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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.)
Sugar and Spice - Click here to view/download PDF
Discover the Past – Enjoy the Present - Click here to view/download PDF
Grandparent/Grandchild Tour - 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
A Day of Delights in Newton
Enjoy a day filled with appealing attractions for both genders.
Click here to view/download PDF
10:00 a.m.
Arrive at the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Garden for a morning break and program. While your bank club members relax over a cup of coffee and enjoy the beauty of the garden, they have the opportunity to enjoy a program on the history of coffee. (Donation encouraged to Project Awake)
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 delightful gourmet lunch and presentation. 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. ($17.00 including tax and tip)
1:35 p.m.
Depart LaCorsette Maison Inn for Pappy’s Antique Mall / shopping on the Newton Square.
1:40 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)
2:40 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 for Newton to check in and freshen up for the evening meal at one of our wonderful hotels.
5:30 p.m.
Depart the Hotel for the Sodexho DMACC Newton Conference Center.
5:40 p.m.
Arrive at the Sodexho DMACC for an elegant evening and one of the many programs available. (Dinner: Approx. $14.00 per person all inclusive)
7:30 p.m.
Depart the Sodexho DMACC for the hotel.
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 the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge and Prairie Learning Center in Prairie City.
9:30 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) + $50 for guide servic
11:30 a.m.
Depart for home.
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Spend the day exploring historic treasures.
Click here to view/download PDF
9:00 a.m.
Welcome! Arrive in Newton! Start your historic-filled day at the Jasper County Museum, just off Interstate 80. 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. (1 1/2 hours, $5 per person)
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 a canopy to protect against any bad weather. (1 hour, FREE)
11:35 a.m.
Depart Pappy’s Antique Mall.
11:45 a.m.
Arrive at LaCorsette Maison Inn for a wonderful 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. (2 hours, $17.00 including tax and tip)
1:45 p.m.
Depart LaCorsette Maison Inn.
2:00 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. (45 min., free)
2:45 p.m.
Depart the Maytag Dairy Farm.
3:15 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. (1-3 hours, donations welcome)
5:00 p.m.
Depart the Museum for your trip home.
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Click here to view/download PDF
9:00 a.m.
Arrive at the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge & Prairie Learning Center to learn about the history and significance of the Iowa Prairie. These hands-on activities appeal to the kids, yet carry a strong educational component. They will enjoy learning about this history. In addition, see more than 35 bison and elk roaming through the enclosure by taking a drive through the enclosure with a guide. The guide will talk about some of the prairie growing in the enclosure and about these magnificent creatures. Cost: $50 guide service; Time: 2-3 hours
11:30 a.m.
Depart Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.
Noon
Arrive at McDonalds in Colfax for lunch.
12:45 p.m.
Depart McDonalds.
1:00 p.m.
Arrive at Trainland USA to experience an operating toy train museum depicting the development of the railroad across the US. Frontier, steam, and diesel eras are represented with approximately 60 operating Lionel “O” Gauge accessories still in their original state. Kids and grandparents of all ages will love pushing the buttons to make the displays move and light up! Cost: $4.50 per senior and $3 per child 12 and under. 13 and above $5.00 Children under 2 Free. For groups of 15 or more, call for special pricing Time: 1 hour.
2:00 p.m.
Depart Trainland USA.
2:15 p.m.
Arrive at the Jasper County Museum. The award-winning museum features a working blacksmith shop opens specifically for groups visiting the museum. In addition, roam through the extensive Maytag exhibit, 1930’s home, Victorian home, ag exhibit and more. Cost: $5 per person. Time: 1-1/2 hours.
3:45 p.m.
Depart the Jasper County Museum.
4:00 p.m.
Arrive at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Here the grandparents will receive a guided tour through the gardens while the kids learn how to make a floral corsage they can give to their grandparents as a thank you. Cost: Donation for use of the Arboretum facility and for the guided tour plus $5 per person to create each flower.
5:00 p.m.
Depart for Dairy Queen.
5:15 p.m.
Arrive at the Newton Dairy Queen for a quick treat to enjoy on the ride home. The staff will bring out cups of vanilla ice cream right to the coach! Cost: $1 per cup.
5:30 p.m.
Depart for home.
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Celebrate with Red and White Wines and Blue Cheese
Click here to view/download PDF
9:30 a.m.
Begin your time in Newton by stretching your legs at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. 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. $5.00 per person.
10:30 a.m.
Tour the Cherry Creek Vineyards (including 10 acres and 6 varieties of grapes) where the grapes of the Jasper Winery are grown. Next, we’ll view the production and bottling departments and then taste the wine in the colorful sampling room. These Iowa wines feature fun names like Back Road, Firefly, Front Porch and Behind the Shed Red. $5.00 per person.
Noon
Time for 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. $17.00 per person.
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 the famous Maytag Blue Cheese. In the past 12 years, employment has grown from 20 to 85 as cheese production has grown from 200,000 pounds a year to nearly one million pounds. The cheese shop overlooks the cheese plant and farm. We’ll tour the packaging and shipping areas, view a video of the history and significance of Maytag Blue, and of course, sample cheese!! FREE.
3:00 p.m.
