Galena Trip Guide







What to do
A Bushel and a Peck After you’ve speant a day shopping in downtown Galena, zip out to nearby Schapville and explore this food and antiques store in a former blacksmith shop. See reviews and ratings. [1] (888) 635-4616
AJ’s Copper Garden A display of copper flowers and dragonflies awaits shoppers at this unusual art gallery. (815) 777-4000; ajscoppergarden.com [2]
Beyond the Horizon Find Celtic jewelry and Kenyan soapstone artwork. See reviews and ratings. [3] (815) 777-0190; shopbeyondthehorizon.com [4]
Casper Bluffs See burial mounds and an 1,000-year-old effigy on a self-guided tour. See reviews and ratings. [5] (815) 858-9100; jdcf.org [6]
Earth’s Treasures Handmade jewelry, artistic clothing, and rocks and minerals line the walls. (815) 777-9005
Fever River Outfitters Tour Galena on water or on wheels with kayak, bike and motor scooter rentals. (815) 776-9425; feverriveroutfitters.com [7]
The Galena and U.S. Grant Museum Visitors learn about Galena’s history and President Grant’s years here. Admission charged. (815) 777-9129; galenahistorymuseum.org [8]
Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery Visit the vineyard for tastings and tours, then catch the shuttle back to town. See reviews and ratings. [9] (800) 397-9463; galenacellars.com [10]
Galena Garlic Company Savory scents draw customers into this olive oil shop. See reviews and ratings. [11] (815) 777-9625; galenagarlic.com [12]
Galena River Wine and Cheese Find a wide array of wines, cheeses, foods and beers. (815) 777-9430; galenawinecheese.com [13]
Galena Trolley Depot Tours highlight Galena’s historic sites and homes. See reviews and ratings. [14] (815) 777-1248; galenatrolleys.com [15]
Jamie’s Wine Studio of Galena Jamie hand selects every bottle and creates customizable gifts. (815) 777-0207; jamieswinestudio.com [16]
Massbach Ridge Winery and Tasting Room Try five wines for $3 at the winery’s two locations. Ask for a tour. (815) 291-6700; massbachridge.com [17]
Mississippi Explorer River Cruises Tour guides detail the history of the river, its wildlife and geology. Admission charged. See reviews and ratings. [18] (815) 777-1320; chestnutmtn.com [19]
Mississippi Palisades State Park This multiuse park caters to picnickers, campers and extreme hikers. See reviews and ratings. [20] (815) 273-2731; dnr.illinois.gov [21]
Old Market House The historic former city market showcases changing local-history exhibits. Donations suggested. (815) 777-3310; illinoishistory.gov [22]
Rocky Waters Vineyard South of Galena in Hanover, the winery’s labels include Wild Turkey Blush and Tower Red. Check out the deck view. See reviews and ratings. [23] (815) 591-9706; rockywaters.net [24]
Ulysses S. Grant Home If you are a fan of presidential history, make time for a short visit to the home presented to Ulysses S. Grant upon his return to Galena as a Civil War hero. See reviews and ratings. [25] (815) 777-3310; granthome.com [26]
Washburne House Learn about Elihu Washburne, a congressman and political adviser to Lincoln, at this historic home. Seasonal. (815) 777-3310; illinoishistory.gov [27]
Wooded Wonderland Country Store and Sawmill Pick your own blueberries, and browse handmade furniture and antiques at this organic farm. See reviews and ratings. [28] (815) 777-1223; woodedwonderland.com [29]
Click ahead for where to eat and where to stay.
Where to eat
American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor Keep an eye out for the black-and-white awning to find the old-fashioned specialty dessert shop. (815) 777-3121
Fried Green Tomatoes Choose from Italian classics, such as gnocci, lasagna and osso buco. And don’t overlook the namesake appetizer. See reviews and ratings. [30] (815) 777-3938; friedgreen.com [31]
Fritz and Frites A quaint European cafe serves a full menu of both French favorites and traditional German dishes. See reviews and ratings. [32] (815) 777-2004; fritzandfrites.com [33]
Galena Kandy Kitchen Find wood barrels filled with saltwater taffy and handmade chocolates at this legacy candy shop. (815) 777-0241; oneelevenmain.com/kandy-kitchen.asp [34]
The Great American Popcorn Company Flavors include Freakin’ Hot, Louisiana BBQ, Kitchen Sink and Cinnamon Toast. See reviews and ratings. [35] (877) 777-5676; greatpopcorn.com [36]
One Eleven Main Local and seasonal ingredients take the spotlight at this smart dinner spot. Cuisine is hearty and high-end, running from burgers to glazed duck breast. Start with beer-chedar fondue. See reviews and ratings. [37] (815) 777-8030; oneelevenmain.com [38]
Otto’s Place Cafe and Lounge Stop in for an old-fashioned breakfast or lunch. Banana bread French toast and veggie-goat cheese fritattas are worth waking up for. See reviews and ratings. [39] (815) 776-0240; ottosplace.com [40]
Perry Street Brasserie A European master chef uses organic products in a menu that changes monthly. (815) 777-3773; perrystreetbrasserie.com [41]
Vinny Vanucchi’s Little Italy The inspiration for the Italian menu came from co-owner Deb Coulter’s grandmother, who always seemed to have a pot of sauce on the stove and basil in the house. See reviews and ratings. [42] (815) 777-8100; vinnysgalena.com [43]
Where to stay
Chestnut Mountain Resort Warm-weather activities include an alpine slide (a sled that goes down 2,050 feet of track) and river cruises. From $79. See reviews and ratings. [44] (815) 777-1320; chestnutmtn.com [19]
The Cottage on Lake Galena This lakeside log cottage feels cozy yet spacious and comes with gas fireplaces, a kitchen and laundry facilities. Bring groceries. From $290, cash or check only. See reviews and ratings. [45] (608) 723-7099; scenichideaways.com [46]
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa This sprawling, luxury resort on 6,800 acres has a wide range of lodgings (from single inn rooms to six-bedroom homes) and activities, including 63 holes of golf, an arcade and hot-air balloon rides. From $129. See reviews and ratings. [47] (800) 892-2269; eagleridge.com [48]
Goldmoor Inn Luxury suites and cottages overlook the Mississippi. A turret suite sets the perfect mood for a romantic getaway. From $275. See reviews and ratings. [49] (800) 255-3925; goldmoor.com [50]
The Inn at Irish Hollow Nine miles from Galena, this 500-acre property offers opulent cabins and three guest rooms in an old general store. From $185 for a room, from $295 for a cottage. See reviews and ratings. [51] (815) 777-6000; irishhollow.com [52]
The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel A classic Irish-style pub stars. Spacious rooms and an on-site spa add to the experience. From $109. See reviews and ratings. [53] (866) 284-7474; theirishcottageboutiquehotel.com [54]
For information: Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau (877) 464-2536; galena.org [55]
Prices, dates, and other details are subject to change, so please check specifics before making travel plans.
