There’s nothing quite like a weekend escape from the city, taking in the fresh air, the open skies and the peace and quiet. At the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in scenic Galena, IL, just three hours outside of Chicago, you can experience all of these joys and so much more. One of our “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly” producers recently had the pleasure of staying with Eagle Ridge and had an amazing experience. Whether you’re looking for adventurous activities like hot air balloon rides or total relaxation in the luxury spa, there’s something for everyone at this sweet spot. Eagle Ridge is perfect for romantic, girlfriend or family getaways. You can even hold your dream wedding there. Here are some of the things we love most about this beautiful and diverse destination in Illinois.
If you’re looking for the luxury and convenience of a hotel, you can reserve one of the many spacious rooms at Eagle Ridge Resort’s Main Lodge. The lodge is located right in the heart of the resort, so you’ll find easy access to many of the amenities, such as the pool, fitness center, game room, Woodlands Restaurant, golf, the General Store and, of course, the famous luxury spa. On the other hand, if you’re hoping for a bit more of a remote getaway, look no further than one of Eagle Ridge Resort’s Distinctive Homes & Villas. You’ll find all the peace and quiet of nature, with an added rustic charm to make you feel right at home.
This three-bedroom, three-bath rental home, complete with a stone fireplace, jacuzzi, full basement and screened-in porch, has all the space you need to spread out, relax and enjoy your getaway. Because each bedroom has an attached bathroom, and two of those bedrooms are located in the fully finished basement, this particular style of home is ideal for families. You’ll be able to vacation together as a family, while still allowing the kids some space of their own.
Ever find it difficult to decide where to eat dinner when you’re at home, let alone on vacation with all the new options to choose from? Thankfully, your stay at the Eagle Ridge Resort takes the, “I don’t know, what do you want?” hassle out of your vacation. With the Woodstone Restaurant and the Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge on site, each restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner of all varieties to please each family member’s taste buds. Don’t feel like eating out? Stop at the General Store, pick up some groceries and head back to your rental house to fix yourself something yummy in the comfort of home. You can even stay in without cooking, by ordering a delicious pizza from Eagle Ridge Resort’s Paisanos Delizioso, located right at the Main Lodge. If you do decide to check out the Woodlands Restaurant for dinner, make sure to take this bit of advice from our producer and order the scrumptious Sinsinawa Mound Sinnablast for dessert. It would be a sin not to!
A weekend getaway with the kids can be a wonderful thing, but parents need their me-time too! The Eagle Ridge Resort is known for its on-site luxury Stonedrift Spa, which offers single or couple’s massages, a relaxation room, amenity-filled showers and a steam room. There’s no better way to relieve the stress of your week than by letting one of the spa’s welcoming and talented masseuses work on your trouble spots. And while parents are relaxing at the spa, the kids can head right around the corner to the indoor pool or game room! If golfing is your game, head to one of the four beautiful championship courses. You’ll discover why Eagle Ridge calls itself “the Ultimate Golf Destination.”
If you’re looking to enjoy nature in a few more adventurous ways, you can take a hike through the scenic hills and woods of Eagle Ridge. With several trails of various lengths, you can either take a nice stroll or a several-hour hike to truly soak up all the spectacular views. You can even rent a bike to take on the trails, complimentary during your visit. As you explore this beautiful area, be sure to keep an eye out for interesting critters and natural sites along the way, and also don’t head out without a map! Eagle Ridge also offers fishing and a variety of boat rides on the gorgeous Lake Galena. Our producer enjoyed a lovely sunset boat cruise during her visit — the perfect end to a wonderful day!
The more adventurous folk will love Eagle Ridge for its thrilling activities such as horseback riding at the Shenandoah Riding Center and stunning hot air balloon rides at the resort. There’s even zip lining with Long Hollow Canopy Tours, just a short drive away.
Not only will you have many options of where to eat, stay and play at Eagle Ridge Resort, you’ll also have the pleasure of being in the midst of one of the most picturesque areas in northwestern Illinois. Just a few miles from the Mississippi River, downtown Galena is the host to shops, restaurants and historical sites, such as the home of Ulysses S. Grant. Take an evening stroll down Main Street and let this river town relax your mind and enhance your senses. It’s just another one of the many reasons that we enjoy Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in beautiful Galena, IL.
This blog was written by “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly” team member Audrey Wilson. Eagle Ridge hosted this stay. But as is always the case, our opinions are our own. We would never recommend anything we didn’t truly believe in.
