"Up the Lazy River"
On the Twilight Belle from LeClaire to Dubuque Plus…. Luncheon Train on the Boone & Scenic Valley RR
October 17-22, 2025
$ 1829 Per Person Double . $ 1709 PP Triple; $ 1659 Quad PP . $ 2179 Single Occupancy
America’s Authentic Mississippi River Experience awaits….Come explore the mighty Mississippi River in style and comfort on this TWO Day river cruise from LeClaire, Iowa to Dubuque round-trip. The Twilight is coveted as the “most elegant riverboat to be alunched in the last 100 years,” and was carefully designed and built by Captain Dennis Trone to replicate the lavish steamboats popular in the Victorian ere. Mile after glorious mile, you’ll enjoy the best of the Mississippi River with all the ease of modern amenities. The Riverboat is “time sensitive”. If it fills up and we have not committed those who want to go, they will slowly remove the rooms from our block contract. So please…DON’T WAIT TOO LONG. Sign up soon!
Let’s add to this delightful six day package…. The luncheon train on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railway! Here you’ll experience elegant dining on the rails as it was during the golden age of rail travel in United States. The enchanging two-hour and fifteen minute ride thorugh the beautiful Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950’s passenger cars used on the Pacific Railroads famous “City of Los Angeles” and “City of San Francisco” Steamliners which traveled between Chicago and the west coast. This train will cross the 156 foot tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, as well as the Des Moines River Valley. Let this tour take you to an era gone by….Sit back and relax as you take in the picturesque beauty of the lovely state of Iowa. Join us. We’ll save a seat for you.
Your Tour Includes:
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $175 per person deposit is due per person and becomes non-refundable with cancelations after July 25, 2025. Balance is due: Aug 1, 2025. Final Documents: Final documents are expected to arrive in late September with specifics on boarding location and hour. Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between July 26th and Aug 10th are contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, train, boat, restaurants. No refunds with cancellations made after Sept 1, 2025. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to unforeseen events that may occur. It can offer peace of mind and financial security. Call our office for further information. Birthdates are necessary for us to give you a quote.
America’s Authentic Mississippi River Experience awaits….Come explore the mighty Mississippi River in style and comfort on this TWO Day river cruise from LeClaire, Iowa to Dubuque round-trip. The Twilight is coveted as the “most elegant riverboat to be alunched in the last 100 years,” and was carefully designed and built by Captain Dennis Trone to replicate the lavish steamboats popular in the Victorian ere. Mile after glorious mile, you’ll enjoy the best of the Mississippi River with all the ease of modern amenities. The Riverboat is “time sensitive”. If it fills up and we have not committed those who want to go, they will slowly remove the rooms from our block contract. So please…DON’T WAIT TOO LONG. Sign up soon!
Let’s add to this delightful six day package…. The luncheon train on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railway! Here you’ll experience elegant dining on the rails as it was during the golden age of rail travel in United States. The enchanging two-hour and fifteen minute ride thorugh the beautiful Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950’s passenger cars used on the Pacific Railroads famous “City of Los Angeles” and “City of San Francisco” Steamliners which traveled between Chicago and the west coast. This train will cross the 156 foot tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, as well as the Des Moines River Valley. Let this tour take you to an era gone by….Sit back and relax as you take in the picturesque beauty of the lovely state of Iowa. Join us. We’ll save a seat for you.
