2026 Footsteps of Faith: A Journey through Church History with Mark & Janie Ogletree

Dates June 3-12, 2026
Destination Rochester, NY Fayette, NY; Susquehanna River; Niagara Falls, NY; Kirtland, OH; Cleveland, OH Adam-ondi-Ahman Nauvoo, IL; Carthage, IL; St. Louis, MO;
Duration 10 days 9 nights
Price From 2,665

Religious Focus:

Sightseeing:

Activity Level:

Walking Level:


Join Mark and Janie Ogletree this summer for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Church history.

Step back into the sacred history of the Restoration and retrace the footsteps of the early Saints on this unforgettable journey through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Missouri — culminating in the inspiring city of Nauvoo. Beginning in Palmyra’s Sacred Grove, where young Joseph Smith prayed and received his First Vision, we’ll walk the grounds of the Smith family farm, the Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was first printed, and the Hill Cumorah where Moroni delivered the plates. In Fayette, we’ll visit the Peter Whitmer Farm, where the Church was officially organized, and in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, we’ll reflect on the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood along the Susquehanna River. These sacred sites bring scripture to life and invite a deeper connection to the faith, courage, and sacrifices of those who came before.

Our path continues westward to Kirtland, where we’ll explore the historic village and sacred Kirtland Temple, before traveling on to Missouri and Illinois to experience the Liberty Jail, Far West, Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the city of Nauvoo — all places of profound importance in the unfolding of the Restoration. In Nauvoo, we’ll visit the Smith family homes, walk the Trail of Hope, and reflect on the sacrifices of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum in Carthage Jail. With meaningful moments at every stop, this tour weaves together history, testimony, and fellowship, offering participants a rare opportunity to strengthen their faith while standing in the very places where the Restoration of the Gospel unfolded.

Mark D. Ogletree is a former Seminary & Institute teacher, currently a professor at Brigham Young University in the Church History Department with a Ph.D. in Family and Human Development.  He's authored many books that provide great insights into family, marriage, and raising great children in difficult times.  He and Janie both are hosts of a weekly podcast, "Preserving Families", and Mark hosts "Stand By My Servants".  You will find his dynamic teaching style brings history to life in an engaging, insightful, and deeply personal way. 

Spots are filling fast—secure yours today!

Questions? Contact:

Dani Edmunds, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6114
Email Dani

Day 1: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Day 1: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Home City / Rochester, NY Airport / Pittsford

We depart our home cities this morning and arrive at the Rochester, NY Airport. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel, where we’ll enjoy dinner together and get acquainted as we look forward to the inspiring journey ahead.  

Meals : Dinner
Day 2: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Day 2: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Palmyra/Fayette

This morning, we begin our day with a visit to the Sacred Grove, where we’ll take time to reflect on the profound events that took place here. We’ll then tour the restored Joseph Smith Sr. home and farm, including the log cabin where the Angel Moroni first appeared to young Joseph. Our next stop is the E. B. Grandin Building, where the Book of Mormon was first printed. We’ll also visit the grave site of Alvin Smith, Joseph’s eldest brother. After lunch, we continue to the Hill Cumorah and Visitor’s Center, followed by a visit to Fayette, NY, where we’ll explore the Peter Whitmer Farm—the site where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was officially organized on April 6, 1830.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Friday, June 5, 2026
Day 3: Friday, June 5, 2026

Susquehanna, PA/Palmyra

Today, we travel to Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to visit the Priesthood Restoration Site—a location of profound spiritual significance.  Our visit includes the new Visitor’s Center and meetinghouse, as well as the reconstructed homes of Joseph and Emma Smith and Isaac and Elizabeth Hale. We’ll walk through the wooded area where John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, restoring the Aaronic Priesthood. We’ll also visit the Susquehanna River, the sacred site where Joseph and Oliver were baptized.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 4: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Day 4: Saturday, June 6, 2026

Palmyra/Niagara Falls/Kirtland

This morning, we journey to Niagara Falls, home to America’s oldest state park. We’ll experience the awe-inspiring power of the falls aboard the Maid of the Mist, which takes us past the American Falls and into the heart of Horseshoe Basin—an unforgettable experience not to be missed!  Following our visit to the falls, we continue to Kirtland, Ohio, where we’ll visit the newly restored Joseph Smith home and the historic Morley Farm, both significant locations in early Church history.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Day 5: Sunday, June 7, 2026

Kirtland

We begin our Sabbath with Sacrament Meeting, followed by a visit to the Kirtland Temple Quarry, where early Saints labored to gather stone for the construction of the Kirtland Temple. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and then we’ll explore the Kirtland Temple and the historic Kirtland village, including the LDS Visitor’s Center, Newel K. Whitney Home and Store, Johnson Inn, Ashery, and Sawmill.  Our final stop of the day takes us to Hiram, Ohio, where we’ll visit the John Johnson Farm—the sacred site where Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received the vision of the three degrees of glory (Doctrine and Covenants 76).

