Horseshoe Mound
Horseshoe Mound
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
143 reviews
Excellent
97
Very good
35
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
EJJourney
Orland Park, IL553 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Approximately 2 miles from Main Street in Galena is Horsehoe Mound Preserve. Easy to follow directions got my husband and I there in time to see a beautiful sunset. You can see Wisconsin, Iowa from this location. Well done half crescent amphitheatre type rocks and notations for sun spots for summer solstice, true north, etc. Couple of picnic tables where people were enjoying pizza and the view when we got there. Free . Ample free parking. Open sunrise to sunset. Well worth the side trip.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JeffnJulie
Chicago61 contributions
Jul 2020
Wow! This amazing reserve offers several beautiful panoramic views. The hikes are fairly easy and there are several different vista points to enjoy views in the different directions. I would highly recommend doing each small trail to enjoy views of the Mississippi and the tri-states. Bring along a simple picnic to sit and enjoy at one of the several amazing vista points! There are not many tables, but several nice benches. This place is a real treat and worth the stop!
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,491 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
For those who insist that Illinois is a flat patch of land that doesn't have a view, like Indiana or Iowa, you are encouraged to visit Horseshoe Mound in Galena. Located at 1679 North Blackjack Road, off U.S. Route 20, at the eastern gateway to the historic city, it is a 200-acre property with a panoramic view of three states, Galena, the Galena River Valley, Bellevue and Dubuque in Iowa, the Mississippi River and several geological mounds in Iowa and Wisconsin. This is a nature preserve that features a central gathering area, viewing scopes and scenic outlooks. Hiking trails extend throughout the property with a one-mile loop trail going through the nature preserve, the oak savanna and the unique rock outcroppings. In 2021, the new Spiroff Overlook was opened at the north end of the preserve, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside, downtown Galena and beyond into Iowa and Wisconsin.
Written July 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
whitesox18
Mokena, IL214 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
Must see! This was a short drive from downtown Galena and absolutely beautiful. It is a very high elevation offering great views.very peaceful nice picnic spot. Be aware down a dirt road— you turn near a farm- we missed it first time we drive by.
Written August 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,491 contributions
Jul 2022
Located at 1679 North Blackjack Road, off U.S. Highway 20, at the eastern gateway to the historic community of Galena, Horseshoe Mound is one of the most scenic properties in all of northern Illinois. Visitors can explore the 200-acre preserve, hike, picnic, learn about geology and enjoy a panoramic view of Galena, the Mississippi River and three states--Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Horseshoe Mound has been open to the public since 2014. Thanks to a land acquisition in 2018, a new overlook, the Spiroff Overlook, which is located north on the trail from the main parking circle, is available to hikers. A trail now winds through a restored oak savanna and unique rock outcroppings to stunning views of the surrounding countryside, downtown Galena and beyond into Iowa and Wisconsin. A booklet is available at the kiosk that tells about the history, geology and natural wonders of Galena and the Driftless Area and its hills and valleys in Jo Daviess County that were formed during the last Ice Age.
Written August 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nelson
Madison, WI88 contributions
Jul 2020
Panoramic view of Galena and surrounding area. If you are in Galena, you need to make a stop here if you want to get away from town. The only advise I will give is that the main trail is "rugged". I was here on a 90 degree day so I was sure glad I had a big bottle of water with me. Otherwise a great memory. Enjoy!
Written July 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Intuitive Holistic Healing LLC Reiki
3 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Yesterday, I took my three boys here. It is unbelievably beautiful! The breathtaking views, the mature trees, stones made it an unforgettable experience.
This place would definitely be the perfect spot for meditation. Since yesterday was the Equinox, perhaps this visit will become a new family tradition.
This place would definitely be the perfect spot for meditation. Since yesterday was the Equinox, perhaps this visit will become a new family tradition.
Written March 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rkh32018
83 contributions
Jun 2022
We were driving past on the way from Chestnut Mountain Resort and decided to stop. It is free, interesting and has a beautiful view. There was some information about the aera, but I wish they would have had more explaining the sun dial in the middle and some of the area views. Definitely worth stopping at if you are nearby but I don't know if I would make a special trip.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dotwolver
Morris, IL89 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
I tried to visit yesterday and today it was closed or is there another entrance. I was so disappointed was looking forward to seeing. No hours on website and is there another entrance I missed. Disappointed
Written March 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shobana N
Peoria, IL25 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
The drive is wonderful ..u should cross the ski areas with road going up and down to reach this place. Historic site in galena and just a small walk to the butterfly park will leave u to a beautiful panorama of the city .. worth the drive..
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Part of it is, depending on the handicap. I think the overlook would be accessible by wheelchair and stroller. The lookout is at an elevation from the parking lot but there is a wide path. We even watched a gentleman drive up the path to pick up his wife who was walking with a cane.
Written July 12, 2021
Is this a good place to watch the sunrise?
Written July 28, 2019
Yes, possibly far enough away from Galena city lights for clear viewing. Some trees at top of this mound may obscure the horizon, however.
Written July 28, 2019
What is the name of the chapel for retired nuns? You peaked my interest. Thanks.
Written March 13, 2017
I wasn't aware of a chapel, but your question peaked my interest! I found (I think) what you are referring to. Check out Sinsinawa Mound - it's not far from Galena. And now I want to check it out next time we are in the area!
Written March 13, 2017
When did you visit? How were the fall colors? Trying to decide if we should drive to Galena this week or wait another week
Written October 24, 2016
We were there 10/10. Not allot of color. Mainly yellows and green. Would expect weekend of 10/23 or this weekend to be in full color.
Written October 24, 2016
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