Your Tour Includes:
- Round Trip Motor Coach Transportation: Boarding offered in Northeast and Centra MNl
- Five Nights in Iowa: Des Moines (Drury Inn -2) LeClaire (Holiday Inn) Dubuque (Grand Harbor Hotel); Davenport (Holiday Inn)
- TWO Days on the Mississippi River Inclusive of Entertainment & ALL Meals while on Board the Twilight Belle Riverboat
- While in Dubuque: Options to the Nat’l Mississippi River Museum; Diamond Jo Casino and Port of Dubuque Activities
- Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad – Luncheon Train – 2 ¼ Hour Excursion – Elegant Dining
- Area Tour of the Quad Cities to include the American Pickers and Buffalo Bill Museum
- 13 Meals – Five Breakfasts, Three Lunches and Three Dinners and Two Light Dinners w/ cocktails at the Drury
- Luggage Handling, Taxes and Most Tips … Fully Guided with a Happy Trails Tours Representative
Deposits and Final Payment Due Date: $175 per person deposit is due per person and becomes non-refundable with cancelations after July 25, 2025. Balance is due: Aug 1, 2025. Final Documents: Final documents are expected to arrive in late September with specifics on boarding location and hour. Cancellations: Money returned with cancellations between July 26th and Aug 10th are contingent upon what Happy Trails Tours can retrieve back from hotels, charters, train, boat, restaurants. No refunds with cancellations made after Sept 1, 2025. Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to unforeseen events that may occur. It can offer peace of mind and financial security. Call our office for further information. Birthdates are necessary for us to give you a quote.
Day 1: Friday, October 17th Travel to Des Moines, Iowa
Today is a travel day… a day to get acquainted with fellow travelers, relax and leave the driving and planning up to the Happy Trails professionals.
In previous years we began boarding in Northeast Minnesota in Grand Rapids (5:30 am); Hibbing (6:15 am); Virginia (6:45 am); Eveleth (7:30 am) and on to the Duluth area (8:30). In the Central MN area folks boarded in Brainerd (9:55); Little Falls (10:25); Rice (10:45) and Sartell (11am) …with a pick up in Burnsville at the Burnsville Mall around 12:30 pm. About 3 weeks prior to departure, we will announce the specifics on place and time once we know where everyone is from and how many at each stop. Thank you for your patience.
12:30 pm- Meet at Burnsville Mall
1:30 pm- Re-board the coach and continue on to Des Moines. A mid afternoon comfort stop will be made at the Top of Iowa Rest Area.
5:30 pm- Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn - 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA ( # 515-457-9500)
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Light Dinner and cocktails Included
Day 2: Saturday, October 18 Travel to Le Clair, Iowa – Buffalo Bill Museum & American Pickers
7:00 – 8:00 am- A wonderful breakfast is served this morning at the Drury Inn.
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8 am- Wheels Rolling!
We are only about 2 ½ hours away so we have time to visit the Quad City area. Get ready to have some fun…. We’ll make time to visit “Antique Archeology” (American Picker’s Flagship Store) along with a few other fun stops (Buffalo Bill Museum). Dinner will be at the Iowa Machine Shed, included.
4:30 pm- Estimated arrival to: The Holiday Inn Express. 1201 Canal Shore Drive, LeClaire, IA (# 563-289-9978)
Tonight, we’ve included a nice family style dinner at the Machine Shed in Davenport.
This property has an indoor pool & hot tub, free WiFi; fitness center & breakfast. Beginning at 5 pm, the hotel offers a cocktail hour in the lobby. We’ll enjoy that before taking everyone out to dinner. Breakfast and Dinner Included
Today is a travel day… a day to get acquainted with fellow travelers, relax and leave the driving and planning up to the Happy Trails professionals.
In previous years we began boarding in Northeast Minnesota in Grand Rapids (5:30 am); Hibbing (6:15 am); Virginia (6:45 am); Eveleth (7:30 am) and on to the Duluth area (8:30). In the Central MN area folks boarded in Brainerd (9:55); Little Falls (10:25); Rice (10:45) and Sartell (11am) …with a pick up in Burnsville at the Burnsville Mall around 12:30 pm. About 3 weeks prior to departure, we will announce the specifics on place and time once we know where everyone is from and how many at each stop. Thank you for your patience.
12:30 pm- Meet at Burnsville Mall
1:30 pm- Re-board the coach and continue on to Des Moines. A mid afternoon comfort stop will be made at the Top of Iowa Rest Area.
