FAM Trips
Bringing Together the Creators, DMOs and Brands Re-Imagining the Travel Industry since 2009
PRE and POST-FAM Trips are offered for the TBEX Summit America 2026 event. Please be mindful of the dates you apply for. FAM Trips participants are selected through an application process, only a select few attendees are accepted to these trips. Each destination looks for specific criteria, this may not always be based on numbers. Please make sure you can attend a FAM Trip before you apply. Our host spend a lot of time and effort on these trips and it is expected if you apply and are accepted you will participate. FAM Trip applications are NOW OPEN applications will close on July 24th!
Pre FAM Tour #1
Alexandria, Minnesota
Number of Guests
4
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
4
September 25th 6:00 PM pick you up at the MSP Airport
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
September 29th 10:00 AM in Jasper Hotel in Fargo
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Alexandria is just 90 minutes NW of the Twin Cities, right on the way to TBEX in Fargo. If you’re flying in, we’ll pick you up at the MSP Airport and take you to Fargo with us on Tuesday. You’ll have a private room at one of our beautiful hotels and leave the driving to us. Jean and Samantha can’t wait to see you!
Description (see full description below)
Join us for three+ days of fall fun in beautiful Alexandria, MN. This lakes country destination is famed for amazing trails, eclectic shops, delicious dining, local arts and so much more. We can’t wait to introduce you to Big Ole!
This is peak color season in central Minnesota. You’ll experience the great outdoors, shopping, art, a winery tour and enjoy the best of our dining. Some of the highpoints of our itinerary include a morning coffee walk with photo opp at Big Ole Park, downtown shopping, a wine tasting, a bike ride, Country Blossom Farm, gorgeous leaf peeping at Lake Carlos State Park, and minigolf! We’ll balance all this outdoor fun with indoor stops at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and the Runestone and be sure to give you some downtown time just to relax.
Pre FAM Tour #2
Bismarck, North Dakota
Number of Guests
6
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
2
September 25th 2:00 PM – Participants will meet in Fargo and travel to Bismarck together
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
September 29th 2:00 PM – We will work with guests on transportation. ND Tourism will be traveling to Fargo on Sept. 29 and will help transport some/all of them, depending on what we find out about travel needs.
This FAM is ADA Accessible.
Activities Included: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, North Dakota state Capitol, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Bismarck Riverfront Commons Development, Dakota Zoo, Native American History & Culture, Bismarck-Mandan Art Trail, and more.
Description (see full description below)
Welcome to Bismarck-Mandan, where history, culture, and outdoor adventure meet along the scenic Missouri River. Explore iconic attractions like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, and the Art Deco North Dakota State Capitol, then enjoy over 100 miles of trails, local boutiques, craft brews, and fresh regional cuisine. With two cities united by one vibrant community, Bismarck-Mandan offers unforgettable experiences for every visitor.
Welcome to Bismarck-Mandan, where every street tells a story and every corner is a gateway to unique experiences. Immerse yourself in the heart of North Dakota with a selection of things to do in our vibrant cities. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventures, delectable dining or the thrill of exploration, our guide is your passport to a memorable journey. Discover the rhythm of the Missouri River, delve into the region’s rich history, and embrace the warmth of our communities. From scenic parks to bustling markets, every moment in Bismarck-Mandan is an opportunity to create lasting memories. Make Bismarck-Mandan a destination filled with endless possibilities.
Experience the days of 1875 at Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, where General George Custer and the 7th Cavalry rode to their legendary battle at the Little Bighorn. At nearby On-A-Slant Indian Village, discover the prairie lifestyle of the Mandan Indians who lived there from 1575-1781. At the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum, dinosaur tracks in the hallway floor lead you to the story of early North Dakota life and geology, featuring life-sized skeleton casts of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops ready to battle.
