Groups thinking about putting a national park on their itinerary will want to be aware of timed reservations that several of the parks are reintroducing this year.
Arches National Park, located in east-central Utah and which had a pilot vehicle registration system last year, will again initiate the program on April 1.
“We received many positive comments from people who enjoyed the guaranteed arrival time and reduced congestion they experienced during the 2023 vehicle reservation pilot,” says Arches National Park Acting Superintendent Brendan Bray. “A repeat pilot program in 2024 will help us learn more about how such systems can provide visitors with the opportunity for enjoyable experiences while protecting the extraordinary landscapes they come to see.”
Program parameters will be the same as the 2023 pilot, according to information from the park. Visitors can book reservations on a first-come, first-served basis through recreation.gov. Reservations will be released three months in advance in monthly blocks. As an example, reservations that opened in January are for the month of April. On Feb. 1, reservations will open for the month of May, and unreserved times in April will remain open. Additional months will continue the same pattern.
According to the National Park Service, the other national parks that will have timed reservations include:
Glacier National Park, beginning May 24 for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork, and on July 1 for Many Glacier.
Rocky Mountain National Park, beginning May 24.
Yosemite National Park will have a “Peak Hours Plus” vehicle reservation pilot system for park entry on the following dates: On weekends from April 13 to June 30; every day from July 1 to Aug. 16; and on weekends from Aug. 17 to Oct. 27.
Zion National Park will require reservations to visit and hike the popular Angels Landing.
The aim of the timed entries is to help overcrowding at the parks. As an example, Arches National Park saw a 73% visitation growth rate—or an additional 2 million people annually—between 2011-2021, according to the NPS.
“This increase was concentrated during certain hours, causing congestion at key park destinations, reduced visitor enjoyment, and increased resource damage,” according to the agency. “During times of peak congestion prior to implementing the vehicle reservation pilots, the park had to temporarily close its gates until crowding lessened, resulting in many visitors being unable to enter the park at their preferred time or at all.”
It says the vehicle reservation pilots the previous two years “were successful in reducing congestion, improving visitor experiences, providing reliable access, and distributing visitation throughout the day.”
Main Image: Arches National Park, Utah, Credit: NPS/Veronica Verdin
Scenic and historic Winona, Minnesota, is a great destination for group tours. Brimming with history, music, art, and outdoor recreation, this charming city has a wide array of activities to ensure an exciting travel experience for all visitors. Contact Visit Winona to start planning your tour today.
History
Not sure where to start on your Winona travel experience? The Winona County Historical Society and Visit Winona can coordinate step-on guides for bus tours to get an overview of the city. Based on your group’s interests, you can see Winona’s top attractions, view the river valley from atop the bluffs, tour museums, and more.
Groups can also explore Winona’s Windom Park Historic District with the help of local guides. This architecture and history tour sheds light on Winona in the late 1800’s, when the city allegedly had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. Tour highlights include a stop by the statue of the legendary figure We-no-nah, the namesake of the city.
Boats and Bluegrass Festival Credit: Visit Winona
Arts
Winona is an artistic city with plenty of creative activities and events. In addition to its own plentiful art galleries and local performance venues, Winona plays host to popular live music events, including Minnesota Beethoven Festival, the Boats and Bluegrass Festival, the Mid West Music Festival.
From June through the end of July, groups can take in performances at The Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF). Each year, the talented company performs multiple works by the Bard, in what Talkin’ Broadway calls “an essential part of summer in Minnesota.” In addition to attending the play, the audience can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, and panel discussions with the cast and crew.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s (MMAM) education programs and art exhibitions explore mankind’s relationship with water. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the museum’s six galleries contain contemporary exhibitions and historic artworks. Schedule a guided tour focused on three specific galleries, then wander the MMAM’s 3.5 acres of gardens with over 60,000 native plants.
Outdoors
Winona is in the gorgeous bluff region, a unique geographic area that offers myriad hiking and biking trails. Sugar Loaf Bluff might be Winona’s most famous landmark, offering excellent views of the surrounding area. The hike up to this nearly 85-foot bluff is only 20 minutes long, making it easy to incorporate into a busy day of exploring.
The National Eagle Center has two floors of exhibits on regional history of the Dakota peoples and other residents, the environment of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, and the history of eagles in the U.S. Book a tour with a live eagle ambassador and follow local experts to observe nest sites, Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and other wildlife. Group discounts are available.
Get out on the water with the Winona Tour Boat. This narrated boat tour covers the history of Winona and its relationship to the mighty Mississippi River as it floats by the commercial port, barge systems, and famous boat house community. Not only will your group get a unique perspective on the city’s history, but it’s a great opportunity to spot eagles, turtles, deer, and more of Winona’s native wildlife.