5:30 pm- Estimated arrival to: Drury Inn - 5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA ( # 515-457-9500)
Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center. Light Dinner and cocktails Included
Day 2: Saturday, October 18 Travel to Le Clair, Iowa – Buffalo Bill Museum & American Pickers
7:00 – 8:00 am- A wonderful breakfast is served this morning at the Drury Inn.
7:00 am- Set your luggage outside your doors / 8 am- Wheels Rolling!
We are only about 2 ½ hours away so we have time to visit the Quad City area. Get ready to have some fun…. We’ll make time to visit “Antique Archeology” (American Picker’s Flagship Store) along with a few other fun stops (Buffalo Bill Museum). Dinner will be at the Iowa Machine Shed, included.
4:30 pm- Estimated arrival to: The Holiday Inn Express. 1201 Canal Shore Drive, LeClaire, IA (# 563-289-9978)
Tonight, we’ve included a nice family style dinner at the Machine Shed in Davenport.
This property has an indoor pool & hot tub, free WiFi; fitness center & breakfast. Beginning at 5 pm, the hotel offers a cocktail hour in the lobby. We’ll enjoy that before taking everyone out to dinner. Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 3: Sunday, October 19 Board the Twilight Belle and Travel Up the River To Meals, Musical Entertainment & More
Board the TWILIGHT at 7:30 am in LeClaire, Iowa. We will have an expanded continental breakfast waiting for you. At 8am, we depart north on our journey. Our Captain will be your guide to the wildlife, valley landscapes and historic river towns. Enjoy live entertainment, games, two snacks, lunch and dinner before arriving in historic Dubuque, Iowa. Accommodations are at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort, where your luggage will be waiting in your room. The evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Board the TWILIGHT at 7:30 am in LeClaire, Iowa. We will have an expanded continental breakfast waiting for you. At 8am, we depart north on our journey. Our Captain will be your guide to the wildlife, valley landscapes and historic river towns. Enjoy live entertainment, games, two snacks, lunch and dinner before arriving in historic Dubuque, Iowa. Accommodations are at the riverfront Grand Harbor Resort, where your luggage will be waiting in your room. The evening is yours to enjoy as per your own agenda. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
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Day 4: Monday, October 20 - Shuttle to Area Attractions in Dubuque ~ Mississippi River Museum ~ Board the Twilight Belle & Sail DOWN Mississippi
Start your day with breakfast at Tony Roma’s in the resort. Spend the morning, using our complimentary shuttle, exploring Dubuque’s history, architecture, shopping and other attractions. Admission is included to Iowa’s #1 attraction, the must-see Smithsonian-accredited National Mississippi River Museum. Reboard the Twilight at 11am and depart at 11:30 am for our return journey. Take in the sites and listen to the captain’s narration. Enjoy lunch and dinner served at your table. We arrive back in Le Claire at approximately 6:30 pm. Travel to Davenport to our overnight accommodation. 7:30 pm arrive to hotel.Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Hotel- Holiday Inn Express; 4215 Elmore Avenue, Davenport, Iowa (563-344-2900) Day 5:Tuesday, October 21 Travel to Boone, Iowa (Boone & Scenic Valley RR 6:00 am- Breakfast is served! (Sorry for the early morning departure today but we don’t want to miss our TRAIN!) 6:45 am- Depart Davenport for Boone, Iowa (about 3 hours away). No mid-morning comfort stop today. We have restrooms on board. 10:15 am- Estimated arrival to Boone. 11:00 am- All Aboard! The enchanging two-hour and fifteen minute ride thorugh the beautiful Des Moines River Valley features historic 1950’s passenger cars used on the Pacific Railroads famous “City of Los Angeles” and “City of San Francisco” Steamliners which traveled between Chicago and the west coast. This train will cross the 156 foot tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, as well as the Des Moines River Valley. You’ll enjoy first-class dining, narration and beautiful scenery in the early part of excursion. With it being in the later fall, it gets dark earlier. |
Please make your menu choices on the application form when you register. We will remind you close to the time we get there in case you don’t remember what you ordered this far out. Choices are:
(1) Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwich (2) Smash Burger (3) Pesto Chicken Sandwich (4) Caprese Sandwich – Vegetarian (5) Gluten-Free Entree
2:00 pm- Retum tp the station, reboard the coach and travel to the Drury Inn (Same property where we stayed on 1st night)
Day 6: Wednesday, October 22 Return Home with Fond Memories
6:00 am – Set your luggage outside your doors. 7:00 am- We’ll depart for home. We’ll arrive to the Twin Cities around 1 pm (Burnsville) and continue north to Northeast and Central MN.
