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Things to do near Galena

Welcome to Galena, a perfectly-preserved 19th century town nestled in the Mississippi River Valley.

Galena captures so many of the things that make small-town America special, in a way you're unlikely to find anywhere else.

At its heart is the historic Main Street, with well-preserved 1850s-era brick buildings full of eclectic boutiques and eateries. No chain stores or cookie cutter outlets here.

Beyond this, you can sip wine at local vineyards, visit championship golf courses, explore lush rivers and hiking trails, or even hit the slopes for a day of skiing.

Galena is a place full of memory, and a place where your best vacation memories can be made. Start exploring what there is to do in Galena.

A Couple enjoying skiing.
Casper Bluff, Galena
Two people walking their bikes through a vineyard
e Bike Tour - Galena Cellars - Galena
Galena Street Trolly
Galena Trolley Girlfriends on a sunny day
The Galena Main Street Trolley
A fall day in Galena, orange foliage and people kayak in a river

Things To Do in Galena

Old, new, and everything in between

There are countless activities, experiences, and things to do in Galena. Here we've gathered just a few of the best. Plus, check out the events trending around Galena this week and this month.

the former home of the 18th President Ulysses S Grant

Visit a President's home

Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
Chairlift with snow

Hit the slopes

Chestnut Mountain Resort Chestnut Mountain Resort
Two girls laugh while enjoying red wine at a vineyard

Sip and savor

Galena Cellars Vineyard Galena Cellars Vineyard
Busy town

Stroll back in time

Galena's Main Street Galena's Main Street
The exterior of the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum

Explore the past

Galena & U.S. Grant Museum Galena & U.S. Grant Museum
A person flies between between the tree tops

Zip around

Long Hollow Canopy Tours Long Hollow Canopy Tours

Don't miss the excitement

Upcoming Events in Galena

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Winter Carnival Weekend at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

    Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa •  Feb 14 – Feb 17 @ 8AM

    Embrace the spirit of winter at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa's Annual Winter Carnival, a four-day celebration of all things snow, ice, and frost. Read more about Winter Carnival Weekend at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Chocolate Lovers Stroll

    Galena's Historic Main Street  •  Feb 15 @ 12noon

    Unlock the sweetest side of Galena with the Annual Chocolate Lovers Stroll! Read more about Chocolate Lovers Stroll

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Galena Whiskey Weekend

    Turner Hall •  Mar 08 @ 1PM

    Experience the warmth and richness of winter with an extensive collection of bourbons and whiskeys at this historic establishment! Read more about Galena Whiskey Weekend

  • Show more in category of Festivals & Fairs

    Great Galena Balloon Race

    Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa •  Jun 20 – Jun 22 @ 5PM

    Hot Air Balloon Race and Festival in Galena! Read more about Great Galena Balloon Race
    A street in the city

    Galena's Historic Main Street

    Better than Memory Lane

    Galena is full of special things, but perhaps the most special is its historic Main Street. It's home to a range of well-preserved 1850s-era buildings, occupied by independently-owned shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Strolling Galena's Main Street is the kind of experience you're unlikely to find anywhere else. It's got all the best of the past, but with everything you might want to find in the 21st century!

    Wander Galena's Main Street
    A low-angle shot of a young couple walking along a small town's main street, brick buildings and the sun behind them
    Young couple on street - Main Street - Galena
    An American flag hanging from the front of a building on a small town main street full of brick buildings
    Main Street, Galena
    Two women walking down the main street of Galena, with brick buildings in the background
    Women walking in Galena - Main Street - Galena
    A cyclist on an e-bike crosses the main street of a small town
    Main Street, Galena
    Main street of a small town at night, with cars on either side of the road and a bright neon sign that reads "Log Cabin"
    Galena at night - Main Street - Galena
    A woman walks down the sidewalk of the main street of a small town, looking in a store window. Old fashioned shop signs and an American flag hang above
    Woman shopping - Main Street - Galena
    A red trolley bus drives down the main street of Galena, surrounded by parked cars and brick buildings
    Red trolley bus - Main Street - Galena
    The brick building-lined main street of Galena in early evening, with light snow covering the sidewalks
    Snowy town - Main Street - Galena
    Plates of food on a table

    Where to Eat and Drink in Galena

    Fresh flavors, old-time charm

    Like the town itself, Galena's dining scene has a unique character, with ingredients and flavors drawn from the surrounding landscapes. Enjoy meals in cozy 19th century spaces, taste locally-sourced ingredients, and experience the local blend of traditional and modern cuisine. While you're at it, enjoy a glass or two of the locally-made wines, spirits, or brews — Galena is renowned for them!

    • Show more in category of Restaurants

      Vinny Vanucchi's

      Made-from-scratch Italian food featuring many recipes handed down five generations and an outstanding wine selection. Read more about Vinny Vanucchi's

    • Show more in category of Restaurants

      Log Cabin Steakhouse

      Operating continuously since 1937, the Log Cabin Steakhouse is Galena’s oldest and longest running eating establishment. Read more about Log Cabin Steakhouse

    • Show more in category of Wineries & Vineyards

      Galena Cellars Wine Tasting Room

      Taste the locally grown and Award-winning wines of Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery, which has produced over 40 varieties of wines since the early 1970s. Read more about Galena Cellars Wine Tasting Room

    • Show more in category of Restaurants

      Fried Green Tomatoes

      Outstanding service and an inviting atmosphere make Fried Green Tomatoes a must stop while in historic downtown Galena, Illinois! Read more about Fried Green Tomatoes

    • Show more in category of Restaurants

      Durty Gurt's Burger Joynt

      Founded in 2007, Durty Gurt's prides themselves on delivering the best burger in an exciting environment at reasonable prices. Read more about Durty Gurt's Burger Joynt

    • Show more in category of Distilleries

      Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

      Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is a family-owned and operated craft distillery producing fine spirits in the heart of Galena, a town steeped in distilling history. Read more about Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
      Galena Restaurants & Other Places to Eat
      Skiiers skiing down chestnut mountain

      Skiing and Snowboarding in Galena

      Fresh powder and fun

      The Galena area is home to one of the best places to ski in Illinois, Chestnut Mountain Resort. With 19 runs (including black diamond runs) and a 475-foot vertical drop, and the Farside Terrain Park for snowboarders, you can bring some snowy excitement to your days before retiring to the cozy charm of the town at night.

      Explore Chestnut Mountain
      A person skiing
      Skiing - Chestnut Moutain - Galena
      People Skiing at Chestnut Mountain
      Skiing - Chestnut Mountain - Galena
      A small child riding a snowboard on snow, wearing a helmet, goggles, and warm ski clothing
      Chestnut Mountain, Galena
      Ski lifts at Chestnut Mountain Resort during winter
      Ski Lifts - Chestnut Mountain Resort - Galena
      Biking

      Galena Itineraries, Road Trips, and Travel Ideas

      Inspiration for Galena Adventure

      Galena is a special place, with history and life in every brick. Whatever you choose to do, it's sure to be memorable.

      But if you want a little extra inspiration, these Galena road trips, itineraries, and travel ideas are a good place to start.

      An aerial view of a highway winding through autumnal trees, with an orange sunset sky

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