Lead Image: Winona’s river valley from atop the bluffs Credit: Visit Winona
Imagine heading to the warm climate of Nashville, Tennessee, from your much colder home city on a frigid day in January. You were looking forward to packing lightly, but a few days before your trip, you hear rumors that a winter storm is heading toward your destination. Now, locals are suggesting you bring your winter boots and prepare for colder temperatures. So much for packing lightly.
As annoying as it might feel to bring boots to a place that hardly ever sees any snow, once it starts falling in Nashville, you feel glad you prepared accordingly. Even with just a dusting of snow, the precipitation turned the streets slick with ice and slush, and your boots came in handy when it came to maintaining your balance and keeping warm during your trip.
You might have had this very experience if you attended the American Bus Association (ABA) trade show at Music City Center in downtown Nashville earlier this year. And through the experience, you might have learned a few valuable lessons: Weather watching is an important part of preparedness when traveling, and thorough preparedness is key to helping make trips safe and productive. You might not have needed your boots the entire time you were in Nashville for the conference, but—odds are—you were extremely happy to have them for the times when you traversed the busy, frozen streets at night during the anomalous winter storm.
This scenario might seem like a small detail, but that’s the thing about proper planning—it involves both the big and little things. Trade shows are big events to prepare for, often taking organizers months and, in some cases, even years of planning. But even for those who attend as guests, planning is paramount. Of course, not everyone plans the same. Every organization has its own agenda, the things it wants to promote or inform about, the destinations it wants to market. Not all planning is created equal, but there are some initiatives from which everyone attending a trade show might benefit. Industry experts share their professional insights.
Plan Early
When Pam Williams prepares for a trade show, she tackles it from many angles. In August, Williams, vice president of tourism with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitor Bureau, attended the Student Youth Travel Association conference in New York City and then geared up for her next event: The National Tour Association Travel Exchange Nov. 17-20 in her home city of Huntsville, Alabama. She appreciates what all trade shows offer organizations such as hers—the opportunity to gather and share common bonds with other tourism professionals. Not only is there energy at such gatherings, but there’s also a sense of synergy as like-minded people work toward similar goals.
A main goal of destination marketing organizations (DMOs) such as Williams’ is, as the title suggests, to market destinations. Trade shows are a great way to do that, because they get DMOs and potential clients together. “The face-to-face opportunities at shows cannot be beaten,” she says. “As a DMO, it is difficult, if not impossible, to cold call-sell a destination, no matter how good your marketing efforts are.
For Williams, planning for an upcoming trade show starts early. “When requesting appointments, I utilize the filter tools available through the appointment scheduling platform,” she says. “I search for my city and broaden my search from there to include Alabama, other cities/states in my region, and then specific interests.” She also makes “random requests, because it is always nice to meet new people,” noting, “you never know what can come from a good conversation!”
After an appointment has been set, Williams researches the client and reviews the company’s website. She takes copious notes, saving them for future reference so if she meets with the same client later, she can pick up the conversation where they left off.
One suggestion she has for show organizers: “I understand the reasons for having operator-only sessions/events, etc.,” she explains, “but the more time we can all be together, the better. If an association wants to schedule appointments by supplier type, that is great; however, please schedule over more than one day. Two is preferrable.”
“Preparing for a trade show is critically important,” says Sara Brish, program manager with Travel Wisconsin’s Office of Group Travel. “We start by determining the trade shows that are going to give us the highest return on our investment based on feedback from partners and our own experiences. We put extensive thought and preparation into the shows we attend, from researching our appointments and planning the booth design to building out the activation at our booth. Each of these components is essential to building relationships that will last for years into the future.”
Brish says Travel Wisconsin partners with Circle Wisconsin for all its group tour efforts. Her organization plans to attend the NTA Travel Exchange in Huntsville and the Ontario Motor Coach Association Marketplace, both in November. “These shows are part of our ongoing commitment to promote Wisconsin to the group travel industry—domestically and internationally,” she explains. “On average, we participate in over 10 group travel shows annually to showcase our state’s attractions and services.”
She says trade shows are a “cornerstone strategy to selling Wisconsin to the group market,” hence the importance of proper planning. “Our job at Travel Wisconsin, in partnership with Circle Wisconsin, is to increase awareness and improve perceptions about Wisconsin’s unexpected tourism offerings. By connecting directly with tour operators, we make the case Wisconsin should be at the top of their travel itinerary list. Trade shows are very helpful; they’re a key component of our sales strategy.”
