Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
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7 Nature & Parks in Galena That You Shouldn't Miss
If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time. The six-block Main Street boasts striking examples of various architectural styles, ranging from French Colonial to Greek Revival, and a whopping 85% of the town is a national historic district. General Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, lived here briefly before leaving to head the Union troops in the Civil War. Upon his triumphant return, the town presented him with an elegant mansion. That house and other restored historic homes are open to the public. There's much more here to fascinate the history enthusiast: the Old Market House and the Historical Society and Museum, housed in a stunning Italianate home. Before its Civil War glory days, Galena was a booming lead-mining town. Today, you can descend underground into the Vinegar Hill Lead Mine. But don't stay down there too long, or you won't get to enjoy the rolling hills and lush valleys of this charming getaway, which also offers fine dining, numerous bed and breakfasts, golfing and antiquing.
Restaurants in Galena
1. Grant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By 178randyr - Rochester, United States
Grant Park, located across the Galena River from the city's downtown, is an outstanding place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and survey the landscape. The park offers something for everyone and includes a view of the city, benches, picnic tables, a gazebo, several cannons, a statue of General and President U.S. Grant, a fountain, a playground, and a basketball court. For those who wish to see Galena on foot, the park is an ideal place to start. Free all-day parking in a large lot is located two blocks south across the tracks from the Galena Depot. The Grant House is a short uphill walk. Also, a pedestrian bridge leads directly to downtown, which is filled with old buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars.
2. West Street Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By thesunandsarah - Champaign, United States
Loved the sculptures! A fun thing to do on a rainy day while we were on our way out of Galena! Hope to come back so we can get out and walk around! I have stopped by around 5 years ago and I believe there are more sculptures than there was!
3. Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
There is more to do in historic Galena, Illinois, that shop along the 10-block shopping mall that is the historic downtown district. And there is more to do that visit the many historic sites, including the homes of Ulysses S. Grant and Elihu Washburne. And there is more to do that eat at the many fine restaurants. Be sure to visit the Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve. Located at 870 South Pilot Knob Road, Casper Bluff is a natural reserve and archaeologically significant site that features some of the area's best hiking, birdwatching and sightseeing. Spend an afternoon taking in stunning views of the Mississippi River bluff land, fascinating wildlife and archeology and the great outdoors. Covering 85 acres of idyllic Mississippi River bluffs, Casper Bluff is home to several species of plants and animals as well as historic remnants of culture. The site contains Native American mounds which were created centuries ago by local natives as part of their religious and social culture and rituals. One of the most fascinating mounds is the thunderbird effigy mound, the only known one of its kind in Illinois. It is in the shape of a bird and was built using specially selected and graded earth. The mound suggests that the area once was used as a sacred religious site. Birdwatchers will enjoy bluebirds, bald eagles, hawks, sandhill cranes and woodpeckers. Our knowledge of the mounds is traced to 1900, when William Baker Nickerson, an amateur archaeologist who worked for the railroads, documented 51 mounds at Casper Bluff. The construction of the mounds dates to between 700 AD and 1,000 AD.
4. Horseshoe Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By whitesox18
Must see! This was a short drive from downtown Galena and absolutely beautiful. It is a very high elevation offering great views.very peaceful nice picnic spot. Be aware down a dirt road— you turn near a farm- we missed it first time we drive by.
5. Chestnut Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By HexFun
Despite the brisk fall breeze, we absolutely enjoyed our alpine ride and ski lift. The autumn trees were gorgeous!
6. Linmar Gardens
7. Thunder Bay Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By muselola - Chicago, United States
The waterfall is much larger than I expected! It’s in the Galena Territory near the Eagle Ridge Resort, so if you’re staying there, it’s an easy drive. If you’re in Galena proper it’s a 10min drive via highway 20. There’s ample space to park and a large path to walk up to see the falls. People were even fishing while we were there. Not a big destination, as we stayed for maybe 15 min at the most, but worth the stop!
