The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Travel Service has planned a variety of tours just for you. To receive a free brochure on a trip that interests you, or for more information, please call Travel Specialist Sharon Dosen at (260) 427-6017.

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Travel Service has planned a variety of tours just for you.
To receive a free brochure on a trip that interests you, or for more information, please call Travel
Specialist Sharon Dosen at (260) 427-6017 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Trip brochures including pricing information are also now available on-line. Please click on the trip
of interest to see the brochure.

Photo highlights from the Mackinac Island Trip October 2011l!
Thanks to Scott Short for providing these wonderful photos.

Make Reservations Now!  

We are now taking reservations by phone for:

26th Grand Hotel/Mackinac Island Tour, October 13-15.  Double $585, Triple $550, Single $750, Deposit $200 (Code #475103-S1)

Birch Run Premium Mall and Bay City Tall Ship Celebration, July 11-12. Double $225, Triple $202, Single $268, Deposit $100 (Code #375101-R1)

2013 Extended Trips and Tours
Left to right:Ernie Young, Judy Erhardt, Alyssa
Grawcock, Esther Grawcock, Judy Young and Art
Grawcock.

June 3-10                  Pacific Northwest & California featuring Washington, Oregon and California:Seattle, Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Newport, Bandon State Natural Area, Redwood National Park, Eureka, Avenue of the Giants, and 
San Francisco; 10 meals ($2,629 double occupancy w/air fare)

June 6-14                  America’s Canyon Country and National Parks:Las Vegas, Pipe Spring National Monument and the North Rim,Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs and Lake Powell Cruise, Monument Valley Jeep Tour, Capital Reef National Park, Zion National Park; 15 meals          ($2,773 double occupancy w/ air fare) 

July 19-26                 Islands of New England: Providence, Newport, Boston, Cranberry Bog, Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Plantation, Cape Cod, Lobster Feast, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Hyannis and Provincetown; 11 meals ($2,449 double occupancy w/air fare) 

August 5-17              Russia’s Imperial Waterways– 11 night accommodations aboard the MS Alexander Puskin, Highlights; St. Petersburg, Mandrogi, Kizhi, Goritsy, Yaroslavl, Uglish, and Moscow; 32 meals.  ($5,794.00-Double includes air fare).

August 8-17              Canada’s Atlantic Coast: Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Hopewell Rocks, Prince Edward Island, Cavendish National Park, Cape Breton Island and Cabot Trail; 13 meals ($3,249 double occupancy w/air fare) 

September 1-9         Trains, Wineries & Treasures of Northern California – Highlights…San Francisco, Sonora, Yosemite National Park, Railtown State Historic Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Winery Tour, Sonoma Wine Country and Napa Valley Wine Train; 13 meals ($3,149 -Double including air fare).

September 7-15       Trains of the Colorado Rockies – Hightlights:  Denver,RockyMountainNational Park, Georgetown Loop Railrod,Grand Junction,Colorado National Monument, Durango & Silverton Railroad,Durango,MesaVerdeNational Park, Royal Gorge Railroad,Colorado Springs,Pike’s Peak Cog Railways and Garden of the gods.

September 12-21     British Landscapes:  featuring England, Scotland and Wales; Highlights: London, London Theatre Performance, Oxford, North Wales, Lake District, Edinburgh Castle, York, Stratford.upon.Avon, Cotswolds and Stonehenge; 13 meals($3,809 -  Double including air fare). 

September 15-22     Rockies Rail Highlights:  Calgary, Baniff, Columbia Icefields, Jasper and Vancouver, featuring VIA Rail’s The Canadian.; 11 meals ($3,699 Double includes air fare).                                                       

Sept 26-Oct 6           The Blue Danube Legendary River Cruise: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and Czech Republic; 23 meals, ($3,999 – Double includes air fare). 

October 4-9              Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: featuring Santa Fe; 7 meals, ($1,884 - Double includes air fare).      

October 13-15          Michigan’s Jewel – Mackinac Island-via motorcoach, featuring two nights at historic 4-star Grand Hotel, round trip ferry; round trip horse-drawn taxi, carriage tour of island, day and evening activities; 5 gourmet meals.

November 1-10        Discover Tuscany: Rome, Assisi, Basillica of St. Francis, Montecantini Terme Siena, San Gimignano, Winery Tour, Florence Tuscan Feast; 13 meals ($3,349 double occupancy w/air fare)

December 5-13        Classic Christmas Markets: Black Forest Franconia Region, Wurzburg, Muremberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Oberammergau, Munich, Innsbruck, Christmas Markets; 11 meals (2,999 double occupancy w/air fare)

Dec 29-Jan 2, 2014   California New Year’s Getaway: Tournament of Roses Parade; 6 meals ($1,999 double occupancy w/air fare)

Photos from a recent trip to Tulip Time in Holland, Michigan!

Day Trips

Many popular Day Trips are planned throughout the year. To see a complete list or to register,
go to: Register now! 

 

Saugatuck Meijer Garden

Springtime Visit to Chicago

Celebrate springtime with a day in Chicago! Browse the shops along the Magnificent Mile or the stores in the Loop; meander through museums; stroll through Millennium Park; visit Navy Pier or ride a river cruise or a sightseeing bus. The choice is yours today. The coach will drop off and pick up at a central location between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street near Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. Maps will be provided to help you locate your favorite spots. Continental breakfast will be served en route.  Lunch in Chicago and a fast food stop on the way home are on your own. 

Code                    Date      Day        Fee 

275005-S1            5/18       Sa          $50 

Departs: 7:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell Ave. at E. State Blvd.    

Returns: 10:30 p.m. 

Chicago’s Morton Arboretum & The Growing Place 

The Morton Arboretum is a veritable gardener’s paradise. The gardens located on the east and west sides of the Arboretum each have a distinct theme or purpose, ranging from fragrance and color to education and adventure.  They are of varying shapes and sizes, and one is even planted above ground.  Come explore these horticultural gems!  A box lunch and tram trip through the arboretum is included.  A stop at “The Growing Place” in Naperville is on our afternoon agenda.  You will be able to shop in a garden setting for an extensive selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, roses, water plants, groundcovers, herbs, vegetables and native plants.  A continental breakfast is served en route and a supper stop (on your own) will be made at Culver’s in Valparaiso on our way home. 

Code                    Date      Day        Fee 

375010-S1            6/8         Sa          $99 

Departs: 7:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell Ave. at State Blvd.    

Returns:  10:30 p.m. 

Chicago Cubs Baseball 

The long awaited baseball season is here and we have four motorcoach trips to Chicago’s historic Wrigley Field for some Chicago Cubs baseball! Lower terrace seats are reserved for each game to watch all your favorite players in action as they battle National League teams! A box lunch and beverage (included) is provided en route to the ballpark.  A fast food stop (on your own) is made on the way home. Go Cubs! 

Code                   Date      Day        Cost 

Cubs v. Astros                                   

375000-C3           6/21       F            $75 

Cubs v. Pirates  

375000-C8           7/5         F            $75 

Cubs v. Reds 

375000-C2           8/14       W           $75 

Cubs v. Phillies 

375000-D3           8/30       F            $75 

Departs:  8:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, State & Parnell                            

Returns: 10:30 p.m. 

Scenic Saugatuck

Spend a relaxing day on the picturesque Michigan coast in the charming Village of Saugatuck! The Star of Saugatuck, an authentic sternwheeler with enclosed lower deck, takes us on a 1½-hour scenic cruise down the Kalamazoo River, through the harbor and out onto Lake Michigan. A box luncheon and beverage (included) is served on board by the crew. After docking stroll through shops brimming with unique art, antiques, jewelry . . . t-shirts and toys, too! Then, its time for an exciting ride along the famous dunes with an experienced schooner driver! A continental breakfast is served en route and a meal stop (on your own) will be made on the way home.

Code                     Date      Day        Fee

375002-S1            6/22       Sa           $105

375002-S2            7/27       Sa           $105

Departs: 8:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.

Returns: 10:30 p.m.

Summer at Meijer Garden

Arriving “up north” in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we board the Grand Lady Riverboat for a 2-hour cruise on the Scenic Grand River. A buffet luncheon will be served on its comfortable decks, designed for unpredictable weather. Our afternoon will be spent at stunning Frederick Meijer Gardens. This 125-acre, year-round attraction contains perennial, American, Victorian, shade and arid gardens; a five story tropical conservatory; children gardens; and over 100 bronze sculptures by renowned artists, including the 14-foot masterpiece, DaVinci’s Horse. After a 45-minute narrated tram ride outdoors, we will have ample time to explore the gardens and visit the gift shop. A continental breakfast is served en route and a supper stop (on your own) will be made on the way home.

Code                     Date      Day        Fee

375007-S1            6/29       Sa           $99

Departs 7:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.

Returns: 10:00 p.m.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

Spend a delightful day in Michigan at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. For four days each summer Ann Arbor is transformed into an impressive outdoor gallery! Over 1200 prominent and emerging artists and craftspeople come together to sell their wares. Explore booths filled with unique paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, fabrics, toys, glass, wood or metal creations. Watch artist demonstrations and enjoy live entertainment, too! Lunch (on your own) is available at air-conditioned cafes or outdoor vendors. Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall, Michigan, with its old world charm, is our choice for supper (included) on the way home. A continental breakfast will be served en route to Ann Arbor.

Code                    Date      Day           Fee

375001-F1            7/19       F              $75

Departs: 7:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.

Returns: 10:00 p.m.       

Summertime Visit to Chicago

Travel with us to the Windy City and “do your own thing!” Visit Navy Pier or one of Chicago’s Museums; hop a trolley for a sightseeing tour; browse the shops along the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. Stroll through popular Millennium Park for photo-ops at the stunning steel “jellybean” sculpture. Enjoy a gourmet lunch (on your own) at one of Chicago’s fine restaurants. Book a sightseeing bus tour or an architectural cruise on the river . . . the choice is yours! The coach will drop off and pick up at a central location, between Grand Avenue and Illinois Street, near Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. A continental breakfast will be served en route and a supper stop (on your own) will be made on the way home at Culver’s in Valparaiso.

Code                     Date      Day        Fee

375005-S1            8/17       Sa          $50

Departs: 7:30 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.

Returns: 10:00 p.m.

Naperville, Illinois Riverwalk Art Show and Festival

Located just 30 miles west of Chicago in affluent DuPage County, visitors travel from far and near to enjoy the splendor of the Riverwalk and the quaint restaurants and shops in downtown Naperville. Come spend a delightful fall day with us browsing through the many booths located along the Riverwalk Way, shopping in the quaint shops or enjoying lunch at one of the local restaurants. A continental breakfast will be served en route and a supper stop (on your own) will be made at Culver’s in Valparaiso on the way home.

Code                    Date      Day        Fee

475010-F1            9/13       F            $62

Departs: 7:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd.

Returns: 9:30 p.m.

Country Living Fair in Columbus, OH

Come with us to the 8th Annual Country Living Fair at Ohio Village in Columbus, where the pages of your Country Living Magazine will come alive with more than 200 of your favorite antiques dealers, crafters and artisans for a day of great shopping, free seminars, demonstrations, and fantastic food. Be sure to stop by the Country Living General Store and photo booth sometime during your visit to say “hi” and meet the staff. Our day will end with a supper stop at the famous Der Dutchman Restaurant where we’ll sit down to a delicious family style dinner (included).

Code                     Date      Day         Fee

475014-S1            9/14       Sa           $85

Departs: 7:00 a.m. from Bob Arnold Park, Parnell at E. State Blvd. Returns: 10:30 p.m.

Make Reservations Now!

We are now taking reservations by phone for:

26th Grand Hotel/Mackinac Island Tour October 13-15. Double $585, Triple $550, Single $750, Deposit $200     Code # 475103-S1

Birch Run Premium Mall and Bay City Tall Ship Celebration, July 11-12. Double $225, Triple $202, Single $268, Deposit $100     Code # 375101-F1

Call 427-6000 for a brochure or visit www.fortwayneparks.org to view the brochure with a full itinerary and reservation form for each trip. At the site, select Programs/Adults/Extended Trips & Tours.

Day Trip Testimonials

My travel friends (Beckie, Tonda, and Leah) and I would like to say THANK YOU for such a wonderful Chicago Shopping Trip on Saturday, December 1^st. Our group had a wonderful time. The price for the trip was unbeatable. The organization of the trip was flawless. Donna was a wonderful hostess who made sure everyone's needs were met. Bob, the bus driver from excursion travel, was the best driver we have ever had and we have been on quite a few bus trips in the past.

We will definitely recommend future bus trips sponsored by Parks and Recreation to our friends and families. We would certainly be interested in taking future bus trips through the Parks and Recreation. This was our first time and I sure it will not be our last.

Thanks again for such a wonderful time last Saturday.

Michelle V.

Traveler Testimonials:

I want to comment about the trip to Branson. It was a wonderful and well organized event.
Sue and the bus driver were outstanding. Thank you for your attention to all the details that
made up such a nice trip. - Sylvia C.