National Elderhostel site
    Register for programs:
        ∙ Unusual Cities program
        ∙ Mississippi program
        ∙ Dutch program
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If you have never experienced Elderhostel, you are in for a treat!

Explore North America with other persons age 55+ and discover interesting learning experiences that are not available to the general public. There are no hidden costs. The program fees include all hotel rooms, meals, chartered bus and boat trips, entry fees, instructors, your personal host, and even all gratuities.

Elderhostel participants enjoy learning about new things. No prior subject knowledge or education is required. Our participants come from all backgrounds and lasting friendships are often formed during these programs. We would love to share these interesting places and people with you -- please join us!

May 3 - 9, 2009

Program number 13032

7 days, 6 nights, 17 meals.
Inclusive price starting at
$998 per person.

    Diane Van Wyngarden
    Community and Economic
    Development Specialist

    Director of Iowa State     Elderhostel

    (641) 682-8324

    dvw@iastate.edu

"This has been the most thought-provoking, well-planned
Elderhostel program yet. Who would have thought Iowa would be the
setting of such interesting groups!" --Maryland

Enjoy a personal visit with Old Order Amish inside their homes and barns; learn about their lifestyle and beliefs; see how they operate their kitchens and woodworking shops without electricity. Then cross the Mississippi River into Illinois to explore beautiful Nauvoo, home of the Mormons and lesser known Icarians. Back in Iowa, we are treated to a private peek inside the homes and domes of the Maharishi in Vedic City and an organic lunch at the Raj Resort, referred to as the "Mayo Clinic of natural healing."

Discover the history and humor of the Amana Colonies from a noted colony historian and unveil the wonderfully rich true story that lies behind the restaurants and fudge shops that many people think of as the Amanas.

As we return to our starting point in Pella, Iowa, we survey the city from an elevated ride to the top of the largest working windmill in the United States. We may even have a surprise visit from the wife of the city's 1847 founder, to learn why her animated figurine is crying during the bell chimed Klokkenspel display, located in Pella's unique Dutch downtown and canal area. Savor themed dining, with some meals in historic restaurants, which encapsulate the study of the societies we learn about each day.

Click here for more Program Details.

Learn about the Mighty Mississippi from regional experts as we travel the river and the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, exploring historic towns, fall foliage, migratory birds and local stories between Minnesota's Twin Cities and Galena, Illinois.

Cruises include a half day excursion on an authentic steamboat; a half day private charter down the river and through locks, narrated by a tow boat captain and Smithsonian naturalist; and the personal stories and demonstration by a commercial clammer on a large pontoon boat in the backwaters. Day trips include the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa; the new National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn.; Pike's Peak State Park and spectacular scenic bluff overlooks along the route. Overnight stops include Onalaska, Wis. and the historic DeSoto House in Galena, Illinois.

Click here for more Program Details.

If the Wooden Shoe Fits, Wear It!
A Touch of Holland, a Taste of Pella

June 23-28, 2008

Program number 5813

6 Days, 5 Nights, 14 Meals
Inclusive price starting at
$728 per person.

Celebrate the lifestyle and arts of the Netherlands in this unique community with a Dutch and pioneer heritage. Take a walking tour of the town's unique architecture from a restorer's point of view. Walk in wooden shoes or see a view from the top of America's tallest working windmill. Capture the flavor of Dutch-American ethnic life through stories of immigrants from different eras or sampling Dutch treats in the downtown shops and "Thursdays in Pella" downtown celebration.

Soak up the charm of this Heartland Holland as you pick the activities that suit your personal interests and physical abilities, from music and dancing, folk art, storytelling, and native costumes. Optional excursions each afternoon provide museum entry fees, instructors, and walking tours at no additional charge. Lodging is provided in the same Pella hotel throughout the length of the program.

Click here for more Program Details.

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Last Updated 4/2/2008