Follow the footprints symbolizing the arrival of the first people to inhabit North Dakota. The Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples features more than 1,000 artifacts telling the story of early life on the Northern Plains. Don’t miss the exquisite 6 feet by 20 feet hand-painted mural of Double Ditch Indian Village in 1550. Visit North Dakota’s State Capitol where you will find a unique blend of the State’s past, present and future. The Capitol, known as the “Skyscraper on the Prairie,” stands proudly in the heart of Bismarck. Built during the Great Depression, and completed in 1934, you will see some beautiful Art Deco architecture popular during that era. Being that is was built during these trying years, the budget was $2 million and every dollar was crucial, which is why we do not have a decorative dome like many others – it was a waste of space and money, at the time.
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science is 43,000 square feet of amazing hands-on science fun for all ages! The $26 million building sits on a hill overlooking the Missouri River and is a treat for all. The interactive galleries tell the story of innovation and opportunity in North Dakota with exhibits on agriculture, energy, healthcare, transportation and more. Wind down by exploring and shopping at our quaint boutiques, then sample amazing locally crafted brews, ethnic foods, wild game and fresh mouth-watering walleye. Two cities, one community, with the beautiful Missouri River meandering down the middle. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy four true seasons and over 100 miles of trails. We look forward to sharing all of this with you!
Pre FAM Tour #3
Medora, North Dakota
Number of Guests
6
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
3
September 26th 12:00 PM from the Bismarck Airport
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
September 29th 1:00 PM Dropoff at the Jasper Hotel in Fargo
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Activities Included: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, Chateau De Mores State Historical Site, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Medora Riding Stables, The Maah Daah Hey Trail
Description (see full description below)
From its frontier cow town roots to its enduring Old West charm, Medora offers adventure, history, and breathtaking Badlands scenery that once inspired Theodore Roosevelt. Experience an exclusive FAM tour through the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and endless photo opportunities await. Explore the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, visit the historic Chateau de Mores State Historic Site, or enjoy outdoor adventures like horseback riding, golfing at Bully Pulpit Golf Course, and hiking the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail. With scenic beauty, rich history, and welcoming hospitality, there’s always more to discover in Medora.
From frontier cow town to a treasured family tradition, Medora has always been a sanctuary for the adventurous. Just ask Theodore Roosevelt—the rugged buttes of the North Dakota Badlands famously reshaped the course of his life in 1883. Today, those same landscapes continue to inspire, blending the legendary Medora Musical with breathtaking scenery and a spirit that remains authentically “Old West.” Join us for an exclusive pre-event FAM tour through the enchanting South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s a photographer’s dream and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering close encounters with prairie dogs, wild horses, and roaming bison.
For the History Seekers Medora is a masterclass in preservation. Immerse yourself in the legacy of the American West at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, explore the elegant Chateau De Mores State Historical Site, or be among the first to experience the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Here, the bridge between the historic Old West and the modern frontier is seamless.
For the Adventure Bound Whether you’re looking for adrenaline or a quiet escape, we have you covered:
Bully Pulpit Golf Course: Experience 18 holes of pristine green carved directly into the Badlands. See for yourself why USA Today named it the #1 Public Golf Course in 2025.
Medora Riding Stables: Saddle up for a guided horseback trail ride to discover hidden corners of the Badlands inaccessible by vehicle.
The Maah Daah Hey Trail: A bucket-list destination for mountain bikers and endurance athletes. While the full 146-mile course is a legendary test of will, there are plenty of shorter loops for those who simply want to lose themselves in the pristine beauty of Western North Dakota.
With world-class lodging, fine dining, and a charming downtown atmosphere, you’ll quickly discover why There’s Always More to Medora
Pre FAM Tour #4
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Number of Guests
3
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
2
September 27th – Participants will meet in Fargo and travel to Park Rapids together
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
September 29th Jasper Hotel Fargo
This FAM is ADA Accessible.
Activities Included: Visiting Itasca State Park, and several other area hotspots.
