.m.
Arrive in Downtown Newton for shopping, relaxing or visiting the Jasper County Courthouse. The entire Downtown area is covered with a canopy in case our Iowa weather isn’t cooperative. Newton’s Downtown area is thriving with many stores including specialty shops for music, crafts, books, shoes, floral, and antiques. There are also restaurants and the beautiful Jasper County Courthouse which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

12:15 p.m.
Depart Downtown for LaCorsette Maison Inn for lunch

12:20 p.m.
Arrive at LaCorsette Maison Inn for a delightful gourmet lunch and tour. This opulent, mission-style mansion, built in 1909 by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amid the charm of the original mission oak woodwork, art nouveau stained glass windows, and brass light fixtures, visitors enjoy gourmet dining. ($17.50 plus beverage, tax and tip)

2:00 p.m.
Depart LaCorsette Maison Inn for a relaxing Sculpture/Mural Tour of Newton. Newton has over sixty sculpture and murals throughout the community. You will have a knowledgeable and exuberant guide to help you explore this eclectic collection of one, two and three-dimensional artwork that includes sculpture, bas relief and painted murals while you relax in your motorcoach. (A tip is recommended for the guide, but not mandatory)

3:00 p.m.
Arrive at Shay’s Tea Room & Gifts at the Hunter Mansion. Sip on a specialty tea in the ambiance of an old Victorian-style mansion. Peruse the gift shop in the opulent elegance of Shay’s Tea Room & Gifts. (Menu prices vary)

4:00 p.m.
Depart Shay’s Tea Room for the Centre for Arts and Artists

4:10 p.m.
Arrive at The Centre for Arts and Artists. Enjoy a tour through the Centre for Arts and Artists where you’ll be able to see creativity in the making. You’ll visit the studios of many of our local artists and possibly some at work! (no charge, although donations are welcomed).

5:00 p.m.
Depart The Centre for Arts and Artists and travel to your last stop at Kreative, Ent.

5:10 p.m.
Arrive at Kreative, Ent. for viewing and shopping art, art supplies, jewelry and more that has been created by local artists. This little shop is a great outlet for artists both young and old. ENJOY!

6:00 p.m. Depart Kreative, Ent. for dinner at Pizza Ranch

6:10 p.m.
Arrive at Pizza Ranch of Newton for a buffet dinner. After traveling, shopping, visiting and touring all day, have as much or little as you want for dinner at the extensive buffet at Pizza Ranch of Newton. Enjoy pizza, broasted chicken, b’que chicken, mashed potatoes and all the fixings, salads, soups and more; and top it off with dessert pizza and ice cream! ($7.29 + tax/person – includes drinks)

7:00 p.m.
Depart for home!
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Visiting the Past of Pella and Newton
Click here to dowload brochure

Day 1
9:00 a.m.
Arrive in Pella: In keeping with Dutch tradition, your group will enjoy “coffee time” complete with Dutch treats and coffee, then tour the Historical Village Museum – a 23-building complex including Wyatt Earp’s boyhood home, wooden shoe shop, log cabin, miniature Dutch Village Display and a tour of the 135-foot authentic 1850’s Windmill

10:30 a.m.
Motor Coach Tour of the Community with Step-on Guide.

11:30 a.m.
Lunch: Dine at one of Pella’s unique restaurants, cafes, tea room or coffee houses

12:30 p.m. Tour of the Opera House:
One of Pella’s most elegant treasures! Enjoy a tour of the restored 1900’s Opera House and possibly a short organ concert

1:00 p.m.
Klokkenspel Performance: Carillion clock with eight four-foot animated mechanical figures that move to music.

1:15 p.m.
Tour Scholte House and Gardens: Elegant home of Pella’s founder features outstanding collection of valuable European antiques and the gardens, which feature two life-sized bronze statues and thousands of flowers!

2:15 p.m.
Hotel Check-in. Stay at any of the local Pella Hotels or Inns (Reservations required)

3:15 p.m.
Shopping! Browse through Pella’s historic downtown

4:15 p.m.
Van Veen Chocolate Store: Owner Chuck Van Veen invites you to his store and demonstrate his candy making with imported chocolate from the Netehrlands. Of course there will be samples for the choca-holics!

5:00 p.m.
Dinner at one of Pella’s many restaurants. (Pre-arranged group dining and group menu is available at various locations)

7:00 p.m.
Return to Pella Hotel: Get a good nights rest to start all over again tomorrow!

Day 2
Breakfast at Pella Hotel

8:30 a.m.
Travel to Newton

9:00 a.m.
Arrive in Newton and visit the Jasper County Museum: Built in 1979, the Jasper County Museum houses many artifacts of the county displayed in individual room settings, including a country store, a new agricultural building, a reproduction of a Victorian home, 1930’s home and tools used by early settlers. The largest exhibit in the museum recognizes the growth of the Maytag Company through examples of many products it has manufactured since the first washing machine produced under the Maytag label in 1907

10:45 a.m.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Tour: This church is placed on the National Register of Historic Places as an example of the “Carpenter Gothic” style of architecture. Completed in 1874, the interior design and furnishing remain largely in their original form

11:45 a.m.
Lunch at LaCorsette Maison Inn: This opulent, mission-style mansion built in 1909, by early Iowa State Senator August Bergman, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amid the charm of the original mission oak woodwork, art nouveau stained glass windows, brass light fixtures and some of the original furnishings, enjoy gourmet dining and a tour

1:45 p.m.
Hotel Check-in: Stay at any of the local Newton Hotels or Inns (Reservations required)

3:00 p.m.
Depart Hotel for the Kellogg Museum Tour: The community of Kellogg takes pride in a seven-building museum complex including the main two-story building, an agricultural building, a factory/bank museum, a country church, machine shed and blacksmith shop

5:45 p.m.
Dinner Theatre at Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gathering Place:
This location occupies the historic 1870 Sugar Grove Grange Hall. You will enjoy a wonderful dinner and performance (Pricing and shows vary, please check with Sugar Grove)

8:30 p.m.
Return to Newton Hotel: Rest up for tomorrow…you’re not done yet!

Day 3
Breakfast at Newton Hotel

9:00 a.m.
Jasper County Courthouse Tour: The focal point of the Newton Downtown Square. The Jasper County Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historical Places, is a Neo-classic building with stained glass dome, hand-painted murals, fresco design and ceramic tiles laid in Mosaic patterns. Through the Christmas season, visitors enjoy the Courthouse decorated for the holidays

10:30 a.m.
Maytag Dairy Farm – tour and sampling: Manufacturers of the world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese welcome visitors to their cheese shop overlooking the cheese plant and farm. Visitors have an opportunity to view a 10-minute video and visit the packaging area

11:30 a.m.
Lunch and Shopping: Choose your own relaxing lunch and shopping around the Newton Downtown Square. Visit Pappy’s Antique Mall for three floors of quality antiques and collectibles

2:30 p.m.
Sculpture Tour and Centre for Arts & Artists Tour: Take a quick motorcoach riding tour of just some of over seventy sculptures around the community. Afterwards you’ll enjoy seeing how the artists work day in and day out. You’ll visit their studios and see some of the eclectic styles of art produced in Newton and have the opportunity to talk to some of the artists first hand!

4:00 p.m.
Depart the Newton and Pella area for your safe trip home
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