Skip to main content

WELCOME TO THE 2024 ADULT BUS TRIP SEASON!
Registration links available February 19.

Get inspired by new experiences, destinations, cultures and cuisines. Take this opportunity to expand your knowledge and step out of your comfort zone, while building long-lasting connections with fellow travelers. 

Here at the Y, our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, and we do our best to provide programming and an atmosphere that reflects these values. Trips are developed by the ForeverWell Department and are designed for a wide range of interests, ages, activity and mobility levels. Two-tiered pricing for one-day trips reflects a discount that is given to our YMCA of the Fox Cities’ members.

Transportation for most trips (unless otherwise noted) is a deluxe motorcoach. These buses come with the following amenities:

  • Restroom
  • Climate control
  • Reading lamps
  • Extra head and legroom
  • Passenger windows offer a panoramic view
  • Plush-covered, reclining seats
  • High-capacity cargo bays
  • Above-head storage space

VIEW FULL BROCHURE


Here are the answers to the most popular questions asked by our participants.

BUS TRIP FAQs

 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

A paid registration is necessary to secure a seat for any trip. Trips may fill quickly, so register early. Please confirm that the Y has your current address, phone number and e-mail contact information.

REGISTRATION FOR ONE DAY TRIPS

Registration begins February 19 for all one-day trips. Detailed information for each registered trip will be emailed out in the form of a confirmation letter prior to the trip date. You can register:

  • In-person with cash, check or credit card at any YMCA of the Fox Cities location.
  • Online anytime at ymcafoxcities.org with a credit card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover).

REGISTRATION FOR OVERNIGHT TRIPS

We partner with various organizations to provide extended trip opportunities. For more information regarding your options, contact Kate Yates at 920.886.2105, or kyates@ymcafoxcities.org. You can also view your options on our website at ymcafoxcities.org/foreverwell.

Prior to the trip, a mandatory pre-trip meeting will take place at a YMCA branch, to go over final details.

CANCELLATION POLICY

FOR ONE DAY TRIPS

UP TO 2 WEEKS BEFORE TRIP DATE

  • Refund for most/all monies paid*

LESS THAN 2 WEEKS BEFORE TRIP DATE

  • No refund given

ILLNESS OR INJURY (MEDICAL)

  • Refund issued as a System Credit** for most/all monies paid* with a summited signed doctor’s note

INCLEMENT WEATHER

  • No refunds if the bus is able to travel and the attractions are not closed
  • If the transportation company determines that it is unsafe to transport passengers the trip may be rescheduled and/or a credit will be issued

*Charges pre-paid by the Y, such as, but not limited to, theater tickets or cruise tickets are non-refundable and will not be included in the refund.
**System Credit can be used for all future Y programming or trips.

FOR OVERNIGHT TRIPS

Detailed information for each trip's cancellation policy will vary. 


UNDERSTANDING ACTIVITY LEVELS

Activity levels for each trip vary, and can range from lightly active, moderately active, and very active. We have indicated the activity level next to each trip. While these levels are determined by our team, please remember that you know your limitations best. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Light activity level

 

LIGHTLY ACTIVE

Moderate activity level

 

MODERATELY ACTIVE

Very active

 

VERY ACTIVE


 

APRIL TRIP

MILWAUKEE DOMES & GROHMANN MUSEUM | Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Moderate activity level

Tired of the long winter? This day is sure to provoke thoughts of springtime and warmer weather. We will start our day at the Mitchell Park Domes (also known as the Milwaukee Domes). Enjoy a guided tour of the Desert Dome, the Floral Dome and the lush Tropical Dome.

Next, we’ll go to the Public Market for lunch and a little shopping on your own. It’s Milwaukee’s most unique downtown food destination! Bursting with one-of-a-kind, high-quality selections of artisan and ethnic products and freshly made foods.

Finally, we’ll end our day with a tour of the Grohmann Museum located on the campus of the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The collection is titled 'Man at Work' and includes more than 1,000 paintings and sculptures representing the evolution of human work. With more than 1,000 paintings and sculptures representing the evolution of human work. The museum has a magnificent mosaic floor in its glass entryway, a 700 square foot circular mural, and other architectural elements and art pieces including a rooftop sculpture garden.

On your way back to the Fox Valley, consider planting something new in your garden this year, whipping up a new dish for dinner or adding a special work of art to your home. So many things to consider!

Includes: deluxe transportation, tours, admission and all gratuities.

REGISTER >>

MAY TRIP

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN | Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Moderate activity level

Your day will be spent at the Chicago Botanic Garden which opened more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and has matured into one of the world’s great living museums and conservation science centers. The Chicago Botanic Garden has 385 acres of nature, beauty and respite to discover. It has over 25 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on and around nine islands.

