You’re just a short day trip from preserved-in-time architecture, pristine farmland, and singular history.
This may come as a surprise to some , but Illinois is n’t exclusively reign by Chicago ’s skyscrapers and sky - scrapingdeep - dish pizzas . Beyond the sprawling confines of America ’s third largest urban center , the Prairie State is home to a wealth of bucolic townsfolk andsurprisingly legit hiking destinations , all of which are a short few hours away . Galenais one such stead .
site on the northwesternmost box of Illinois , near the Mississippi River and the Iowa borderline , it ’s a breath - of - impudent - breeze town that ’s the antithesis of Chicago in many way . While only a three - hour drive , Galena feels more like a three - 100 drive with its preserved - in - time architecture , productive farmland , and cryptic history covering everything from US presidents to Kraft Cheese . That natural charm is what draw travelers and transplants likewise .
“ In return to our Midwestern radical , we apace settle in dearest with the picturesque charm of Main Street and the many unique small businesses , ” explains Geoff and Alex Arroyo - Karnish , husbands who proceed to town in 2019 from Manhattan , and openedGalena Bakehousein a revivify antique computer storage during the pandemic . For them , the draw was the win - win propinquity to beautiful nature and the natural inclusivity they experience from local anesthetic . “ Galena feel more inclusive and welcoming than most traditional small towns , ” they total . “ In 2021 , we created the first annualGalena Pride Picnic , a family - friendly event that was well attended by hoi polloi from Galena and the surrounding communities . ”
American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor|Courtesy of Dice Sales: Enjoy Illinois
It ’s that sense of welcome and Pride that drew the couple to Galena , and it ’s the instinctive backdrop that keeps them — and so many others — inspired . “ Galena is a beautiful town surround by rolling hills and gorgeous countryside , ” says the yoke . “ When we first walked the town ’s half - sea mile Main Street , we could n’t see and claver everything in just one twenty-four hours , and that move us . There is truly something for everyone , whether you love outdoor adventures , local wineries , history , shopping , or delicious food . ”
From its old - timey lore and old - fashioned ice cream parlors , to reform-minded consequence , outside beaut , and bald eagle soaring overhead en masse , Galena feel perfectly domain asunder from Chicago . Make the trek and see , sip , and taste for yourself .
Travel time:
3 hours from Chicago2 hours , 50 minutes from Milwaukee
If you don’t do anything else:Travel back in time, Galena-style
A austere contrast to Chicago ’s shiny tower and even glossy Bean , Galena is the Ithiel Town that sentence forgot — and we intend that with sexual love . It ’s courteous to hole up someplace that feel of a simpler era — one filled with un - ironic b dances and ice cream parlour . The business district area still looks the way it did in the nineteenth 100 , replete with brick walkways and buildings heel on the National Register of Historic Places . Much of this is on full display along Main Street , where more than 100 business concern — from confect counterpunch and vino bars to restaurants and toy shop — are draw close inside original buildings from the 1800s .
Beyond shopping and snacking , story is everywhere in Galena . This is particularly big with its Presidential traditional knowledge , as the town was famously home to President Ulysses S. Grant , whose former abode is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency , and isavailable for tours . President Abe Lincoln also had Galena ties , including a famous speech he made from theDeSoto House Hotel . The square-toed - style inn is the old operating hotel in the state , and Lincoln impersonators still hostold - timey dinner party theater eventson the property , arrant with wimp Fricassee and apple Proto-Indo European — Lincoln ’s favorites . For more historic chow and sip , check outMulgrew ’s Tavern & Liquor Store , one of the oldest bar in Illinois ( in operation since 1921 ) , famed for its cheap beer , foot - long chili pawl , and slot machines . Then there’sCouncil Hill Station , an 1850s general depot - wrench - saloon , with alive medicine , country breakfast , and barn dances hold every weekend in the summer .
Some history is downright cheesy — and again , we think of that with the utmost love . Like the fact that Galena is not only home to President Grant , but also Kraft cheese . Everyone ’s favorite atomic number 10 - orange cheese product was born in the midget suburban town of Stockton , and the company ’s all - American lore is on full display at theStockton Heritage Museum . The pint - sized museum has anexhibitthat assure the chronicle of J.L. Kraft & Bros. Co. , who opened its first cheeseflower flora and begin delivering Milk River from local dairy to the facility via horse - pass police van . Nowadays , museum visitor can snap selfies with one of say wagons , gain inspiration from Kraft - breathe in cookbooks , and learn everything you ’ve ever need to hump about the invention of Velveeta .
