Consider this: Your group visits a historic home, and while at the site, one of the members sees in her peripheral vision a human figure dressed in period clothing. Curious, she turns her head to see who it is, but when she does, she doesn’t see anyone there. The group member is not afraid by what she just witnessed, but the experience sends a quick chill up her spine. Are her eyes playing tricks on her, or did she just see a ghost? Another group member feels a tap on the shoulder, but when he turns, no one is behind him to do the tapping. Did he just feel a phantom?
It is true that many accounts of alleged spirit encounters tell of people claiming to have seen ghostly visages or dark shadow figures out of the corner of their eyes. Others say they have felt the sensation of being touched when no one is there. There also are stories about individuals hearing disembodied voices or phantom footsteps, seeing lights and doors that seem to act on their own volition, or experiencing an overall sense of uneasiness while at a certain place.
Figments of imagination? Who’s to say? But if you ask those who have experienced such phenomena, they will likely swear on a stack of holy books that the encounters they have had were real. Whether you’re a die-hard believer or born-again skeptic, or somewhere in between, planners looking for a different kind of experience for their travel groups might consider a journey to some of the country’s allegedly haunted historic sites. The Northeast region has plenty of options. There is no guarantee, of course, that any of your group members will have a supernatural encounter, but they likely will walk away with some fun memories and a little more knowledge of local history and lore.
Ghost Tours Galore
Luckily for the thrill-seekers in your group, there are plenty of places to chase spirits in the Northeast. It’s good to start your paranormal history tour with those in the know. The “NYC Gangsters and Ghosts Tour” in New York City, which chases “ghosts of gangsters past,” offers three two-hour tours that run daily. Covering the areas of Chinatown, Five Points, Little Italy, and the West Village, guests on this tour visit old crime scenes and haunted locations, all from more than a century ago. As such, it is sure to please any history buff and paranormal enthusiast in your group.
Gangsters, crime—both often lead to prison time for the culprits; and old prisons are a prime setting for more ghostly experiences. Plan a group visit to Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dubbed “America’s Most Historic Prison.” Built in the early 1800s, its haunting appearance of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers hints at what unseen presences might lie within. Infamous criminals who stayed for a time at this old pen include “Scarface” Al Capone and “Slick Willie” Sutton.
Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Credit: Eastern State Penitentiary/Albert Vecerka
Pennsylvania’s haunts include more than man-made structures; they also include battlefields. According to local lore, many ghosts—some dressed in military attire—have been seen at Gettysburg and other historic locations of the Civil War. Gettysburg Ghost Tours offers several candlelight tour options, among them the “Battle Cry,” “Black Cat,” “Craft Beer & Spirts,” “East Cemetery Hill,” and “Haunted Field Hospital” tours. Others include the “Live or Die” tour, which offers an immersive, character-driven experience, and the family-friendly “Daytime History Tour.”
In Maryland, put “Annapolis Ghost Tours” on your itinerary. Authorized by “Haunted Annapolis” author and local historian Mike Carter, these popular ghost walks and pub tours depart from the Maryland Inn. The “Haunted Pub Crawl” is a “spirited” gathering combining drinks and ghost stories. Also in the Old Line State is Baltimore Ghost Tours, which hosts haunted walking tours for all ages and pub crawls for those 21 years and older. Several options are available, including special events for groups.
No haunted tour of the Northeast is complete without a trip to the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C., abounds with history and allegedly haunted sites. Get spooked with any or all of the following: “Capitol Hill Haunts,” “DC by Foot,” “Ghosts of Georgetown,” “Ghosts of Lafayette Park,” “Horror on the Hill,” and “Scary DC.” There are many other tour options and sites to visit. One of them is The Octagon House, built in the shape of an octagon between 1798-1800 by Col. John Tayloe and now a museum. The house is said to have lights that turn on by themselves, chandeliers that swing of their own volition, and the sounds of mysterious footsteps on the stairway and upper levels.
“Visitors report cold spots and uneasy feelings when climbing the stairs, and some have heard piercing screams,” according to the DC History Center. “It is said that one of the Tayloe daughters fell to her death from that stairwell, and sightings of her have been reported since at least 1908. … Flickering lights and doors mysteriously opening and closing have plagued the new museum since its founding.”
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Credit: Adobe/Tim
Come Visit Sidney! Located in west-central Ohio on I-75, we feature an area rich with heritage and recreational attractions, factory tours, and comfortable hotels. Your group will love our one- and two-day itineraries, locally owned restaurants, and quaint downtown shopping adventures. How can we help? Please contact the Sidney Visitors Bureau for inspiration and to plan your group visit.