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Monday, June 8, 2026
Day 6: Monday, June 8, 2026

Cleveland Airport/ Kansas City / Independence

Early this morning, we depart for the Cleveland Airport to catch our flight to Kansas City, Missouri.  Upon arrival, we travel to Independence to visit the Temple Lot and visitor’s center. From there, we continue to Liberty, where we’ll tour the Liberty Jail, a deeply moving historic site where the Prophet Joseph Smith was imprisoned for several months while the Saints endured intense persecution in Missouri.

Meals : Breakfast
Day 7: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Day 7: Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Far West/Adam-Ondi-Ahman/Nauvoo

We begin our day by traveling to Far West, where we’ll visit the temple site and discuss the important events that took place here, including revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith and the dedication of the temple cornerstones—just before the Saints were forced to leave Missouri.  Our journey continues to Adam-ondi-Ahman, a peaceful and sacred location believed to be where Adam and Eve lived after being cast out of the Garden of Eden.  Following our visit, we continue our drive to Nauvoo, where we’ll begin exploring more key locations in the history of the Restoration.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Day 8: Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Nauvoo

This morning, we begin our exploration of Historic Nauvoo with visits to some of the most significant sites in the city’s early history. We’ll tour Joseph Smith’s Homestead, the Mansion House, and the Red Brick Store, where many pivotal events in Church history took place. We’ll also visit the grave sites of Joseph, Emma, and Hyrum Smith, nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River.  In the afternoon, we’ll stroll through the beautifully preserved and restored homes and shops of Old Nauvoo, including the homes of Brigham Young, John Taylor, Heber C. Kimball, Lucy Mack Smith, and the Jonathan Browning Gun Shop, among others. These sites offer a touching glimpse into the daily lives of the early Saints.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Day 9: Thursday, June 11, 2026

Nauvoo/Carthage

We begin our day with an optional temple session at the Nauvoo Temple (subject to temple schedule), followed by a visit to the Pioneer Cemetery, where many early Saints were laid to rest.  In the afternoon, we travel the historic road to Carthage. We will tour the Carthage Jail, the sacred site where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred on June 27, 1844.  Following an early dinner, we walk the poignant “Trail of Hope”, retracing the path many Saints took as they left Nauvoo. Along the way, we’ll read powerful excerpts from their personal diaries, reflecting on their faith and sacrifice.

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Friday, June 12, 2026
Day 10: Friday, June 12, 2026

Hannibal/St. Louis Airport/Home

This morning, we travel to Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of Mark Twain, nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River. Here, we’ll enjoy a relaxing luncheon cruise aboard a classic riverboat, taking in the sights and stories of this historic town.  Following lunch, we continue on to St. Louis, where we’ll check in for our late afternoon flights home, filled with memories of the sacred sites and experiences that have deepened our faith and understanding.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch

Included:

  • 1 Tour Buss Experience for the whole tour
  • 9-night hotel accommodations
  • Meals as specified on itinerary (B,L,D)
  • Airfare from Cleveland to Kansas City
  • Ground transportation via deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
  • Group transfers when arriving and departing with group flights
  • All Admissions and activities as specified in the itinerary
  • Meal gratuities on included meals
  • Taxes on included services
  • Tour Director/Historian Dr. Mark & Janie Ogletree

Not Included:

  • Airfare to Rochester, NY, and back from St. Louis
  • Private transfers when not arriving or departing with group flight times
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Trip cancellation and baggage insurance
  • Checked baggage fees
  • Bus Driver and Tour Guide gratuities

Pricing:

  • Double price: $2665 per person
  • Single price: $3310 per person
  • Triple price: $ 2615 per person
  • Quad price: $2565 per person
  • Cash Discount: $75.00

Payment Terms:

  • $250.00 per person due at booking time
  • Final payment due April 3, 2026
  • A minimum of 30 passengers is needed to guarantee the tour

Cancellation Policy:

  • Free cancellation up to 7 days from deposit
  • After 7 days, there is a 50% cancellation fee of your deposit or transfer to a future travel credit
  • This tour is fully nonrefundable AFTER the final payment date
  • Please read all our Terms & Conditions here