Saint Donatus, IA

Travel Guide

A large adult timber rattler climbing up to the den opening. If you look closely you can see another adult timber rattlesnake just to the upper left above the head of the climbing snake in a crevice. I was about 20 feet away sitting on a rock observing the den so the climbing snake was not trying to escape or get away he was just heading back to his home. They have the ability to climb almost vertical surfaces.
A large adult timber rattler climbing up to the den opening. If you look closely you can see another adult timber rattlesnake just to the upper left above the head of the climbing snake in a crevice. I was about 20 feet away sitting on a rock observing the den so the climbing snake was not trying to escape or get away he was just heading back to his home. They have the ability to climb almost vertical surfaces.
What is Spring without a picture of a timber rattlesnake. Here is an adult at the den site getting ready to disperse for the Summer when they will be impossible to locate. They hang around the den for several weeks after exiting from hibernation until they stabilize their body temperature. The gravid females will stay right around the den all summer long while the males and non-gravid females will head into the woods up to 4 miles away to forage for rodents and other food sources. They return in late September to hang around the den before turning in for the Winter. They always use the same den their parents used and will die if they are relocated. This den is on a vertical cliff way up high which is the only reason they have survived in this location. I really worry about the future of these snakes.
One of the last few timber rattlesnake pictures I will post. As I was climbing up the wall of a quarry I came upon a large timber rattler that was not happy with my presence. This is one of the few times I have had a timber rattlesnake rattle and I did the prudent thing and backed away. I liked this shot which I took from below the snake because it shows both the head and tail with the forked tongue out. This might appear to be a staged picture but it is not.
A cryptic 1 year old timber rattler that was tucked into the bark on a large tree stump. I walked past this snake several times before finally spotting it. The snake is much smaller than it appears. It never once moved while I was present.

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Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
The price is AED 331 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
AED 331
AED 424 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
Clean room, helpful and friendly staff, good arcade and water park!

Reviewed on 7 March 2026

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark
Hotel Julien Dubuque

Hotel Julien Dubuque

3.5 out of 5
200 Main Street Dubuque IA
The price is AED 426 per night from Mar 15 to Mar 16
AED 426
AED 482 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,749 reviews)
Staff was friendly and helpful.

Reviewed on 8 March 2026

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20 Galena IL
Stay at this hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,298 reviews)
The decor was very warm and welcoming. Sit and drink your coffee in the library. Good breakfast. Good value

Reviewed on 7 March 2026

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Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Cozy Lake Stay You've been Craving - Fireplace, Comfy Beds & Quiet!

The Cozy Lake Stay You've been Craving - Fireplace, Comfy Beds & Quiet!

Galena IL
Stay at this condo in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the property condition in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
Nice place to stay for our chestnut ski trip, and Galena was so much fun

Reviewed on 18 January 2026

The Cozy Lake Stay You've been Craving - Fireplace, Comfy Beds & Quiet!
Your Spacious HOME for the Holidays, Huge Hot Tub, 2 Fireplaces - Sleeps 14!

Your Spacious HOME for the Holidays, Huge Hot Tub, 2 Fireplaces - Sleeps 14!

Galena IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (241 reviews)
Holiday Hideaway
Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Our family of 14 stayed for a few days over the ...

Reviewed on 8 January 2026

Your Spacious HOME for the Holidays, Huge Hot Tub, 2 Fireplaces - Sleeps 14!
Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory

Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory

Galena IL
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and ...
Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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