Description (see full description below)
Itasca State Park is the oldest State Park in MN, and is just 20 miles north of Park Rapids. Over half a million tourists from around the globe flock to this hotspot each year to see where the Mississippi River begins. Our historic downtown area with widened streets (a nod back to the logging days this town was built around) allows a unique downtown experience filled with shops, a brewery, and exceptional local dining. Bike the Heartland Trail, hike throughout the area, hop on your UTV or snowmobile and travel on the 100s of miles of trails, or chase fish on many of our highly sought after lakes in the area. There is something for everyone in our oasis.
Itasca State Park is the oldest State Park in MN, and is just 20 miles north of Park Rapids. Over half a million tourists from around the globe flock to this hotspot each year to see where the Mississippi River begins. Our historic downtown area with widened streets (a nod back to the logging days this town was built around) allows a unique downtown experience filled with shops, a brewery, and exceptional local dining. Bike the Heartland Trail, hike throughout the area, hop on your UTV or snowmobile and travel on the 100s of miles of trails, or chase fish on many of our highly sought after lakes in the area. There is something for everyone in our oasis.
Post FAM Tour #5
Jamestown, North Dakota
Number of Guests
6
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
0
October 3rd 7:30 AM Jasper Hotel in Fargo
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
October 3rd 6:00 PM Jasper Hotel in Fargo
This FAM is ADA Accessible.
Activities Included: Visiting Itasca State Park, and several other area hotspots.
Description (see full description below)
Journey from Fargo through the scenic prairies of North Dakota with stops in Jamestown and Valley City. Highlights include coffee at Babb’s Coffee House, the iconic World’s Largest Buffalo Monument, a prairie pasture tour, local food and craft beer at Drift Prairie Brewing Company and Brockopp Brewing, plus scenic stops at Medicine Wheel Park and the historic Hi-Line Railroad Bridge before returning to Fargo.
7:30 AM – Depart Fargo to Jamestown
9 AM – Babb’s Coffee
9:25 AM – World’s Largest Buffalo
10 AM – Pasture Tour at NABDC
11 AM – 1883 Courthouse
11:30 AM – Drift Prairie Brewing Lunch, Kuchen
Depart for Valley City
1:30 PM – Rosebud Visitor Center
2:15/2:30 PM – Trolly to Medicine Wheel Park
3:30 PM – Chitaqua Park & Hi-Line Bridge
4:30 PM – Pizza Corner Pizza at Brockopp Brewing
Back to Fargo
Post FAM Tour #6
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Number of Guests
4
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
2
October 3rd 9:00 AM from Jasper Hotel in Fargo
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
October 5th 6:00 PM – This FAM will end in Fargo
This FAM is ADA Accessible.
Activities include biking the Greenway, optional canoeing, paddle boarding or kayaking on the Red River, shopping, visiting the North Dakota Museum of Art and Ralph Engelstad Arena, relaxing at Avant Hair & Skin Care Studio, wine tasting at Grape Mill Vineyard & Winery, and dining at Harry’s Steakhouse and Bernie’s, owned by Molly Yeh.
Description (see full description below)
Join us for the TBEX Post-FAM tour and spend two unforgettable days just an hour north in Grand Forks, ND and East Grand Forks, MN. Paddle the Red River, bike the scenic Greenway, unwind with a spa treatment, stroll vibrant downtowns, savor exceptional local cuisine and wine, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Ralph Engelstad Arena. Come curious, and leave with stories, photos, and friends.
Biking the Greenway
Canoeing, paddle boarding or kayaking (not required) on the Red River
Shopping
ND Museum of Art
Avant Salon & Spa
Ralph Engelstad Arena
Harry’s Steakhouse
Grape Mill Vineyard & Winery
Bernie’s Restaurant (owned by Food Network Star Molly Yeh)
Post FAM Tour #7
Bemidji, Minnesota – Concordia Language Villages
Number of Guests
5
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
3
October 3rd 9:00 AM Jasper Hotel in Fargo
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
October 6th 6:00 PM – This FAM will end in Fargo
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Activities include: Language and culture exploration.
Oktoberfest celebration. Eating authentic foods and learning dances and customs. Sauna!
