The Great Outdoors   

Ice Age glaciers thundered down from the north thousands of years ago and bypassed Jo Daviess County, leaving behind its rolling hills and gentle valleys. These hills and valleys now afford visitors an abundance of outdoor activities.

The Mississippi River and its backwaters teem with fish. Licenses are available at local marinas, bait shops, hardware stores and retail shops; public boat launching ramps are located at Ferry Landing, Blanding Landing and in East Dubuque. The new Galena River Boat Landing accommodates small watercraft. For a year-round, full-service marina complete with short-term slips, boat rentals and restaurant, try Mid-Town Marina in East Dubuque. Seasoned river pilots are also ready to give gentle, relaxing sightseeing tours of Ol’ Man River. For the more adventurous, Galena’s Fever River Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals for self-guided trips down the Mississippi and Galena rivers.

Take to the skies with a memorable trip on one of Galena On The Fly’s hot air balloon flights. Year-round bird’s eye tours launch sunrise and sunset from Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and end with chocolates and a champagne toast. The sport’s popularity has resulted in the Annual Great Galena Balloon Race in June and the Galena Halloween Balloon Festival in October, with both events featuring balloon glows and “Hare and Hound” races. Visit the Calendar of Events for a list of nature/outdoor events.

Bring binoculars to observe the area’s wildlife. The Savanna District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge runs along both banks of the river between the Quad Cities and East Dubuque and encompasses almost 45,000 acres of woods and wetlands. Winter and spring offer the best times to view the always-popular bald eagle that soars the Mississippi bluffs. Explore a variety of birding habitats on your own or allow an experienced birder to guide you. Canoe and kayak rentals for self-guided trips down the Mississippi and the Galena River are offered by Galena’s Fever River Outfitters.
 
Jo Daviess County is a hiker’s dream come true. Put on sturdy boots for a trek through Apple River Canyon State Park near Apple River, Mississippi Palisades State Park near Savanna, or Schurmeier Forest near Elizabeth. In Galena, the Galena River Trail allows hikers and bikers to enjoy the Galena River. The 3.38-mile trail begins at the Galena River Boat Landing and continues south along an abandoned railroad corridor to the Galena Junction and the Mississippi River.

For serious outdoor enthusiasts, bring along the camping equipment for a stay at any one of the county’s convenient campgrounds. Choose from the scenic Apple River Canyon State Park near Apple River with its waterfall and limestone bluffs; Blanding Landing on the Mississippi River between Galena and Hanover; Palace Campground in Galena with a heated pool, miniature golf and hayrides; and Vel Terra Ranch and Family Campground near Elizabeth with fishing and rugged hills to hike.

For exciting outdoor adventures, complete with lodging, check out Nature Lover e-trips featured on this site.
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FEATURED EVENTS
Music on the Green
 Jul 26
Menominee Country Fest
 Jul 27
148th Annual Jo Daviess County Fair
 Jul 31-Aug 3
more events...
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© Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau
101 Bouthillier Street, Galena, IL 61036, 877-Go Galena (464-2536)