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
The price is ฿3,073 per night from 3 Mar to 4 Mar
฿3,073
฿3,934 total
3 Mar - 4 Mar
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! (1,013 reviews)
The place was great! It seemed like they were at full occupancy so they were definitely busy. But that didnt stop us from being able to enjoy everything there. We ate dinner at Tony Roma's and were seated with no wait or reservation. We also ate breakfast at the complimentary breakfast with no wait ...

Reviewed on 1 Mar 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 ฿3,604 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿3,604
฿4,070 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,743 reviews)
The hotel is a glimpse into the past. It has been beautifully maintained and its history embraced. The rooms are spacious and robes add a special touch. The staff were friendly and responsive. I did notneat at the restaurant, but it smelled delicious. Wenhad a view of the river from a side room. ...

Reviewed on 1 Mar 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! (1,291 reviews)
The room was clean, although it smelled musty when we walked in, it didn't aggravate my allergies so it couldn't have been mold. The pillows and bed were very comfortable! The library and the view from it were lovely and the pool and hot tub seemed nice.

Reviewed on 2 Mar 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.
Moon River Cabins

Moon River Cabins

3 out of 5
905 South Riverview Dr Bellevue IA
Stay at this cabin in Bellevue. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Sarge O'Neil Park and Bellevue State Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Loved the cabin, the local food, the scenery, and Matt and Pauline, the hosts were awesome. We'll be back!

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

Moon River Cabins
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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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