Description (see full description below)
Travel from Fargo to Bemidji for a unique cultural immersion experience at Concordia Language Villages. Enjoy North Woods scenery, Oktoberfest celebrations, global-themed villages, French and Korean cultural activities, music, dancing, cooking, sauna experiences, and lakeside relaxation—all while creating travel-inspired content without leaving the U.S.
Create global travel content—without leaving the U.S.!
Visitors from across the country come to Concordia Language Villages for our one-of-a-kind offerings. You will leave with stories that resonate with audiences craving meaningful travel experiences.
We’ll hit the road from Fargo to Bemidji, Minnesota — a destination known for its sparkling lakes and serene North Woods atmosphere and being the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Think cabins, hikes, and golden hour reflections on the water.
We’ll kick off this unique experience with our inaugural Oktoberfest celebration. Expect authentic German vibes with traditional food, lively music, dancing, and, of course, beer.
From there, the experience deepens. Over the next few days, you’ll explore our culturally authentic “villages,” each designed to transport you to a different part of the world.
You’ll engage in hands-on French language experiences that go far beyond the classroom. You’ll also take a Korean cooking class, learn new moves at an evening danse/discothèque, bond around the fire, and unwind in the sauna.
This is more than a trip. It’s a content-rich, culturally immersive journey designed for those who want to showcase our mission of “creating courageous global citizens” and inspire others to see the world differently.
Post FAM Tour #8
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
Number of Guests
3
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
2
October 3rd 9:00 AM – This FAM will start in Fargo
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
October 5th 3:00 PM – This FAM will end in Fargo
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Add six Thomas Dambo Trolls to your list of adventures while exploring the Detroit Lakes area. Reel in fish with a high-energy lake guide, relax at a local resort with an outdoor sauna and cold lake dip, tour a major garment industry facility shipping across the U.S., hike scenic nature trails, and take in spectacular fall colors from the top of Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. Along the way, enjoy great coffee, hard ice cream, iconic local restaurants, locally brewed beer, a backstage tour of the WE Fest grounds, and discover the location of the “world’s largest turkey.”
Description (see full description below)
Discover the beauty and adventure of Detroit Lakes, the lakes country destination just east of Fargo. Hunt for six giant Thomas Dambo Trolls, enjoy iconic local food, craft beer, coffee, fishing, scenic trails, and stunning fall colors from Detroit Mountain Recreation Area. The experience also includes a backstage tour of WE Fest, visits to beautiful lakeside resorts and parks, outdoor adventures, sauna relaxation, and the warm hospitality that makes Minnesota’s Lakes Country unforgettable.
You’re invited to Detroit Lakes – the lakes country destination one hour east of Fargo! We’re excited to showcase what our community offers.
Get ready to hunt for six Thomas Dambo trolls – one is more than 60 feet tall! All are constructed of salvaged materials turned into treasures. Selfie time!
You’ll be treated to some of our iconic restaurant fares, a good cup of joe, hard ice cream and a cool glass of beer brewed right downtown.
Have you ever reeled in a fish? Our local high-energy fishing guide will guarantee you a good time while out on the lake!
Tens of thousands travel to Detroit Lakes each August for the annual WE Fest Country Music and Camping Festival. Get a backstage tour to see where it all happens.
An industry in Detroit Lakes embroiders/screen prints garments and ships them across the U.S. and beyond. It started with two friends in a basement and one oven.
Nature abounds in the Detroit Lakes area. Take to the trails and inhale the woodsy aroma. Ain’t nothing like it!
Explore next door neighbor Frazee’s Wannigan Regional Park with a covered bridge over the Otter Tail River and the only reclining Thomas Dambo Troll.
Early October is peak fall leaf color time! We’ll take you to the top of Detroit Mountain for an expansive view of the city and surrounding lakes.
Relaxing is on the agenda at an area resort known nationally for cross country skiing. Try out mountain biking or hike in the woods. Then stroll from your cabin to the outdoor sauna – and if you dare – combine it with a refreshing dip in the lake.
