The small town of Galena boasts a rich cultural history. Many of its buildings are listed in the National Historic Register (85 percent) and hail from French colonial, Victorian and Greek Revival influences. These buildings are home to quaint museums, historic buildings, shops and restaurants. Galena also has an abundant wildlife, is home to the Upper Mississippi River, and offers outdoor activities for all to enjoy.
History
The lead mining industry in this area began in the1800s, attracting settlers to what is now Galena. The city was founded in 1826 and relied on its lead mining and shipping industries. By the late 1850s, Galena was a busy, significant seaport. The famous DeSoto hotel, from which both Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke, remains in business. With the California gold rush and the decline of the lead industry, the population of Galena stopped growing. As of 2010, it remains at 3,600 people. Much of the historic architecture of this small town has been preserved.
Food and Drink
Galena's downtown district has eats and drinks of many varieties. Some notable restaurants are Benjamin's, an historic pub and family restaurant, The Courtyard Restaurant at the De Soto hotel (breakfast and lunch only), The Flying Horse offering casual fine dining, and Fried Green Tomatoes, an Italian eatery housed in a historic building that once served as a live theater and iron stove shop. There are several wineries in the county as well, including the Massbach Ridge Winery, Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery and the Rocky Waters Vineyard/Winery.
Museums and Historic Buildings
The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design has an extension in Galena where contemporary art, photography and architecture from across the globe are on display. The Elizabeth History Museum exhibits items that chronicle and honor Galena's bygone industry. The Galena History Museum also has exhibits on the lead industry as well as steamboating and the Civil War era in Galena. The Dowling house is Galena's oldest home. It also served as a trading post in 1826. The house is furnished accordingly, and 30-minute tours are available during museum hours. The Washburne House State Historic Site was home to Congressman Washburne. News of Grant's election was telegraphed to the house's library. Galena is also home to an old-fashioned blacksmith shop, complete with working forges and a historian on site.
Hiking and Biking
Galena offers some very challenging hiking and biking trails in its hills. For bicycling enthusiasts, the Galena River Trail offers three and a half miles of trails with views of the river and bluffs. There are various hiking trails including the Schurmeier National Forrest (appropriate for beginner and intermediate hikers), which allows horses, and the Hanover Bluff Nature Preserve, offering more than 450 miles of hiking. The Buehler Preserve and Apple Canyon are other popular hiking and wildlife observation sites.
Other Outdoor Activities
Grammercy Park is home to the Hopewell Indian Mounds and offers a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. The Shenandoah Riding Center offers horseback riding. The General at Eagle Ridge golf course is designed to provide a view of three different states at the signature hole. On the Fly offers hot air balloon flights, and there's plenty of fish to be caught and wildlife to be seen in the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
Member Comments
dallastexas21 April 20
After finals I am definitely going to plan a trip somewhere quiet and beautiful like this. My body and mind are going to need a few weeks to relax and de-stress. As much as I love Illinois, though, it's a little far away. I would probably go somewhere closer, and maybe get lodging in Sedona, AZ. Then I could lay out and soak up some of that sun.