America by Rail

 

Branson Fun Time Express - Minnesota/Wisconsin - Details

Day 1: En Route - St Louis

St. Cloud participants will board the Empire Builder at 5:14 a.m. Minneapolis/ St. Paul area members will meet the tour director at the Amtrak station at 7:00 a.m. They’ll board the famous Empire Builder prior to its 7:50 departure for the 417-mile journey to Chicago.

The Empire Builder features double-decker Superliner equipment. Relax in your comfortable reclining coach seat with leg rest. Go to the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge car for spectacular viewing of the passing scenery. A delicious full-course lunch in the dining car is included. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available in the Lounge car.

Our train will roll along the western shore of the broad Mississippi River beneath towering bluffs. Additional tour members will board in Red Wing (8:54 a.m.), Winona (10:11 a.m.), La Crosse (10:47 a.m.), Tomah (11:28 a.m.), Wisconsin Dells (12:09 p.m.), Portage (12:27 p.m.), and Columbus (12:57 p.m.) An America by Rail representative will meet Milwaukee members at the Amtrak station and they’ll board a Chicago train at 1:00 p.m. and arrive in the Windy City at 2:29 p.m. The Empire Builder will arrive in Chicago’s Union Station at 3:55 p.m.

Our travelers will board the State House prior to its 5:15 p.m. departure for Springfield. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages are available in the Lounge car. Sit back and relax in your reclining coach seat as we roll south 185 miles to Springfield.

Our arrival into Springfield is scheduled for 8:39 p.m. We'll transfer the short distance to the Ramada Limited.

Meal(s): L

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Day 2: Branson

A full-course breakfast in our hotel is included. We’ll board our deluxe motor coach and travel southwest through the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

“Duck! Oh; it’s just another three-inch missile whizzing by your left ear.” Today’s “on-your-own” lunch site is Lambert’s Cafe, the only home of the throwed rolls. The food is great and there’s plenty of it. This Ozark, Missouri, eatery is one of America’s “funnest” restaurants.

At mid afternoon we’ll arrive at the attractive Lodge of the Ozarks, our comfortable accommodations for the next three nights in Branson. The Lodge is convenient to many shows and attractions. Count on an exquisite dining experience this evening at our hotel’s Club Vegas.

Following dinner, our Branson travelers will enjoy a performance by one of America’s favorite songsmiths, Bobby Vinton. The “Polish Prince” will perform many of his number one hits, including seasonal favorites.

Meal(s): B D

Day 3: Branson

A full buffet breakfast in our hotel is included each morning in Branson.

At 9:00 we'll embark on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Branson and the awesomely scenic Ozark countryside. You'll have time for an “on-your-own” lunch in downtown Branson. Be sure to visit Dick’s old-fashioned 5 and 10 cent store.

Following lunch, we’ll transfer to the Sight and Sound Theater for the Noah spectacle. After God reveals to the righteous Noah that a flood will extinguish all life on earth, He charges Noah to construct an ark massive enough to shelter his family, other true believers, and pairs of every species of living creatures. You’ll be captivated as this powerful Biblical story unfolds before you on the extraordinary, towering wrap-around stage.

Tonight we’re off to McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and Pie Shop. “Homestyle cookin’ like it’s supposed to be!” The pie is served first.

This evening we’re off to the Tri-Lakes Center for one of the most memorable performances of your life. You’ll be enthralled by the personable, charming Daniel O’Donnell. The rags to riches success story of the “Boy from Donegal” couldn’t have happened to a more popular and talented performer. Daniel O’Donnell has become one of Ireland’s greatest exports, performing to over 500,000 people every year from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House to London’s Royal Albert Hall, and, of course, Branson.

Meal(s): B D

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Day 4: Branson

This morning you’ll have the option of shopping or relaxing in your hotel. Attending a show or visiting the Landmark Titanic Museum / Attraction are other options. We’ll have an “on-your-own” lunch at a Branson restaurant.

This afternoon we’ll transfer to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater where you'll be entertained by the renowned Shoji Tabuchi. For a number of years, the Japanese violinist has headlined Branson's most popular show.

Dinner this evening is at the popular Grand Country Buffet.

Following dinner, we’ll travel to the Moon River Theater for an evening with Andy Williams. You'll be delighted by Andy’s full orchestra as he performs all his greatest hits as well as songs from the Big Band era, Broadway, and Nashville.

Meal(s): B D

Day 5: En Route

Following breakfast, we’ll board our deluxe motor coach and depart Branson for St. Louis. An “on-your-own” luncheon stop is scheduled.

At 1:45 p.m. we’ll arrive at the world famous 630-foot high Gateway Arch in St. Louis. A visit to the Museum is included. Options include: a trip to the top of the Arch and a 45-minute film chronicling the history of the Old West.

We’ll continue north 100 miles to Springfield, Illinois, where we’ll spend the night at the attractive Drury Inn and Suites. There are a number of dining options.

Meal(s): B

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Day 6: En Route

Following a “Quick Start” breakfast (included), we'll transfer to the Springfield Amtrak station where, at 6:32 a.m., we'll board the State House for Chicago. Snacks and beverages are available in the lounge car. Our arrival into Chicago's Union Station is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.

Milwaukee members will depart Chicago at 1:05 p.m. and arrive home at 2:43 p.m. Remaining tour members will board the westbound Empire Builder and depart Chicago at 2:15 p.m. for home cities. You’ll travel again in the same comfort you enjoyed on the southbound Empire Builder.

A delicious, modestly-priced dining car dinner is an option for those still on board. Our train will arrive in Columbus (5:05 p.m.), Portage (5:34 p.m.), Wisconsin Dells (5:52 p.m.), Tomah (6:30 p.m.), La Crosse (7:14 p.m.), Winona (7:50 p.m.), Red Wing (8:52 p.m.), Minneapolis/St Paul (10:31 p.m.) and St. Cloud (12:40 a.m.)

Meal(s): CB

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