While Galena may be best known for its history and shopping, there is so much else to do here.  You will have to keep coming back again and again.  At Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages, we want to help customize your trip to meet your expectations of your ideal get-away.  We talked about the Alpine Slide and ziplining , hiking, and birding in previous blogs and wanted to share some other unique Galena Outdoor activities. While we have some suggestions here, we are always here to help answer any questions and assist with your plans

Galena Outdoor Activities

Hoof It Goat Treks

Have you always dreamed of walking through nature with Goats?  Right, I know, who hasn’t?!  The trek covers wooded property and prairies. The goats follow along with you while you hand-fee them treats. The hour-long trek is 1.25 miles long and suitable for all abilities and ages. Their guides all grew up on the property and will share their knowledge of the goats and the land. Check out their amazing Instagram feed and book your adventure on their website. As you can see from the smile on this couple, nothing soothes the soul like a good goat snuggle.

Hot Air Ballooning

Up, up and away in my beautiful balloon…  We are always caught off guard when a beautiful hot air balloon drifts over Hawk Valley.  Play your cards right, and it could be you flying overhead.  Galena on the Fly takes off for hour-long flights from nearby Eagle Ridge Resort. Drift along and capture the incredible beauty of the driftless area and the Mississippi River Valley. 

Explore the area in a Kayak (or a bike)

Nuts Outdoors, located on Spring Street, also offers kayak and bike rentals and several adventure packages like Kayaking on the Galena River.  As a bonus activity, they can arrange fishing guides to show you where to land the big ones.

Giddy-up Horsey

If Horseback Riding is your thing, check out the Shenandoah Riding Center, located near Hawk Valley in the Galena Territories.  Whether you are looking for trail rides, pony parties, or a riding lesson, they have you covered. With expert guides, this is perfect for the beginning rider or the seasoned cowboy and cowgirl. 

Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottage Activities

Don’t forget that when you stay at Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages, you never have to leave the property to experience Galena outdoor activities.  Our motto is “relax, restore and explore,” and with our 10 plus acres of pine forests, meadows, and a pond, there is lots to explore.  You are welcome to fish, catch and release only, in our pond stocked with bass and bluegills.  When you hike, you are sure to see many native wildflowers along with birds and other wildlife.  Be sure to visit our chicken coop and take a look at the apiary.  For more information, check our About Us page and book direct for your next adventure.