Skip to main content
Shedd Aquarium

Chestnut Mountain Resort - Outdoor Activities

8700 West Chestnut Mountain Road, Galena, IL 61036

Bird & Eagle Watching

Chestnut Mountain is a full-service, 120-unit resort situated eight miles southeast of Galena on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi River. This resort offers an array of outdoor activities all year round, there's something for everyone!

Alpine Slide

Race down 2,050 feet of terrain-tailored track on a wheeled sled to the banks of the Mississippi. Control the speed of your descent as a toboggan-like track carries you. The scenic chair lift will then whisk you back to the top of the mountain where a gorgeous panoramic view of the river and three states are unveiled.Fun for all ages. All children less than 48” tall and under the age of 7 must ride with an adult.

Soaring Eagle Zipline

Take flight and experience the mountain from all new heights. Soar high above the mountain’s peak and get an eagle’s perspective of the Majestic Upper Mississippi River Valley. The soaring eagle is a family-friendly thrill ride that allows up to two thrill seekers at a time.Riders must be at least 42 inches tall to ride.Rides (single or combined) must not exceed 450 pounds.

Segway Tours

Enjoy adventure off the beaten path and discover natural beauty in a whole different way. You'll be guided on one of the most exhilarating and picturesque ways to experience over 220 rolling acres of mountain terrain. The three-mile Segway Tour lasts 75-90 minutes and includes training.Must be 14 years old and weigh between 100 and 260 pounds.

River Cruise

Take that Mississippi River cruise you’ve always wanted to. This 1.5 hour Mississippi River Cruise takes you for a scenic voyage down the mighty river where you’ll view wildlife, learn a bit of the area’s history, see geographical curiosities and glimpse the breathtaking riverscapes on one of the area’s most compelling adventures. All cruises include an Alpine Slide and Scenic Chair Ride to and from the departure area.Maximum boat capacity is 39 people.

Mini Golf & Disc Golf

Putt and play your way through 18 holes of mini golf fun or challenge the mountain on the 9-hole Disc Golf course while experiencing the area’s unique geological beauty first hand. Whether you’re an experienced player looking to hone your skills or a novice picking up a disc for the first time, the course offers fun challenges for all levels.

Bike Rentals

Take in the beauty of the mountain by bike. Bike rentals are available seven days a week during the summer season. Rent them for a full day or per hour.

Skiing

Chestnut Mountain’s slopes are meant for all levels of skiers and boarders to enjoy. The 475-foot vertical drop meanders 3,500 feet through 19 runs, ranging from novice to black diamond. 475 feet seems pretty steep, but don’t worry, they’ve got two quad chairs, four triple chairs, two conveyor lifts, and one surface lift to get you back up to the top.The Our 20,000 square foot ski center is home to Mountainside Outfitters – featuring brand name ski and snowboard clothing, goggles, hats, souvenirs, and clothing rental. Inside the ski center, you’ll also find an equipment rental area featuring Elan Discovery Ski Rental and Burton Learn to Ride snowboard rentals, ticketing outlet, and winter sports school. Full ski and snowboard repair and tuning services are available as well.

Snowboarding

This winter terrain isn’t just great for skiers; it’s a winter playground for snowboarders as well. Transworld has chosen Chestnut Mountain as their top-rated Midwest snowboard park for three years running! Farside, the terrain park, is the largest of its kind in the Midwest – containing more than 25 rails and an array of features, and is served by its own triple chair lift and surface lift.

What's happening nearby...

40th Annual Nouveau Parade & Celebration

Galena Cellars Wine Tasting Room •  Nov 22 @ 11AM

Galena Cellars celebrates the release of the 2024 Nouveau wine - The 40th Annual Celebration!

Read more about 40th Annual Nouveau Parade & Celebration

Galena Holiday Kickoff!

Nov 30 @ 5PM

Join in welcoming Santa to town to kick off the holiday season in Galena!

Read more about Galena Holiday Kickoff!

Galena Holidaze Festival

Green Street Plaza  •  Dec 07 @ 11PM

The Galena Holidaze Festival is bringing the magic of Christmastime to Galena, Illinois.

Read more about Galena Holidaze Festival

You might also be interested...

Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve

Galena

Featuring Native American archaeology, this preserve is situated on the scenic Mississippi River Bluffs.

Read more about Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve

Buehler Preserve

Galena

Nature preserve just steps away from downtown Galena.

Read more about Buehler Preserve

Tapley Woods State Natural Area

Galena

A quiet, wooded spot along between Elizabeth and Galena.

Read more about Tapley Woods State Natural Area

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois.