With so much to see and do in Galena Country, it’s always best to have a plan. There's never a dull moment, from zip lining to skiing to ghost tours! Here are some options for your vacay, whether you’re here over the summer, during the winter months, with family or with friends.
FOR FAMILIES
CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RESORT
Just nine miles southeast of downtown Galena, you’ll never hear those dreaded two words: “I’m bored.” That’s because Chestnut Mountain Resort has activities for every age group. (Hint: this is a fabulous place for multi-generational vacations.) They have zip lines, skiing, snowboarding, river cruises, mountain biking, Segways, an alpine slide and an indoor pool.
SHENANDOAH RIDING CENTER
Galena is also a beautiful place to go horseback riding, and the Shenandoah Riding Center is the place to do it. They accept everyone from beginners to advanced riders, and if you stay for a week during the summer months, consider enrolling your child in a half-day or full-day horseback riding camp here.
P.T. MURPHY MAGIC THEATRE
Get tickets for one of America’s best magic shows in the 24-seat P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre. During this night of magic and wonder, Galena’s master magician will undoubtedly entertain with his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
The Galena River is Not. To. Be. Missed. The best way to experience it? By paddling, kayaking or canoeing through it. If you’ve got older kids, try standup paddle boarding (SUP), the trendy way to get in a workout while attempting to keep your balance as you row yourself down the river. Nuts Outdoors will set you up for whatever river experience you choose. Keep the excitement going on land and rent bikes or e-bikes, too.
GALENA RECREATION PARK
This park is 8.5 acres of pure entertainment. The Alice T. Virtue Water Park caters to toddlers through teens; plus, you’ll find playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, a skateboard and BMX bike park, and even a croquet field.
MORE FOR FAMILIES: Hoof It Goat Treks, Sweet Alice’s, Dittmar Farms, Old Blacksmith Shop, Galena and US Grant Museum, Galena Kids, Tacktics Galena
FOR TOUR TAKERS
TROLLEY TOURS
Galena Trolley Tours are a classic way to see Galena. Choose between a scenic trolley tour of the historic district or tour one of three historically significant homes on foot: the U.S. Grant Home, Belvedere Mansion and Dowling House.
GHOST TOURS
There are many places that seem to host spiritual relics of Galena’s momentous past, from the DeSoto House Hotel where ghosts wearing Victorian clothing have been spotted to the local taverns where the spirits still like to have their own spirits. To learn more, check out a variety of ghost tours: Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours, Haunted Galena Tour Company and Matthew’s Haunted Pub Crawl.
GRANT’S HOME TOUR
Presented to Ulysses S. Grant upon his return from the Civil War by grateful citizens of Galena, Grant and his family lived here during his 1868 presidential election. In 1904, the Grant Home was donated to the City of Galena by the Grant family and turned into a museum. Tour this time capsule, which still has its original furnishings.
MORE TOURS: Galena Foodie Adventures, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., Long Hollow Canopy Tours, Galena on the Fly
FOR ON-WATER ADVENTURERS
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Galena is located on the Mississippi River, which provides plenty of water adventures. Take a Mississippi River cruise or dine on land with views of the magnificent river. Grab a famous Bloody Mary at Mid-Town Marina or seafood at Millennium Bar & Marina—both of which have waterfront views.
LAKEFRONT HOME RENTALS
Discover the gorgeous lodging properties of Apple Canyon Lake and The Galena Territory. Sleep along the lake or amid a wooded wonderland in a semi-private residential and recreational community offering a variety of activities the entire family will love.
GALENA RIVER
This magnificent waterway is one of the biggest draws to the area. The Galena River is usually mild, creating the ideal setting for serene water play. The most popular activities on the river include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming. Visit Nuts Outdoors for kayaks or for bikes to cruise alongside the river.
OTHER WATER ADVENTURES: Blanding Landing Recreation Area, Galena Fly Fishing Outfitters, Lake Galena
FOR WINTER ACTIVITY SEEKERS
CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RESORT
Overlooking the majestic Mississippi River, Chestnut Mountain Resort boasts 19 ski and snowboard runs, ranging from novice to black diamond, down its 475-foot vertical drop. This is a one-stop winter fun shop.
NORDIC CENTER AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT AND SPA
This resort has everything. Located at the Highlands Complex at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, the Nordic Center features exciting winter activities to keep you entertained! They have an ice-skating rink, seven miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails and sledding.
GALENA RIVER TRAIL
Grab your skis and go cross-country skiing along this eight-mile trail…gratis. Two popular starting points are the Galena Junction Trail segment (3ó miles) and the Aiken Trail segment (2 miles). Beginning at Depot Park below the U.S. 20 Highway bridge, the trail is heavily forested and winds south to the Mississippi River. No snow? You can also hike the trail.
CASPER BLUFF AND GRAMERCY PARK
Going for the views? Casper Bluff is your spot. You’ll be able to capture some of the most stunning shots of the Mississippi when you’re hiking this 85-acre bluff. Keep your eyes on the horizon for bald eagles—they are often spotted here and in East Dubuque’s Gramercy Park. Check out Galena Country's other parks and trails here!
Before planning your trip, check out the calendar of events to plan for a unique and authentic local experience! Explore all there is to see and do by browsing the latest visitors guide and be sure to book your accommodation early!