Riverview Ranch & Resort

Mini-Dude Ranch

 

Check Availability Below for Overnight Stays

Safety First

With a background as a US Marine Fighter Pilot (A4 Skyhawk and AV8B Harrier) and Airline Pilot (CRJ and B757), Wrangler Roger knows how to keep things safe while still keeping things exciting. Wear shoes that will protect your toes around horses. Watch for animals as you drive on and around the ranch. Riders must wear a helmet (provided). Liability Waiver Required to enter horse enclosures.

Overnight Guests and day Visitors Both Welcome

We welcome Guests for overnight stays in our spacious apartments inside our 24,400 sqft Equestrian Center and Day Visitors by appointment. Schedule a private family visit or come during a public group event. Overnight Guests have free access to scheduled campfire and petting zoo events and can ride a horse or rent boats for an added fee. 

Horse Ride with Wrangler Roger leading horse

1 Hour

Horse ride & Petting Zoo

Private Experience

Wrangler Roger will introduce your family/group to all the animals, give some history of our ranch, answer all questions, and give lead line horse rides one person at a time. Price is for a group of up to 6 persons. Additional charge for more people.

Canoe and Kayak launch

3 Hours

Canoe or Kayak Rental or Tour

Private Experience

We have two canoes and 4 kayaks which can carry up to 12 people.  It takes about 45 minutes to get to Beach Island, where you can swim and picnic, and about 45 minutes back.  The scenery is breathtaking and the birds’ songs are music. Common sights are Bald Eagles, Migrating waterfowl, Turtles, and Muskrats. Occasional beavers and otters may be seen as well. The flora is amazing.

Roger That!

5:30-8:30 pm

An event for all ages. On select Saturdays we will will have horse rides, mini-horse rides, a continuous petting zoo, campfires with songs, stories, chili dogs, root beer, marshmallows, and sunset over the Mississippi river. Times will be earlier in the fall – shown in events calendar. Limited to 20 people. Reserve your spot before it fills up.

Tentative dates for 2025:

May 24
June 21
July 5, 12, 26
Aug 2, 16, 30
Sept 13, 27
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
Nov 1, 8

Cowboy and Cowgirl with Mini Horse

1 to 4:30 pm

Kids Horse Camp

Public Group Event

Kid’s Horse Camp – Tuesday, July 15 to Thurs, July 17 (1 to 4:30 pm)  followed by a family bonfire with chili, hot dogs, root beer, smores on Friday, July 18 (6-8 pm). $250 per child.
Children ages 5-12
Children may only go into horse enclosures with a guardian present.  Kids should bring a snack to camp. Limit 15 kids – reserve your spot early.

Horse Blue Jean Denim Jacket

Times TBA

Forever In Blue Jeans

Public Group Event

Imagine wearing a beautifully custom created blue jean jacket, uniquely designed and painted, with bleach, by you! First, you will meet the majestic horses at Riverview Ranch and pick one as your subject. You provide the canvas—your very own denim jacket. Your instructor will be nationally recognized artist, Cat Clausen.

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what our Guests and Visitors say

5.0
Based on 50 reviews
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Beth Shaffer-McCarthy
21:38 23 Jan 25
Ranger Roger and Sabina were so hospitable and our kids were delighted with all the animals! It was magical to share their farm life.
Lona Rizkallah
22:22 05 Jan 25
We had a wonderful experience at the Ranch! Our children really.enjoyed the animal encounters and horseback riding. The hosts were lovely to work with and we would love to return some day!
Debra Dimke
16:51 24 Nov 24
Roger and Sabina are great hosts. They made our animal experience wonderfully fun for our grandchildren. Definitely make their ranch a visit when you are in Galena.
Arnold Pula
18:49 04 Jul 24
I went with my family for horse riding. We came all the way from Chicago and were impressed. We saw all the beautiful animals and took some amazing pics with cowboy hats. The owner is friendly and made us laugh alot!
Rene Powlick
01:32 01 Apr 24
Recently visited for our daughter’s birthday and had the most amazing experience. Wrangler Roger and Sabina were very attentive and patient with our crazy kiddos who were just filled with so much excitement. Thanks to the most amazing experience and with their kind words of encouragement our girls kept asking to go back for another riding lesson. We definitely plan on visiting again was a 10/10 experience
Alexis Romero
20:44 29 Mar 24
This was an amazing experience for us! Wrangler Roger was accommodating and got us an appointment with less than 24 hours notice. There were six people in our party, three of them being kids 4, 7, and 16. All three of them enjoyed interacting with the animals and each getting a turn to ride a horse. It was private so it was just us being guided by Wrangler Roger who taught us a lot about different animals on the farm and each child got a turn to hold the animals. The animals were friendly and it was nice to be able to pet them. We also got to interact with their dogs who were so sweet and it was like they were doing the tour with us, we even got to hold and snuggle their dog Simba. We also got to put the kids names on the wall with their height and the date which I thought was a sweet touch for future ventures to Galena. Thank you again for everything Wrangler Roger we definitely will be recommending this to others and hope this review sends a lot of good business your way!
Liz Pappalardo
22:41 20 Oct 23
Our family of 6 had a great time. Wrangler Roger and Sabina were so welcoming and accommodating. Seeing our kids ride the horse and hanging out with all their animals was a great getaway. We were welcomed immediately by Wrangler Roger and his lovely dogs. Kids faces lit right up and are excited to be there. It is right on the Mississippi River and saw some beautiful sunsets as well as a wonderful star-filled sky, which was a first for our kids. The rooms were comfortable and it was nice to have our own kitchen so we didn't have to eat out every meal. Just about a 10 min drive to downtown Galena made it easy to explore the beautiful Main Street and just down the road from Chestnut Mountain where we rode the alpine slide and soaring eagle biplane. Our kids already want to plan our next trip there. Highly recommend staying here!

Book Your Dream Trip Now

Let Wrangler Roger know if you have any difficulty booking online and he will assist you! 

Call the office or his cell phone any time, day or night.

office: 815-776-9945

cell: 608-331-0000