Day Trips
Explore exciting day-trip opportunities offered through Carl Sandburg College Workforce Development & Community Education.
Participants may choose to depart from either the Galesburg or Carthage campus. Unless otherwise noted, the same trip is available from both locations.
Quad City Arts’ Festival of Trees and Helium Balloon Parade – Davenport, IA
Date: November 21, 2026
Departures: Galesburg Campus and Carthage Campus
Cost: $65
Experience the holiday season in the Quad Cities with a visit to the annual Helium Balloon Parade and the Quad City Arts Festival of Trees. Enjoy free time for lunch downtown before exploring more than 150 decorated tree displays, a gingerbread village, holiday shopping, treats and seasonal attractions.
Kerstmarkt Dutch Christmas Market - Pella, Iowa
Date: December 3, 2026
Departures: Galesburg Campus and Carthage Campus
Cost: $75
Experience the charm of a traditional Dutch Christmas market in Pella, Iowa. Browse festive vendor booths, discover unique gifts, and explore the community's distinctive boutiques, bakeries and specialty shops while enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season.
Nauvoo Ghost Crawl – Nauvoo, IL
Date: December 11, 2026
Departures: Galesburg Campus and Carthage Campus
Cost: $65
Step into the history and mystery of Nauvoo on an evening filled with local legends, ghost stories and historic sites. Guided by Nauvoo Tourism Director Rebecca Williams, this unique experience combines storytelling, heritage and regional history while exploring a historic farmhouse and several Nauvoo-area landmarks.
Snowman’s Reindeer Farm – Canton, IL
Date: December 8, 2026
Departures: Galesburg Campus and Carthage Campus
Cost: $65
Enjoy a festive visit to Snowman’s Reindeer Farm, where you'll get up close with real reindeer, including the farm's newest addition, Tinsel. The experience includes a guided tour of the property, opportunities to interact with the animals, and lunch at Monical's Pizza.