Photo courtesy of Sidney Tourism BureauPhoto courtesy of Sidney Tourism BureauPhoto courtesy of Sidney Tourism BureauPhoto courtesy of Sidney Tourism BureauPhoto courtesy of Sidney Tourism BureauPhoto courtesy of Sidney Tourism Bureau
Memberships Ohio Travel Association
Nearby Attractions of interest to group travel
Airstream Factory Tour & Heritage Center
Wallace Family Learning & Innovation Center
A Louis Sullivan Architectural Masterpiece
The Monumental Building
Downtown Sidney
Crossway Farm
Tawawa Park
Business Hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Lindsay Gallery’s jeweler, Bob Mattingly, demonstrating for a tour group
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism
Emily Reynolds Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism
Berea Tourism Group Tour Planner Emily Reynolds helps travel groups plan and book all details of their trip itineraries to and/or through Berea, Kentucky. Most commonly, Reynolds works with motorcoach groups, but she also helps plan conference visits, family reunions, school field trips, and more—in short, any group that would like to visit Berea can take advantage of Reynolds’ expertise.
Group Tour asked Reynolds what it is about Berea that keeps groups coming.
Q. How would you describe Berea to someone who has never visited before? A. Berea, Kentucky, is a charming little town, rich with history, outdoor recreation, and art. Berea is the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky, as well as home to the first co-ed and interracial college of the south. Berea is also a part of the Boone Trace, the first road to open up into Kentucky, carved by Daniel Boone.
Q. What makes Berea a great place for group tours? A. Berea has many activities and venues that can host large groups of people. Berea caters to a wide variety of demographics: all ages and interests including music, outdoor adventure, history, art, and so much more!
Group Tour Planner Emily Reynolds ready to join a tour group for a driving history tour of Berea Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism
Q. How does Berea Tourism help tour operators plan their group tours? A. Services provided by Berea Tourism are 100% free. The group tour planner will contact any and all activities and locations in Berea to make for a smooth planning process for all parties involved. Berea is also centrally located on Interstate 75, making it the perfect location to visit while en route to other destinations.
Artist instructor Dustin Cecil teaching a cobwebber broom LearnShops class
Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism
Q. Are there areas, themes, or activities you would like to promote to group tours? How and where can group tours discover and connect with those areas, themes, or activities? A. Berea is the “Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky, making it the perfect location for craft lovers. Guests can see artists at work while in Berea’s “Old Town Artisan Village” area. Guests can also take hands-on classes in numerous mediums with expert artists. It is also rich with Civil Rights history and the settlement of Kentucky, making it a wonderful place for history buffs. Outdoor enthusiasts also love Berea for the multiple outdoor recreation options it has to offer. Please go to visitberea.com for more info!
Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours in Berea? A. Our long-term outlook for group tours at our destination is very optimistic. We aim to continually enhance and diversify our tour experiences to ensure that every visit offers something new, even for returning groups. By introducing fresh activities, unique themes, and interactive elements, we hope to keep our offerings dynamic and engaging. Our commitment is to provide memorable experiences that encourage groups to return, while also attracting new visitors who are eager to discover what we have to offer.
Two people taking a stroll on one of many multiuse trails Photo courtesy of Berea Tourism
Q. Is there anything new or upcoming in Berea that group tours should know about? A. We have added to our list of demonstrating artists, and unique LearnShop classes that guests can take part in.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Berea? A. Berea can host groups for days on end, but we are also the perfect stop for short durations. We are centrally located on Interstate 75, and this makes us a perfect stop for food, a quick stop to stretch your legs with an activity, and/or a hub to spoke out to other destinations in Kentucky.
Perhaps one of the most iconic sights to see when visiting an oceanside locale is that of a whale breach through the surface of the water. There is something almost magical about it—giant flippers and tail on full display before they swim back down into the depths.
From the brisk waters of Alaska down to the warm coast of California, groups can work with a vast array of whale-watching tour operators along the West Coast to see these gentle giants in action—from gray whales and humpbacks to blue whales and orcas. And, for those traveling to Hawaii, there is one other excitable sea creature worth taking a boat excursion to see: dolphins.
One imperative bit of information to consider when going whale watching and choosing where to go is migration patterns. Orcas tend to hang around the waters off the coasts of California, Washington, and Oregon, though their movements can result in sightings almost anywhere in the Pacific Ocean. Humpback whales move up and down the Pacific coast throughout the year, while gray whales migrate south along the West Coast from November to February, heading down to birth their calves off the shores of Mexico, then heading back north to the Arctic for the summer months to feed.
