Illinois Lodging for Bird Watching Vacations


The Super 8 Alton is a travelers best value when lodging in the Alton area. Located just thirty five miles from St. Louis and five miles from the Alton Belle Casino, the Super 8 Motel is an ideal location for lodging. Whether traveling down The River Road or Bald Eagle watching along the Mississippi River be sure to visit the Super 8 Alton. We have eagle watching on Route 143 by Melvin Price Lock and Dam and we also have eagle watching in Pere Marquette Park and in Grafton. The Boy Scouts have built a nest in Grafton for the eagles also. We have Free High Speed Internet available in all rooms. 63 clean, comfortable rooms await any traveler, vacationer, or business guest. Our Suites include a large living area with a king size bed, sofa bed and coffee maker. All rooms feature 25 inch televisions with expanded cable, including HBO, alarm clock radios, hairdryers and micro-fridges. Fresh coffee is served in the lobby 24 hours. We serve a SuperStart Plus breakfast that includes pastries, waffles, bagels, cereal, milk and juice.
Super 8  Alton             618-465-8885   

Welcome to bird watchers paradise! The River House is a private guesthouse located in the middle of the country’s wild bird migratory flyway located above and overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.  Watch migratory birds such as eagles, egrets, heron, geese and pelicans as they fly this busy waterfowl corridor from the comfort of your own private deck.Your home away from home is a historic turn-of-the-century cottage completely restored with all the modern amenities, while keeping the warmth and charm of times gone by.Your home offers a quiet retreat with spectacular views to watch birds, yet is only one block from village shops, boating, restaurants, bike trails and the Great River Road. The main floor of The River House offers a living area furnished with comfortable seating for relaxation or gatherings, dining area, and TV/VCR & DVD. French doors lead to a spacious wraparound deck with lots of additional outdoor living space offering spectacular river views and cottage garden that attracts an abundance of hummingbirds and butterflies. A full kitchen is furnished with all cooking and serving necessities. All you need to bring is the food! For additional information on Grafton, restaurants and area events, visit our website at www.theriverhousegrafton.com and www.enjoygrafton.com.
The River House  Grafton    618-786-3542

Enjoy the peacefulness of the Green Tree Inn, located in the heart of historic Elsah, where the architecture of early America is framed by high limestone bluffs, tree-covered hills and the mighty Mississippi. The Inn's beautiful valley is sheltered by nature from the everday intrusion. Stroll quiet streets and discover the beauty and solitude that travelers enjoyed more than 100 years ago. Set in a valley along the Mississippi River between Alton and Grafton, Elsah is often called the "town that time forgot." It's a great place to rest and relax, but if you are looking for things to do: Explore 75 antique and specialty stores all within 15 miles; Ride the Brussels Ferry and cycle on country roads; Explore the birdwatching at Riverlands Sanctuary; Pick fresh apples and peaches in season; Discover why many Native Americans revere the eagle; Trek through Pere Marquette State Park; Try the waterslide at Raging Rivers; Saddle up at Marquette  or Bicycle the Great River Road.
Green Tree Inn    Elsah               618-374-2821

Located on 98 scenic acres, Oakridge Manor Bed & Breakfast is centrally located between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, providing the perfect location for a Southern Illinois bed and breakfast getaway. We are conveniently located near many area activities, including bird watching. Oakridge Manor has 98 acres and 70 species of birds have been documented on the property. Other great bird watching locations in the area include Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, Herron Pond and the Cache River Nature Refuge, Ferne Clyffe State Park and Garden of the Gods National park. You may also enjoy taking time to visit the entire Shawnee National Forest, tour the local wine trails, or ride the Tunnel Hill Bike Trail. The Manor provides a relaxed atmosphere whether you are reading a book in the spacious living room, relaxing by the swimming pool, watching thoroughbred horses in the pastures, or enjoying the brilliant night sky from the numerous deck or patio areas. Deer, fox, and even the coyote roam the property, along with wild turkeys and many other birds. Head east or west from our Southern Illinois lodging to explore more of this wonderful area. Going east you can visit and hike at Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, and Pound Hollow. At Elizabethtown, you can eat some great catfish on a floating restaurant called the E Town Cafe. After lunch, take a short drive to Cave-in-Rock and view the Ohio River from the tall river bluffs. Other parks to the east of us include Lusk Creek, Bell Smith Springs, and Dixon Springs. Oakridge Manor is conveniently located only 9 miles from the city of Marion, which is the hub of shopping and eating in Southern Illinois.
Oakridge Manor Bed & Breakfast  Creal Springs        618-996-2237


Historic Bell Hill Bed & Breakfast Commanding a view as far as the eye can see,one seems transported back in time,feeling the presence of the ages. Come experience the history, romance and genteel graciousness of this true Southern Belle. Guest can choose from four guest rooms with queen beds, or one room with a king size bed, private baths with whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and fulfilling breakfasts. The Ball Room consists of one king size bed and four twin beds perfect for groups or families, girlfriend getaways, wedding parties or a honeymoon couple wanting space in a king suite. We are conveniently located midway between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO along the Shawnee Hills Wine trail. Visit nearby vineyards and wineries, and enjoy other activities nearby including biking, hiking, bird watching, canoeing, rock climbing and number of other in-door and outdoor activities.    
Historic Bell Hill Bed & Breakfast   Cobden                   618-697-0326

Trail of Tears is a multi-facetted Bed & Breakfast created for the outdoor minded family. Our full service, smoke free facility consists of a modern and spacious 6,000 square foot Lodge, a restaurant, & seven sleeping rooms with private, modern conveniences. Our facility was, in the beginning, an old barn built around the 1930’s converted in 1988 to a modern Rustic Lodge. We are located on 445 + acres of land surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest in the rugged foothills of the Ozark Mountains in southernmost Illinois. We are your home away from home with tons of seasonal out door recreational activities, lodging, camping, a family cabin, and a restaurant. Open by reservation for individuals, groups and special events. Whitetail Archery & Gun Hunts - Guided Stand Hunting Only - Southernmost Illinois Outfitters - 445 + Acres of Private Property – In the midst of the Shawnee National Forest. Enjoy a hummingbird paradise.  Watch hundreds of hummers during your visit. 


Trail of Tears  Jonesboro                 618-833-8697

The 45 lovely acres of Galena Log Cabin Getaway and the Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm are owned and operated by Ruth and Frank Netzel. They will welcome you and will show you to your authentic hand-made log cabin (then stay out of your way). They want you to begin to cherish the golden sounds of nature: birds and insects, frogs and the breeze. You could go for a hike on our 2+ miles of trails along the creek and up and down the hills. When the stars come out, you can see them all from horizon to horizon - no light pollution 4 miles south of Galena. Ruth and Frank are the local experts in relaxing. They will be glad to respond to any questions you might have about the property. The Netzels will also show you their alpacas: quiet, stately, regal animals that are friendly to people - especially to smaller children. Adventure Creek meanders from one end of the 45+ acres to the other. Guests can hike the trails and explore the wildlife and natural beauty all along the creek. The Mississippi River and Casper Bluffs are just a mile away. Kayak or canoe (bring your own or rent from Fever River Adventure in Galena).
Log Cabin Getaway    Galena           815-777-4200   

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



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