Mail payment to: Gary Block Tours, 112 SE 4 th Street, Little Falls, MN 56345
Join Great River Arts of Little Falls and Gary Block Tours on Tuesday September 23rd as we travel to Aitkin and Duluth. Our comfortable North Star motor coach will depart Little Falls from the northeast Wal-Mart parking lot at 8:30 a.m. We’ll also pick up in Brainerd or anywhere else on our route.
Our day in Aitkin begins with a visit to the Jaques Art Center where they celebrate the visual arts in North Central Minnesota by presenting art exhibits for all ages. They collect and exhibit the art of a renowned wildlife artist, naturalist and former Aitkin County resident, Francis Lee Jaques. Rotating exhibits by local and regional artists are also featured. In his lifetime, Jacques was a taxidermist, railroad fireman, farmer and logger, but first and foremost, a very talented artist. In 1940, he was the winner of the Federal Duck Stamp award. While we are at the gallery, a new exhibit will be up called “30 in 30”, featuring work from 30 artists to celebrate 30 years at the Jacques Art Center. The art center also has a gift shop with work by artisan vendors.
Following our visit, we travel to Duluth and stop for lunch on our own near the Miller Mall where there’s a variety of fast-food restaurants. At 2:00 pm, we’ll board the Vista Star for a Duluth waterfront tour. Enjoy the best of sightseeing tours on Lake Superior and the Duluth Harbor with the Northland’s longest and only running harbor cruises company, Vista Fleet. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available. Concessions and a full cash bar are available on board. Cruise the scenic harbor on the 75-minute narrated tour. Be part of Duluth’s waterfront bustle aboard the Vista Star. Cruising the scenic harbor, our engaging live tour guide will give you the inside info on Duluth’s regional landmarks while showcasing the panoramic views of the North Shore.
We have a couple of stops before we leave town. Our next stop is the Leif Erikson Rose Garden located over a four-lane freeway tunnel on a bank on the western tip of Lake Superior. The Garden has over 2,500 roses of 275 varieties from 22 classifications with 2.5 acres. When we’re there, the roses will be reblooming and in full color. Brick pavers, many inscribed, form the path walkways. Signage kiosks will help answer your questions about the garden, the plants in it, the unique location, who helps maintain it, plus how it is down. A fascinating stop!
On our way home we’ll make a stop at Culvers, for dinner on your own. What a day!! We’ll be returning to Little Falls around 9:15 p.m.
Comfortable North Star motor coach transportation