On this trip, you will enjoy free time exploring the many gardens and beauty of nature. Upon arrival, be sure to inquire about the day’s activities that have been planned. Then, to learn about the history and science of the Garden, be sure to join a Grand Tram Tour during your visit. The tram tour is 35 minutes and departs from the Welcome Plaza. You will be able to hop on and hop off the tram at three stops within the gardens. To learn even more about the gardens, be sure to load their mobile app! For lunch, you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in their new Picnic Glade. Otherwise, you can order lunch at their Garden View Café! Sign up today for this amazing trip!

Includes: deluxe transportation, admission to the garden and all gratuities

REGISTER >>

JUNE TRIPS

CRANES AND A CRUISE | Wednesday, June 12, 2024

Moderate activity level

Tour the International Crane Foundation. This foundation, which has gone through a $10 million dollar renovation, allows you an opportunity to see the magnificent birds up close. You will have an opportunity to see all 15 living species of cranes – 11 of which are threatened or endangered. Then, we will travel to the Riverwalk on the Wisconsin River where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or drop into one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, we will take the Upper Dells boat tour which travels the Wisconsin River above the dam in Wisconsin Dells. You’ll cruise a channel cut by ancient glaciers, passing under pine-crowned cliffs, through the Narrows and past iconic sandstone formations. This cruise includes two exclusive shore landings: Witches Gulch — a dramatic and spooky walk through a passage carved by wind and water; and Stand Rock — a towering pillar of sandstone that’s home to the famous dog leap to the top of the tall rock. Travel back to the valley remembering all the sights and sounds of the day.

Includes: deluxe transportation, tours and all gratuities

REGISTER >>


MILWAUKEE BREWERS SENIOR STROLL DAY | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Moderate activity level

It’s the Y’s ever popular trip to Milwaukee to root for our home team. Head to American Family Field for a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Texas Rangers. It’s a classic summertime activity, so let’s go out to the ballgame!

Lunch is on your own, you can choose ballpark food or bring a bag lunch to enjoy. You are allowed to bring in sealed beverages and personal-sized food items at this time. Then it’s “Play Ball,” so take in the game along with the sights, sounds and smells of the stadium.

Our shaded group seats are located in the Loge Infield Boxes, Section 213. The stadium is large and there are some steps to negotiate getting to your seat. Also, if you would like to bring a child under the age of 16, please contact the ForeverWell Department. GO BREW CREW!

Includes: deluxe transportation, game ticket and all gratuities

REGISTER >>

JULY TRIPS

TALIESIN - A FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT PROPERTY | Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Very active

Join us for a trip to Taliesin Preservation in Spring Green. A visit to the Taliesin estate is an intimate look at the career of one of America’s greatest architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.

Upon arrival, we will take the Highlights Tour where we will experience the interiors of two significant, yet distinctly different Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings, Hillside and Taliesin. The Highlights Tour couples the history and masterful design of two architectural landmarks. This tour a refreshing gateway experience into the legacy of both Frank Lloyd Wright and Taliesin for both the novice and the seasoned Frank Lloyd Wright enthusiast. After our tour, we will enjoy a chef-prepared lunch in the Visitor’s Center.

On our way back to the Fox Valley, we will be stopping at Sassy Cow Creamery in Columbus. Here you will find lots of sweet choices for a late-afternoon treat. You will be sure to arrive home inspired after visiting the beautiful setting at Taliesin.

Includes: deluxe transportation, tour(s), lunch and all gratuities

REGISTER>>


HOLY HILL BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE & SUNFLOWERS | Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Moderate activity level

Visit the lovely Holy Hill Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. This Roman Catholic shrine is located in Hubertus, Wisconsin and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The centerpiece of the shrine is a minor basilica, a true work of art!

You will have ample time to explore the Outdoor Stations of the Cross, visit the grotto, climb the scenic tower, attend mass with a short presentation to follow and browse the gift shop.

Lunch is on your own in their cafe, which features a nice variety of sandwiches, paninis, smoothies, coffee and desserts. Or, if you prefer, you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.

On the way home, we will stop at Kelley’s Creamery. Here you can enjoy a scoop of delicious homemade ice cream. You may also have the opportunity to participate (fingers crossed the growing season cooperates) in their Sunflowers Taking Flight event and visit their beautiful sunflower field for many photo opportunities! Bring home memories and photos of your experience from this beautiful day.

Includes: deluxe transportation, access to the Sunflower Fields and all gratuities

REGISTER >>

AUGUST TRIP

BOOKWORM GARDENS AND SOUTH PIER | Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Moderate activity level

On this intergenerational trip, we will travel to Sheboygan for a special visit to Bookworm Gardens where books are brought to life. Bookworm Gardens is a vibrant, playful botanic garden inspired by children’s literature, the natural world, and your imagination.

At the gardens, we will break into smaller groups for a tour. The tour will be a combination of reading, guided experiences and structured exploring. The mission at the gardens is “to inspire the love of books and nature in the young and young at heart.” Their vision aims to be “the premier destination providing whimsical garden experiences by bring children’s literature to life.” You will see over 70 different gardens each inspired by a children’s book.

