Big Dreams & River Scenes: An escape worth the wait

What do you get when you combine four days, three beloved Midwest destinations, a motorcoach full of adventurous travelers, and Journey’s first bank-led multi-day tour since 2019? A trip that was well worth the six-year wait.

The start of something special

Our Big Dreams & River Scenes adventure brought together 39 Journey travelers, our fun and fearless driver, Brian, and yours truly for an unforgettable trek through Dubuque, Galena, and Dyersville. While the attractions were outstanding, what made this tour truly special was the group of people who shared it.

On board were travelers who have been with Journey since the FAIR days (Financial Assistance in Retirement, an early version of the Journey Program), newer participants who first discovered us through day trips and Lunch & Learns, and several guests experiencing their very first Journey tour. We welcomed four first-time motorcoach travelers, three pairs of sisters, groups of friends and family members, couples, and solo adventurers. It was a wonderful mix of personalities, backgrounds, and life experiences that quickly came together as one community.

The tone for the trip was set from the very first evening during our Historic Progressive Dinner in Dubuque. As we traveled through Iowa’s oldest city, we enjoyed delicious cuisine, breathtaking architecture, and inspiring stories of resilience at three remarkable venues. Between courses and conversations, history and storytelling, music and laughter, new friendships began to form and old friendships deepened. By the end of the evening, it already felt as though we'd been traveling together for much longer than a few hours.

Cheers to the Mississippi

Over the next several days, we discovered some of eastern Iowa’s (and northwestern Illinois’) most memorable treasures. We admired the breathtaking Tiffany stained-glass collection at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and rode the famous Fenelon Place Elevator (think: part trolley, part railway) for spectacular views of the Mississippi River Valley. 

One of the highlights was our afternoon aboard the Celebration Belle. Great food, great company, beautiful river views, and a soundtrack filled with favorite oldies made for a wonderful experience. The entertainment was outstanding, and before long many of us were dancing as though only the river was watching, although the photos suggest otherwise. Even the famous Mississippi River mayflies couldn’t dampen our spirits, though it wasn’t for lack of trying! 

You might think we’d be ready for a quiet afternoon after river cruising, dining, and dancing aboard the Celebration Belle, but Journey travelers were just getting started. At the sprawling National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, groups set off to explore exhibits, browse the gift shops, catch a film, and even get hands-on with aquatic creatures. Whether discovering a new exhibit or sharing a laugh over an unexpected find, travelers made the most of every corner of the museum’s two impressive campuses.

That evening, we capped off the day at Stone Cliff Winery with a delicious dinner, guided wine tasting, and plenty of conversation. It was a relaxing end to a full day of adventures and another opportunity for friendships to grow.

Small-town charm, big-time memories

The next morning brought a change of pace at the beautiful Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, an impressive volunteer-run treasure. Whether strolling the pathways or riding through the grounds, travelers enjoyed the beauty, tranquility, and colorful displays around every corner.

In Galena, Journey friends enjoyed a narrated trolley tour, explored unique shops and attractions, and spent time discovering one of the Midwest’s most charming historic downtowns. A mystery stop at Ye Olde Blacksmith Shoppe proved to be a delightful surprise as visitors watched a skilled blacksmith demonstrate a craft that has all but disappeared from everyday life. Later, we headed to Timmerman’s Supper Club, where vintage charm, good food, and lively conversation provided a fitting end to another memorable day.

Dreams, diamonds, and Dyersville

Our final day brought us to Dyersville and one of the most anticipated stops of the tour: the iconic Field of Dreams Movie Site. There, we were welcomed by Ghost Player Paul Scherrman, who appeared as an extra in the film and brought its history to life with contagious enthusiasm. Paul recreated memorable scenes and poses from the movie, making him easy to spot later as we watched Field of Dreams together on the ride home. Travelers had the opportunity to step onto the famous diamond, walk through the storied farmhouse, and stand in a place that has inspired generations to believe in the power of dreams, family, and second chances. The visit was made even more meaningful by our guide’s commentary and the chance to compare what we had just experienced with the scenes unfolding on the screen during our journey home.

Surprising wonders

Another memorable Dyersville stop was the National Farm Toy Museum, where we found far more than miniature tractors and collectibles.  The museum’s impressive collection celebrates the rich agricultural history that helped shape the Midwest and generations of farming families. We also had the pleasure of meeting a talented local craftsman who has spent decades creating remarkably detailed scale-model farm equipment from reclaimed wood. His passion, craftsmanship, and willingness to visit with our group were just one more example of the hospitality we encountered throughout the trip.

Of course, no Journey tour would be complete without a few surprises. Daily Delights and mystery stops added an extra layer of fun throughout the adventure, culminating in a visit to Matchstick Marvels, where travelers encountered breathtaking recreations of famous landmarks and cultural icons constructed entirely from headless matchsticks. From towering cathedrals and castles to scenes from America’s space program, each piece showcased extraordinary patience, precision, and artistry. It was the perfect reminder that remarkable things can emerge from the simplest of materials.

The best souvenirs

As wonderful as the attractions were, the most meaningful part of the journey wasn’t found on a riverboat, a baseball field, or a historic main street. It was found around dinner tables. On the motorcoach. During shared laughter. In conversations that started with introductions and ended with inside jokes. It was found in the relationships that grew over four days together, as polite interest morphed into genuine caring and concern.

Our travelers arrived as sisters, friends, couples, solo adventurers, longtime Journey participants, and first-time guests. Whether they came for the views, the culture and history, or the shopping, snacks, and surprises, the most memorable part of the journey wasn’t on the itinerary. It was the people who shared it.

The destinations were memorable. The relationships were unforgettable. By the end of the tour, we had become a community, traveling home with new friends, treasured memories, meaningful connections, and stories we’ll be sharing for years to come.