For an entertaining and informative journey of the Mighty Mississippi, visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium located just across the river in Dubuque, Iowa. Five fresh water aquariums, historical exhibits and more offer exciting interactive experiences.
Navigate a barge in a modern-day towboat pilothouse simulator, control locks and dams, touch sting rays from the Gulf of Mexico and stroll through the wetlands and boatyards.
Spring and summer are ideal for
family action. Swing away with miniature golf at Chestnut Mountain Resort north of Hanover and Puttin Place and Driving Range near Apple River. Climb aboard
a
horse at Shenandoah Riding Center in Galena and Vel Terra Ranch in Woodbine and don’t forget the heart-stopping Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort. For another down-to-earth activity, let the kids try out their “wheels” on the new skateboard slopes in Galena’s Recreation Park.
Beat the heat of a hot summer day at Galena’s Alice T. Virtue Water Park, Stockton’s Memorial Park & Pool, East Dubuque’s Dunleith Park District & Pool and Warren’s Meridian Park & Pool. All four parks offer pools, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, playgrounds, baseball diamonds and volleyball courts. East Dubuque’s Gramercy Park is situated on a scenic bluff overlooking the Mississippi and offers a playground and picnic areas.
Scales Mound’s City Park and its High Point Park both include picnic tables, grills, shelter, playgrounds, restrooms and ball fields. Not to be outdone, on opposite sides of the Apple River, Hanover’s Speer Park and White Park offer picnic tables, playgrounds and fast-water fishing.
In the mood for a breath-taking view? Climb to the top of the Long Hollow Tower & Scenic Overlook two miles west of Elizabeth or take to the sky with Galena On The Fly’s,
scenic balloon flights launching from Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. See the rolling hills of Jo Daviess County from a new vantage point and top off the extreme family getaway.