Duluth arrival home will be around 5 pm; Iron Range Cities around 6:30/7 pm and Rapids around 8:00 pm.
Central MN will arrive home to Sartell @ 4 pm; Rice @ 4:15 pm Little Falls @ 4:45 pm; Brainerd @ 5:15 pm
Disclaimer: Happy Trails Tours acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, theater, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Happy Trails Tours, INC and their respective employees, agents, representatives accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of country in which they are provided. Happy Trails Tours INC is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Happy Trails Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects. Fear of Travel due to Covid is not a covered reason for cancelling this tour.
Basic Information Before You Go on Your Up the Lazy River Tour
Dress Code & How to Pack: The tour is comfortable and casual. The most important thing is to be relaxed and enjoy yourself. It can get chilly in the in the evenings so plan on layering clothing as you need it. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Bring a fall jacket. Don’t forget your camera and battery charger. For some, you may wish to bring a swimming suit for hotels with pools.
Meals: The meals we include offer limited menu options. Let us know if you have any special dietary needs. All your meals are included while on the Twilight River Boat. You need to preselect your entrée for the Boone Scenic Valley Train. The Drury’s offer a light dinner and cocktails.
Hotels: The hotels are 3 & 4 Star. Specifics on each property is in your final documents. All hotels offer elevators, Free Wi-Fi, many have indoor or outdoor pools, two queen or double beds. Though they offer two per room, couples may find they have one King bed. Be sure to let us know if you need TWO. All properties offer elevators and luggage handling at the time this tour was being prepared.
Fully Guided with Professional Drivers and Escorts: Our tour managers are very personable and will greet each of you as they take great care in operating a well-organized tour. Our drivers are professional and very experienced.
Luggage: Pack one suitcase each. This suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included for porters). You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carrry.
The Coach: The coach is a beautiful 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Minneosta Coaches Company, Duluth. It has seatbelts, foot-rests, cup holders and spacious leg room. It also has a restroom, microphone. Wi-Fi & 110 outlets are also offered. You will need to be able to climb about 6 steps to get inside.
Shuttles : Sometimes, if an area where we promised a boarding location falls short in numbers, we may have to offer a small shuttle vehicle to help save costs or have you meet at a location along our route. We'd rather run a shuttle than totally cancel the convenience of a ride for folks for this tour. We hope you'll understand why we occassionally offer smaller shuttle vehicles. By smaller vehicle such as a car or SUV. The shuttle we generally run are a mini-coach. Thank you.
SEATING: We will prearrange all seating prior to boarding. We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. If the coach is full, we will assign seats according to physical need and the date of registration. Look for a “sign” with your name on your seat. We will announce your seat location prior to departure.
Comfort Stops: We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of road that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Itinerary and Timing: We try our best to stay on the schedule set. We need you to do your part, as well. If you know you need more time to get to the coach, please adjust your schedule to accommodate the time set. This will help us all stay on schedule. Sometimes we have NO control over the estimated time we arrive to a destination. It may have to do with traffic due to heavy congestion and weather could play a part in our timing. And so can construction. But the most important thing we can control is “our personal timing”. Thank you in advance for your respect in that.
