Celebration Belle Overnight Day Cruise

Day 1

Day 1: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Today’s the day to meet up with your fellow Trailways Travelers and depart for a day of adventure with your friendly on-board tour host in the lead and our trusty driver at the wheel. Our first stop is in a classic Mississippi River town, Clinton, Iowa, first named New York when it was mapped in 1836. It was slow to grow compared to neighboring towns that had several lumber and flour mills, but once the Iowa and Nebraska Railroad planned to cross the river near Clinton it soon began to grow, so much so that it absorbed other small neighboring communities. Due to its great location on the Mississippi, mill working became one of the primary industries.
One of Clinton’s famous millwrights was Geoge M. Curtis. In 1883, he built a Victorian styled home that was believed he used as his design portfolio as every downstairs room highlights a different type of wood and design. This home is a beautiful example of 1880’s architecture, with more than forty stained glass windows, carved banisters, ornate wood trim and massive fireplaces. Today you will be treated to a guided tour of the George M. Curtis Mansion with an included lunch. This three-story home is composed of brick veneer and features a variety of roof planes and windows. In 1925, it was purchased by the Clinton Woman’s Club, and they continue to maintain it today. The original lacy wood porch was replaced with the current semi-circular porch in the 1940’s. 
From here we make a stop at The Sawmill Museum to learn even more about Clinton’s rich lumber history. You will find that it sits next to the Mississippi River with a levee above that offers stunning views and sitting next to railroad tracks that made it conducive to transporting the lumber from the sawmills. At one time, the world’s largest sawmill was operated by W.J. Young, who helped Clinton earn the reputation of having more millionaires per capita than any other city in the nation. With the growth of the sawmills, there arose machine shops, cabinet shops, wagon factories, planning mills, box factories, and furniture factories. Clinton also had Curtis Brothers Company, manufacturers of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, stairwork, and other wood finishings. Clinton became a thriving community with a strong railroad, lumber, and sawmill industry. Today’s visit will include an actual sawing demonstration for you.
From Clinton we overnight in Iowa’s oldest city, Dubuque, and one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. This afternoon you will have some free time to explore Dubuque’s downtown area with many sites within walking distance of our hotel including “the world’s steepest, shortest scenic railway,” known as the Fourth Street Elevator. If you take it up you will end at Fenelon Place where you will find a magnificent view of downtown Dubuque’s business district, the Mississippi River and three states.  Did you know this funicular was commissioned to be built by a person in Dubuque that didn’t have enough time for lunch and a short nap because he had to take his horse/carriage for a very long ride to and from home which was technically only 2 or 3 blocks away? You will also find several shops and dinner options also within walking distance of our hotel, the historic Hotel Julien Dubuque, named after the first permanent settler in the area. French-Canadian fur trader Julien Dubuque.
The history of the Hotel Julien Dubuque can be traced back to 1839, when the first lodging establishment was built at Second and Main Streets. At first, the hotel was called the Waples House. The Waples House was known for fine dining and extravagant furnishings. In 1854 the hotel was renamed the Julien Hotel. The original Hotel Julien survived a fire and was rebuilt, hosting famous guests such as Abraham Lincoln, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Mark Twain. Al Capone loved the hotel, and frequently stayed here on his trips to the Midwest. Now over 180 years later, after a $33 million interior renovation and exterior restoration, Hotel Julien Dubuque has redefined elegance through the blending of its rich history with modern luxury and style which you will get to experience for yourself.

Day 2

Day 2: Thursday, September 12, 2024
We rise early today to board our motorcoach that will take us to the Dubuque Riverfront where the beautiful Celebration Belle Riverboat awaits. Once boarded this morning you will find reserved tables for our group that you may take your pick from. Once boarded, the morning begins with a light breakfast including some of the best sticky rolls and fresh fruit selections around along with scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, homemade rope pork sausage and a wild berry muffin cake.
During your excursion with the Captain and Crew today you have the ability to make it what you want, a learning experience or simply a leisurely cruise down the Mississippi, or perhaps a little of both! The Captain will be pointing out the various sites along the way and explaining the following topics as you go: Wildlife along the river; Navigation of the river; Locks & dams you will be passing through; History of the Mississippi River; Information about the river towns you will be passing by and their people; Tales of the Mighty Mississippi! In addition to all of that you will also have the crew and others entertaining you throughout the day with music, skits, comedy, and more.
While you have been enjoying yourself, the onboard chefs have been busy preparing your meals for the day right on board the boat and before you know it, it will be time for lunch. Hope you’ve worked up an appetite for your lunch that includes marinated chicken, homemade garlic mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, honey glazed baby carrots, tossed spring salad with dressing choices, a cold salad, rolls and butter, and the chef’s choice for dessert. Coffee and iced tea are complimentary with lunch, however a cash bar is available for soft drinks and other beverages to choose from.
Spend the afternoon however you wish aboard the Belle, taking in the scenery, listening to the Captain’s commentary, or maybe dancing along to the onboard musical entertainment.
Before we dock in Moline, IL this evening you will be treated to a Prime Rib Dinner featuring their famous carved Prime Rib, Alfredo pasta with vegetables, steamed baby red potatoes, another hot vegetable dish, tossed spring salad with dressing choices, a cold salad, rolls and butter and the chef’s choice for dessert. Coffee and iced tea are complimentary with the meal, however a cash bar is available for soft drinks and other beverages to choose from.
Once docked and disembarked, you will join back up with our driver and motorcoach waiting for us on shore to whisk everyone back home after such a great overnight opportunity to visit a couple of river cities and enjoy the cruise along this portion of the Mississippi River.