This Hidden Spot In Illinois Is Unbelievably Beautiful And You’ll Want To Find It
Next time you’re visiting Illinois’ premier resort town of Galena, you need to stop by the lesser-known attraction, Horseshoe Mound Preserve. Unbelievable views, rustic trails, and special treasures await at this unique conservation area.
Nature lovers and photographers alike need to know about this amazing hidden spot. Scroll on for details on how to get there.
Nestled in the stunning Illinois countryside, Horseshoe Mound Preserve backs up to U.S. Highway 20 in Jo Daviess County on the southeast side of gorgeous Galena and is accessible from town by Blackjack Road.
This marvelous natural area was opened in 2014 by the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation with the help of local donors. It spans 40 acres in total and includes a short loop hike of about a half mile that is steep and gravelly, but leads to something really special.
About halfway through the loop, at the top of Horseshoe Mound, you'll find a scenic gathering place where the views are truly something to see. This Stonehenge-esque structure is known as Council Ring, and it is made from giant stones that align with the setting sun on the summer and winter solstices.
The mound overlooks the Galena River Valley and features views that span three states. Visitors can see the Mississippi River and other mounds in Iowa and Wisconsin.
To further inform visitors about this historic land, brochures and informative plaques are placed throughout. You can visit anytime, but it is best to try and stop by for a sunset, especially on a June or December solstice.
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