Blue Ocean Whale Watch; Credit: Kate Cummings
Up in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau, humpback whales and orcas are some of the more common sea mammals you might see perusing the coastal waters, with humpbacks generally hanging around the area from April through November. Juneau Tours & Whale Watch offers whale-watching excursions from April through September with group rates and private charters available. The nearly three-hour tour departs from Auke Bay Harbor and travels through the Inside Passage, keeping watch for whales, bald eagles, sea lions, black bears, and more.
Located on the south side of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island in Canada, Prince of Whales in Victoria features a robust menu of whale-watching tours throughout the year. Group rates and private charters are available, with its Salish Sea Catamarans able to seat up to 95 passengers and its Ocean Magic Cruisers able to accommodate up to 74.
Humpbacks and orcas are also among the most commonly seen on these tours, but minke and gray whales have also been spotted on occasion. For a bit of a thrill, groups of up to 12 can get low to the water on Prince of Whales’ smaller Zodiac boats that zip through the water and provide exceptional sea-level wildlife viewing.
For those visiting the Emerald City of Seattle, Washington, access to whale watching on the Salish Sea is easy through Puget Sound Express, which departs from The Port of Edmonds just north of downtown. Groups can choose to book either a scheduled departure or arrange a custom tour, both of which take place on the Swiftsure boat, available for up to 145 passengers from February to December. The boat will cruise through the Salish Sea and the San Juan Islands at more than 40 mph, potentially allowing tourgoers a glimpse of orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and minke whales.
Down in Oregon, gray whales have the claim to fame along the coast as they migrate between the Arctic and Mexico. Whale watching in the Beaver State peaks in mid-December through mid-January and late February through May, and to celebrate such a grand event, Oregon Parks and Recreation hosts biannual Whale Watching Weeks, during which volunteers are posted at roughly 20 sites along the shores where visitors can spot whales from land during peak migration times. Its Whale Watching Center is located in Depoe Bay, and its website features a map of the designated whale-watching outposts, which are also available to visit outside of the designated Whale Watching Weeks.
With the California coast being as long as it is, there is an overabundance of exciting whale watching opportunities across its entirety. One city along the central coast is already a well-known haven for aquatic experiences and access to marine wildlife: Monterey. Its Monterey Bay Aquarium is a leader in and global voice for ocean conservation, and the area’s coastline is rich with humpback, gray, and blue whale sightings that vary by season. Here, winter and spring are prime for viewing humpback and gray whales, while summer and fall are ideal spotting for humpback and blue whales. Year-round sightings can include orcas, Risso’s and Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters, harbor seals, and more. Blue Ocean Whale Watch offers weekly and custom whale-watching charters on its High Spirits yacht, available to groups of up to 47 passengers. Whether aiming to witness the natural wonders of the sea or simply enjoy a day on the water, whale-watching is a can’t-miss experience for groups.
Culture, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.” But the dictionary states it also is “the characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time.” With these definitions in mind, get ready to explore some of the Midwest’s popular cultural destinations. These include not only cities but also their art venues, botanical gardens, historical museums, outdoor sites, and other attractions.
Not all noteworthy stops for a group visit are included, of course, but those mentioned will help get your group started on an excursion that can be adventurous, fun, and memorable. With so many places to choose from, where does a tour planner begin? A suggestion is to start with the Twin Cities of Minnesota. Known for the Twins baseball team, Mall of America, and being home to the late rock star Prince, the Twin Cities is an iconic destination that offers plenty of cultural experiences.
Early in their history, the Cities—which primarily include Minneapolis and St. Paul, but in broader terms their many suburbs as well—were largely developed by Scandinavians who came to the region in the 1800s. Today, that culture is celebrated at many places throughout the region, including the American Swedish Institute, Danish American Center, Ingebretsen’s Scandinavian Center, and the Norway House, all located in Minneapolis. Other local places with cultural ties include the Gammelgarden Museum, Mindekirken church, and even the state capitol building, where a memorial stands in honor of Viking Leif Erikson.
While in Minnesota, head north to Duluth, located in the state’s Arrowhead region, a scenic destination where the wilds of Mother Nature abound, thus creating another type of culture. But your group members don’t have to be versed in the outdoors to enjoy this pretty place. Plenty of adventure awaits indoors as well. The Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center has rotating exhibits that explore Minnesota’s Indigenous heritage, while the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum preserves original letters and other documents of past leaders who helped shape state and national history.
One popular stop for marine culture is the William A. Irvin Museum, a floating venue located at Canal Park and set against the Duluth Aerial Bridge, yet another historic emblem from the past. Earlier in its career, the freighter experienced a boiler explosion that caused the death of a crewmate and the injury of two others. The ship eventually was retired, but instead of going to the scrapyard, it was turned into the living museum it is today near the shores of Lake Superior. The museum welcomes visitors, but make sure to check for days and times because these do change with the seasons. Of note, the ship has been a popular stop for paranormal groups in search of ghosts because of the claims in some circles about it being a haunted vessel. Even if you don’t encounter any ghosts, your group members will surely garner other, more enlightening information from times now past.
