With its rolling hills and incredible charm, Galena is a unique town located in Northwest Illinois. Here are 7 fun things to do in Galena...
Looking for the top activities and stuff to do in Galena, IL? Click this now to discover the BEST things to do in Galena - AND GET FR
With so many awesome things to do in Galena in one small city, you’ll never run out of attractions to see and things to do. Whether visiting for rest and relaxation or thrilling adventures, this small Illinois town doesn’t disappoint.
Known for its irresistibly cute Main Street (and oh-so-many shops), this river town delivers history and outdoor fun too.
If you are looking for unique places to stay in Galena IL, this article will provide some personal insight into distinct lodging options in this charming town.
If you're looking for a perfect midwest getaway this winter check out Galena. Shopping, relaxing & eating in the best restaurants in Galena, Illinois.
When leaves turn to gold in a town built on lead, Galena alchemy is formed. See our guide of things to do (and of course eat) in Galena this fall.
Galena, IL is one of the US' most beautiful cities, the city that time forgot. Spend 3 days in Galena, or a weekend in Galena, and be embraced in it's charm.
Looking for the best restaurants in Galena, IL? Look no further! Click this now to discover the BEST Galena restaurants - AND GET FR
Galena, Illinois has historic attractions, unique experiences, and plenty of natural beauty. #ad
The Midwest is often overlooked when it comes to travel destinations, but hidden within “flyover country” are these seven charming towns.
Experience the magic of Galena, Illinois, a picturesque town that combines history, romance, and a cozy atmosphere. From strolling through snow-covered streets during winter to exploring charming shops and indulging in delicious food, Galena offers a delightful getaway. Find out where to stay, shop,
A charming and quaint city, Galena lies in northwest Illinois.
Galena, Illinois, offers a magical Christmas experience with its enchanting main street, festive displays, and holiday
Looking for the best restaurants in Galena, IL? Look no further! Click this now to discover the BEST Galena restaurants - AND GET FR
Our assistant art director returns to her hometown each October for dining, shopping, hiking, biking and more. Here's what she recommends.
Galena is a small town in Illinois, around 3 hours from Chicago. In this post I share the best things to do in Galena Illinois, including where to stay and where to eat.
Winston Tunnel in Northwestern Illinois is a rail-turned-hiking trail that has some resemblence to the more famous “Tunnel of Love” in Ukraine. Nature quickly reclaimed these abandoned railroad tracks Galena easily makes the list of the most beautiful places in Illinois and the Midwest. We’ve always been drawn to its rural charm and classic downtown....
With its perfectly preserved historic homes, charming Main Street, and unique shopping and dining options, Galena is truly an Illinois hidden gem.
A local's recommendations for the best things to do in Galena IL. Family-friendly activities and sights for a perfect weekend getaway-with or without the kids!
Looking for the best hotels in Galena, IL? Look no further! Click this now to discover the BEST hotels to stay in Galena - AND GET FR
With so many awesome things to do in Galena in one small city, you’ll never run out of attractions to see and things to do. Whether visiting for rest and relaxation or thrilling adventures, this small Illinois town doesn’t disappoint.
On the Galena River in northwest Illinois, this town's century-old buildings now house shops, galleries, wineries and restaurants. Beyond Main Street, find water sports, golf and other active outings. Spend the night in bed and breakfasts or hotels that reflect the city's historic heritage.
There's always something to see in a big city, but sometimes, you want a slower pace. Thankfully, the United States boasts some incredible small towns.
Looking for an enchanting town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes? We have one that you'll love because exploring the historic downtown area is one of the top things to do in Galena.
Guide to the most haunted places in historic Galena, Illinois - and the best ghost tour in this former lead-mining town. A storytelling guide leads you through the streets of Galena by candlelight as you learn about the town's scary legends and eerie paranormal activity.
Galena, IL is one of the US' most beautiful cities, the city that time forgot. Spend 3 days in Galena, or a weekend in Galena, and be embraced in it's charm.
