What is there to do around Riverview Ranch n Resort?

Riverview Ranch n Resort is a unique place to relax, and an enchanting place to explore.

Nearby Restaurants

There are a lot of great nearby restaurants. Food Critic Roger's Local Restaurant Recommendations.

Groceries

Piggly Wiggly Grocery store is 15 minutes north at 997 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL 61036. Walmart Supercenter is 17 minutes north at 10000 Bartell Blvd, Galena, IL 61036.

Visit Galena

HGTV named Galena one of its favorite small towns to visit for Christmas.
Galena was ranked as the second friendliest city in the US on a survey by Condé Nast Traveler.
We have many fantastic restaurants and lots of cool events all year long.

Snow Skiing

Chestnut Mountain ski resort is 7 minutes south at 8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Rd Galena, IL 61036.

Equine Assisted Learning - For Teens and Adults

Go through exercises designed to allow our horses to teach you about horses, yourself, teamwork, non-verbal communication, and more. We will set up an exercise which will involve you leading a horse through obstacles or other things involving horses desinged to help you learn something. We can also use the mini-horse for anyone who might be intimidated by the full size horse. You won't ride the horses in these exercises, you will be walking and interacting with them in a unique way.

Hike, Jog, or Bike along River Road:

River road is a great place for walking, jogging, bicycling, bird watching and sight-seeing. From the ranch go south on River Road for a shady stroll under a canopy of trees along steep rock cliffs. Pick wildflowers, mulberries and raspberries along the way to Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort. Catch the ski lift to enjoy lunch at Chestnut Mountain's restaurant, or enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the water from at Chestnut Mountain's pier. (20 minute walk from the ranch).
Go north on River road for a walk through open fields, view an eagle's nest, put your toes in sandy banks of the Mississippi river. (12 minute walk to kayak/canoe launch site , 20 minute walk to the eagle's nest). Guests may borrow our binoculars for birdwatching trips.
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Chestnut Mountain has a beautiful overlook park 7 minutes drive south at 42.32301188068253, -90.39901968329777; (map); enjoy a picnic lunch with an amazing view of the Mississippi river while birds soar beneath you. Galena Dude Ranch & Farm Stay

In summer ride Chestnut's Alpine Slide.
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The city center of Galena is a 10 minute drive away. Click here for other area attractions and events.

Galena was named one of the best midwest small town for getaways. Galena was named the best main street in America by Fodors.
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A five minute drive away is Horshoe Mound Preserve where you can take a challenging half-mile hike on Horshoe Loop Trail.
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Also a five minute drive to Thunderbay Waterfall.
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0.7 miles away is Winston Tunnel State Natural Area. This is 230 acres of trails. "Area closed to non-hunters during deer firearm seasons (Youth, Firearm, CWD and Muzzleloader) and until 1:00 PM during turkey firearm seasons (Youth and Spring)." There are dates that this is only available to licensed hunters. More info: Hunter fact sheet, DNR Map, Satellite Map,
Nice rocks for climbing , if you are into that sort of thing.

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About 4 miles away is Witkowsky State Fish Wildlife Area. This is 1,086 acres of trails and wilderness, filled with wildlife.
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About 3 miles away is the entrance to Casper Bluff Land and Water Preserve. A scenic walk will take you to a 1,000 year old Thunderbird effigy.
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Hunting/Fishing

Hunting Regulations. Hunting/Fishing Licenses.

Illinois Veterans who served abroad are eligible to purchase hunting and fishing licenses at one-half the normal fee. Click Here for more info. Hunting/Fishing Licenses.
See www.ifishillinois.org.
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7 miles north is the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
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7 miles north is the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historical Site. Across the river from Grant's home is the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum.
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12 miles southeast are two wineries: Rocky Waters Vinyard & Winery and Fergedaboudit Vinyard & Winery
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12 miles southeast is Wapello Land and Water Reserve.
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21 miles east is Valley of Eden Bird Sanctuary. More info here.

Fishing

Father's day Weekend in June is normally free to fish for everyone. Check with the Dept. of Natural Resources to be sure.

Children under 16 can fish without a license in Illinois any day of the year.
See 2022 Illinois Fishing Regulations.

We have fishing gear to rent for $10 per day. You can get bait at Galena's Walmart Superstore.

Horse/Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

Easy, Slow Beginner Rides. We have a petting zoo, which includes horses, a mini horse, mini-pigs, goats, dogs, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs and turtles.

Boating

We have two kayaks and a large canoe for rent or tour. Up to 5 people can join Riverboat Roger on a two hour tour, or up to 6 people can rent the canoe/kayaks for an adventure without a guide. Interesting islands, and amazing flora and fauna make for great boating in slow moving waters. Less than a mile north of us is a stretch of beach with a boat launch site on the Mississippi river. We deliver the boats to the launch site and provide maps of the river, safety equipment, and paddles. You can paddle to "Beach Island" where a lot of boaters stop to picnic, swim, and play volleyball etc. There is a rope swing over the water on one of the islands. More Info

Campfires and Live Music

What fun we have at campfires. Tell spooky stories and enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the Mississippi. Bring some S'Mores. Stargaze around the campfire. You will probably see meteors if you come on the following nights: Jan 3-4, Apr 21-22, May 4-5, July 28-29, Aug. 11-12, Oct. 8-10, Oct 20-21, Nov 11-12, Nov 16-17, Nov 25-27, Dec 13-14, Dec 21-22. Meteor showers generally last for weeks, but these are the peak viewing dates for 2022. The dates for peak viewing are generally the same each year.

Seniors Welcome. Bring your senior friends and relive the good old days on the ranch.

Wrangler Roger has been practicing songs on his guitar. If you'd like some live music just ask.

Wagon Wheel
Roger That ! - Singer/Guitarist - Repertoire

Roger's stage name is "Roger That !" He wears all sorts of hats when he is "That!" (he sings many genres)

Ask about Harry the Hairy Ape and Roger will tell you a scary campfire story that ends with everyone smiling. If you are into fairy tales, Roger can tell the story of how Sir Thanks a Lot saved the Fair Maiden. If you like those stories ask about Quasimoto's replacement. Your kids can make up their own stories and hone public speaking skills in an encouraging environment. In winter we sometimes have campfire using a portable electric heater in the lobby instead of a fire outside.
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Root Beer Tasting

There are many local companies that make fabulous root beers. We can set up a root beer sampling for your family so you can, once and for all, settle the age old question: Which Root Beer is Best? We try to have a supply of Root Beer available for purchase and sampling. Combined with the Ice Cream Making, you could also determine the best root beer float. We also try to have a supply of ice cream handy during summer months in case you don't use the ice cream maker. Sampling five flavors: $15 per family. Root Beer float: $5 per float.
Your favorite root beer (per bottle): $3
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Riverview Ranch & Resort

Family Activities Galore