Lakes Country beckons you to come for the sunrises, sunsets and Minnesota-nice hospitality!
Post FAM Tour #9
Minot, Williston, and Peace Gardens, North Dakota
Number of Guests
5
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
3
October 3rd 8:00 AM
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
October 6th fly out of Williston XWA
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Activities include visiting the International Peace Garden, exploring Minot with local dining and a brewery stop, sunrise prairie hikes, and tours of the Scandinavian Heritage Park. The journey continues to Williston for an experiential dinner, plus visits to Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site and the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Description (see full description below)
The journey begins at the International Peace Garden, a one-of-a-kind destination on the U.S.–Canada border, where curated gardens, wide-open space, and the Conservatory create a calm and memorable first impression. From there, the experience moves to Minot, where prairie character meets arts and culture. Guests will explore Scandinavian Heritage Park, a 14-acre outdoor museum celebrating the region’s Nordic roots, and then spend time in Downtown Minot, including the Union Silos Public Art Project, a landmark transformation that turns historic grain silos into North Dakota’s largest mural.
The tour continues west through North Dakota’s open prairie and into the rugged landscapes near Williston. Along the way, guests will experience places that tell the story of the state from different angles, from the history of Fort Union Trading Post on the Upper Missouri River to the dramatic views of Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s North Unit, known for its scenic drive, solitude, and iconic badlands overlooks.
Each stop offers something different, but together they create a fuller picture of North Dakota: peaceful and powerful, creative and untamed, grounded in heritage and shaped by landscape. For creators, it is a chance to gather content that is visually compelling, distinctly regional, and rooted in a genuine sense of place.
Saturday, October 3
• 8am – depart Fargo
• 12pm – arrive International Peace Gardens for lunch and tour of garden and Conservatory
• 3pm – depart International Peace Gardens
• 5pm – arrive Minot for dinner and stop at Atypical brewery
Sunday, October 4
• 8am – 2:30pm – Sunrise hike in rolling prairie in the outskirts of Minot and tours of Downtown Minot, and Scandinavian Heritage Park
• 2:30pm – depart Minot
• 4:30pm – arrive Williston for experiential dinner (downtown)
Monday, October 5
• Step back in time at Fort Union National Historic Site
• Badlands – Theodore National Park – North Unit tour
• Dinner in Williston
Tuesday, October 6
• Fly out of Williston XWA for home!
Post FAM Tour #10
Winnipeg/Manitoba, Canada
Number of Guests
3
Number of Nights
FAM Start time/location
2
Friday, October 3 – morning departure from Jasper Hotel
FAM End time and location
Notes
Additional Details
Wednesday, October 7 – morning departure from Winnipeg International Airport
This FAM is not ADA Accessible.
Must have a valid passport and the ability to travel to Canada.
Description (see full description below)
Get ready to be whisked away to beautiful Whiteshell Provincial Park, on Treaty 3 Territory in Manitoba, Canada! Relax, refresh, and ruminate in the wonder and beauty of a quintessential Manitoba roadtrip and getaway. Autumnal foliage, stunning lakes, boreal forest and the rugged Precambrian Shield, the Whiteshell is a nature lover’s sanctuary. Think historical and Indigenous sightseeing, nature hikes, a cozy lodge, rushing rivers, scenic views and photo ops! Set foot on the iconic Trans Canada Trail and step back in time and visit a sacred stone site, arranged by Indigenous people over millennia.
After two days exploring Manitoba’s expansive landscape and provincial parks, guests will arrive in Winnipeg, Manitoba’s vibrant capital city, for an urban escape filled with arts, culture and culinary experiences. Discover the charm of the historic Exchange District, immerse yourself in Indigenous storytelling and history and explore a world-class museum. From a rejuvenating Nordic spa experience to chef-driven dining and cozy cafés, Winnipeg offers a creative and welcoming city getaway surrounded by the rich colours of autumn.
