Tour Protection: $50

In most places, you can only reminisce about yesterday's colorful legends. In Cheyenne they come to life, energized by the vitality of one of today's most vibrant Western cities. Carved first by the pioneers and molded by the path of the great railroad, Cheyenne's rich and colorful lifestyle beckoned the Easterner with the romantic lure of the West, attracting the rowdy town bars to flourish alongside the elegant opera houses, theatres and business establishments. When you visit, you will relive the Old West spirit and enjoy their unsurpassed Western hospitality.

Friday, July 22
Our westward journey will bring us to our first overnight in Elyria, Ohio.

Saturday, July 23
Continuing westward will bring us to Davenport, Iowa for the evening. En route we will stop in Elkhart, Indiana for a tour of the Ruthmere Mansion. Ruthmere is a multifaceted cultural and historical museum home, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of a wealthy, innovative man and his engaging wife, as well as rich exposure to architecture and art. B

Sunday, July 24
After breakfast at the hotel we continue west to Urbandale, Iowa. Here we will visit Living History Farms. Founded in 1970, Living History Farms is an outdoor museum that recreates history and lifestyles in four time periods – the 1700 Ioway Indians, the 1850 pioneers, the townspeople of 1875 and 1900 farmers. Historical interpreters dressed in period clothing complete the daily routines of each time period – caring for animals, cooking, blacksmithing, gardening, and much more. The story of 20th century agriculture is explored through an exhibit of crops, displays and interactive activities. Our lodging for this evening will be in Lincoln, Nebraska. B

Monday, July 25
Today we continue on to our destination for three nights in Cheyenne, Wyoming. CB

Tuesday, July 26
Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming is considered to be the world’s oldest and largest professional rodeo. This morning a parade showcasing an enormous collection of horse drawn vehicles including buckboards, stagecoaches and Conestoga wagons will begin our day. Later we will visit the Old West Museum. This evening we have reserved seats for a show featuring top entertainment or additional rodeo events. CB

Wednesday, July 27
This morning you may take part in the pancake breakfast in which a cement mixer is used to mix the batter. This afternoon we will have reserved seats for the rodeo known as “The Daddy of ‘Em All.” The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the rodeo activities. B

Thursday, July 28
Today we depart Wyoming and travel south to Colorado where we will tour Rocky Mountain National Park. Some of the sights today will be Berthound Pass, Grand Lake, Thompson Canyon, Estes Park, and one of the most exhilarating and scenic drives in the world along Trail Ridge Road. Our lodging for the evening will be in Denver. CB

Friday, July 29
Departing Denver and traveling south will bring us to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a two-night stay. Located at the foot of famous Pike’s Peak, Colorado Springs ranks as one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. A tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Olympic Complex will be today’s highlights. This evening we will really get into the western spirit with a Chuck Wagon Dinner at the Flying W. Ranch. CB, D

Saturday, July 30
The Colorado Springs area has much to offer, and today we are going to see as much of it as possible. A walking tour of Garden of the Gods, a 940-acre natural park containing massive formations of red sandstone with names such as Gateway Rocks and Balanced Rock is first on our list. This afternoon we will visit the spa community of Manitou Springs. We will board the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway for the ride to the summit, where on a clear day it is possible to see Denver over 75 miles away. This evening will be free to enjoy Colorado Springs at your leisure. CB

Sunday, July 31
Today we must turn homeward and travel east to our lodging in Salina, Kansas. En route we will visit the Ellis County Historical Society Museum and Volga German House in Hays, Kansas. CB

Monday, August 1
Passing through Topeka, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri we will travel to our destination near St. Louis, Missouri. En route we will stop in Topeka for a visit to the State Capitol. CB

Tuesday, August 2 & Wednesday, August 3
Continuing our journey home our final overnight will be in Columbus, Ohio. CB
This afternoon your tour will end with our return home, but you will be talking about all you’ve seen and done for many days to come. CB