Church History Tour with
Brad Wilcox & Joe Jackson
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio
PROCEEDS FROM THE TOUR BENEFIT THE KIRTLAND HERITAGE GROUP
Join us on a remarkable journey through the sacred sites of the Restoration with renowned author and speaker Brad Wilcox.
Known for his warmth, humor, and ability to make the gospel come alive, Brad will teach and testify in the very places where the foundations of the Church were laid. From the Sacred Grove to Kirtland, his messages will help you see these historic settings with new eyes and apply their lessons to your own life today.
Traveling alongside Joe Jackson’s rich storytelling, this tour promises not only history and doctrine, but also inspiration, laughter, and lasting spiritual insights from one of the Church’s most beloved teachers.
June 22-28, 2026 - 68 people
Where we go & what we do:
Arrive in Buffalo NY
Visit the Hill Cumorah, and learn more about Moroni and his role in the restoration.
Personal time at the Sacred Grove
Visit the Whitmer Farm, where we will learn in-depth about the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon (Including the female witnesses)
Visit Grandin’s print shop, learn of the miracles of the printing of the Book of Mormon
Travel to the Priesthood Restoration Site and learn about Joseph and Oliver's revelations and visions. Spend time on the Susquehanna Riverbank
Learn about the Knights, the Tanners, and the Stowell families as we visit their properties and understand their significance in the restoration
Visit Niagara Falls with options to board the Maid of the Mist
Lesson on the Restoration of Keys in the Kirtland Temple
Lesson on the School of the Prophets in the Newel K. Whitney Store
Lesson on the degrees of glory at the Johnson Farm
Enjoy a private Amish dinner in an Amish family’s home, learn more about their beliefs- A highlight of the trip for many!
Learn stories and little-known details about the transfer of the Kirtland Temple in March 2024
Discussions on appearances of Deity, the Joseph Smith Translation, Section 76, the life of Prophet Joseph Smith and his family.
We will take a side-step into Cleveland history with a visit to Lakeview Cemetery, including the Wade Memorial Chapel and President James A. Garfield’s stunning monument.
There will be time to explore Fairport Harbor after discussing the Saint’s arrival by water.
We will visit downtown Painesville, an important and lesser-known spot of Church history.
At the end of the tour, you will see the growth of the area in the last 60 years including first-hand accounts of many significant events.
Depart from Cleveland, Ohio
Cost $2,250 based on double occupancy and $2,700 for single occupancy. Pricing includes all transport from arrival to departure, all lodging, and all but 2 meals. Airfare and airport meals are not included.
Proceeds from this tour benefit The Kirtland Heritage Group a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. To learn more about The Kirtland Heritage Group and its mission, visit here.
About Brad Wilcox
Bradley Ray Wilcox is a dedicated educator, author, and religious leader. He serves as a professor of Ancient Scripture at Brigham Young University (BYU) and, from April 2020 until August 2025, served in the Young Men General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, culminating in his role as First Counselor starting in April 2023.
Raised in Provo and briefly living in Ethiopia during his youth, Brad served as a missionary in the Chile Viña del Mar Mission, where he also wrote the mission song. He completed his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at BYU in 1985, later earning a master’s degree in teaching and learning from the same institution, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction (specializing in literacy) from the University of Wyoming.
At BYU, Brad has taught first in the Teacher Education Department and now in the Department of Ancient Scripture. He is also a prolific author and speaker, well known for his devotional talk, His Grace is Sufficient, which remains one of the most-watched BYU talks ever.
In his church service, Brad has held numerous leadership roles: bishop, high councilor, stake Young Men president, counselor in a stake presidency, member of the Sunday School General Board, and president of the Chile Santiago East Mission (2003–2006).
Brad is also an accomplished author, with works including The Continuous Atonement, The Best-Kept Secrets of Parenting, Raising Ourselves to the Bar, and many others. He has contributed to a wide range of magazines and journals.
He is married to Deborah G. Gunnell, a registered nurse and former missionary in Guatemala, and they are parents to four children.
Dates and Costs:
The cost for the Doctrine Restored Tour with Brad Wilcox is $2,250 based on double occupancy and $2,700 for single occupancy. Each tour is limited to 68 guests. Pricing includes all transportation from arrival in Buffalo NY, to departure at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, all lodging, admission, and all but 2 meals. Airfare and airport meals are not included.
A $500 deposit per person will reserve your spot on the tour
First payment of $500 per person due by January 1, 2026
Balance Due: The remaining balance of your trip is due February 22, 2026.
Early Payment Discount: Trips paid in full at the time of booking will receive a $100 per traveler discount, automatically applied at checkout.
Check or Venmo Payments:
Send payment via:
Venmo - @jmdjackson (last four of cell 1642)
Check- Kirtland Heritage Group 9044 Metcalf Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Once your payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email.
Your spot is not confirmed until payment or deposit is received and you receive a confirmation email.
Credit Card Payments:
A 3% credit card processing fee applies to all transactions, including deposits.
June 22-28, 2026
Airport Information:
Plan to arrive on the first day of your tour at Buffalo, NY International Airport (BUF) by 5 pm. The shuttle will collect guests and their luggage between 5-6 pm.
Plan on your returning flight to depart Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) no earlier than 5 pm on the last tour day. The shuttle will return all guests to the airport.
Further arrangements can be made by calling us directly with your flight information before your trip
The itinerary is subject to change due to time, discussion, weather, and availability permits and dictates.
FAQ:
What if my flight is delayed?
If there are changes to your flight coming into Buffalo, you will be required to pay for a taxi to meet us along the tour.
How much walking and stairs will there be?
This tour will have several short walks (less than a quarter mile) throughout each day. Optional longer walks (hills or up to half a mile) are available at some locations.
The Kirtland Temple is not handicap accessible. The main floor is a few steps up. To visit the 2nd and 3rd floors requires climbing several steep stairs.
The Garfield Monument is also only accessible by climbing about 20 stairs to the main level, and then several steep and winding steps to the mezzanine and balcony. There are other things to see nearby if you choose not to enter the monument.
What should I bring?
A small bag, purse, or backpack holds items you may need throughout the day. When you leave the hotel in the morning, you will not return until after dinner. Please plan accordingly. The bus will be secure during our stops for anything left on board.
The weather is notoriously fickle in Midwest. A rain jacket and sweater are good ideas. Umbrellas will be provided at certain sites as needed.
Though we will provide light snacks and water on the bus, you may want to bring snacks that fit your taste and preference, as well as a water bottle or other drink.
Please dress for comfort and mobility. There will not be any strenuous walking, but some ground may be uneven and there are several opportunities to climb stairs.
Seating will be available at many sites we visit. We will have folding camp chairs available at certain other locations for those who need them.
Will I be given a guidebook?
A full-color guidebook will be given to each guest on our tour, but you may wish to have a journal for note-taking. We will be referencing the Standard Works of scriptures of the restoration including the Holy Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants. Paper or digital copies will come in handy.
I need to cancel my trip. What is the refund policy?
We are sorry that you won’t be able to join us as planned. If you’ve paid in full for your trip, and we are able to replace your spot with a new guest, you will be refunded the cost of the trip, minus the $500 deposit. If we are unable to find another guest to fill your spot, we will be happy to book you on another tour or refund you 50% of your total amount paid.