The next trade show for Dawn Hopper, managing director of tourism and market development with Dutchess Tourism in Poughkeepsie, New York, is ABA. “ABA is most helpful as it is my annual one-on-one meetings with operators I know and those new to my destination,” she says. “We no longer attend large group leader shows.”
She prepares by partnering with ILNY (I Love New York), researching operators, and recruiting tourism partners to attend. A successful trade show for Hopper? “Attention to supplier needs as well as tour operators,” she says. Also, it is important to have a balance “between networking opportunities and business meetings,” and she suggests events lasting no more than three to four days.
Ontario Motor Coach Association Marketplace; Credit: Ontario Motor Coach Association
Have the Long View
Jennifer Grundy, coordinator of convention and visitor services with Tourism Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, has a knack for networking and says she uses every tool at her disposal, including social platforms. “To prepare for a successful trade show or event, I start by figuring out what my mission is, like meeting new people and getting leads,” she explains. “Spreading the word using social media, sending out emails, and trying to reach out to my network to get people excited to meet with me.” She preselects appointments and familiarizes herself with who she is scheduled to meet. “Getting materials ready is important, too,” she explains, “so I make sure to pack plenty of business cards, brochures, and other promotional items. Sorting out logistics, like con!rming location details, travel plans, and necessary equipment, would be a priority.”
All the above might be well and good, but Grundy’s efforts would in large part be in vain if she didn’t have the long view in mind. “Planning for follow-up is very important,” she says, “so I plan for reaching out to leads and contacts after the event. Finally, keeping track of how things go and gathering feedback will help me improve for next time.”
Grundy appreciates what trade shows offer her—the chance to meet other people in industry, see the newest trends and products, and make new business connections. “It’s a chance to chat with potential clients and partners, build relationships, and stay on top of what’s happening,” she says. “A successful trade show is all about having a great plan, a standout booth, and really connecting with people.” For organizers, she offers this advice: Make sure “all logistics runs smoothly, and get the word out using social media and gathering feedback afterward.”
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: ABA Marketplace 2024, Nashville, Tennessee; Credit: Nathan Zucker
Each region of the United States carries with it a unique spirit. The Midwest conjures images of sprawling farmland and industrious cities. The Northeast is bursting with colonial history and maritime charm. The Southeast is a place of vibrant culture and sunny beaches. And the West … well, we’ll get to that. With each unique region comes an array of bucket list destinations that epitomizes these individual spirits. And the West—with its cultural, climatological, and geological diversity—is no exception. In fact, it can be a real challenge sifting through the possible tour stops your group might want to make.
Perhaps most commonly associated with the Great Plains and cowboy culture, the West offers so much more than that. Breathtaking natural wonders, eclectic communities, and unforgettable cultural attractions set the West apart as a region just begging to be explored. No matter where your group chooses to wander, there will always be something new to discover among the endless mountains, towering forests, rolling deserts, and coastal communities.
The West, a veritable haven for distinct natural formations and breathtaking bodies of water that attract millions of visitors each year, is home to 46 of the country’s 63 national parks—that’s almost three-quarters of the entire park system! Mother Nature’s handiwork doesn’t end with the national parks, though.
According to National Geographic, Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park attracts the most visitors annually, with an estimated 4.7 million people (second only to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee). One of the largest canyons in the world, the Grand Canyon is a mile deep and reaches up to 18 miles in width. There are several tour options available to groups looking to experience this massive park, including bicycle tours with Bright Angle Bicycles, motorcoach tours, mule tours of the North and South rims, guided hikes with the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute, helicopter tours, and more.
In Montana, Glacier National Park is another iconic destination in an area overflowing with popular group attractions. “Western Montana’s Glacier Country is the ultimate destination for group tours seeking soft adventure and scenic beauty,” says Debbie Picard, director of sales for Western Montana’s Glacier Country. “Nestled in the American Rockies, it offers unforgettable experiences like Red Bus Tours on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, scenic boat rides, and endless photo opportunities.”
Flathead Lake, Montana; Credit: Andy Austin
Other attractions in the area include Flathead Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the West; Whitefish Mountain Resort; Lake McDonald, known for its colorful pebbles; Bigfork Village, a local arts community; CSKT Bison Range; Travelers’ Rest State Park, the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition; Garnet Ghost Town; the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas; and several Indigenous cultural sites.
“Beyond the stunning landscapes, our region offers rich history, unique wildlife, and vibrant arts communities,” Picard says, noting the region’s offerings in live theater, an annual music festival, and even rodeo. “With diverse activities ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural tours, paired with exceptional lodging and culinary options, Western Montana provides an unforgettable experience.”