We’re cut loose to explore the Newton downtown square on our own. Check out the Jasper County Courthouse, a Neo-classic building that has been restored to the "near period" condition of 1911, with stained glass dome, hand-painted murals, fresco design, and ceramic tiles laid in Mosaic patterns. The Jasper County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. OR shop the square – especially Pappy's Antique Mall which houses 18,000 square feet (five floors) of quality antiques, collectibles and furniture. FREE.
4:30 p.m.
Before we drive toward the setting sun, we’ll sample more wine and enjoy an hors d’ oeuvre buffet at Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gatheringplace. 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 an inviting tasting room, the decor of which blends elements of both past and present. The Gatheringplace hall retains 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. $7.00 per person.
6:00 p.m.
Time to mosey home as our warm, relaxing summer day comes to a close.
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Discover the Heartland-Visit buffalos, enjoy a gourmet lunch and taste world-famous Maytag Blue Cheese.
Click here to view/download PDF
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 ½ - 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 LaCorsette Maison Inn for a wonderful 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. (2 hours, $17.00 including tax and tip)
1:45 p.m.
Depart LaCorsette Maison Inn.
2:00 p.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 a canopy to protect against any bad weather. (1 hour, FREE)
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. (45-minutes, FREE)
4:00 p.m.
Depart the Maytag Dairy Farm.
4:15 p.m.
Arrive at the Newton Dairy Queen for a quick ice cream treat to enjoy on your travels home. ($1 per cup – cups are brought right out to the coach)
4:30 p.m.
Depart the Newton Dairy Queen for a safe trip home.
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Taste Sensations
10:00 - 11:30 Arrive Maytag Dairy Farms
11:30 - 11:45 Travel to Newton Arboretum OR historic St. Stephen’s Episopal Church
Taste Delights
11:45 - 12:45 Lunch at Newton Arboretum OR Lunch at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Sight Delights
12:45 - 1:45 Guided Tour of Newton Arboretum & Botanical Center
OR Guided Tour of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Visual Feasts
1:45 - 3:30 Guided Tour of Newton’s Sculptures & Murals
3:30 - 5:00 Guided Tour of Jasper County Historical Museum
OR
Browse the historic Jasper County Courthouse and town square shops, including Pappy’s Antique Mall
5:00 -5:20 Travel to Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gatheringplace
Taste, Sight & Sound Delights
5:20 - 8:00 Enjoy a Sugar Grove Presents.... dinner show
Choose your 3-course show
Choose your hearty four-course Colette’s Country Cuisine menu
a. Appetizer
b. Salad/bread, with Introduction and Welcom to the historic Sugar Grove Grange - 6:00 Show starts
c. Entree and sides
d. Dessert
8:00 Depart
Note: Holiday Inn Express overnight option at great rate!
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Sugar Grove Presents....
The lovingly rejuvenated 1870s Sugar Grove Grange No. 2044 is now home to Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gatheringplace. Be introduced to this National Park Service Silos & Smokestacks Heritage Attraction as you are welcomed warmly to enjoy one of our popular Sugar Grove Presents dinner entertainments. You’ll enjoy warm atmosphere, a four-course served meal, three courses of fast-paced music and comedy entertainment. You may select from a variety of show options like Dinner By Ghostlight, an annual seasonal favorite, Sugar Grove Babies variety revue (a group tour favorite), Dog Days, a ragtime riverboat themed comedy with Mark Twain, Call of the Wild, spoofing the great outdoors and rural life, or Magically Delicious, a farcical and lively trip to the Emerald Isle. Hearty menu options are available for your perusal and we can make recommendations for meals that pair well with your show selection. Special diets accomodated.
Iowa Sculpture Festival
Newton is home to this vibrant and successful initiative to draw attention to the art of sculpture. Each June the Iowa Sculpture Festival is held and the result is a purchase for installation in Newton. Tour the many lovely pieces made by artists from all over the nation.
Maytag Dairy Farms
Makers of Maytag Blue Cheese and other cheese products for 65 years. Cave-aged and made by hand, a truly remarkable process and product.
Newton Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Occupying six acres, the gardens feature a wide variety of plant life including perennials, woody shrubs, conifer and deciduous trees, ornamental grasses, and Native prairie wild flowers. Enjoy the Smith Water Garden, the Butterfly Garden, Dry Creek Bed, Swanger Bow Bridge and walking trails.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Listed on the national Registry of Historic Places, St. Stephen’s is the oldest church in continuous use in Jasper county. The first service was held in 1874 and since 1999, the church has undergone extensive restoration and is a frequent stop for visitors and tour groups.
OR
Jasper County Historical Museum
One of the best county museums you can find, it features a bas-relief sculpture depicting the history of Jasper County, extensive agricultural exhibit, Iowa Native American diorama, theater, quilt exhibit, washing machine exhibits as well as exhibits related to blacksmithing, brick and tile works, foundries, the railroads and manufacture of farm implements.
OR
Historic Courthouse &Town Square Shops
The Jasper County courthouse, a historic building with magnificent architectural elements is a feast for the eyes. It is surrounded by Newton’s town square which includes an antique mall, a coffeehouse, clothing, shoes, home decor shops, jeweler, book & music store and more.
Sugar Grove Vineyards & Gatheringplace, 6602 Ginger Ave. City/State/Zip: Newton, Iowa 50208
Contact Person: Colette Hill or Elaine Mattingly
641-787-9463 or 641-840-0972 (Elaine) Fax: 641-791-5386
E-Mail Inquiries: info@sugargrove.com Website Address: www.sugargrove.com
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