What else is there to do around Riverview Ranch n Resort?

Nearby Parks, Nature Preserves, Hiking, bicycling, horseback riding trails, Hunting, Bird Sanctuary

1.6 miles north is the Aiken Trailhead entrance to the Galena River Trail. Turn right out of our driveway and follow River Road. Cross the railroad tracks twice and cross a bridge then look for the entrance to the trail on the left. This trail includes some prehistoric sites. There is a Thunderbird Effigy Mound that is 1,000 years old. This trail goes all the way to Galena along the Mississippi river and along the Galena river, and goes past Galena to Bueler Preserve.
Galena River Trail Map
Another Galena River Trail Map.
Galena River Trail Info

Two miles away is Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve.

Hanover Bluff State Natural Area

Mississippi Palisades State Park 21 miles south of the ranch (31 minute drive).

Schurmeier Teaching Forest - Horses Welcome. 14 miles (23 minutes) from Ranch

Tapley Woods Hunting.

List of Public Hunting Lands

More Hunting location info

Here is a DNR map showing nature preserves, wildlife areas etc: Map of DNR sites

We are in the heart of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

The Raptor Resource Project has some cool webcams always live so you can see the Eagles and other birds live in their nests or landing sites in the Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

See and hear the many different species of birds. There are Deer, turkey, Bald Eagles, racoon, opossum and other critters commonly cross the roads so please slow down and watch for them. In the fall the Geese form majestic chevrons above your head on their journey south, stopping in the river for a while before continuing their journey south. In the spring you'll hear their honking again as they make their way upriver and spend more time here. There is an eagles nest that can be seen in fall and winter through the bare branches of trees. In summer you can see the nest from a kayak or by trudging through thick underbrush. It is easier to see in fall/winter when the trees are bare. Map showing approx. location of Eagle nests.

A new bird sanctuary: Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary

Dubuque IA (across the Mississippi)

A 34 minute drive away is the The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. This is really cool.

We recommend Hu Hot Mongolian Grill. They put on a show preparing your food. We love it. All you can eat.

28 miles from the ranch (47 min drive). The Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is free.

Tour Lock and Dam #11 - 35 minute drive from the ranch. More info.

Dubuque Tour Boats

Dubuque also has casinos and water parks.

Bring your motor boat

There is a motor boat launch at Blanding Landing a 15 minute drive away. Bring your motor boat or jet skis.

Fly-in - I'll pick you up

Private Airport six miles away: 3IS4 - Merkle Airport 2,900 ft runway.

Couple's Massage

Healing Touch of Galena Message
I could show your kids the petting zoo while you are getting a couple's massage. I'll try to stay where you can see us from the apartment windows so you can keep an eye on your kids. We'll pet horses over the fence, hand-feed the chickens, and meet all the other critters. We won't go into the horse enclosure or ride any horses unless a guardian is present. Or I could take your juvenile kids (12 or over) on a canoe excursion to beach island while you are getting your couple's massage. I charge $80/hr for the petting zoo or canoe trip kid sitting. For an additional $20/hr I'll video record, or facetime, the experience so you can share it. Inquire about massage cost and schedule the massage directly with the masseuse. Schedule kid sitting with Wrangler Roger.