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100 Best Midwest Small-Town Getaways

Produced by Trevor Meers. Reporting by Barbara Morrow, Kendra L. Williams, Katie Knorovsky and Heather Loeb

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Galena, Illinois

The preservation movement in this old lead-mining town (population: 3,600) has effectively defined the trend toward small towns reinventing themselves. Framed by northwest Illinois hills, the business district's century-old buildings now house more than 90 shops filled with antiques, home accessories and art. Some 50 inns and hotels welcome travelers, and restaurants serve seemingly every taste. If Main Street or the many festivals get too crowded, escape with a hot-air balloon ride, carriage tour, spa treatment or pottery class, part of a thriving hands-on art scene.

Galena, Illinois >>

Comments

Comments ( 7 )

marion061 wrote:

My husband and i spent an anniversary weekend just a few short miles form Galena,Ill. We had a great time. there is much to see and do in the city itself and the surrounding area is beautiful.

3/21/2010 05:59:06 PM Report Abuse

rakesner wrote:

My husband and I spent a few days in Madison, Indiana at the Historic Broadway Hotel. It is a bed and breakfast. The room we stayed in was on the third floor and did not have a telephone or television. If was one of the best trips we have ever taken. The tavern in the hotel had live music and a very gracious staff. I recommend it to everyone!

3/18/2010 06:37:38 PM Report Abuse

cok1404351 wrote:

It would be very helpful if every time you mention a town you could show a map of the state, and its major cities, and a dot where the town is located in that state. Thank you!

3/17/2010 11:49:50 AM Report Abuse

cmegowac wrote:

I would like to add Waconia, Mn. to the list. We have the best of both worlds here. We're only 30 mi from the twin cities and still maintain the small town atmosphere. Our town surrounds a beautiful lake with and island and we have some great shopping. Our big community celebration is "Nickle Dickle Day" held in Sept. We feature a car show, duck races, bull riding, 3 on 3 basketball, music and crafters in the park, great deals around town and much more. Come check us out

3/17/2010 11:05:11 AM Report Abuse

jbschutz wrote:

I would like to add Winona, Minnesota as a summer destination, too. In June-July, Winona is host to a Shakespeare festival, a Beethoven festival, a sprint and international distance triathlon (Trinona.com) and boasts some of the most beautiful Mississippi River scenery in the area.

3/17/2010 10:23:05 AM Report Abuse

travelintwo wrote:

We have visited the first 5 Midwest's best small towns and are scheduling our 6th town, Nashville IN for this May. We have thoroughly enjoyed every one. Thank you Midwest Living for this well thought out & researched list.

1/31/2010 03:17:28 PM Report Abuse

aclark1952 wrote:

we use your magazine to plan trips from Indiana which are close by.

10/28/2009 11:17:44 AM Report Abuse