REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR COOL CANYONS & FLORIDA FAUNA
We are very proud to partner with the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) to offer group tours to WELS and ELS members. We are also blessed with work with WELS Missions to provide tours that visit and encourage our missionaries and their ministries. Founded in July 2023, we are a fully insured LLC with nearly 20 years of experience leading WELS group tours. It is our sincere prayer that God will be glorified through these trips and that our guests will gain an ever greater appreciation for His grace, mercy, and power. All tours include daily devotions, WELS worship on the weekends, and opportunities to connect with and encourage fellow members of our faith family.
Thank you to all who helped make our recently completed journeys so enjoyable and memorable. We are excited about the remaining 2026 trips and our planned tours for 2027. Daily devotions, weekend WELS worship, and fellowship with like-minded believers are at the heart of each Father's World Tour. Together, we marvel at the majesty of God's creation, encourage one another, and celebrate our common confession.
2026
California Cruisin', December 31-January 13 (GALLERY)
Spring Training in Arizona, February 20-27 (GALLERY)
Horsin' Around in Kentucky, April 17-26 (GALLERY)
Adventures in Alaska, July 20-August 4 (SOLD OUT)
Picturesque Pennsylvania, September 18-27 (SOLD OUT...JOIN THE WAITLIST)
Cool Canyons (AZ, UT, NV), November 7-19 (REGISTRATION NOW OPEN)
PICTURESQUE PENNSYLVANIA is filled, but please join the waitlist if you are interested. Registration is now open for COOL CANYONS. ADVENTURES IN ALASKA is in launch mode!
Our plans for next year are coming together and we hope one or more trips will peak your interest.
2027
Flora and Fauna of Florida, January 23-February 7 (REGISTRATION NOW OPEN)
Rocky Top Tennessee, April 30-May 10
Mountain Majesty (CO), July 16-28
Show Me Missouri, August 28-September 6
Country Roads (MN & WI), October 11-15
Island Hopping in Hawaii, December 1-15
FLORA AND FAUNA OF FLORIDA is now active and open for registration. Join our mailing list, watch our Facebook page, and check your email for updates on when you can secure your space for other tours. Lord willing, our plans for 2027 will come to fruition. It is possible that dates or destinations may change, but this is our Plan A.
July 20-August 4, 2026 Adventures in Alaska
SOLD OUT
If Alaska is on your list, this is your trip! Our 15-night journey includes a group flight option from MSP to SEA where we will visit some of the Seattle area's most scenic spaces. From there, we cross into Canada and get a glimpse at Vancouver before embarking on a 7-night cruise (wifi, drinks, and gratuities included) through the Inside Passage on the Island Princess (obstructed oceanview cabins). Ports include Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway with scenic cruising in both Glacier Bay NP and College Fjord. Our 7-day land tour includes stays in three spectacular Princess Wilderness lodges (Copper River, Mt McKinley, and Denali) along with a river cruise, scenic train, and much more! Our return flight originates in Fairbanks where we will spend our final night in the Last Frontier. Note: AS OF JANUARY 23, we are sold out. Please join the WAITLIST if interested.
September 18-27, 2026 Picturesque Pennsylvania
SOLD OUT
Celebrate our nation's semiquincentennial on this memorable journey through the heart of Pennsylvania. We'll explore some of America’s most inspiring historic sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural treasures. The motorcoach adventure departs from New Ulm and includes convenient pickup and parking opportunities throughout southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. You can also opt to join the tour in Milwaukee, South Bend, or Toledo (September 19–26). Our PA home base will be the lovely Best Western Premier in the capital city of Harrisburg, perfectly situated for daily excursions. Discover the traditions of Amish Country in Lancaster, experience the spectacular Sight & Sound production of Joshua, meet the world's foremost rodent meteorologist in Punxsutawney, and take a tour of Pittsburgh - the Steel City. The United Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville will help us remember that fateful day (now 25 years past). A guided tour of the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, sampling chocolate in Hershey, and learning more about the birthplace of our nation at Independence Hall in Philadelphia are all part of the plan. Our return takes us through Ohio’s Amish Country and concludes with a performance of Elijah at the Ohio Star Theater. As of June 20, we are sold out. Please join the WAITLIST if interested.
November 7-19, 2026 Cool Canyons
Join us on our 13-day journey through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American Southwest. Beginning in Phoenix, we'll visit and worship with our WELS Apacheland mission congregations before exploring a remarkable collection of natural wonders, historic sites, and scenic byways. Our itinerary includes two nights each in Flagstaff, Moab, Bryce Canyon City, Springdale, and Las Vegas, allowing us to experience the region at a comfortable pace. Highlights include Utah's famed "Mighty 5" National Parks—Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion—as well as the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Sedona's stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross. Our concluding activity will be a viewing of The Wizard of Oz as you've never seen it before at the incredible Sphere in Las Vegas. Our optional nonstop group flight departs Minneapolis for Phoenix on November 7 and returns from Las Vegas on November 19. Registration is now open.
