Top Things to Do in Galena

Entertainment with Amelia's includes ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, vineyard visits and dinner theater.

Tour the distillery and taste products like the devilishly good Hellfyre, a vodka with hot peppers.

The 1826 limestone structure, Galena's oldest residence, is furnished with authentic artifacts.

Self-guided tours of the 85 acres reveal burial mounds, a 1,000-year-old Thunderbird effigy mound and migrating birds.

Rent kayaks, canoes, e-bikes and more to explore the Galena River or the surrounding countryside.

Related: Top Things for Active Travelers to Do in Galena

Peer into an 1830s lead-mine shaft and measure yourself against a life-size photo of President Lincoln at the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum.

A restored 1840s granary downtown has a wine-tasting room and wine patio; head 7 miles east of Galena to the vineyard for tours and tastings. 

Saltwater taffy fills wood barrels, and handmade chocolates dot this family-owned shop known for Pecan Georgies-homemade caramel with pecan halves dipped in chocolate.

The selection of unique flavors at The Great American Popcorn Company includes Freakin' Hot, Louisiana BBQ, Kitchen Sink and Cinnamon Toast. Sweets for sale include jellybeans, chocolates and fudge.

Watch pros race hot-air balloons at dawn and in the evening, listen to live music, and check out tethered balloons at Eagle Ridge Resort the third weekend of June.

Six ziplines and a 140-foot sky bridge provide adventure through the forest about 10 miles southeast of Galena.

The downtown location of Massbach Ridge pours a variety of estate-made wines; drive to the vineyard 25 miles southeast of Galena for vineyard and winery tours.

Related: One-Day Itinerary in Galena

About 30 miles southeast of Galena, the 2,500-acre park caters to picnickers, campers and hikers. Fifteen miles of trails lead to overlooks of the Mississippi, rock formations and wooded ravines.

Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at Nuts Outdoors to float down the Galena River, or get electric bikes to explore the area. Guided fishing trips available too.

Take a tour and shop for Galena-forged items at the 1897 space with working forges and smiths. 

The venue's small size makes the audience part of the act at P.T. Murphy's show.

More than 100 boutiques line historical Main Street and side streets.

A tour of the 19th-century Italianate house gives insight into post-Civil War life in Galena and Grant's life.

The friendly staff at Durty Gurt's sling some serious burgers; be prepared for the irreverent vibe (sassy signs, toilet seating in the foyer).

The candy bar martinis at Embe taste like dessert, but that didn't stop us from ordering hot bread pudding too.

Dine on creative Italian dishes, like wild mushroom and kale ravioli. And don't overlook the namesake appetizer.

The split-nationality menu consists of French and German favorites: Fritz fans can load up on schnitzel and spaetzle; for Frites, there's escargot and baked Brie.

Come for big plates of Japanese cuisine, including sushi, tempura and their signature steak teriyaki.

Breakfast all day at Otto's means indulging in treats like banana bread French toast.

House specialties at Vinny Vanucchi's—like Nana Lu's meat lasagna—were inspired by co-owner Deb Coulter's grandmother, who always seemed to have a pot of sauce on the stove.

This spot 9 miles south of Galena offers Mississippi River views and family-friendly activities. Zip down a 2,050-foot-long alpine slide, glide on the Soaring Eagle zipline, tour via Segway or take a cruise along the Mississippi.

Fireplaces in the living area and bedrooms make for a cozy stay in this log cottage. The porch and outdoor hot tub take advantage of views. 

Modern comforts come wrapped in historic charm at the 1880 Italianate Victorian. The popular Tower Suite features a two-person whirlpool tub under a cupola.

The Main Street lodging, in a brick building that dates to 1855, offers 55 spacious rooms with Victorian décor.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find golf, horseback riding, bicycling, kayaking, foot golf and hot-air balloon rides on the 6,800-acre property. Lodging includes 80 rooms in the inn, as well as 200-plus villas and homes.

Indulge like royalty during a stay in suites, cabins and cottages. Some rooms overlook the Mississippi, and the two-story turret suite sets the mood for romance. The inn also serves some of the finest meals in the area.

On a 500-acre property with miles of trails, the inn has five opulent cottages plus two suites in a historic building that was once a general store.

The spacious rooms at the Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, some with patios and whirlpool tubs, don't feel particularly Irish. But the inviting Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub and Grill was designed and made in Ireland. 

The six lavish suites inside this masterfully restored brick building (once the county jail) include Kohler rain showers, gas fireplaces and plush Turkish cotton bathrobes. 

For more information  visitgalena.org