Galena is a popular tourist destination in northwest Illinois. The combination of history, architecture, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery satisfies a wide range of interests, making Galena a great place to vacation with the family. There are many affordable opportunities to camp in and around Galena, whether you prefer to sleep outdoors in a rustic tent or vacation in a luxury RV hooked up to full-service amenities.
About Galena
Galena sits in the northwest corner of Illinois on the banks of the Mississippi River, just across the river from Iowa and a few miles from Wisconsin. The tri-state location affords easy access to parks and recreations in all three states. A walk through downtown Galena is a picturesque journey through time past historic buildings dating back to the Civil War era. Along the way, you can visit the home of President Ulysses S. Grant, the Old Stockade on the Cobblestone Street, which sheltered women and children during the Blackhawk War of 1832, the Galena History Museum, housed in a mansion erected in 1868, and several other historical sites. Historic walking or bus tours are available at the Galena History Museum daily.
Historic Campgrounds
Palace Campgrounds is the oldest campground in Illinois, founded in 1848. The campground is situated on 50 acres of wooded acres two miles from downtown Galena and offers camp sites ranging from rustic tent camping to full RV hookups and five rustic, air-conditioned cabins. Amenities include bath houses with hot showers, a heated pool and a baby pool, a children's playground, basketball courts and shuffleboard. Palace Campground is open from April 1st to November 1st.
State Parks
Located less than 20 miles from Galena, Apple River Canyon State Park is characterized by limestone bluffs and formations, deep ravines, springs, streams and abundant wildlife. Rustic camp sites are available inside the park, including winter camping in the Walnut Grove Youth area. Park activities include five hiking trails, limited hunting and fishing in the Apple River.
Just across the river from Apple River Canyon State Park is Iowa's Belleview State Park, featuring 770 acres with high bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, walking trails through the woods, a butterfly sanctuary and a nature center. Camping is available in the Dyas section of the park.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the area's variety of sporting activities. Kayak, canoe or fish one of the area's many scenic waterways, remain on land and take the dry route on one of the many biking and hiking trails through the countryside, or choose from one of the 10 top-rated golf courses within a 20-mile radius. During the winter, Galena's gentle rolling hills make for great sledding, or visit Chestnut Mountain Resort for snow skiing.
Local Events
Galena's annual calendar is packed with events, from the Mardi Gras celebration and the Wine Lovers' weekend in March to the spectacular three-day Great Galena Balloon Race in June featuring a festival atmosphere, 20 colorful hot air balloons and a collectors' car show. In the summer, celebrate Independence Day with a parade of floats, bands and marchers followed by an impressive fireworks display.
October events start with Galena Oktoberfest where you can watch the wiener dog races, learn the polka and participate in a bean bag tournament to benefit Galena Lions Club charities. Later in the month, on Columbus Day weekend, attend the Galena Country Fair for old-fashioned family-style fun featuring arts and crafts, live entertainment, a country bake shop and farmer's market, and games and activities for the kids.
Events during the holiday season in Galena include a number of Christmas-themed events and the elegant annual Mistletoe Ball featuring a lavish feast and ballroom dancing. No matter what time of year you choose to go camping in Galena, something special is happening.
Member Comments