Escape to the country - Ranch style country lodging

Relax by yourself, with friends, have a romantic get away or bring the whole family to this peaceful country spot -limited cellular. Explore Jo Daviess county in the northwest corner of Illinois and surrounding tri-state areas staying in a recently renovated country ranch style house located on a 150 year old working farm in a small valley surround by limestone hills. Perfect get away from the fast pace busy life for those who want to take a quiet break, history buffs, explorers, and making lasting memories with family or friends. Enjoy animals, hiking, fishing, history plus more.

Guests have total privacy access to the farmhouse with large yard. Separate driveway entrance for convenient parking. Self check in upon arrival and self check out upon departure. A host or hosts are always available if you need questions answered.

Guests may walk around the property and look at the animals as long as they do not disturb them. With all unfamiliar animals it’s at the guests own risk. We cannot guarantee how an animal will react to each person. We will be able to inform the guest as to which areas contain the animals at the time of their stay. If guests want to get close and personal it’s best to make arrangements with the animal handlers. Guests need to understand this is a working farm and to be cautious of not only the animals but farm equipment and machines as well. Large tractors do not always see small people or pets. Please DO NOT enter barns or outer buildings for safety reasons.

A four person tent ( no extra charge ) is available for anyone who would want to sleep outside under the stars in the large yard and still have the amenities of home at their disposal. Please bring your own sleeping bags, cots, or outdoor bedding.

In the winter: the rolling hills are wonderful for sleds, cross country skiing, and people learning to ski due to the short hill sizes. Guests must bring their own equipment - none will be provided ( except possibly sleds ). More advance skiing can be participated at chestnut mountain. Note: the slant of the driveway can be tricky to get out onto the road in the winter even through it’s plowed regularly.

In the spring, summer and fall when walking, jogging, hiking, running or exploring around the property there is a swamp, a creek, and ponds to be cautious. NO swimming allowed in these areas due to depths of water and literally stuck in mud. Spotting variety of wildlife while drinking from these areas - perfect for bird watchers. You will see and hear owls, turkeys, eagles, hawks, other birds, ( did I mention bird watching) frogs, crickets, insects, foxes, coyotes, plus more. Please respect their space and the environment - it’s their home. At night you will feel like you can reach up and touch the moon and stars in the sky.. Wonderful places to take photographs, draw, paint, write, and so much more. Gazing at the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the full moon as big as life rising over the hills. The stars bright enough to reach and touch.

If you feel like venturing there are:
Neighboring Farms that host fall events
Pumpkins and apple picking
Tree farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree for the holiday
DNR hiking and fishing property located north of the farmhouse
Local villages have parades, fireworks, fairs, Christmas walks, live window displays special events throughout the year.
Wineries - come pick grapes in the fall at a local winery run by friends.
Breweries
Unique shops and eateries
Spa(s) Apple river ( 10 miles north of the farm or Galena, Illinois 45 miles west of the farm )
Casinos
Golf courses
Old churches
Timberlake playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois with a different play every few weeks.
Fireside in Wisconsin
Comedy clubs in Dubuque, iowa
Outdoor Wedding venues
Bars and pubs
Local swimming pools
Bowling alleys
Movie theatres in Rockford, Freeport, and Dubuque
Shenandoah Riding Center ( annual rodeo event) and other smaller riding stables
Apple canyon lake
Waterfalls
Apple canyon state park with its trails and picnic areas
Palisades state park trails bluffs over looking the Mississippi River and picnic areas
Krape park trails, picnic area, outdoor concerts, a carousel, paddle boats, etc in Freeport, Illinois
Japanese gardens in Rockford, Illinois
Rock formations, caves, trees, many parks to explore through the tri-state area.
Crystal lake caves, Dubuque, Iowa
Eagle point park, Dubuque, Iowa
Mines of Spain recreation area, Dubuque, Iowa
River walk along the Mississippi River in Dubuque
Dubuque arboretum and botanical gardens
Horseshoe mound, Galena, Illinois
Long hollow canopy tours
Stonehenge replica
Stockton with its historical museum and association with the first Kraft milk plant.
Elizabeth with its railroad museum
Mississippi aquatic museum and bird sanctuary
Galena territories
Galena with general Grant’s home
Civil war re-enactment at general Grant’s home
Galena celebrate pioneer days
Galena has ghost tours and one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in Illinois
Chestnut Mountain ski resort, Galena, Il
Sundown Mountain resort, Dubuque, Iowa
Charles mound -highest point in Illinois ( park your car at the bottom on the road and enjoy a good hike up to the peak to see Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois of course )
Mississippi River (45 min West) -dinner cruises various towns along the Mississippi within driving distance.
Mississippi roadway and the Galena trail
Water parks in Rockford and Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa (45 min West)
Rockford, Illinois with its airport (45 min East)
Chicago and Lake Michigan (further East - about a three hour drive)
Plattville, Wi ( 45 min north ) - home of the giant “M” and Plattville university
Monroe, Wi ( an hour drive )
Madison, Wi ( an hour and half drive )
In Wisconsin southwest corner:
Cheese
Largest Amish colony in Wisconsin
Olbrich botanical gardens, Madison,Wi
Henry villas zoo, Madison, Wi
Chazen museum of art, Madison, Wi
National Mustard museum, Madison, Wi
Prairie du sac - eagle watching
New Glarus woods state park
Swiss historical village museum
Cadiz springs state recreation area
Hawk’s mill distillery
Alfred and Lois Kelch aviator museum, inc
Chalet of the Golden Fleece museum
The toy train barn museum
Twining park
Decatur lake
Reuben’s cave
House On The Rock ( an hour north )
Cave of the Mounds National Natural Landmark
Taliesin
Pendarvis State Historic Site
Stonefield Historic Site
Wollersheim Winery & Distillery
Spurgeon Winery
Cedar Grove Cheese

Many many more things to discover within driving distance of the farmhouse. I’m sure you wonder why to still rent from us after a day of venturing? It’s simple - home away from home atmosphere. A place to put your feet up, hang your hat and relax. Please ask us any questions about your stay from what we can do to make your stay comfortable to length of stay to future discounts.