Refreshments: Refreshments are often served on board our coaches and we will continue to to offer snacks. We will also be providing eveyone on board a complimentary bottle of water. After that, you will be responsible for purchasing water yourself or bringing a refillable water bottle.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best). No scooter allowed on the train or boat. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best. Remember we are also on eastern time zone. So pack accordingly.
Tipping: The tour includes tips for luggage handlingand included meals. Tips are not included for meals you pay for on your own OR your Driver & on Happy Trails Tour Director. Those tips are on your own at your own discretion. Recommended tip is $3-5 per day per person.
Schedule Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control hotels, tour companies (other than our own); restaurants, visitor centers, museums, etc…
Dress Code & How to Pack: The tour is comfortable and casual. The most important thing is to be relaxed and enjoy yourself. It can get chilly in the in the evenings so plan on layering clothing as you need it. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Bring a fall jacket. Don’t forget your camera and battery charger. For some, you may wish to bring a swimming suit for hotels with pools.
Meals: The meals we include offer limited menu options. Let us know if you have any special dietary needs. All your meals are included while on the Twilight River Boat. You need to preselect your entrée for the Boone Scenic Valley Train. The Drury’s offer a light dinner and cocktails.
Hotels: The hotels are 3 & 4 Star. Specifics on each property is in your final documents. All hotels offer elevators, Free Wi-Fi, many have indoor or outdoor pools, two queen or double beds. Though they offer two per room, couples may find they have one King bed. Be sure to let us know if you need TWO. All properties offer elevators and luggage handling at the time this tour was being prepared.
Fully Guided with Professional Drivers and Escorts: Our tour managers are very personable and will greet each of you as they take great care in operating a well-organized tour. Our drivers are professional and very experienced.
Luggage: Pack one suitcase each. This suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included for porters). You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carrry.
The Coach: The coach is a beautiful 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD & DVD and chartered through Minneosta Coaches Company, Duluth. It has seatbelts, foot-rests, cup holders and spacious leg room. It also has a restroom, microphone. Wi-Fi & 110 outlets are also offered. You will need to be able to climb about 6 steps to get inside.
Shuttles : Sometimes, if an area where we promised a boarding location falls short in numbers, we may have to offer a small shuttle vehicle to help save costs or have you meet at a location along our route. We'd rather run a shuttle than totally cancel the convenience of a ride for folks for this tour. We hope you'll understand why we occassionally offer smaller shuttle vehicles. By smaller vehicle such as a car or SUV. The shuttle we generally run are a mini-coach. Thank you.
SEATING: We will prearrange all seating prior to boarding. We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. If the coach is full, we will assign seats according to physical need and the date of registration. Look for a “sign” with your name on your seat. We will announce your seat location prior to departure.
Comfort Stops: We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes we end up on a stretch of road that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Itinerary and Timing: We try our best to stay on the schedule set. We need you to do your part, as well. If you know you need more time to get to the coach, please adjust your schedule to accommodate the time set. This will help us all stay on schedule. Sometimes we have NO control over the estimated time we arrive to a destination. It may have to do with traffic due to heavy congestion and weather could play a part in our timing. And so can construction. But the most important thing we can control is “our personal timing”. Thank you in advance for your respect in that.
Refreshments: Refreshments are often served on board our coaches and we will continue to to offer snacks. We will also be providing eveyone on board a complimentary bottle of water. After that, you will be responsible for purchasing water yourself or bringing a refillable water bottle.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best). No scooter allowed on the train or boat. Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling. Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best. Remember we are also on eastern time zone. So pack accordingly.
Tipping: The tour includes tips for luggage handlingand included meals. Tips are not included for meals you pay for on your own OR your Driver & on Happy Trails Tour Director. Those tips are on your own at your own discretion. Recommended tip is $3-5 per day per person.
Schedule Changes: We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control hotels, tour companies (other than our own); restaurants, visitor centers, museums, etc…