Galesburg Travel Information
Galesburg, population 33,706, is a railroad hub with a thriving
cultural scene and prairie farmland surroundings. The city is home to
Knox College, a private school founded by anti-slavery social
reformers. Along Seminary Street Historic Commercial District
more than 20 specialty shops, an antique mall and restaurants are
housed in restored 1880s buildings. Galesburg Railroad Museum and
Discovery Depot Children’s Museum explore the city’s train history.
More than 300 businesses including restaurants, shops, antique stores
and art galleries are located downtown. The restored 1900s
Orpheum Theatre is Galesburg’s main entertainment venue, featuring
local performances, national speakers, musical acts and dance
companies. Knox College’s Old Main, the preserved site of the fifth
Lincoln-Douglas debate, and the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site,
birthplace and museum of this Lincoln biographer are the area’s top
historical attractions. Galesburg hosts a variety of festivals.
Highlights include the three-day Rootabaga Jamm Jazz Festival in
March; Galesburg Railroad Days, in June; and in July, Art-in-the-Park.
Lake Storey Recreational Area offers a water park and golf course,
along hiking, snowmobiling, swimming, canoeing and
camping. Galesburg is located 45 miles northwest of Peoria and
45 miles south of Quad Cities. It is accessible via Interstate Highway
74 and U.S. Highways 34 and 50. Lodging options include: bed and
breakfasts and national hotel/motel chains.
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