Trip Planner 2017-18 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 18
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U.S. Midwest
CHICAGO
Shoreline Sightseeing boat tour
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Known for its indoor entertainment, Branson also includes a number
of outdoor offerings that give visitors diverse, up-close encounters
with nature.
The Dogwood Canyon Nature Park covers 10,000 acres of
mountainous Missouri landscape where groups can stroll the banks of
trout streams and see dozens of waterfalls and ancient burial caves.
The streams hold record numbers of rainbow trout, and the park offers
guided catch-an d-release fishing, fly-casting clinics and self-guided
fishing excursions.
Visitors can explore the Ozarks and see the plentiful flowering
dogwood trees and other wildlife by walking a 6.5-mile trail, riding on
horseback, biking a paved path or by riding a tram or Segway at the
park. Dogwood Canyon now has a working mill, and its Canyon Grill
Restaurant along Indian Creek offers a venue for private functions.
Visitors can also see a treehouse built by the experts on Animal
Planet’s show “Treehouse Masters” and make a stop at the nearby
conservation and education center.
For on-the-water experiences, groups can head out on Lake
Taneycomo with Main Street Lake Cruises. Docked in downtown
Branson, the company’s Landing Princess is a 100-foot luxury yacht
with climate-controlled decks and lots of windows, and its Lake Queen
is reminiscent of the grand riverboats of Branson with its classic white
body, red trim and red churning paddles. As part of meal-themed
cruises, groups can enjoy a variety of menus and seating arrangements.
To learn more, contact Lenni Neimeyer of Branson/Lakes Area
Convention & Visitors Bureau or visit explorebranson.com.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Silver Dollar City and the Showboat Branson Belle,
Dixie Stampede, Branson Landing
TOP FESTIVALS
National Crafts & Cowboy Festival (Sept. 13–Oct. 28),
Autumn Daze Festival (Sept. 14–16),
Festival of Wonder (April 2018)
16
NTA Trip Planner for Group Leaders
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and the home of modern
architecture, and cruising the city’s waterways is a great way to catch
views of its famous buildings.
“Chicago’s view from the river tells a magnificent story, filled with
a variety of architecture, an expanded riverwalk, parks, restaurants
and entertainment venues that will get your groups out exploring on
the water,” says Arnaldo Altoran, director of global development for
Choose Chicago.
Shoreline Sightseeing offers architecture boat tours departing from
Navy Pier and the Michigan Avenue bridge, allowing visitors to see
the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, Marina City and more than
40 other Chicago landmarks. They can take the same tours at night
and see the Navy Pier fireworks display over the Chicago River. The
company also offers tours on Lake Michigan that run from March
through mid-November.
Urban Kayaks provides kayak rentals and tours, which include a
one-hour introduction lesson on the Chicago River or the Ogden Slip.
There also are guided city history tours, sunset tours and excursions
that end with the fireworks show.
If travelers have a need for speed, Seadog Cruises offers speedboat
rides and, to wind down, wine-themed river cruises where they can
sample selected wines from a City Winery sommelier while getting a
lesson in the city’s architecture.
Other themed boat tours are available through Wendella
Sightseeing Boats, the Chicago Architecture Foundation,
Entertainment Cruises and Mercury, Chicago’s Skyline Cruiseline.
To learn more, contact Arnaldo Altoran of Choose Chicago at
[email protected] or visit choosechicago.com.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
360 Chicago, Millennium Park (Cloud Gate),
the Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium,
Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum
TOP FESTIVALS
St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 2018),
Chicago Blues Festival (June 2018), Taste of Chicago (July 2018)
BRANSON