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.
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.
A beautiful yellow phase timber rattlesnake outside of its den. These reptiles are despised by many but I think they are some of the most beautiful interesting subjects in nature. If we do not help they will be gone in 10 years. We really need to protect the last remaining den sites in the midwest. I like the way the cliff goldenrod sets off the colors of the snake. These are some of the most docile snakes in the wild. If you leave them alone you have nothing to fear.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark

3.5 out of 5
350 Bell St Dubuque IA
The price is S$128 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
S$128
5 Apr - 6 Apr
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! (1,033 reviews)
Clean room, great price, lots of family fun.

Reviewed on 15 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 S$168 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
S$168
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,744 reviews)
Great space, relaxing pool and spa area.

Reviewed on 14 Mar, 2026

Hotel Julien Dubuque
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

4 out of 5
11383 US Highway 20 Galena IL
The price is S$127 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
S$127
25 Mar - 26 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,069 reviews)
Our room was great! The jacuzzi was just what we needed and the bed was amazing!!

Reviewed on 15 Mar, 2026

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
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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.

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

Aqua Park

Enjoy an outing to Aqua Park during your stay in Bellevue. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Aqua Park

Ice Harvest Park

Ice Harvest 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.

Ice Harvest Park

Felderman Park

Felderman 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.

Felderman Park