Dancing at Mercado on Fifth, Moline, Illinois; Credit: Visit Quad Cities
Going back to the “cities” designation is the Quad Cities, which encompasses parts of Illinois and Iowa, and has large Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities, each culture playing an integral part of the region, influencing its heritage sites, dining experiences, and art scene. “The Quad Cities is a perfect destination for group tours seeking to explore a rich blend of heritage and diversity,” says Lindsey Row, director of public relations and communications with Visit Quad Cities. “From the German American Heritage Center to the Mercado on Fifth market and historic neighborhood, our region offers immersive experiences that highlight global influences and local traditions. Groups will find unique opportunities to engage with the Quad Cities’ deep-rooted cultural history and vibrant bi-state communities.”
Of the arts, the Quad Cities touts itself as having live music in its DNA. What exemplifies the word “culture” more than an orchestra and symphony? Experience the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and concert tours at the historic 2,400-seat Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa. For a different kind of music, the venues Codfish Hollow Barnstormers (Maquoketa, Iowa), Common Chord’s Redstone Room (Davenport, Iowa), Raccoon Motel (Davenport), and The Rust Belt (East Moline, Illinois) allow guests to experience entertainers whose cultures stretch from many parts of the globe. These places are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of cultural venues in the region.
“The Quad Cities is recognized as the ‘Creative Capital of the Midwest,’ making it an ideal spot for group cultural tours,” Row says. “With a dynamic arts scene—ranging from fine art at the Figge Art Museum to the annual Alternating Current festival—there’s a strong creative energy here that invites exploration. Groups can experience a variety of artistic expressions in both curated spaces and public installations, making the Quad Cities a must-see destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.”
For a different kind of experience, visit downtown Des Moines, Iowa, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which features the work of more than 20 artists. The 4-acre property opened in 2009 and is itself a type of art, described by the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation as being “unlike any other sculpture park in the United States.” Guided tours, which are scheduled in advance, are available from April 1 through Oct. 31, but groups can visit without a scheduled tour during park hours. A giant spider, a large pumpkin, and black-and-white snowmen are just a few of the artistic pieces that decorate this interesting and group-friendly venue. Photography and picnicking are available, but make sure your group keeps their food away from the sculptures.
Indiana and Ohio also have rich cultures and history. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail in Fountain Square, for instance, is 10 miles of pedestrian and bike-friendly trails that connect users with all sorts of experiences, from the Madam Walker Legacy Center to the Fall Creek Greenway and White River Wapahani Trail. Along the way, notice the cultural interpretive panels. In Ohio, visit the 1847 Quilt Retreat Center (Millersburg), 3060 Artworks (Columbus), A Christmas Story House (Cleveland), and the Allen Memorial Art Museum (Oberlin), just a few of the many sites worthy of a tour in the Buckeye State.
In Michigan is the famous Motown Museum—nicknamed “Hitsville U.S.A.”—site of Motown’s first headquarters and recording studio. Located in Detroit, the museum invites people of all backgrounds and ages to visit and become “inspired and transformed” not only by the music but also by the “cultural and social impact of Motown.”
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the arts are on display at such places as the Pablo Center at the Confluence, where visitors can catch a Broadway play, or smaller stages like The Plus and The Lakely, both of which host live entertainment and open mic performances. There’s also the artistic venues Clear Water Comedy, Oh Claire Improv, and the Heyde Center for the Arts in the nearby community of Chippewa Falls.
Experience farm culture in Eau Claire, from the popular Ferguson’s Orchards, which grows apples and offers activities on the farm, to Connell’s Family Orchard and Leffel Roots Apple Orchard. Other places allow groups to get a taste, literally, of what the Midwest has to offer, such as Govin’s Farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin, about 30 minutes from Eau Claire, where guests can experience fun on the farm; and the Eau Claire Farmers Market. After an immersive cultural experience in the Midwest, your group will likely have worked up an appetite; but don’t worry, they won’t leave this place hungry!
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Gammelgarden Museum, Scandia, Minnesota; Credit: Explore Minnesota
The Lake Champlain region offers groups a laid-back destination featuring wide-open spaces, history, attractions, outdoor recreation opportunities, and one of the largest interconnected freshwater lakes in North America. Fish at Lake Champlain, which has been named one of the “Top 10 Best Bass Fishing Lakes” for several years by Bassmaster. View hundreds of bird species on the Lake Champlain Birding Trail, which unifies and connects 88 birding sites along the lake’s shoreline and uplands of Vermont and New York. Take the Belfry tower hike, one of the easiest fire tower hikes in the Adirondacks. This tower, once used by forest rangers to spot deadly wildfires, offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding wilderness. Take a journey through rock formations carved over billions of years at AuSable Chasm, where visitors can hike, float, and climb amidst the Adirondack Forest.
