Galena Travel Information
Galena, population 3,600, is an architectural showcase and
destination for relaxation, shopping and outdoor recreation. The
area’s rolling hills rise out of the Mississippi River valley
providing scenic backgrounds for top-rated golf courses, trolley tours
and hot air balloon rides. Close to 85 percent of the town’s
buildings, many in 19th century architectural styles, have been
restored and preserved and are listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Tours of these buildings, including President Grant’s
home, as well as ghostly tours, are available. Main Street has
more than 90 shops, antique stores, art galleries, boutiques and
restaurants in restored buildings. The city caters to visitors in need
of relaxation with resorts, spas, wine bars and coffee shops. A
thriving artistic and entertainment community provides the city with
one-of-a-kind galleries, local theater performances and live music.
The city hosts several festivals including December’s Night of
Luminaria, which features more than 5,000 luminaries glowing
throughout the city and along the Galena River levee and
dike. The area is a popular destination for golf. Several of the
area’s 10 courses are top-rated in Illinois and the U.S. Other outdoor
activities include cross-country skiing, skiing, snowboarding and
horse-drawn sleigh rides during winter. The Mississippi and Galena
Rivers provide space for fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Many
of the area’s resort provide horseback riding trails. Galena is
located 79 miles west of Rockford and 15 miles southeast of Dubuque,
Iowa. It is accessible via U.S. Highway 20 and State Highway 84.
Lodging options are plentiful and include bed and breakfasts, resorts,
rental homes.
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