Fill your days:
Family-friendly activities in Galena
As evidenced by the surplus of candy counters and soda pop fountains , Galena is a wholesome wonderland for families and kids . For food and activeness alike , most everything in this quaint town caters to visitor of all years — except peradventure the wineries and wine-coloured stripe , of which there are surprisingly many . Particularly , Galena is a gratifying tooth paradise , teeming withold - timey ice cream parlorsand candy shops , include the 50 - year - oldAmerican Old Fashioned Ice Cream ParlorandCandy Carnivalfor all your taffy , Zea mays everta , and mini donut need . For shopping , Gabby ’s Giftsis a quirky spot filled with tyke - friendly bric-a-brac like puzzle , toys , and childrens ’ book of account , while theP.T. Murphy Magic Theatreis sure to be a hoot with its silly theatrics and close - up sleight of handwriting . One on-going body process that ’s merriment for the whole brood isLive at the Plaza , concur every second and 4th Thursday of the calendar month at Green Street Plaza through August . The free upshot provide something for everyone and all age — live medicine , solid food , lengthy hours in nearby shops , and other performances , all with different composition like Educator Appreciation and LGBTQIA+-centric Amazing for All .
Outdoor activities in Galena
In Chicago , outdoor recreation is typically limited tourban beachesanddrinking cocktails on rooftop . In the quieter , wide - open terrain of Galena , however , out-of-door activities are a fleck more liberal . Hiking and biking opportunity can be found throughout the town ’s Park , forests , and prairie , including the nearly nine - mile longGalena River Trail , Apple River Canyon State Park , andCasper Bluff Land & Water Reserve , where you’re able to traverse trails and theorize about ancient aboriginal American effigy agglomerate in the Earth .
With waterways criss - cross the neighborhood , there are plenty of aquatic option to pick out from too , including fishing on Lake Galena ( just be mindful thatbald eagle might supply some competition , since Illinois is abode to the second largest winter population outside of Alaska ) . Or you’re able to let kayaks or paddle boards fromNuts outside , offering guided sashay on the tranquil Galena River . After exploring Galena by estate and H2O , it ’s sentence to heave up and hit the sky — Long Hollow Canopy Toursprovides adrenaline - pump slide fastener line tours through Tapley Woods , at pep pill up to 40 mph and acme that make 75 feet .
In terms of epic all - raw Americana , it does n’t get much mighty than the Mississippi River . The iconic waterway traverse the westerly borderline of Illinois , along the edge of Galena and the state of Iowa , so of course such a major body of pee is going to provide some stupefying scenery . Visit the riversideChestnut Mountain Resortfor a choose - your - own - adventure of Mississippi - neighboring activities , from theSoaring Eagle Ziplineto mini golf game course of instruction and an Alpine slide that zooms down the bank of a forested palisade to the shores of the river . The holiday resort also providesMississippi River cruises , for an informative run ducking into the river ’s ecosystem and wildlife .
Galena|Courtesy of Galena
golf game is another mainstay activity in Galena County , as the lush region boast some of the most meticulously manicured greenways in the Midwest . There are 11 course in the area , ranging in size and scope from leisurely nine - hole courses to championship - point courses for the seasoned golf pro and/or masochist . Standout options admit theApple Canyon Lake Golf Course , with nine holes weaving by canyons , J. J. Hill , and bluff , andLacoma Golf Course , a unquestionable Disneyland of golf game that ’s grow from a nine - kettle of fish course in 1967 to a 45 - hole composite consisting of three dissimilar courses , plus a driving range , full practice adeptness , a pro store , and a bar . If you ’re seem to try something a little more fresh and a little less rage - inducing , try your bridge player ( or your infantry ) atFootGolf , a association football - golf loanblend atEagle Ridge Resort & Spa . basically , it looks like a jumbo version of golf , with soccer balls in place of golf balls , and over - sized fix and flags to aim for .
Goat-based activities in Galena
Since literally any outdoor activity is improved by the presence of goats , Galena is a authentic paradise of cunning expedition with hooved critter . Hoof It Goat Treksdoes exactly what their name promises , taking guests on leisurely guided boost through prairie and woods with sister goats in tow . For adults , the company also furnish goat trek / wine taste combos , wherein hikers can stroll the forest with a shabu of wine , stick with by a tasting of wine-colored and Capricorn cheese ( naturally ) .
Goat yoga is another popular local interest , best receive withGalena Goat Yogaon Silver Linings Farm . Each 45 - minute school term , the perfect combining of stretching and snuggling , provide yoga mats in an air conditioned studio . Or if you ’d prefer something more relaxed , the studio apartment offer hour - long java breaksin a equipped maize crib with pastries and about a dozen goats . The company also bring home the bacon individual caprine animal events , in case you ’d really care to take your bachelorette company to the next storey .
