The Spread:

Find the best rate at the: Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort, Galena here.

Centrally located in northwestern Illinois, this 6,800-acre resort lies about 150 miles west of Chicago and six miles from historic Galena, near the mighty Mississippi River. Best known for its 63 holes of championship golf, Eagle Ridge also has enough other outdoor activities to keep non-golfing family members busy. The recently opened Stonedrift Spa will appeal to weary parents yearning for some select pampering while the kids play. Choose from one- to three-bedroom villas, three- to eight-bedroom homes, or a room in the elegant 80-room inn. All told, 480 units accommodate families of all sizes. Lake Galena’s seven miles of shoreline and bustling marina are the central hub for many of the resort’s activities.

Why Families Love It:
Eagle Ridge has programs for preschoolers and school-age kids, as well as separate activities for teens and families. At Camp Eagle, ages four to 12 play pool games, do crafts, and go on hikes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($25 or $50 for half- or full-day program). Kids’ Night Out is an evening program of pizza-eating and movie-watching for ages four to12 ($35). One caveat: programs need a minimum of three kids to operate.

Teens go on canoe trips, compete in paddleboat races, and play glow-in-the-dark volleyball during the summer and on some holidays. They’re also invited year-round to try special spa facials and pedicures. Crafty families can get together to tie-dye T-shirts ($5 fee per family), create their own stuffed animal ($30 per critter), and fashion fleece winter hats (free). There are also family scavenger hunts and hot-air balloon rides, an exciting splurge sure to put a smile on everybody’s face.

Special Events & Activities:
Each June, Eagle Ridge hosts the Great Galena Balloon Race, which not only features floating balloons during the day, but also glowing ones at night. Enjoy music and kids’ events. Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.