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.
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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
The price is CA $122 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
CA $122
CA $157 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,022 reviews)
Staff was

Reviewed on Feb 9, 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 CA $149 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
CA $149
CA $168 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,732 reviews)
Very cool higher end old school place. Great location.

Reviewed on Feb 10, 2026

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20 Galena IL
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,279 reviews)
Comfortable and clean. The pub next door is quite interesting.

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2026

Get rates
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
See all 788 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! (76 reviews)
This was a perfect place for a Girls Weekend. Beautiful accommodations, large open spaces to gather. We enjoyed every bit, especially the hot tub.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026

Lighted Hot Tub w/ 4 BD/2.5 Baths and VERY close to town.
Make your holiday Memories @t South Course Villa - Scenic, loaded w/Style!

Make your holiday Memories @t South Course Villa - Scenic, loaded w/Style!

Galena IL
Stay at this villa in Galena. Enjoy a fitness center, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
The villa was beautifully updated. Very comfortable. Loved the fireplace! Kitchen was nice and space was just perfect for a few quiet days to relax .

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Make your holiday Memories @t South Course Villa - Scenic, loaded w/Style!
Driftless Get Away

Driftless Get Away

Galena IL
Stay at this vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, concierge services, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Belvedere Mansion and Washburne House ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (92 reviews)
Quite the quaint and charming place. Decorated vintage style and is super cute. Went with a friend and we both found the beds to be really comfortable! This is a 2nd story unit. Hosts had individual snacks for us and Kcups for the kuerig machine which was a nice touch! Parking was available right ...

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

Driftless Get Away
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

Bellevue Public Area

After visiting Bellevue Public Area, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bellevue. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Bellevue Public Area

Spruce Harbor

Explore the waterfront in Bellevue with a trip to Spruce Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Spruce Harbor