Festivals and events in Galena
aright in stride with Galena ’s obsession with all thing Americana , the region is dominant with old - timey funfair . Like theElizabeth Community Fair , a summertime spectacle of dairy shows and fantasy hand truck pullers , which , entering its 103rd year , puts the “ old ” in “ sure-enough - timey . ” This is followed in August by theJo Daviess County Fair , the longest - running sequent carnival in the state . In operation since 1860 ( for reference : that ’s justfour years after Lincoln made his balcony speechat the DeSoto Hotel ) , the all - eld event have carnival attractions , a beer tent , a derby , a pageantry , and — interrogatively — a mud volleyball tournament . It all culminate with theGalena Country Fairin October , a weekend wedge full of fudge , jumbo scorched spud , walking tacos , and pork chop sandwich .
More crepuscule play can be had at the annualWarren Pumpkin Festival , an old - fashioned lineup of tractor pull , fair ride , vintage car show , and of course , pumpkin - theme biz and collation aplenty . This is adopt in late - September by the 14th annualFall Harvest & Art Festival , host byGalena Cellars . Despite being a wine - centrical effect , nipper and adults alike get to stomp their own grapes — though the latter are the only ones able to enjoy the fruits of their Labor Department . There ’s also live medicine , pumpkin painting , horse - drawn carriage rides , and local art for sale . And let ’s not forgetOktoberfest . This twelvemonth ’s fete , get hold of shoes October 5 , kick off with a carom blast , the annual tapping of the keg , a wiener click race , and naturally , springy polka .
Eat, Drink, and Sleep:
Restaurants and bars in Galena
For a townspeople with a population of a few thousand , Galena ’s dining scene impresses with its array of restaurant and its commixture of old and new , from adorably dusty saloons to a fag - owned bakery slinging empanadas and Argentine cheese bread .
Considering the township is surrounded by farmland and tonic weewee , it ’s not surprising that much of its restaurants are seasonally driven and locally source , like blackberry pork rib - eye and detached - range chicken piccata atFried Green Tomatoes , or bourbon - marinated tenderloin tips and Illinois vino atWoodlands Restaurant & Lounge . Bread and Vineis an on - the - olfactory organ bistro that specializes in two classic quilt : carbs and wine . It also has one of the most eclectic card in town , offering French hot dogs alongside Roman - style pizza pie , pork belly bao , coconut margarita , and a French - leaning vino list .
The belle of the ball when it comes to local amercement dining , though , is theGoldmoor Inn , a historic manor house - corresponding hotel that applies a modern interpretation to its farm - brisk fare . Dine at the chef ’s tabular array overlooking the kitchen and banquet on a veritable omakase of whatever the kitchen is misrepresent up that daylight , intersperse with sampling of day-after-day special and interaction with the cooks , who agree to the site , “ talk candidly about the joys and stresses of professional preparation . ” If all that was n’t insider - y enough , dining car can even slumber in the kitchen ( basically)—the Chef ’s Quarters is a hotel room located directly above the kitchen .
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.|Courtesy of Enjoy Illinois
In the morning , get up and shine atGalena Bakehouse , the cheery coffeehouse owned by Geoff and Alex Arroyo - Karnish . “ We sleep together serving our scratch - made pastries and coffee tree drinks to both the local community and the many visitors , ” they say , citing everything from Argentine cheese clams and cinnamon rolls to glaze almond coffee bean cake , beef picadillo empanadas , and oatmeal cranberry cookies . “ It has been such a dream to bestow this showcase of love to this very small Ithiel Town and to have them welcome all of it . ”
To fuddle , it ’s all about stemware here , as Galena isIllinois wine country . Oenophiles can visitMassbach Winery30 mo away in Elizabeth , or pour down into the smack room on Main Street . Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Wineryis another local staple , place in Hanover , which is also home turf for Rocky Waters Vineyard & Winery , roost on 25 acres of fruitful vineyards . Back in town , Champagne on Mainis a champagne wine ginmill with plenty of play — from the heartbeat pendant to the flutes of Champagne .
Where to stay in Galena
In case you ca n’t snag a res for the bedroom over the Goldmoor Inn kitchen , fear not . The chateau - esque resort hotel has plenty of other ornaterooms and suitesto go around , each complete with two - soul whirlpool tubs and complimentary breakfast deliver to your doorstep , along with cottages and log cabins that Lincoln surely would have loved . And speak of Lincoln , you may rest your head where he made his speech in 1856 , in one of the55 square-toed - trend roomsat the DeSoto .
Another intimate den is theInn at Felt Manor , an landed estate from 1850 that Arroyo - Karnish ’ first managed upon their move from Manhattan . Today , accommodationsat the tranquil property let in the rustic - chic Coach House , the horseman - theme Stable Studio , and the Manor itself . While the latter is temporarily shut for renovation , the historic property vaunt five suite with views of business district Galena .
Or , for something decidedly less effete and old - timey , thePalace Campgroundis a state - of - the - art vacation spot for R.V. and tent campers , staring with above - and - beyond creature comforts like mini golf ( and shine - in - the - glowering mini golf game on prime weekends ) , heated swimming kitty , wagon rides , and an arcade .
The Great American Popcorn Company|Courtesy of Galena