Other popular national parks include the Mighty Five of Utah: Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Zion National Park; California’s Redwood and Yosemite national parks; Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, located nearly six hours south of the similarly popular Cannon Beach; Mount Rainier National Park in Washington; Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona; Badlands National Park in South Dakota; and Yellowstone National Park, mostly situated in Wyoming.
On the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe—while not a national park—certainly has the beauty and prestige of one. The largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal-clear waters and majestic scenery. Its Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed locations in the world. Of Lake Tahoe, Mark Twain once wrote, “As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface, I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”
“Lake Tahoe is a stunning year-round destination that offers unparalleled beauty, outdoor adventure, and a range of amenities tailored to group experiences,” says Juraj Sojka, director of tourism for Visit Lake Tahoe. “Whether your group seeks a serene escape or outdoor thrills, Lake Tahoe provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Sierra,’ Lake Tahoe’s mountain air and serene waters are truly awe-inspiring. There are accommodations for every budget, as well as convenient access from major airports.”
Popular activities for groups include riding the Heavenly Gondola, which takes guests on a nearly 2 1/2-mile ride up to an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains; year-round lake cruises; clear-bottom kayaking; biking; snowshoeing; and attending shows at the Tahoe Blue Event Center. According to Sojka, many businesses around the lake offer discount rates for groups of 10 or more.
For many, bucket list destinations often hold some sort of cultural or historical significance. Another national park that best embodies this concept is Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, home to 5,000 known Indigenous ancestral sites, including mesa-top villages, farming terraces, reservoirs, pictographs and petroglyphs, towers, and cliff dwellings like the famous Cliff Palace.
Popular with groups are the Mesa Verde Museum and the “Mesa Top Loop” audio tour that covers 700 years of history. Different tours at the park can accommodate a range of 10 to 50 tourgoers. As an International Dark Sky Park, the grounds are also great for stargazing. Kristy Sholly, chief of interpretation and visitor services, says, “There is something for everyone—an amazing drive, beautiful Southwest desert scenery, dark skies, rich cultural history, opportunities for hiking, and shopping for site-specific items.”
More cultural hot spots popular on bucket lists throughout the West include South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore; OZ Museum in Wamego, Kansas; the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu County, Hawaii; and Space Center Houston in Texas.
For some people, a bucket list goes beyond only one attraction. Myriad cities across the West sit high on travelers’ lists, as they offer no dearth of cultural institutions suitable for groups of all shapes and sizes.
For groups seeking those trademark “Wild West” vibes, towns like Tombstone, Arizona; Fort Worth, Texas; Deadwood, South Dakota; and Cody, Wyoming, offer a slew of attractions centered on cowboy culture, from iconic saloons to live reenactments of notorious standoffs.
Cities like Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; and San Francisco, California, offer a combination of urban life and scenic surroundings. Groups traveling to these world-class cities will be met with unique culinary offerings, impactful museums, and unforgettable attractions. Seattle’s Space Needle, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, and the beautiful Portland Japanese Garden are prime examples.
Planning for a few more thrills? Las Vegas, Nevada, is a must-visit for a trip filled with glamour, gaming, and fun. Or, go with a more laid-back approach with a visit to Fairbanks, Alaska, where several area hotels offer Northern Lights tours.
With a region as large and diverse as the West, it can be challenging to list all the places that truly define its unique spirit. A true western bucket list could be a mile long, and your group might still be missing something they don’t even know is out there. So, why not start here, with the iconic places that hold a special place in the heart of millions?
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Space Needle, Seattle, Washington; Credit: Adobe/Adonis Abril
Known for its wild ponies, Saltwater Cowboys, “Ole Salt” oysters and clams, and the famous novel “Misty of Chincoteague,” this Virginian island is the perfect place for group tours seeking adventure in a quaint, seaside village bursting with small town charm. Take a boat tour around the entire island with Captain Dan’s Around the Island Tours, during which you will have the chance to see wild ponies, dolphins, and birds of all kinds. In this peaceful and tranquil town, your group can indeed take a step back in time. Wander with Chincoteague Step Through Time Tours and learn of the village’s history with pirates, shipwrecks, ponies, and even ghosts on a guided walk through its historic downtown.
LEARN
Whether your group’s interest lies in space exploration or marine biology, Chincoteague is the place to be. Discover Chincoteague’s bountiful sea creatures and wildlife conservation efforts at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational Center through hands-on exhibits and programs. Or, learn of the area’s 75-year spacecraft and technology history on Wallops Island at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility. Visit the Museum of Chincoteague Island to hear stories of island life throughout the years, including the famous story of Misty of Chincoteague—which the novel by Marguerite Henry is based on—and the Beebe family at the Beebe Ranch.