Need family vacation ideas in the Midwest? Try a trip to Galena, IL. This family vacation hotspot is a fun-filled destination within driving distance of many Midwestern cities. #sponsoredtravel
2 Restaurant Finds in Galena, Illinois Including One Eleven Main and Otto's Place
Enjoy nature's beauty by exploring some of our favorite walking and hiking trails around beautiful Galena, IlL
If you're looking for a perfect midwest getaway this winter check out Galena. Shopping, relaxing & eating in the best restaurants in Galena, Illinois.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. If you love exploring quaint, small towns, then you must get to Galena! Galena, Illinios is located about 5 1/2 hours from Indianapolis (where we live), and is just across the border from Dubuque, Iowa. In early 2017, my husband, Brent, was surfing the internet looking up potential vacation spots. This is one of his favorite activities after a long day of work! Both my birthday and Valentine’s day fall in February, so we wanted to take a romantic getaway, just the two of us. His internet searching landed him on an article about 40 charming American towns you’ve never heard of. And that’s when we first learned of Galena, Illinois. #3 on the list, and within driving distance. Perfect for a romantic weekend. Where We Stayed After a bit more internet searching, we came across the Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast. Based on their website, we felt this would be the perfect lodging for our celebratory weekend in a quaint town. And the Cloran Mansion absolutely lived up to the online description…and then some! Brent and I had never stayed at a bed and breakfast together so we were not sure exactly what to expect. The owners at the time, Cheryl & Carmine, were extremely hospitable and made us feel like family. We stayed in Ann’s room and found it to be comfortable and inviting. The room included a sitting area as well as a gas fireplace. Perfect for the cool February nights and for creating some romantic ambiance. Two fluffy white robes hung in the closet and the bathroom boasted a large tub, big enough for two. I made a mental note to pick up a bottle of wine in town to enjoy while soaking in the tub! Cloran Mansion has 6 bedrooms, each with their own unique layout and design. Since we arrived before most of the other guests, Cheryl let us peak into a few of the other rooms. The Tower Suite is especially charming! We stayed two nights, which meant we got to enjoy two gourmet breakfasts, prepared and served by our hosts. Eggs cooked to order, raspberry pancakes, fresh fruit, and more, served on fine china. The breakfast spread deserved to be photographed for Home & Garden magazine! While leisurely dining, we enjoyed pleasant conversation and got to know our hosts as well as the other guests. We could have lingered at the Mansion all day, but we took our full bellies and headed into town to see what Galena had to offer, armed with several suggestions from Cheryl & Carmine. Shopping, Wine Tasting and Strolling Main Street North Main Street in Galena is the quintessential American street. This cobblestone street boasts six blocks of quaint shops, unique eateries, and several spots to enjoy your favorite adult beverage. So yes, that means they have wine tasting in Galena! Some of our favorite spots and activities included: Sampling dips, sauces, and jellies at the Galena Canning Company (great souvenir shopping!) Wine tasting at Massbach Ridge Winery, Galena Cellars, and Galena River Wine and Cheese Checking out Rootbeer Revelry, who knew there were so many varieties of root beer! Sampling chocolates in several specialty sweet shops, we even tried chocolate-covered bacon! Sampling popcorn at Great American Popcorn (I’m starting to think we eat and drink too much!) Browsing through numerous unique shops filled with home decor (several with a distinct Joanna Gaines influence), clothing, gadgets, and specialty foods. There was plenty to do just on Main Street to fill our two days of exploring! Our Romantic Italian Dinner After our large breakfast and snacking through town, we didn’t need much for lunch. But we did enjoy a wonderful Italian dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s. I don’t recall exactly what we ordered, but I know there was good wine, crusty bread, and delicious pasta. And the atmosphere was exquisitely Italian, complete with red-checked tablecloths and Tuscan decor. I highly recommend a leisurely dinner at Vinny Vanucchi’s after a busy day of shopping. We may not have been in Italy, but Vinny Vanucchi’s was the next best thing! Our time in Galena was short, but it was definitely memorable! There were several things we did not get to see or experience due to time and the cool weather, but that just means we need to make a return trip. We recently learned that Cheryl and Carmine sold the Cloran Mansion. We look forward to returning to Galena and meeting the new owners, Paul and Janet. We loved our time in Galena and our first Bed and Breakfast experience so much that Brent and I spent much of the drive home researching BnB ownership and inns for sale. But in the end, I think it’s best if we continue to travel and maintain our role as the gracious guests! And according to the article about 40 charming American towns you’ve never heard of, we still have 39 towns to visit! Next on the list is Granville, Ohio! Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey, Traveling Tanya P.S. Subscribe to my email list (at the top of the screen) so you will never miss out on any of Traveling Tanya’s exciting excursions or travel tips!
Buckle up for a 3-hour road trip from Chicago to a magical winter wonderland in Galena.
Spend the holidays in Galena Illinois with this travel guide featuring what to do and see and where to eat and stay in this All-American quaint town.
Looking for a new place to visit in the midwest? Try Galena, Illinois! Check out the top 3 reasons why you should visit + get inspired by Galena photos.
Updated March 2024 Looking for the best things to do in Galena, Illinois? You've made it to the right post! You may be wondering what you can get up to in the town famously known
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel is cozy, charming, and has an authentic feel. It's a perfect base for exploring the Galena area!