After our tour, we will enjoy a picnic lunch at a nearby park. Then, we will travel to the South Pier district in Sheboygan where you can wander around several shops and explore the riverfront; including an ice cream parlor and mini-golf! We welcome all ages on this trip. Please feel free to invite the youngsters in your life to spend this special day with.

Includes: deluxe transportation, garden entrance fee and all gratuities

REGISTER >>


CRANES AND A CRUISE | Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Moderate activity level

Tour the International Crane Foundation. This foundation, which has gone through a $10 million dollar renovation, allows you an opportunity to see the magnificent birds up close. You will have an opportunity to see all 15 living species of cranes – 11 of which are threatened or endangered. Then, we will travel to the Riverwalk on the Wisconsin River where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or drop into one of the local restaurants.

After lunch, we will take the Upper Dells boat tour which travels the Wisconsin River above the dam in Wisconsin Dells. You’ll cruise a channel cut by ancient glaciers, passing under pine-crowned cliffs, through the Narrows and past iconic sandstone formations. This cruise includes two exclusive shore landings: Witches Gulch — a dramatic and spooky walk through a passage carved by wind and water; and Stand Rock — a towering pillar of sandstone that’s home to the famous dog leap to the top of the tall rock. Travel back to the valley remembering all the sights and sounds of the day.

Includes: deluxe transportation, tours and all gratuities

REGISTER >>

SEPTEMBER TRIP

HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM & PABST MANSION | Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Moderate activity level

We will start our day in Milwaukee at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Here we will take a Spotlight tour with a specially trained Museum Guide who will share stories about the history of the Harley-Davidson® Motor Company and select motorcycles and artifacts in the collection.

Then you will have time on your own to explore an unrivaled collection of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles and memorabilia, the 20-acre, park-like campus, and one-of-a-kind shopping. Lunch will be at the Motor Bar & Restaurant located on the campus.

After the museum, we will stop at the Pabst Mansion. Here we will take a 6-minute tour and relive the colorful history of how the Best and Pabst families grew the brewery to become America’s largest by 1874. The roots of Pabst Brewing Co. run deep in Milwaukee’s proud brewing history and this tour is educational, enjoyable and filled with Gemulichkeit – German for friendliness and good cheer! Return to the Fox Cities with an appreciation of what Harley-Davidson and Pabst Brewing bring to Wisconsinites!

REGISTER >>

Includes: deluxe transportation, museum entrance, tour, lunch and all gratuities

OCTOBER TRIP

BEST OF DOOR COUNTY | Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Light activity level

Door County Trolley has been a staple for 25 years. On this journey we will spend a beautiful fall day in Door County hitting all the highlights! First, we will stop at a Lautenbach’s Country Market where you will find lots of fall goodies including local jam, cherry donuts, cider and apples!

Next, we will take a private, guided tour through one of Door County’s lighthouses situated on a bluff overlooking Strawberry Islands. We will take a lunch break at English Inn for a wonderful meal including dessert. Along the way, we will also experience unmatched views atop 225-foot limestone bluffs overlooking the bay. To end the tour, we will enjoy a wine tasting at an award-winning Door County Winery before heading back to the Trolley Station. Throughout the day, delight in the fall colors and water landscapes!

Includes: deluxe transportation, trolley tour, lunch and all gratuities

REGISTER>>

NOVEMBER TRIP

DOWNTOWN CHICAGO INCLUDING THE MAGNIFICENT MILE | Saturday, November 30, 2024

Very active

The tradition continues! You will take an express coach headed for a full day in downtown Chicago where you will be on your own for holiday shopping, dining and/or visiting city attractions and museums.

Michigan Avenue is one of America’s great shopping streets and is at its best during the holiday season. A million white lights decorate the trees and countless people decorate the sidewalks! The shops and museums are as diverse, with towering shopping centers, iconic department stores and trendy favorites all within an easy stroll.

The holiday time brings more visitors to the area. Purchasing tickets, planning your day in- advance, and making reservations is highly recommended.

Please note, this year, there will be one drop-off and pick-up location centrally located in the city near the Cultural Museum and Millennium Park. Travel back to the Fox Cities with all the holiday cheer you picked up in the city!

Includes: deluxe transportation and all gratuities

REGISTER >>

DECEMBER TRIP

FIRESIDE DINNER THEATER - MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET | Thursday, December 12, 2024

Light activity level

Based on the beloved Christmas movie, Miracle on 34th Street is a big brassy Broadway musical with a heart. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade needs a new Santa. Enter Kris Kringle - a sweet and jolly old man who claims that he is the real Santa Claus. Thus begins this funny, warm, tuneful and inspirational musical as Kris has to prove his claim in court and teach his cynical neighbor and her daughter to believe in the goodness and love that is Christmas. Written by Meredith Willson, the creator of The Music Man, this is an unforgettable musical version of a classic Christmas tale. Join us at The Fireside for this unforgettable musical version of a classic Christmas tale and a delicious meal!

Includes: deluxe transportation, theater ticket, meal and all gratuities

REGISTER >>