Riverview Ranch & Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my pet?
Sorry, No. But Angelic Paws Dog Training can board your dog and even do some training while you stay at the Ranch.
Unfortunately, We have found that new dogs create a lot of excitement among all our animals and the excitement lasts long after the new dog leaves. We try hard to keep all our animals in harmony so guests and visitors have a pleasant and safe experience. Sorry, please do not bring your pets.
What is included in the price of an overnight stay?
The price of the rental apartment includes:
Unescorted access to the apartment, the lobby, and the patio/parking area.
A half-hour Petting Zoo pass for each full day at the ranch (2 nights). If you stay one full day (2 nights) you can purchase a petting zoo pass, which will give you two passes, and use them for a one hour horse-ride/petting zoo combo tour. If you stay two full days (3 nights) you get two 30 min petting zoo passes included. You can use them for two petting zoo tours, or for a one hour horse-ride/petting zoo combo tour.
Complimentary Coffee and Tea – Keurig Coffee Maker.
View of the scenery and pastures surrounding the equestrian center and of the indoor riding arena where the horses often hang out and play.
Numerous opportunities to meet the animals that walk and play all around.
Guinea pigs are in the lobby.
Our miniature pigs come and go in the lobby often. They have a pen outside. They sleep in owners apartment, which is off limits to guests. The pigs often nap in the lobby where you can pet them if you encounter them. They also like to walk around and root up the grass and dirt. You may pet them if you encounter them outside but please do not chase them.
Our chickens and ducks walk and waddle all over the place. Please do not chase them. You may pet them if they do not run from you.
The dogs of course will want to greet you every time you come out of your apartment or return from a trip (please watch for them in the parking lot). The dogs are not allowed in your apartment. We just do not trust them.
The cat is not allowed in rental apartments because some guests have cat allergies and we try to keep the apartment clear of cat dander.
You may pet the horses and goat over the fence. Do not enter a horse enclosure unescorted.
Guests may join wranglers as they do chores. Signed liability waiver required and a parent or guardian must be present. This may use up your included petting zoo pass if you slow the wrangler down too much.
Campfires (weather permitting) – When we have a Rhythm & Ride event, guests can use their petting zoo pass to join in the petting zoo/campfire festivities. If you want to ride and eat during the Rhythm & Ride you need to buy another petting zoo pass. Guests are free to have a private campfire any night we are not doing a Rhythm & Ride event.
Kitchen has everything you will need to cook meals.
Wireless Internet Connection
Television
Air Conditioning/Forced Air Heat
Ping Pong/Pool Table in lobby
Not included in the price of an overnight stay:
Horseback rides.
Canoe/kayak tours/rentals
What is the Ranch like?
Our 24,400 sf. rustic equestrian center overlooks beautiful and serene Mississippi River backwaters. This section of the Mississippi is a lush fish and wildlife preserve. The guest apartments are inside the equestrian center so you will be sleeping under the same roof as the horses. Your view to the west is of pastures and spectacular sunsets over the Mississippi River. To the east you will be looking down into the 60′ x 160′ indoor horse riding arena where our horses often lounge and play. There is so much to do and see that your kids will forget they have a cell phone in their pocket.
Where is Riverview Ranch Located?
Our Ranch is conveniently located just 6 miles from Galena Illinois, arguably the most beautiful part of Illinois on the edge of the Mississippi river. Directions.
What airport do I fly into?
Dubuque regional airport is about 35 minute drive away. We do not provide a shuttle service to DBQ.
Orchard Landing, (3IS4, Merkle Field) is about 8 nm south of Galena, 18 nm southeast of KDBQ; a nice grass airstrip run by a family with an apple orchard and gift shop. It is less than 5 miles from the ranch. We will pick you up if you fly into Orchard Landing.
How many guests does the Ranch accommodate?
We have three rental apartments and can accommodate up to 16 guests. We normally rent the two singles as a two bedroom apartment. In this configuration we can accommodate 14.
Are you open year round?
Yes! However, we don’t ride if the temperature dips below 20 degrees F. The place is beautiful year round. In winter our guests enjoy the proximity to Chestnut Mountain Ski resort. We are less than a mile away from the bottom of the ski slopes. You can park your car at the bottom of the mountain and take the ski lift to the top.
