Tickets are now on sale for Wisconsin Public Radio’s (WPR) three-day, two-night bus trip to Chequamegon Bay August 12-14.

Included in the trip are two shows at the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, four meals, lodging at the iconic Hotel Chequamegon in Ashland, a ferry ride and tour of Madeline Island, and transportation. Travelers will be able to board a Lamers motor coach on the morning of Saturday, August 12 from multiple locations, including Appleton, La Crosse, Stevens Point, Eau Claire, Wausau, Chippewa Falls and Rice Lake.

On Saturday, August 12, after travelers check into Hotel Chequamegon on the shores of Lake Superior in Ashland, the group will go to the Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, at the foot of Mount Ashwabay in Bayfield. A special treat awaits the group, a Wisconsin Public Radio VIP reception and picnic celebrating WPR’s Centennial. Then, all will be ushered to the front-center section of the Big Top for a radio drama presentation of Oscar Wilde’s “Canterville Ghost” with the 9XM Players, featuring WPR’s Old Time Radio Drama host Norman Gilliland and Michele Good. Also playing a role in the radio play will be the Big Top’s house band, the Blue Canvas Orchestra (BCO).

After a good night’s rest and breakfast on day two, it’s off to Bayfield to link up to the Madeline Island Ferry Line for a ride to historic La Pointe. Once on the island, a tour guide who will join the group and share stories, sites and scenery on a 90-minute exploration of Madeline Island. After returning to La Pointe, travelers will be able to learn more about the island’s history at the Madeline Island Heritage Museum and enjoy the shops and galleries of the village.

Following a hearty buffet dinner the group will return to the Big Top for a new original production by the Blue Canvas Orchestra, “Superior!,” a tribute to the queen of the Great Lakes through original songs, stories and spectacular images on the big screen.

Monday morning after breakfast, we travel to the Great Lakes Visitors Center outside of Ashland to enjoy the displays, nature trails and historical exhibits. Then it’s off too beautiful Hayward for shopping, exploring and eating.  In mid-afternoon, all will board the bus and head for home following a great northern Wisconsin adventure.

The cost of the trip is $695 per person for a single occupancy room and $475 per person for a multiple occupancy room.  The cost includes transportation on a Lamers deluxe motor coach, lodging at Hotel Chequamegon, admission to both Big Top Chautauqua shows, the WPR VIP reception dinner on Saturday, as well as Sunday and Monday breakfast and Sunday evening dinner at the hotel. Also included is your ticket to the Madeline Island Ferry and tour.

For more information and to reserve a spot, go to wpr.org/travel or call 1-800-228-5615.

(Photo courtesy of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua)

About Wisconsin Public Radio

For 100 years, Wisconsin Public Radio has served the people of Wisconsin with quality news, music, talk and entertainment. On air, online and in the community – we work for Wisconsin. WPR is a service of the Educational Communications Board and University of Wisconsin-Extension. Listen, learn more and donate online at wpr.org