Saint Donatus

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.
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.
A beautiful yellow phase timber rattlesnake outside of its den. These reptiles are despised by many but I think they are some of the most beautiful interesting subjects in nature. If we do not help they will be gone in 10 years. We really need to protect the last remaining den sites in the midwest. I like the way the cliff goldenrod sets off the colors of the snake. These are some of the most docile snakes in the wild. If you leave them alone you have nothing to fear.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
The price is HK$612 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$612
HK$784 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,027 reviews)
The staff at the waterpark was a little rude and both my kids (10 and 13) said more than one swore in their presence. One specifically said “my boss is on my A” (said the full word but it won’t let me send my review with it)

Reviewed on 10 Mar 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 HK$909 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
HK$909
HK$1,026 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Dubuque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,741 reviews)
The room was clean, the staff was courteous and the pool and gym were very nice. The hotel is a lovely old building and it has been well maintained. We would enjoy staying there again.

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

4 out of 5
11383 US Highway 20 Galena IL
The price is HK$697 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
HK$697
HK$774 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,064 reviews)
Clean!

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2026

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
See all 795 properties in Saint Donatus
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.
Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees - Stonecrest

Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees - Stonecrest

Galena IL
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Galena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
We had an absolutely wonderful stay here! We were in town for skiing and a trip into Galena, both easily accessible. The house was perfectly maintained, clean, and well stocked. Tucked back off of a quiet road, it was a perfect weekend getaway. Howard had great communication up to and during our ...

Reviewed on 26 Feb 2026

Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees - Stonecrest
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 Wi-Fi, private pools and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the property condition in their reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (121 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

The Cozy Lake Stay You've been Craving - Fireplace, Comfy Beds & Quiet!
The Nook: Downtown Galena Cottage w/ hot tub & fire pit!

The Nook: Downtown Galena Cottage w/ hot tub & fire pit!

Galena IL
Stay at this holiday home in Galena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Old Blacksmith Shop and Dowling House are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
The house was clean, well equipped and loved the robes in each room to use when hot tubbing each night!

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

The Nook: Downtown Galena Cottage w/ hot tub & fire pit!
See all properties in Saint Donatus
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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Bellevue State Park

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Bellevue State Park
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Aqua Park

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