What is the smoking policy?
No smoking.
What are the dining options at the Ranch?
We have a lot of chickens and a duck laying eggs for us, so we can usually make fresh eggs available to guests for purchase.
The ski resort down the road has a restaurant which will make sandwiches for picnics. There is a fine dining restaurant just up Sand Hill. There are many, many wonderful restaurants in Galena, about 6 miles away.
Do I need to stay at the Ranch to ride the horses and pet the animals?
No. You do not need to stay here to participate in any of the activities.
What horse riding activities are available?
We are very flexible with offerings, however, we do not offer some things available at some ranches. We do not go on trail rides. We ride one horse at a time with a wrangler leading the horse. We can also set up various horse encounters for couples, senior adults, and disabled persons. Call and ask for these types of events. More Info.
Are children welcome?
Of course. Kids love it here. We want everyone in the family to have a great time. We find that Mom and Dad have a great time just watching the kids having a great time. So, our focus is on keeping the kids smiling.
Where can I go on the property?
Owners live in apartment 2 and apartment 1 is being renovated, so please don’t enter the doors marked private without an invitation. The lobby office is Wrangler Roger’s private space. If you are looking for him look outside first and then check the office. Overnight guests may stay in their rental apartments, and can use the downstairs lobby, and the patio/parking area in front of the building. The patio has campfire pits and is adjacent to the dressage area and the outdoor riding arena. Guests may pet horses over the fence but may not enter a horse enclosure without a wrangler escort and a signed liability waiver.
Is there a resort fee?
We do not charge a resort fee.
How much of a deposit is required to make a reservation?
Payment in full is required.
Can I do laundry at the Ranch?
We have a washer and dryer that we can make available to guests on request.
What should I pack for my trip to the Ranch?
We encourage guests and visitors to wear sturdy shoes when around horses. We recommend bringing swimwear. We recommend bringing some warm clothing even in summer for the campfires. The temperature can drop quickly once the sun goes down.
Do you have phone service and wifi?
We have wifi available for guests free of charge. The password is on the refrigerator in your apartment. We have land-line phone service in the office. Most carriers have fairly good cell phone service here. We have had Verizon, US Cellular and T-Mobile. They all have been about the same. Sometimes the signal is not so great downstairs in the middle of the building. The rental apartments have good signal.
What is the Check In and Check Out time?
Check in is 4 pm and checkout is 11 am.
How long have we been in business?
We bought the property in 2015. After needed repairs we moved in in 2017, and started giving horseback rides for hire in early 2020. We halted operations while COVID played out, and Started up again in spring 2021.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation by the Guest
Full refund for cancellations up to 5 days (120 hours) before check-in date/time.
24 hours to 5 days before check in, 50% refund, minus the first night.
Less than 24 hours before check in, no refund except for legitimate necessity such as COVID illness.
The times and dates we display for cancellation policies are based on the local time zone, CST. Cancellation deadlines for receiving refunds are measured from the standard check-in time of 4:00 PM. If a credit card processing fee was charged, that fee will not be refunded.
Cancellation by Host
In exceptional circumstances, the Host may find it necessary to cancel the Guest’s booking and reserves the right to do so at any point.
The Host shall make all reasonable efforts to find a suitable alternative. If this is declared not acceptable by the Guest within 24 hours of them being notified of the change of property, and assuming the cancellation is not as a result of events beyond the Host’s reasonable control, which shall include but not be limited to events such as war, civil strife, terrorist activity, labor disputes, natural or man-made disaster, fire, flood, and adverse weather conditions. In that case, the Host will refund any sum paid by the Guest if cancelled prior to the reservation or a refund of the remainder of the booked nights if the Guest has already checked in, which shall constitute a full and final settlement of any liability the Owner or the Host may have to the Guest as a result of such cancellation. This does not affect the Guest’s statutory rights. More specifically, nothing in these conditions shall restrict the Host’s liability for death or personal injury caused by the Host’s negligence or fraudulent Misrepresentation.
Where can I find the Terms and Conditions for Resort Stays?
Click Here for Terms and Conditiions
Where can I find the Privacy Policy?