Thompson Township Homestay

Rest, relax, and recharge yourself with family or friends. Stay comfortably in the serenity of this peaceful countryside in the heart of Jo Daviess county not far from Galena, Illinois, at this marvelous renovated 3-bedroom ranch style farmhouse on main level and an additional lower level bedroom and half bath. 3 queen beds, 2 twin beds, with additional sleeping options, at this peaceful cozy retreat perfect for families or groups of friends. Enjoy the convenience of WiFi, heating, and AC, along with a fully equipped kitchen for preparing delicious meals. Dine inside or outside with our many seating options. Relax in home away from home comfort after a day of exploring the Jo Daviess county in the northwest corner of Illinois and the surrounding tri-state areasThe Farmhouse is located on a 150 year old working farm. Perfect get away from the fast pace busy life for those who want to take a quiet break, history buffs, explorers, and making lasting memories with family or friends. Enjoy the farm and wild animals, hiking, fishing, history plus more. Feel free to reach out to us during your stay - we're happy to suggest local spots to check out. Guests have total privacy access to the farmhouse with large yard. Separate driveway entrance for convenient parking. Self check in upon arrival and self check out upon departure. A host or hosts are always available if you need questions answered. Guests may walk around the property and look at the animals as long as they do not disturb them. Jean is the animal handler and she is more than happy to give you a tour and introduce you to the animals. She will give you the information about each animal and how it came to live on the Roberts Welsh Hollow Farm. If you do venture on your own - With all unfamiliar animals it’s at the guests own risk. We cannot guarantee how an animal will react to each person. We will be able to inform the guest as to which areas contain the animals at the time of their stay. If guests want to get close and personal it’s best to make arrangements with the animal handlers. Guests need to understand this is a working farm and to be cautious of not only the animals but farm equipment and machines as well. Large tractors do not always see small people or pets. Please DO NOT enter barns or outer buildings for safety reasons. A four person tent is available for anyone who would want to sleep outside under the stars in the large yard and still have the amenities of home at their disposal. Please bring your own sleeping bags, cots, or outdoor bedding. In the winter: the rolling hills are wonderful for sleds, cross country skiing, and people learning to ski due to the short hill sizes. Guests must bring their own equipment - none will be provided ( except possibly sleds ). More advance skiing can be participated at chestnut mountain. Note: the slant of the driveway can be tricky to get out onto the road in the winter even through it’s plowed regularly. In the spring, summer and fall when walking, jogging, hiking, running or exploring around the property there is a swamp, a creek, and ponds to be cautious. NO swimming allowed in these areas due to depths of water and literally stuck in mud. Spotting variety of wildlife while drinking from these areas - perfect for bird watchers. You will see and hear owls, turkeys, eagles, hawks, other birds, ( did I mention bird watching) frogs, crickets, insects, foxes, coyotes, plus more. Please respect their space and the environment - it’s their home. At night you will feel like you can reach up and touch the moon and stars in the sky.. Wonderful places to take photographs, draw, paint, write, and so much more. Gazing at the most spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and the full moon as big as life rising over the hills. The stars bright enough to reach and touch. If you feel like venturing there are:Neighboring Farms that host fall events Pumpkins and apple pickingTree farms where you can cut your own Christmas tree for the holiday DNR hiking and fishing property located north of the farmhouse Local villages have parades, fireworks, fairs, Christmas walks, live window displays special events throughout the year. Wineries - come pick grapes in the fall at a local winery run by friends. BreweriesUnique shops and eateries Spa(s) Apple river ( 10 miles north of the farm or Galena, Illinois 45 miles west of the farm ) CasinosGolf coursesOld churches Timberlake playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois with a different play every few weeks.Fireside in Wisconsin Comedy clubs in Dubuque, iowa Outdoor Wedding venuesBars and pubs Local swimming poolsBowling alleys Movie theatres in Rockford, Freeport, and Dubuque Shenandoah Riding Center ( annual rodeo event) and other smaller riding stablesApple canyon lakeWaterfallsApple canyon state park with its trails and picnic areasPalisades state park trails bluffs over looking the Mississippi River and picnic areas Krape park trails, picnic area, outdoor concerts, a carousel, paddle boats, etc in Freeport, Illinois Japanese gardens in Rockford, Illinois Rock formations, caves, trees, many parks to explore through the tri-state area. Crystal lake caves, Dubuque, Iowa Eagle point park, Dubuque, Iowa Mines of Spain recreation area, Dubuque, Iowa River walk along the Mississippi River in Dubuque Dubuque arboretum and botanical gardens Horseshoe mound, Galena, Illinois Long hollow canopy toursStonehenge replica Stockton with its historical museum and association with the first Kraft milk plant. Elizabeth with its railroad museumMississippi aquatic museum and bird sanctuary Galena territories Galena with general Grant’s home Civil war re-enactment at general Grant’s homeGalena celebrate pioneer daysGalena has ghost tours and one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in Illinois Chestnut Mountain ski resort, zip line, mountain sled, Galena, Il Sundown Mountain resort, Dubuque, IowaCharles mound -highest point in Illinois ( park your car at the bottom on the road and enjoy a good hike up to the peak to see Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois of course )Mississippi River (45 min West) -dinner cruises various towns along the Mississippi within driving distance. Mississippi roadway and the Galena trailWater parks in Rockford and Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa (45 min West) Rockford, Illinois with its airport (45 min East)Chicago and Lake Michigan (further East - about a three hour drive)Plattville, Wi ( 45 min north ) - home of the giant “M” and Plattville university Monroe, Wi ( an hour drive )Madison, Wi ( an hour and half drive )In Wisconsin southwest corner:Cheese Largest Amish colony in Wisconsin Olbrich botanical gardens, Madison,WiHenry villas zoo, Madison, WiChazen museum of art, Madison, WiNational Mustard museum, Madison, WiPrairie du sac - eagle watching New Glarus woods state parkSwiss historical village museumCadiz springs state recreation area Hawk’s mill distillery Alfred and Lois Kelch aviator museum, incChalet of the Golden Fleece museum The toy train barn museum Twining parkDecatur lake Reuben’s cave House On The Rock ( an hour north )Cave of the Mounds National Natural LandmarkTaliesinPendarvis State Historic SiteStonefield Historic SiteWollersheim Winery & DistillerySpurgeon WineryCedar Grove CheeseMany many more things to discover within driving distance of the farmhouse. I’m sure you wonder why to still rent from us after a day of venturing? It’s simple - home away from home atmosphere. A place to put your feet up, hang your hat and relax. Please feel free to ask us any questions about your stay with usAbout pets:Pets allowed: less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total).About checkOut:Check out before 3:00 PM.About children:Children allowed: ages 0-17.Children must be watched due to a working farm.About checkIn:Check in after 10:00 AM.About smoking:Smoking is not permitted.About minBookingAge:Minimum age to rent: 21.About events:Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties.Maximum event attendees: 20,Limited parking to 6 or 7 cars.