Remember
Visit the quaint Essex Main Street, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, groups can take a walking tour of one of the most intact collections of pre-Civil War architecture in America. Essex is also full of well-preserved 19th-century brick and stone homes, churches, inns, and shops. Stop by the Depot Theatre, doubling as the Amtrak train depot during the winter months. Each summer, Broadway-affiliated and professional actors take part in plays and musicals at this restored train station. Learn of the history of the region and its strong ties to the Revolutionary War of 1812 at Fort Ticonderoga in New York.
Dine
For dinner, visit Deer’s Head Inn, the oldest tavern in the Adirondacks. First opened in 1808 during Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, it served as a hospital for the troops injured in the War of 1812 and as an illicit liquor cache during Prohibition.
Learn More
Lake Champlain Region
lakechamplainregion.com
Main Image: AuSable Chasm; Credit: Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
Photo courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA in Marshall, Michigan, is a great place to sit down and enjoy some delicious home cooking, but what you may not guess is that it also offers a professional dinner theater. That’s where Dexter Brigham comes in. A theater producer for over 20 years, Brigham joined Turkeyville in early 2021 and is now the producing artistic director for Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. That makes Brigham responsible for presenting all of the Broadway musicals and live entertainment at Turkeyville USA.
Group Tour asked Brigham how he makes that magic happen at Turkeyville USA and what groups can expect on their visit to this Michigan landmark.
Q. How would you describe Turkeyville USA to someone who has never visited before? A. Turkeyville USA is a 400-acre family farm that has grown to become one of southwest Michigan’s most delightful tourist destinations. We offer a six-show season of Broadway musicals and plays, an all-turkey restaurant, ice cream parlor with homemade fudge and popcorn, bakery, gift shop, live animals, and over 2 1/2 miles of rideable model train track.
Q. What makes Turkeyville USA a great place for group tours? A. We have everything a group tour needs in one place: dining, entertainment, shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Our team is experienced with meeting the needs of group tours, providing step-on welcomes and keeping group itineraries on schedule. The wide variety of attractions around the property ensures that there’s something fun for everyone, whether it’s shopping for sassy T-shirts and baked goods, petting the goats, or taking in a Broadway show.
Photo courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner TheatrePhoto courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner TheatrePhoto courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
Q. How does Turkeyville USA help tour operators plan their group tours? A. Our experienced planning staff will work with you to plan your day by providing concierge box office service so you an update your booking numbers as they change. We are located close to, or on the way to, other popular Michigan destinations (Holland, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, etc.) and can coordinate your time with us to ensure you reach your final destination on time. Once on-site, we will provide a step-on guide who will provide helpful information and direct guests to restrooms and ensure everyone is seated in the dinner theater in time for the meal and show.
Q. Are there any special events group tours should know about at Turkeyville USA? A. Turkeyville has loads of special events throughout the year, including a Renaissance Fair, Antique Tractor Show, and our annual Haunted Adventure every weekend in October, which includes a haunted barn, spooky hay ride, corn maze, and train rides.
Photo courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
Q. What are some upcoming shows at Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre that groups should be aware of? A. The 2025 season of Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre will be kicking off in late February with a new show from The Manhattan Dolls called “Good Morning, Vietnam” featuring hits from the rock ‘n’ roll war. As we roll into spring, a magical, romantic comedy called “Almost, Maine” will take the stage, followed by the sassy sisters of the habit-forming musical “Nunsense.” In the summer, the temp won’t be the only thing headed back to the 80s when we premiere our new 80s rock revue “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” followed by Andrew Lloyd Weber’s rock musical of biblical proportions, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” As we head into the holidays, our season will close out with dancing elves and North Pole shenanigans in “The Naughty List.”
Q. What’s the long-term outlook for group tours at Turkeyville USA? A. For over 60 years, Turkeyville USA has been welcoming guests to the farm, and group tours are a huge part of who we are. We love surprising new guests with our fun and quirky, family-oriented amenities, and we will continue to be a great place for group tours for many years to come.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Turkeyville USA? A. The Cornwell’s farm has been in the family for almost 200 years, and five generations of Cornwells have worked for the past 60 years to build Turkeyville from a popular sandwich stand at the county fair into Southwest Michigan’s family destination for home-cooked food and great entertainment!
Learn More Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre turkeyville.com
Lead image: Photo courtesy of Turkeyville USA & Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre
Rockford is nicknamed “The Forest City” because of its 10,000 acres of parks, forest preserves, and award-winning gardens. Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens—a beautiful 12-acre landscape of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways, and koi-filled ponds—consistently ranked as one of the best Japanese gardens in the country. In the summer, head to West Rock Wake Park, where your group can participate in water sports in a thrilling, sustainable way.
ENJOY
Rockford is also known to be a vibrant city with spectacular food, art, culture, and more. Throughout the county, more than 50 original mural installations enhance the area’s beauty. Additionally, festivals and events are held throughout the year, celebrating artistic expression and the importance of community. Visit the BMO Center, Rockford’s premier multipurpose arena, where your group can experience sporting events, comedy shows, and music concerts. Or, take your group to see the Coronado Theatre, an ornate building crafted in the 1920s, home to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Here, your group can see performances from world-renowned artists and Broadway shows.
LEARN
Visit the Severson Dells Nature Center to connect your group with nature, education, and research in the northern Illinois area. Explore over 5 miles of hiking trails across a 369-acre county preserve and participate in educational programs throughout the year. This center—a converted deer lodge—is home to a library, bookstore, and exhibit, plus designated areas for bird-watching. Take a glimpse into life in the Victorian era by booking a guided tour at the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. The museum complex includes one of the only Swiss-style homes remaining in the U.S., as well as a pre-Columbian Native American conical mound.
It has been reported that last year was the hottest year on record for planet Earth, beating out the previous record from 2016. The 10 hottest years on record since 1850, in fact, when the global records began to be kept, all were within the past decade. Carbon levels also reached the highest point in their history last year. Combined, these things don’t bode well for our earthly home. How do we know these things and what can be done to improve this dire situation before more irreperable damage is done to this little blue planet we love?
Enter environmental science, which employs scientific methods to understand and meet environmental challenges. This broad topic is an umbrella that, under its shade, includes other topics; among them are earth sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. The discipline continues to hold popular interest. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupational fields of environmental scientists and specialists is expected to grow 6% through 2032, “faster than the average for all occupations,” the statistical report reads. “About 6,900 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.”
That’s good news for young people who have an interest in science; there are plenty of opportunities to feed it. Tour planners can help by putting specialty museums and science centers, found across the country, on their itineraries. These places allow youth groups to explore and experience the many facets of the environment and its myriad sciences.
Midwest
The Midwest, where the wide expanse of prairieland is decorated with lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, is a good place for young people to get a handle on earth sciences. Start at the Earth Discovery Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Managed by Eagle Creek Park Foundation, the site is home to a world-class nature center that seeks to enhance environmental education for all ages, although it does have an emphasis on youth. Its Ornithology Center attracts some 80,000 visitors every year, many of them student groups. This center is a hotbed of activity when it comes to all things creepy and crawly. Aquariums with amphibians, fish, and reptiles are in abundance, and here students can learn about native plants and animals.
Classrooms and a geothermal pond keep the kids interested. The pond, according to information from the venue, “allows for large school groups to immerse in an elaborate pond study program to dip-net for frogs and aquatic insects, which adds to their studies in the wet lab.” There is plenty more to explore here, including another opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature by hiking and exploring the nearby trails.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland, Minnesota, is a fun gathering space for youth groups. This northern location is situated on a ridge that overlooks Lake Superior, bordered by Baptism River, and features plenty of opportunity to learn about the natural environment. Mother Nature has been good to this region where creeks, lakes, hiking trails, and a forest full of mixed trees abound—birch, maple, and spruce. Just be mindful this also is home to a variety of wildlife, among them beaver, fox, and wolves. As for the buildings here, there are four classrooms, a raptor aviary, two auditoriums, rock climbing walls, and outdoor ropes courses. It’s the perfect mix of education and recreation. What’s more, the 2,000-acre campus is an easy drive to some of northern Minnesota’s most picturesque attractions: Gooseberry Falls State Park, nearby Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche State Park.
The Michigan Science Center is a robust, group-friendly venue with many opportunities for students to explore and experiment the science. Its offerings include the Space Gallery, Smithsonian Spark!Lab, Math Mountain, and STEM Playground, among many more. Plus, it has virtual tours of its more than 220 interactive exhibits. The Weis Earth Science Museum at the University of Wisconsin in Oshkosh is another notable stop to put on the itinerary of your students’ science expedition.
