Saint Donatus Travel Guide

Tourist 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.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$161 per night from 11 Feb to 12 Feb
AU$161
11 Feb - 12 Feb
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! (1,014 reviews)
Everything was clean. The staff was courteous and helpful.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 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 AU$150 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$150
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,728 reviews)
Friendly staff

Reviewed on 1 Feb 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 spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,269 reviews)
We always stay here and always have an amazing stay!!

Reviewed on 2 Feb 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.
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
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Galena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Galena Golf Club and Dowling House ...
10/10 Exceptional! (74 reviews)
Wonderful home and good communication from the host. My friends and I only stayed for one night for a weekend trip and had a great time. We all wish we could have stayed longer.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Lighted Hot Tub w/ 4 BD/2.5 Baths and VERY close to town.
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 holiday home in Dubuque. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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 1 Jan 2026

Secluded Retreat ~ Indoor Pool ~ Hot Tub ~Close To Sundown Mountain
Beautiful Golf Villa!

Beautiful Golf Villa!

Galena IL
Stay at this golf villa in Galena. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (177 reviews)
Perfect little spot for our annual 4 person “bro” ski trip. The only negative thing is the water filter and pitcher had mold in it. Lucky I noticed it before anyone drank out of it! I attempted to clean it out but I don’t trust it for use anymore and it prob just needs thrown away.

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Beautiful Golf Villa!
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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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