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.
The largest timber rattlesnake I have ever seen is pictured. The snake was basking in the sun on a beautiful day. This large male had just shed and was so colorful I spotted it from a long way off. It immediately started to rattle when I approached so I took a couple of shots and left it alone. This snake was 55 - 60 inches long and as thick as a firehose.
A large adult timber rattlesnake sunning in some tall grass that picked up its head for a better look at me which is the only reason I spotted it. I rarely see this behavior as timber rattlers would rather remain silent, still and out of sight. This one seemed to be guarding something so I took a few shots and retreated.
A yellow phase timber rattler blending in well with the native surroundings. I wonder how many of these I have walked past without even knowing they were there? They do blend in well with the environment.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
The price is ￥13,297 per night from Feb 11 to Feb 12
￥13,297
￥17,019 total
Feb 11 - Feb 12
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! (1,013 reviews)
Good room and accommodations for the price

Reviewed on Jan 21, 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 ￥17,922 per night from Feb 1 to Feb 2
￥17,922
￥20,239 total
Feb 1 - Feb 2
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,719 reviews)
Room was very Nice! Pool and Hot tub excellent! Loaction was perfect! Had view of Mississippi River. Loved the stay!

Reviewed on Jan 23, 2026

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Stoney Creek Inn Galena

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr Galena IL
The price is ￥13,831 per night from Jan 29 to Jan 30
￥13,831
￥15,349 total
Jan 29 - Jan 30
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,307 reviews)
Great staff. Especially Teresa. Room was nice and cozy. Property was clean and warm. Pool was nice. Hot tub was good size. Lots of towels available.

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
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.
Lighted Hot Tub w/ 4 BD/2.5 Baths and VERY close to town.

Lighted Hot Tub w/ 4 BD/2.5 Baths and VERY close to town.

2 out of 5
Galena IL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Galena Golf Club and Dowling ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
The property is well maintained. There was a ton of room for the five of us. The home is like brand new and so well cared for. The hot tub was perfect; warm, clean, and roomy. It was close enough to town to get there for shopping and meals, but far enough to be secluded.

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Lighted Hot Tub w/ 4 BD/2.5 Baths and VERY close to town.
Luxury, Spacious, Resort Hideaway - 4 BR/4Bath, Pool Table, Hot Tub and Firepit!

Luxury, Spacious, Resort Hideaway - 4 BR/4Bath, Pool Table, Hot Tub and Firepit!

Galena IL
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Galena. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe ...
10/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
The house and the views are beautiful! My family and I thoroughly enjoyed it and wished we could have stayed longer. Everything we needed was provided and would love to come back someday!

Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026

Luxury, Spacious, Resort Hideaway - 4 BR/4Bath, Pool Table, Hot Tub and Firepit!
Secluded Retreat ~ Indoor Pool ~ Hot Tub ~Close To Sundown Mountain

Secluded Retreat ~ Indoor Pool ~ Hot Tub ~Close To Sundown Mountain

Dubuque IA
Stay at this vacation home in Dubuque. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions The Meadows Golf Club and Wedgewood Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
Beautiful place!

Reviewed on Jan 1, 2026

Secluded Retreat ~ Indoor Pool ~ Hot Tub ~Close To Sundown Mountain
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.

Popular places to visit

Bellevue State Park and Great River Road, Lock Dam 12, Bellevue, Michigan

Bellevue State Park

You can take time to visit Bellevue State Park during your travels to Bellevue. Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Bellevue State Park
Mason City Iowa East Park

Mason's Park

Mason's Park is just one of the places to see in Bellevue, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Mason's Park

Riverview Park

Riverview Park is just one of the places to see in Bellevue, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the riverfront in this relaxing area.

Riverview Park

Bellevue Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Bellevue at Bellevue Golf Club. Wander the riverfront in this family-friendly area.

Bellevue Golf Club

Little Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area

You can take time to visit Little Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area during your travels to Bellevue. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Little Mill Creek Wildlife Management Area

Sarge O'Neil Park

Sarge O'Neil Park is just one of the places to see in Bellevue, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Sarge O'Neil Park