IMMERSE
The annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction offers an unforgettable experience for group tours. Each July, visitors can see the wild ponies of Assateague Island swim across the channel to Chincoteague Island, followed by an auction where select ponies are sold to benefit the local fire department. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of this event and will be the perfect time for groups to immerse themselves in the century-old, unique Virginian tradition.
LEARN MORE
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce chincoteaguechamber.com
Main Image: Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction; Credit: Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
Over the course of her two decades in commercial strategy and revenue optimization, Rhonda Khabir has quite literally traversed the country to get to where she is today. Having previously served as senior vice president of sales and marketing for a hotel management company in Hawaii, Khabir says her experiences in strategic planning, business growth, and aligning organizational goals with revenue performance have resulted in a natural progression to her current role.
As vice president of commercial for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Khabir says she today gets to combine her professional expertise with her admiration for the foundation’s mission. “I was drawn to Colonial Williamsburg for its remarkable blend of historical significance and present-day commercial opportunities,” Khabir tells Group Tour. “I am excited to apply my expertise to drive the foundation’s growth, contribute to its mission, and deliver exceptional value to both our visitors and stakeholders.”
With the United States’ 250th birthday nearing in 2026, a lot is in store for the world’s largest living history museum. We spoke with Khabir to learn more about all the historic landmark has planned for the upcoming celebration.
Q. With the approach of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, what will The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation do to celebrate? A. The year 2026 marks two notable anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America and the 100th anniversary of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This institution—envisioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1926—began as an idea to restore the 18th-century town of Williamsburg, creating a center for educating the public about our history. Today, it stands as the world’s largest U.S. history museum and a hub for education, preservation, and research.
As the world’s largest U.S. history museum, Colonial Williamsburg is leading the country in the planning for 2026. We are convening the nation’s museums, scholars and educators, and civic leaders to plan a celebration and commemoration that will inspire millions to explore America’s past, reflect on its legacy into the present, and understand their role in safeguarding the nation’s future. At the same time, we are dramatically expanding our efforts in the areas of preservation, education, and civic engagement—the core pillars of our work to discover and share a more complete history of America’s founding.
Q. Does the foundation have any upcoming projects or initiatives our planners should look out for? A. Yes, Colonial Williamsburg has several exciting projects and initiatives on the horizon that planners should definitely keep an eye on. We are preparing to launch a series of enhanced experiences and special events in celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, which will offer unique opportunities for groups to engage with American history in new and meaningful ways.
Additionally, our educational programs and interactive exhibits provide even more enriching and immersive experiences for visitors. These initiatives are designed to offer diverse and engaging content that will appeal to a wide range of interests and group sizes.
We encourage planners to stay tuned for updates on these developments, as they promise to add significant value to any group visit and ensure an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Q. What is your favorite thing about promoting Colonial Williamsburg as an ideal group tour destination? A. My favorite aspect of promoting Colonial Williamsburg as an ideal group tour destination is showcasing its unique ability to offer an immersive and educational experience that brings history to life. The combination of authentic historical settings, interactive programs, and engaging storytelling creates a dynamic environment that captivates and educates groups of all sizes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how Colonial Williamsburg’s rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere foster a deeper connection with America’s past, making each visit memorable and impactful for every group tour.
Q. Why is it important to preserve historical sites like Colonial Williamsburg, and what can we learn from these sites today? A. Preserving historic sites like Colonial Williamsburg is essential because they serve as living reminders of our collective heritage. These sites allow us to walk in the footsteps of those who shaped our nation’s history, providing invaluable lessons in governance, resilience, and community. By experiencing Colonial Williamsburg firsthand, we connect with the ideals and challenges of the past, fostering a deeper understanding of how far we’ve come and what we can learn to guide the future. It’s a way of ensuring that the stories, struggles, and triumphs of those who came before us are never forgotten, and that they continue to inspire future generations.
Q. What is something you’d like to share with our readers? A. For me, one of the most compelling aspects of Colonial Williamsburg is the continuous discovery of new insights that illuminate our shared history. Every day, our team unearths new findings that deepen our understanding of this significant place where Europeans, free and enslaved Black individuals, and Native Americans first came together.
These discoveries not only enrich our historical narrative but also highlight the diverse and complex interactions that shaped early American history. By sharing these revelations, we aim to provide a more inclusive and nuanced perspective on our past, honoring the contributions and experiences of all groups involved.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Colonial Williamsburg; Credit: Colonial Williamsburg
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc has a rich maritime history that can be explored at its many museums and other venues. Start your group tour at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to view exhibits that teach about the region’s seafaring history, including some focused on World War II. Manitowoc, designated an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service in 2022 because of its contributions during the war, continues to share its heritage at the museum with annual events such as Subfest. Here, visitors can step aboard a real submarine, the USS Cobia. After visiting the museum, stop by nearby Shipbuilders Park and have pictures taken by the metal arbor and fountain.
