Horseshoe Mound Preserve

Imagine a place where the horizon opens up so wide that you can take in three American states with a single glance. Horseshoe Mound Preserve is a picturesque area of about 200 acres located on the eastern outskirts of the historic city of Galena in the USA. This is not just a park, but a true natural gem of northern Illinois, offering panoramic views of the river valley and endless rolling hills.

The preserve is famous for its unique viewing platforms, which offer magnificent vistas of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois itself. From here, you can see the skylines of Dubuque and Bellevue, as well as the majestic Mississippi River. The heart of the location is the family-funded McKeague Ring — an original stone amphitheater created for nature contemplation and community gatherings.

Well-maintained trails are available for tourists, passing through a restored oak savanna and ancient rock outcroppings. Horseshoe Mound is ideal for those seeking solitude, those interested in geology, or anyone wanting to capture stunning panoramic shots in one of the region's most ecologically clean spots.

To find out more details before your visit or to organize group tours, you can use the following contact information. The preserve is managed by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF).

The main activity at Horseshoe Mound is, of course, hiking. The trail system, spanning about a mile, is perfect for an easy stroll. Be sure to visit the northern Spiroff Overlook, which opened recently — it offers some of the best views of the city center and neighboring states. For those who want to see the details of the landscape, special telescopes are installed in the central area.

One of the most intriguing spots is the Council Ring — a stone amphitheater built from massive boulders. It is designed so that its stones are aligned with the sunrise and sunset points on the days of the summer and winter solstices. This spot is considered one of the most romantic in the area, especially at sunset when the sky is painted in incredible colors.

Those who prefer a quiet rest can have a picnic on one of the specially equipped benches, enjoying the fresh air and tranquility. If you are lucky enough to catch a free tour from the JDCF foundation, you can learn many interesting facts about local plants and the unique geology of the Driftless Area from a professional guide.

The preserve is located at the eastern entrance to the city, near US Highway 20. The drive from the central part of the city takes just a few minutes. To reach the trailheads, you need to turn onto Blackjack Road — a scenic gravel road passing by farmland.

It is important to note that the access road is unpaved. While you can drive it in a standard passenger car during dry weather, for maximum comfort and safety, especially after rain, a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is recommended.

Public transport does not serve this location, so the best options are private transport or a taxi. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

The preserve territory is part of a unique region called the Driftless Area. This is a fascinating zone at the junction of several states that fortunately escaped glaciation during the last ice age. As a result, it has preserved a prehistoric landscape with steep hills and deep river valleys that were not "smoothed out" by glaciers.

The hill of Horseshoe Mound itself is a geological formation shaped over centuries by erosion and the waters of the Mississippi River. For a long time, these lands were privately owned until the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation purchased them to open access to this natural beauty for everyone.

The preserve's modern look was made possible through donations from local families. For instance, the central stone ring is named after the McKeague family, while the overlooks bear the names of the Cook, Mills, and Spiroff families. The latest addition, the Spiroff Overlook, was officially opened in 2021 along with a new trail through the restored oak savanna.

Information boards installed along the trails provide detailed insights into the region's geology and ecology, allowing tourists not only to admire the views but also to better understand the natural history of Illinois.

Typically, it takes visitors between 1 to 2 hours to see the main overlooks and enjoy a leisurely walk along the main trail. This is plenty of time to take beautiful photos and enjoy the silence of nature.

If you plan to have a picnic by the "stone ring" or intend to join one of the free themed tours periodically held by the foundation, it is better to set aside about 3 hours for your visit.

The preserve is typically open to the public daily from 06:00 to 19:00. This allows guests to witness both a picturesque sunrise and a beautiful sunset.

Please note: temporary closures of the area may occur throughout the year due to seasonal maintenance or conservation efforts. Specifically, access may be restricted on certain dates in October, November, December 2025, and January 2026. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the official JDCF website in advance.

A visit to the preserve can easily be combined with exploring the historical landmarks of the city itself. Since most iconic sites are concentrated within a few kilometers, it is quite possible to experience both the nature and the rich past of the region in one day.

Below are the most interesting sites located nearby: