Galena Guide - Galena IL

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Top 10 Things to Do in Galena, Illinois for an Unforgettable Escape

Looking for What To Do in Galena?  We have a list. Nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Galena is a charming town brimming with history, natural beauty, and Midwestern hospitality. Whether  you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Galena has something to offer everyone. This is not a comprehensive list and is in no particular order.

Here’s our list of the top 10 things to do in Galena, Illinois, to help you plan your perfect getaway:


#1 • Hop on a Galena Trolley Tour: Climb aboard the Galena Trolley for a narrated tour of the town. Learn about Galena’s rich history and architecture as you ride past its most iconic landmarks.The trolleys themselves are cute, open-air vehicles that evoke a vintage feel, making the experience both comfortable and nostalgic. The tour typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
https://www.galenatrolleys.com/

#2 • Embark on a Haunted Ghost Tour: Explore the town’s haunted past on a guided ghost tour. Hear chilling tales of bygone eras and visit some of Galena’s most notorious historical sites. Galena is home to the Number 1 Tour in the Midwest – Haunted Galena Tour Company.

#3 • Take in the Great Outdoors: Immerse yourself in nature at one of Galena’s many parks and trails. Hike to the top of Horseshoe Mound Preserve for stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley, or explore the unique geological formations at the Mississippi Palisades State Park. Map

#4 • Step Back in Time at the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site: Immerse yourself in history at the home of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. Tour the meticulously restored house and learn about Grant’s life and military career. https://www.granthome.org/

#5 • Sample Galena’s vintners, brewers and distillers. From Main Street into the country side, the area boasts passionate creators of award-winning wines, beers and spirits.
https://galenacellars.com/
https://galenabrewery.com/
https://www.blaumbros.com/

#6 • Visit Galena’s Oldest Home, the Dowling House – Galena was founded in 1826, the same year that John Dowling built this home and trading post. By 1828, Galena was the lead mining capital of the world and home to 10,000 people. Guided Tours are offered May through October. Dowling House Tours

#7 • Hike or Bike the Galena River Trail: This scenic trail begins in town, and follows the Galena River out to the Mississippi River, then south towards Chestnut Mountain Resort. Take in limestone bluffs, bald eagles, great blue herons and river valley vistas. https://www.cityofgalena.org/residents/parks-and-facilities/parks/galena-river-trail

#8 • Visit the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa: A beautiful, sprawling resort nestled in 6800 rolling acres, including a lake and marina. The luxurious Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, offering a range of amenities including 4 golf courses, a spa, and fine dining.
https://eaglesridge.com

#9 • Explore Main Street: Galena’s Main Street is a perennial on the Top Ten rankings of Main Streets in America. Also known as a “Hellah of a Half Mile”, it is lined with charming shops, art galleries, antique stores, coffee shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants operating in beautifully restored 19th century buildings. It reflects the town’s rich history during the mining boom and its time as a hub for river trade.

#10 • Experience the Local Festivals and Events: Galena always has something going on, all four seasons. The state’s largest Halloween parade. is just one of the many celebrations held in the parks, plazas, of streets year-round. It is cliché to say there is something for everyone, but there really is. Major events, shows and live music information is on GalenaGuide.com.


Bonus Tip: Be sure to visit GalenaGuide.com for more information on things to do in Galena, upcoming events, and helpful tips for planning your trip.

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February

2025fri14feb8:00 pmfri11:00 pmKristina Castañeda & Shawn Healy8:00 pm - 11:00 pm The Grape Escape

2025sat15feb2:00 pmsat5:00 pmThe Guthries2:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Grape Escape

2025sat15feb3:30 pmsat5:00 pmHoney and Mead Tasting Experience3:30 pm - 5:00 pm Eagle Ridge Resort

2025sat15feb7:30 pmsat9:00 pm"A Darkness Lovely" - a play by Galena's Poet Laureate Ted Williams7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Galena Center for the Arts

2025sat15feb8:30 pmsat11:30 pmC and C Dueling Pianos8:30 pm - 11:30 pm

2025sun16feb1:00 pmsun4:00 pmScott Rische's Open Mic1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Miss Kitty's Grape Escape

2025sun16feb2:00 pmsun3:30 pm"A Darkness Lovely" - a play by Galena's Poet Laureate Ted Williams2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Galena Center for the Arts

2025thu20feb10:00 amthu12:00 pmCoffee & Conversation10:00 am - 12:00 pm Galena Center for the Arts

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2025fri21feb7:30 pmfri9:00 pm"A Darkness Lovely" - a play by Galena's Poet Laureate Ted Williams7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Galena Center for the Arts

2025fri21feb8:00 pmfri11:00 pmCorey Jenny8:00 pm - 11:00 pm The Grape Escape

2025sat22feb2:00 pmsat5:00 pmRJ Fisher2:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Grape Escape