GET ARTSY
Other museums to put on your list are the Rahr-West Art Museum, which features work by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Visit the Manitowoc County Historical Society, which, according to Visit Manitowoc, oversees 25 historic county buildings and 60 acres that make up the Pinecrest Historical Village. Workshops and other events are held throughout the year. At the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, visitors can see a cow give birth or walk among 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that tell about the origins of food and the technologies that keep it safe.
ENJOY LOCAL EATS
Ensuring your group won’t go hungry, Manitowoc has more than 100 restaurants. Enjoy the comfort food at Bud Willman’s, which has been described as an old-fashioned diner. It is popular for its breakfasts, brunch, and burgers. Don’t forget to try its homemade jam. Other places perfect for groups include Brick’s Downtown Bar & Grill, also popular for its burgers, or enjoy award-winning cheese curds at Courthouse Pub. For the pizza lovers in your group, consider Grizzly’s Pub and Grill or Luigi’s Italian Restaurant.
LEARN MORE
Visit Manitowoc visitmanitowoc.com
Main Image: Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center; Credit: Visit Manitowoc
The 2024 Paris Olympics might be at an end, but that doesn’t mean the excitement, unity, and unparalleled athleticism associated with the Games will no longer be celebrated. In fact, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum (USOPM) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, keeps that (metaphorical) torch burning year-round.
Known as Olympic City USA, Colorado Springs is home to several Olympic and Paralympic organizations, including the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. The USOPM opened to the public as the country’s only Olympic and Paralympic museum in 2020. Why is Colorado Springs a hub for the Games, you might ask? This mountain community’s 6,035-foot elevation makes it the ideal destination for high-altitude training, drawing thousands of world-class athletes to the city every year.
“We are home to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic legacy, igniting dreams through athlete stories and inspiring excellence in all whom we serve,” says Hannah Henthorne, sales and development coordinator for USOPM. “Many groups come here to tie the themes of success, perseverance, and inspiration into a curriculum or workplace team-building strategy. We seek to share not only artifacts but also the stories behind the success of Team USA athletes.”
According to Henthorne, the museum regularly hosts groups of more than 100 guests, able to accommodate groups large and small. Estimated to take about two hours, guests can explore 13 galleries that feature interactive games, an immersive Parade of Nations experience, a complete collection of Olympic medals and torches, and a short film at the end of the tour.
Upon arrival, guests receive a Visitor Credential programmed with content specific to their accessibility needs and interests related to the Games. Each badge is compatible with the digital displays found throughout each exhibit, creating an experience that is personally tailored to each guest. These badges grant guests access to their very own Digital Locker, a virtual space filled with memories gathered throughout their tour as they interact with exhibits.
“From a touchscreen map of the United States highlighting hometowns of Olympians and Paralympians to the digital Hall of Fame gallery, there are many opportunities to flag and save content that gets sent to each guest’s Digital Locker,” explains Henthorne. “This creates an extended educational experience. Our Athlete Training Gallery offers six interactive sport exhibits that are a crowd favorite. Guests can try out archery, skeleton, skiing, sled hockey, or goalball, and they can also race a Team USA Olympian or Paralympian on the 30-meter track.”
Beyond the exhibits, the USOPM building is a marvel in and of itself. “There are subtle design features throughout that highlight various Olympic records,” says Henthorne. “For example, the four balconies that overlook our atrium are physical representations of the men’s and women’s pole vault records, as well as the men’s and women’s long jump records. To look up or even stand at those balconies is an eye-opener to the sheer skill these athletes have. Another cool architectural nuance is the shape of the building itself, which is based off the spin of a discus thrower. The spiral shape of the interior and exterior mimics a discus thrower in motion, and the Flame Cafe that sits just to the north of the building is the discus itself.”
U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum Olympic torches exhibit; Credit: Richard Bittles
As a core philosophy of the USOPM, accessibility is a theme guests will notice throughout the building. All galleries feature wheelchair-accessible, gentle-grade ramps. When receiving their Visitor Credentials, guests can choose preferred audiovisual services that include audio-described video, text-to-speech screen readers, high contrast, and larger font sizes. Upon request, guests might also use the facility’s transport chairs and sensory bags containing special badges, fidget tools, and noise-canceling headphones.