January 23-February 7, 2027 Flora & Fauna of Florida
Escape the winter chill and discover the beauty of God’s creation on this nature-focused Florida and Caribbean adventure. From the colorful blooms of Bok Tower Gardens and the historic grandeur of the Ringling Museum to the fascinating Edison and Ford Estates, every day offers something new to explore. Enjoy a dolphin cruise from the famous Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, glide through crystal-clear waters at Silver Springs State Park, tour a world-class Ocala horse farm, and experience the thrill of encountering gentle manatees in their natural habitat at Crystal River. Additional highlights include citrus tasting, a unique pancake experience, and connections to local WELS missions and missionaries. The grand finale is a six-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard the Sky Princess, featuring a private balcony cabin and visits to Celebration Key, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk (with wifi, drinks, and gratuities included). Registration is now open.
April 30-May 10, 2027 Rocky Top Tennessee
Rocky Top Tennessee showcases the very best of the Volunteer State, where legendary music, mountain scenery, and Southern hospitality unite. Explore vibrant Nashville, try a taste of "Hot Chicken", and discover iconic landmarks including the Parthenon, Gaylord Opryland, and Vanderbilt University. Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, and Rock City top the to-do list for our time in Chattanooga. From Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, journey into the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then explore area attractions, shops, and entertainment. Cap off the adventure with a day in northern Kentucky featuring your choice of visits to Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, or a tour of Cincinnati/Northern KY. Convenient parking, pickup, and drop off options in New Ulm, Mankato, Rochester, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee make your start smooth and simple. Join us for eleven days filled with inspiring scenery, unforgettable attractions, and genuine Southern charm.
July 16-28, 2027 Mountain Majesty
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Colorado on this unforgettable journey through some of America's most spectacular mountain landscapes and national parks. Stand in awe at Rocky Mountain, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Mesa Verde, and Great Sand Dunes National Parks, then enjoy unforgettable adventures aboard the historic Durango & Silverton and Royal Gorge railways, a scenic gondola ride above Telluride, and visits to Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy Chapel, and the towering summit of Pikes Peak. Optional experiences include whitewater rafting on the Colorado River and a thrilling alpine Jeep tour through the wildflower-filled San Juan Mountains above Ouray. Those traveling by motorcoach will also enjoy Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and other Great Plains highlights along the way. Join us for thirteen unforgettable days filled with faith, fellowship, spectacular scenery, and memories that will last a lifetime.
August 28-September 6, 2027 Show Me Missouri
Discover the scenic beauty, inspiring performances, and warm hospitality of the Ozarks on this motorcoach adventure through Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Ascend the Gateway Arch, descend into the underground wonders of Fantastic Caverns, marvel at the breathtaking Mildred Cooper Glass Chapel, and soak in the spectacular scenery of Dogwood Canyon and Top of the Rock. Enjoy world-class museums, charming communities, and the famous fountains of Kansas City, along with time to relax and experience the unique character of Branson. For many, the highlights will be two world-class productions—Daniel at Sight & Sound Theatres and The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs. WELS worship and mission connections add to the encouragement and enjoyment you'll experience on this 10-day trip.
October 11-15, 2027 Country Roads
Country Roads invites you to slow down and savor the beauty of autumn in the Midwest as we wander scenic backroads, charming river towns, and hidden gems of the southeastern MN and western WI Driftless Region. Travel beneath brilliant fall foliage along winding country roads, explore picturesque communities like Lanesboro, Westby, and Winona. Discover fascinating local history at the National Eagle Center, Norskedalen, and Prairie du Chien. Along the way, enjoy fresh apple cider, homemade pies, Wisconsin cheese, Scandinavian specialties, and plenty of time to browse local shops and country stores. Scenic overlooks, peaceful valleys, wildlife watching, and the warm hospitality of the region and its residents provide the perfect backdrop for this laid back venture. Join us for five days filled with subtle scenery, rich heritage, local flavors, and memories that last long after the autumn colors have faded.
December 1-15, 2027 Island Hopping in Hawaii
Experience breathtaking beauty, authentic culture and cuisine, and the renowned Hawaii hospitality on this unforgettable adventure through four of the Aloha State’s islands. Savor three nights each on Maui, Hawaii (the Big Island), and Kauai, along with five nights in the heart of Waikiki on Oahu. With two full weeks, the itinerary includes time to explore alongside opportunities to unwind and enjoy the tropical paradise surrounding you. Discover iconic destinations including Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, black sand beaches, lush waterfalls, fragrant pineapple plantations, colorful gardens, and breathtaking coastal scenery. Optional excursions include snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, whale watching, helicopter tours, parasailing, and more. Join us for fifteen unforgettable days in the 50th state and Crossroads of the Pacific.
We thank Bloomington Lutheran Church (near MSP) for graciously allowing Father's World Tours passengers to use their lot as a parking and pickup point for our tours. The church address is 9350 Portland Ave S., Bloomington, MN. Directions and specifics will be provided in the final pre-tour mailing. Several other W/ELS entities also offer access to their lots for our guests when tours come through their area.
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. - Psalm 24:1