REGISTER NOW FOR 2025-26 FALL/WINTER TOURS
We are proud to partner with the Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors (OWLS) to offer group tours to WELS and ELS members. Founded in July 2023, we are a fully insured LLC with over 15 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.
We are excited to offer four opportunities to join us this fall/early winter as we head every which way across the USA! As of 8.8.25, Weekend in the Ozarks and Minnesota Wildlife and Waterfalls are SOLD OUT. As of 8.19.25, online registration is officially closed for Autumn in New England, but seats MAY still be available. Interested? Call Steve Balza at 507-217-1731 to inquire.
Aug 29-Sep 1. Weekend in the Ozarks departs from New Ulm venturing south to KS, MO, and AR to see Sight & Sound's David along with The Great Passion Play and WELS worship at the Mildred Cooper glass chapel. Additional highlights include The Haygoods, Crystal Bridges, Lambert's Cafe,
Sep 2-5. Minnesota Wildlife and Waterfalls depart from New Ulm heading north to the stunning Superior shore where we'll explore the Superior National Forest's fabulous flora and fauna...wolves and bears, oh my! Sensational state parks (i.e. Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Temperence River) dot the map all the way to Grand Portage (home to the state's highest falls) at the Canadian border.
Sep 22-Oct 4. Autumn in New England flies east to Boston to kickoff a 6-state adventure including Acadia Park, Fenway Park, and the region's renowned fall foliage. We'll spend 2 nights in each state, tour its top sites, taste some of its signature delicacies (lobster, clam chowder, Boston cream pie, and of course...baked beans). A cruise on Lake Champlain, a tram up the White Mountains, a coastal walk along Newport's mansions, a scenic drive through Cape Cod, a pilgrim's dinner in Plymouth - this trip will truly immerse and inspire you in New England scenery, history, and culture.
Dec 31-Jan 13. California Cruisin' flies west where all the leaves aren't brown and the sky's not gray for 3-night pre-cruise and post-cruise stays in sunny CA. We'll ring in the New Year at the beloved Rose Parade and enjoy visits to the Getty Center, Reagan Library, the Queen Mary, Joshua Tree NP, Palm Springs, and San Diego. Our 7-night Royal Princess cruise (Jan 3-10) includes a lovely mix of time at sea (first and last 2 days) and port visits (day 3-5 in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerta Vallarta).
See the printable flyers below for tour basics. To explore full trip details, click the tabs at the top of the site or navigate through the "Three Line Hamburger Menu" to visit our WeTravel registration pages. Each tour page includes itineraries, stunning images, key links, and all trip details. You can also register and securely pay your deposit via: E-check (no fee), Credit card (2.9% fee).
Open to WELS and ELS members of all ages, registration is now open for California Cruisin'. Two more tours (Spring Training in Arizona and Horsin' Around in Kentucky will soon be open. See the basic dates and details below.
Dramatic Day Trips
Join Father's World Tours and a group of MLC students for a Sunday evening with the Phantom of the Opera at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. While they last, seats are available on a motorcoach bus with optional pickups in New Ulm, St Peter, and Shakopee. Tickets can be purchased here between Aug 28 (8P) and Sept 28.
This ticket-only opportunity provides WELS and ELS members with an affordable option to take in the world's most popular musical at the Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. Tickets will be mailed 2-3 weeks before the event and you'll mid-balcony seats within our group block. Tickets can be purchased here between Aug 28 (8P) and Nov 28.
Coming Soon: Several tours are in the works for 2026.
Watch for more details coming regarding...
Feb 20-27, 2026 Spring Training in AZ
Baseball lovers, take note. The Cactus League is the pre-season home to 15 MLB clubs. Our plan involves enjoying games at 6 stadiums (including at least one home and away game each for the Brewers and Cubs). In addition, we'll day trip to view a WELS Apache mission, attend Sunday and Wednesday worship at our area churches, visit several tourist attractions (Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum), and dine in some unique spaces (Organ Stop Pizza, Top of the Rock, Rustler's Rooste). This small group van tour is limited to just 10 attendees and will fill fast. Our seven nights will be spent in ONE location - an 800 sf condo (with balcony or deck) at the lovely Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix. Onsite amenities include a resort pool, 18-hole golf course, and restaurant.
April 17-26, 2026 Horsin' Around in KY
The Bluegrass State offers a mix of amazing museums, scenic spaces, and equine excellence. We'll take in the two Answers in Genesis attractions (Creation Museum/Ark Encounter), walk across an arch (Natural Bridge) visit the Niagara of the South (Cumberland Falls), take a trip to the tracks (Keeneland/Churchill Downs), and explore an extensive cave (Mammoth NP). This "all-inclusive" (every meal provided) motorcoach tour will originate in New Ulm, MN, and offer convenient parking/pick-up options in Mankato, Rochester, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee. The 9-night journey includes one night in Milwaukee in each direction. A 7-night option (April 18-25) is available for those starting with us in Milwaukee.
July 11-19, 2026 Say Yes to Michigan
Circle the GREAT Lakes state with Father's World Tours as we take you to some surprising spots right here in the magnificent Midwest. Our motorcoach will make its way from New Ulm to Michigan with pickup options along the way to Milwaukee and an option to start your tour with us there (July 12-18). Among the many exciting spots we'll see are the U.P.'s Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island's motorless mystique, Frankenmuth's Bavarian charm, Holland's Dutch delights, and South Haven's bountiful blueberries (all you can pick, you can keep)! Plans also include some special stops in Wisconsin (Holy Hill and Door County's Cave Point) as well as Indiana Dunes.
Sep 18-27, 2026 Pretty Places in Pennsylvania
With an option to start in Milwaukee (September 19-26), this motorcoach tour will originate in New Ulm and offer parking/pickup opportunities across Southern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The peaceful Amish countryside near Lancaster will serve as our home base for exploring the region. Highlights include visits to the Steel City of Pittsburgh, UA Flight 93 Memorial, the Civil War sights of Gettysburg, samples of sweet treats in Hershey, Independence Hall history and cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, and Sight & Sound theater's new show, Joshua.
November 7-19, 2026 O Canyonlands
This flight plus motorcoach tour will escort us to some of the most scenic spaces on the continent. Lord willing, we'll spend 2 nights each in Flagstaff, Page, Moab, Bryce, Springdale, and Las Vegas. Among the highights will be the "Mighty 5" national parks in Utah (Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon). Our Arizona adventures will include Sedona, Grand Canyon South NP, Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon West, and a Joshua Tree forest. Several state parks (Goblin Valley in UT and Valley of Fire in NV) are also part of the plan. Our optional group flight would depart Minneapolis for PHX Phoenix on November 7 with a return from LAS Las Vegas on November 19.
We thank Martin Luther College for graciously allowing Father's World Tours passengers to use their lot as a parking and pickup point for many of our tours. The college address is 1995 Luther Ct., New Ulm, MN. Directions and specifics will be provided in the final pre-tour mailing.
We thank Bloomington Lutheran Church for graciously allowing Father's World Tours passengers to use their lot as a parking and pickup point for many of our tours. The church address is 9350 Portland Ave S., Bloomington, MN. Directions and specifics will be provided in the final pre-tour mailing.
The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. - Psalm 24:1