Make a day of your group’s visit with an on-site meal. Many groups use the Education Center behind the Flame Cafe to eat preordered or sack lunches. This space holds up to 50 tourgoers and offers panoramic views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. Larger groups can also gather in the atrium or, weather permitting, enjoy lunch on the Plaza Steps right outside the museum’s front doors.
And while your group is there, make sure your guests keep an eye out for their favorite athletes. “We see Team USA athletes come through the museum frequently,” Henthorne says. “We gather the visiting athlete and guests in the atrium and on the balconies and give the athlete a round of applause as a welcome and thank-you. It’s a great way to get guests involved, and it highlights the achievements of our Team USA athletes. Carly Patterson is the 2004 Olympic all-around champion in gymnastics and was recently here for a watch party and meet-and-greet. She signed autographs for the public and did a private brunch for some of our local gymnastics studios. You never know who is going to visit!”
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Credit: Jason O’Rear
The 2024 National Tourism Association (NTA) Travel Exchange came to a close in Huntsville, Alabama, on Wednesday, Nov. 20, following four days of one-on-one appointments between tour operators, DMOs, and suppliers; educational seminars; networking events, and more at the Von Braun Center.
Through a partnership with the Green Book Institute, a “nonprofit organization dedicated to using technology, training, and education to link local, small, and often minority-owned businesses with the global tourism economy,” NTA awarded three honorees the inaugural Cultural Tourism Award on Monday, Nov. 18.
William Hampton of Huntsville Revisited, Melanie Bench of the Cherokee Nation, and Terri Harvill of the Birmingham YMCA were this year’s honorees.
With hundreds of attendees from all over the United States, Canada, and beyond, the annual conference for the first time partnered with the Green Book Institute to honor the legacy embodied by “The Negro Motorist Green Book.” The historic Green Book, which was circulated annually from 1936-67, aided Black travelers as they joined in the growing phenomenon of the classic American road trip following the expansion of the U.S. highway system in the 1930s.
As hotels, restaurants, and roadside attractions rapidly popped up along iconic highways like Route 66, Black travelers faced the challenge of locating businesses that would accommodate them—businesses free from the confines of segregation—often resulting in these travelers being forced to sleep and eat in their vehicles. Victor Hugo Green, a U.S. Postal Service employee, published the first Green Book with only a handful of identified businesses. By the time segregation was outlawed and the book became obsolete, it had a circulation of more than 2 million and featured hundreds of hotels, restaurants, gas stations, barber shops, tailors, stores, and more.
Debra Asberry, CTP, received NTA’s 2024 Woman of Vision award on Monday, Nov. 18; Credit: NTA/Normand Huberdeau
More to Celebrate
Also honored on Monday was NTA’s 2024 Woman of Vision, Debra Asberry, CTP. Asberry is the owner of Women Traveling Together, an Annapolis, Maryland-based organization designed to connect like-minded women who want to travel in an environment that is safe and supportive.
On Tuesday, Vernon Briggs of Giri Hotel Management was honored with NTA’s Volunteer of the Year Award, and Visit Savannah’s Anjuli King received the 2024 Young Professionals Award. On Wednesday, Paul Larsen of Ed-Ventures was honored with the Bob Everidge Lifetime Achievement Award, NTA’s highest honor.
This year’s festivities wrapped up on Wednesday with a celebratory gathering at Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center, a Smithsonian- and NASA-affiliated museum that earned Huntsville its “Rocket City” moniker. Guests gathered under the displayed Saturn V rocket, a National Historic Landmark, for an evening and enjoyed live performances by local musicians.
NTA’s 2025 Travel Exchange is slated for Ottawa in Ontario, Canada, Nov. 9-12. On the 2025 board of directors are Frances Manzitto, Trips Unlimited; Marcela Laukova, CTP, Discover Slovakia Tours; Christina Werner, CTP, Custom Holidays; Jalyssa Gasmen, Visit Mesa; Mike Pitman, Sight & Sound Theaters; Fraser Neave, CTP, Wells Gray Tours; Michelle Pino, Northeast Unlimited Tours; Brent Dalrymple, Sunrise Tours; Cory Mace, Badger Coaches; Brittany Dykla, Brilliant Edventures; Monique von Dijk-Seppola, Scandinavia Tours; Pam Williams, CTP, Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Sheli Hinds Armstrong, Destination Southwest; Juan Pablo Suarez, Ottawa Tourism; Theresa Nemetz, Travel Deliciously; Lois Stoltzfus, CTP, Dutchman Hospitality Group; and Richard Arnold, Atlantic Tours.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: The recipients of the 2024 Cultural Tourism Award were honored on Monday, Nov. 18. From left to right: David Jackson, Green Book Institute (presenter); Bryce Wilson, GroupCollect (sponsor/presenter); William Hampton, Huntsville Revisited (honoree); Melanie Bench, Cherokee Nation (honoree); Terri Harvill, Birmingham YMCA (honoree); and Karin Aaron, Green Book Experience (presenter); Credit: NTA/Normand Huberdeau
Across the Midwest, your group can take a deep dive into automotive marvels, artisanal glass, or even traditional cheesemaking. This region offers a variety of factory tours large and small that will leave your group with a greater knowledge of the heartland’s innovative industry through hands-on and visual experiences.
