Illinois Lodging for Bird Watching Vacations

Simple Pleasure Bed & Breakfast is a secluded country retreat is an 1870 Victorian mansion nestled in 11 acres of woods with Scattering Fork River running along the edge. While strolling down the nature paths, you may see many varieties of birds and wild flowers. On occasion, a deer may be seen. After a walk, you may relax in the hot tub that's centered in the all-glass conservatory surrounded by tropical plants, a good time to do a little stargazing. There are several places on the wrap around porches to sit and chat or read a book. In the game room you will
find a regulation sized pool table, a color TV, reclining sofas and games to play. Amish Country offers oak furniture, Rock Home Gardens with horse drawn carriage rides, the Broom Corn Festival, Raggedy Ann and Andy Festival, and much more. Shopping is ample with the Tangier Outlet Mall and many antique shops in the area. While the ladies are shopping, the gentlemen might enjoy skeet, trap, and sporting clay shooting nearby.

Simple Pleasure Bed & Breakfast Tuscola 217-253-3319

Owners Tom & Cathy Scholl welcome you to their three Best Western Quiet House & Suites located in Mequon (Milwaukee Area) and Dodgeville, Wisconsin and Galena, Illinois. The Scholl's developed the Quiet House concept over twenty years ago. Cathy has personally decorated all the unique rooms and lobby through her own interior design company. The Quiet Houses are actually a continuation of a family tradition. Tom's great grandfather opened the first Quiet House in downtown Milwaukee over 140 years ago in the 1860's! Enjoy your stay! Galena is famous for birdwatching and especially our bald eagle tours. Many eagles and other birds make their home hear and put on a spectacular show for the birders.For more information about bird watching in the area you can contact Gary Painter at 815-777-0621.

Best Western Quiet House & Suites Galena 815-777-2577

Located in Northwest Illinois, Carroll County is filled with character, history and natural beauty. The magnificent Mississippi River offers a variety of outdoor recreation experiences. Mother Nature calls you to discover the hidden treasures in her backyard. Native Americans named this place “man-i-tumi” meaning Land of God. A favorite Illinois Getaway activity is Eagle watching, Bald Eagles are found on the banks of the Mississippi River in winter but there is an abundance of bird watching opportunities year round. Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge are beginning monthly bird walks on the 2nd Saturday of the month starting April 10, 2010. Enjoy the small home town feeling as soon as you step into our shops, museums & restaurants. Follow our scenic country roads to your home away from home and observe Mother Nature at her finest. On your next Illinois Getaway, hang your hat in one of our lodging facilities and stay with people who take the time to care. Choose from accommodations nestled among the trees, overlooking the countryside or minutes from the Mississippi River.

Carroll County 815-244-2255

Ryan Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Galena's largest and finest bed and breakfast inn. The hotel lodging of choice in the bed and breakfast city of Galena Illinois. Just 2 miles to the historic downtown of Galena Illinois. The Ryan Mansion was built with 12 marble fireplaces all fired with coal, there are still 9 fireplaces. The Ryan Mansion was designed and oriented to the Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox. There are two windows as shown to the right that line up at sunrise on the day of the Summer Solstice. We do have a number of nesting birds either on or near the Ryan Mansion...one mourning dove is on its second nest, 2 flew from the first. She nests on the back tower on a window sill. We have a wren in the pergola column, 3rd year nest... obviously started by a woodpecker the first year. We have several robins, song sparrows, cardinals and maybe an indigo bunting.

Ryan Mansion Bed & Breakfast Galena 815-777-2750

If you've ever driven up the Great River Road, the stretch of the US Scenic Byway that follows the Mississippi as it ambles just north of St. Louis, you've seen Tara Point Inn & Cottages. It maintains a commanding presence atop a bluff that faces the Mississippi and Illinois rivers where they meet in Grafton, Illinois. Far from the demands of everyday life and yet so near, there is a spot so beautiful, so serene, it will take your breath away. Escape to what some call the most pleasantly memorable & romantic get-away experience in the Midwest, where love ones can relax, refresh and enjoy precious time together while making memories that last a lifetime! Main Street is lined with restaurants, wineries, antique and craft shops, making Grafton a popular stopping place for bicyclists on the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail. We have beautiful red cardinals year round, in the spring the pelicans come, in the summer hummingbirds and blue birds and we have eagle watching Dec., Jan., Feb., March during the coldest winter months. Mention the bird watching website when you book a room or cottage and receive a Free Eagle Watching Book (A $10 Value)

Tara Point Inn & Cottages Grafton 618-786-3555

Welcome to the Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast. This Victorian style house was built in the early 1900's. It has the original woodwork, spacious rooms, two fireplaces, and an open staircase! Your hosts are Steve and Carol Eicken. Located near the mighty Mississippi and close to such sites as Historic Nauvoo, Hannibal Missouri and Quincy, Illinois - which boasts many museums, festivals and water attractions. The Victorian Inn is close to everything you could want in the midwest including bird watching, hiking, golf and many other nature type activities. Indian Trails Golf Course is nearby and Quincy, Hannibal, Palmyra and Nauvoo are only a few minutes away. We have three separate areas available for you to enjoy, each complete with their own charm. The South Suite which is located on the main floor. This room is complete with TV and DVD player, full private bath, and all the luxuries a bedroom deserves! Melissa's Room is located upstairs and has satellite television available for use. There's a comfortable daybed in her room as well, that is sure to come in handy; also includes private bath. The Cottage has a cozy atmosphere complete with TV, DVD player, a full private bath and kitchen area. A day bed is available in the cottage as well.

Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast Camp Point (877) 693-6116