Northeast
Youth groups—heck, groups of all ages—will love visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. With exhibits and hands-on displays, student groups can learn about topics ranging from amphibians to the starry heavens. Step back in time to when giant beasts, such as the woolly mammoth, roamed the earth to what the future might hold with regards to technology and new frontiers in space. No visit would be complete without also learning something about what lies beneath the deep blue ocean. Head up to New York state to also learn about the ocean and see one of its most famous creatures—a life-size replica of a blue whale, Earth’s largest mammal, on display at the American Museum of Natural History. This impressive museum has any number of exhibits and activities that appeal to students of all ages, including activities at the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation; and the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals. There’s also a butterfly vivarium, where students can see and learn about the many species of butterflies—about 80 in total—that flit among lush vegetation in tropical temperatures.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C.; Credit: Adobe/ITZA
Also in New York, students can learn about horticulture—and green architecture and design—in a fun and unsusal way at the High Line, a sustainable park that has repurposed “a piece of industrial infrastructure as public green space,” according to the site. “As a landscape, the High Line also serves the function that a green roof would serve in the city, reducing the amount of stormwater that runs into the sewer system, because the park’s pathways allow water to drain into the adjacent planting beds.”
The Maryland Science Center in Baltimore is a favorite destination for young people. It offers exhibits, a planetarium, and science encounters that allow students to participate in projects. This group-friendly venue allows students to be part of the action as they join staff for experiments, pop-up science, and live shows on stage. Many hands-on activities are available, and groups can learn about anatomy, dinosaurs, math in nature, and life beyond Earth, to name just a few. “From astronomy to paleontology,” says Marketing Manager Val Sullivan, “the human body to physics, and more—the Maryland Science Center is an interactive science museum packed with innovated exhibits that demonstrate the wonders of scientific discovery with a focus on open-ended exploration.”
Southeast
Fernbank in Atlanta, Georgia, is an immersive must-visit site that has 75 acres to experience nature and engage in science through exhibits (of natural history, life sciences, and technology). The museum also is home to a giant screen 3D theater where youth groups can view award-winning science-based movies.
There are all sorts of things to do and experience in the way of environmental science at the Adventure Science Center in Nashville, Tennessee. At the outdoor learning area in the center’s Galactic Gardens, youth can explore the environment and sustainability at the Cornerstone Financial Credit Union Amphitheater, or see a garden specially designed that helps preserve clean rainwater, create habitat, and prevents local flooding and water pollution. There are lots more things to learn here at the center, of course, even some things that stretch the sciences beyond the earth’s atmosphere to the mysterious environment of outer space.
“With over 175 hands-on exhibits to explore and discover, Adventure Science Center is the perfect destination to ignite curious minds,” shares Suzanna Best, the center’s vice president of marketing and communications. “The science center is dedicated to delivering innovative, dynamic learning experiences that bring science to life from award-winning live science demonstrations, shows in the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium, and themed activities in the high-tech i2 Makerspace.”
Take an expedition—or at least a swim—with a dolphin at Discover Cove in Orlando, Florida. It has been described as “a unique all-inclusive day resort” where visitors can interact with live animals and learn in a hands-on environment. Besides swimming with the dolphins, there’s opportunity to snorkel with the tropical fish, hand-feed exotic birds, meet otters and marmosets, and float through a cave and rainforest-like environments, including a free-flight aviary, and past waterfalls. “Experience the most exciting animal encounters the world has to offer in a breathtaking tropical atmosphere,” Discover Cove’s website reads.
West
The Exploratorium in San Francisco, California, is a must-stop in any youth science trip. With its variety of offerings, it invites guests to “tinker, touch, test, experiment, notice, play!” Young, aspiring scientists can learn about such things as why a bright flash of light often leaves a lingering image in your sight, and how to create an aluminum air battery strong enough to power a small motor or light. While this Exploratorium welcomes the young and young at heart, students especially will enjoy learning and exploring aspects of science at this engaging and interactive venue.
“The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception with every visit,” says Communications Manager Lyndsey Roach. “We create extraordinary learning experiences that ignite curiosity, upend perceptions, and inspire brave leaps forward. Visitors of all ages can roam through more than 650 interactive exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. And you won’t find a single ‘No Touching’ sign; the entire museum is designed to be a hands-on learning environment.”
Exploratorium, San Francisco, California; Credit: Exploratorium
The California Science Center in Los Angeles has an IMAX screen, interactive exhibits, lab for science projects, and plenty more offerings that will not disappoint the young people who come here, according to the venue. It offers plenty in the way of education and fun. The site welcomes field trips and is popular with youth groups.
Students who like all things aquatic will enjoy the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, to gain a better understanding of the role marine mammals, birds, and fish play in the arctic and subarctic marine ecosystems. Small groups can take special tours to see and learn about marine mammals and their habitat, octopus, and puffer fish. Here, guests can have encounters with many of the sea mammals and other creatures that live under or near the sea.
Point your group back to the mainland for a tour of the Seattle Aquarium in the Evergreen State, where paid groups can immerse themselves in all things ocean. There is plenty to see and do at this venue, including experiencing encounters with all varieties of marine life, including those native to Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. The facility offers a discount for groups of 20 to 200 people.
Now that your students have been under the ocean, have them take to the air by visiting the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Young guests can learn about the global history of ballooning and participate in STEAM activities and educational programs. The programs here will help make students’ thoughts, like the balloons they learn about, soar to the boundless skies.
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Washington; Credit: Seattle Aquarium
Kansas was put on the map decades ago with the classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” but there is more to this prairie state than yellow brick roads—although there is that, too. Tour planners might be surprised to find just how much there is to experience in the Sunflower State.
Numbers help to tell the state’s travel and tourism story: Kansas received more than 36 million visitors in 2022, generating some $7.7 billion in local spending, according to the latest numbers by Kansas Tourism. The reason is because Kansas has it all—wide open spaces, a robust business and retail climate, and progressive urban settings. And, of course, sunflowers.
With these offerings and more, tourism is expected to remain a big moneymaker for the state in the foreseeable future. To ensure that it does, tour planners have a variety of destinations to choose from when considering getting trips on the book.
Under the open spaces category are Kansas’ 29 state parks, some ranked in the top 1% nationally for scenic beauty. Many of the parks have cabins and other lodging opportunities for a pleasant night’s stay. During daylight, there is plenty to do outside, including exploring the parks’ trails.
Gypsum Hills; Credit: Kansas Tourism
A suggestion is Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park. Located between Oakley and Scott City, the site has 330 acres of chalk sediment formations whose genesis stretches back some 80 million years ago when a shallow sea covered much of the landmass. This rough-hewn natural wonder might look out of place amid the fertile prairie, but here visitors can get up close and personal with the formations to see Mother Nature’s handiwork and capture interesting photos. Keep an eye out for bison, ferruginous hawks, golden eagles, and mule deer, all of which sometimes make their presence in the area known. The site also has quarter-mile and 1 1/2-mile trails, deemed easy to moderate, respectively. Within driving distance are other natural attractions, including Monument Rocks National Landmark—one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas—and Battle Canyon.
Check out Butterfield Trail Museum in Russell Springs, a renaissance-style structure of brick and stone built in 1887 that now houses artifacts from a bygone era. Learn more about days now past at the Carroll Mansion, an 1867 Victorian-era home that offers guided one-hour tours in Leavenworth. This stately abode features handcrafted woodwork, stained-glass windows, and is decorated with period furniture to embolden it with a flair from yesteryear.
There perhaps is no place where the past comes alive as much as it does in Dodge City in the southwest region of the state. Here, relive the Old West at Boot Hill Museum, or take a trolley tour to see and learn about this historic city from those in the know.
Learn more about Kansas and world history at the Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum, founded in 2016 in Atchison, which pays tribute to its namesake pilot who also happened to be born there. A bronze, stately statue of Amelia Earhart greets more than 75,000 people per year, and once inside, groups can learn of the accomplishments of Earhart, one of the first female pilots and the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic. Fourteen interactive exhibits, including the replica of Earhart’s cockpit and a virtual reality flight, allow visitors to get up close with the famous aviator.
Move your group over to Hutchinson to visit the Historic Fox Theatre, restored to its original grandeur from 1931. The site, designated as the “State Movie Palace of Kansas” and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers “an eclectic mix of entertainment, including nationally touring musicals, theatrical, dance, and comedic acts,” according to a flier by Visit Hutch. Tour groups will enjoy a variety of activities in Lindsborg, whether it be experiencing a taste of the past through its historic sites or enjoying an array of modern offerings. For a sampling, learn about the workings of a flour mill from 1898 at the Smoky Valley Roller Mills and Old Mill Museum, or see the area’s 1879 Railroad Depot and 1904 World Fair Swedish Pavilion.
Kansas State Capitol; Credit: Kansas Tourism
Events in this bustling and artistic community are geared for the season, so no matter the time of year a group tour is planned, there will always be a signature event to experience. Among them is the Messiah Festival of the Arts, which features the longest consecutive annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah in North America. During the warmer season, groups will enjoy Midsummer’s Festival that brings Swedish culture to life with Swedish art, dancing, food, games, and the raising of the “Midsommarstang,” or the Midsummer Pole.
As for that yellow brick road, Sedan, in the lower east portion of the state, has such a sidewalk built of bricks with people’s names engraved upon them, both from residents and visitors alike. To date, more than 11,000 bricks make up the town’s Yellow Brick Road. There is also the Oz Museum in Wamego that has more than 2,000 artifacts from this book-and-film fantasy world.
By Andrew Weeks
Main Image: Riding the trails by horseback; Credit: Kansas Tourism