In Detroit, Michigan, groups can tour the Ford Rouge Factory, where they will have the opportunity to walk above a real-life truck plant, view one of the world’s largest “living roofs,” see a gallery of iconic Ford vehicles produced at the Rouge over the years, watch a short documentary about the factory’s past with rare archival footage, and experience the manufacturing process in an exciting multisensory innovation theater. Located in the United States’ “Motor City”—widely known to “put the world on wheels”—this tour offers an immersive experience through one of the country’s most influential factories, says Charles Foeller, the program specialist for the tour. “The Ford Rouge Factory Tour is living history,” Foeller says. “Our guests get to see history as it happens.” Here, take your group on the “Assembly Plant Walking Tour” to see the F-150 truck assembly process in real time. “The tour itself is nothing you have ever seen before,” says Angela Rampin, tourism partnership manager. “It’s that good!”
Ford Rouge Factory, Detroit, Michigan; Credit: The Henry Ford
Groups can immerse themselves in the art of glassmaking at the Kokomo Opalescent Glass factory in Kokomo, Indiana, the country’s oldest art glass manufacturer. This visually captivating tour will give your group a peek into the rich history and impressive skills behind Kokomo Opalescent Glass, where unique sheets of glass have been created since 1888. When groups take the tour, they have the unique opportunity to feel the heat from the molten glass, which is an experience not many people can say they have gone through, says Ally Connor, Kokomo Opalescent Glass retail manager. She adds, “This shared experience becomes a special bonding moment, creating memories that will endure a lifetime.”
For groups with a taste for cheese, the Cedar Grove Cheese factory in Plain, Wisconsin, offers an insightful look into the cheesemaking process. From goat and sheep milk cheeses to classic varieties, groups can explore the traditional methods used to produce a wide variety of cheeses. Because this factory still creates cheese the traditional way, with a manual process in large, open containers, it is very easy for groups to witness the whole process.
The factory, which has been operating since 1878, also provides groups with insights into the history of cheesemaking in Wisconsin, also known as America’s Dairyland, one of the country’s top producers of this delicious snack. Groups can also tour the factory’s water treatment system, described as a “living machine” that uses tropical plants and nature to polish the factory’s water before it is discharged to the local stream. Your group can leave this tour with an organic cheese curd package with a QR code linking to information you will not find at most cheese factories, says Bob Wills, president of Cedar Grove Cheese. “The combination of subjects that we cover,” he notes, “hits a wide range of visitor interests.”
By Clarissa Casper
Main Image: Ford Rouge Factory, Detroit, Michigan; Credit: The Henry Ford
With its extensive history and myriad cultural influences, it should come as no surprise that Savannah offers several fascinating guided tours your group won’t want to miss. For a deep dive into the city’s Historic Landmark District, consider booking a six-hour excursion with Bull Run Walking Tours. Or, shake things up with a tour of the Bee Garden at Savannah Bee Co., which provides guests an in-depth look into the life of honeybees. The comedy lovers of your group might enjoy exploring the city with Savannah for Morons, a company that offers humorous trolley tours focused on the city’s history. For a more educational experience, consider having your group participate in a Tybee Beach Ecology Trip.
IMMERSE
To truly experience the culture and vibe of Savannah, send your group to one of these historic locations. Bonaventure Cemetery, known for its gothic architecture and alleged spirits, has been captivating visitors with its unparalleled beauty and sense of mystery since the late 1700s. Tour the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace to explore the home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. To take a deeper dive into the Civil Rights history of the area, The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum and First African Baptist Church are must-visits. The Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences mansion is a great place to explore art and artifacts that exemplify Southern life.
SAVOR
Known for its savory fried chicken, authentic shrimp and grits, delicious barbecue, and so much more, your group will find no shortage of bites to enjoy in Savannah. For classic soul food, consider Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, The Pirates’ House, or Wiley’s Championship BBQ. The Coffee Fox and Starland Yard are great spots for comfort food. Some more unforgettable restaurants include The Olde Pink House, Vic’s on The River, and The Grey.
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Main Image: Bonaventure Cemetery; Credit: Visit Savannah/Casey Jones
