Posted on March 4, 2024
Located in the Northwest corner of Illinois, just two hours and forty-five minutes from Chicago, is the historic town of Galena, Illinois. This picturesque town was home to Ulysses S. Grant and is best known for rolling country sides, rocky bluffs, wineries, antiques, bed and breakfasts, and unique events throughout the year. Check out some of our favorite things to do in Galena that make it the perfect weekend getaway .
4746 N. Ford Road, Galena, IL 61075 | (815) 777-3235 | Website
The well-renowned and historic Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery provides a great atmosphere for the local explorer! This family-owned winery offers tours and tastings on its vineyard grounds... perfect for any wine connoisseur. Our favorite fact is being able to couple their award-winning wines and experience by staying at the vineyard Master Suite or Country Farmhouse. This makes for the perfect quiet country getaway just 6 miles from downtown Galena. Start planning your next weekend at Galena Cellars!
314 S. Main Street, Galena, IL 61036 | (815) 777-1248 | Website
Instead of walking around the hills of Galena, check out one of the the historic or architecture tours from Galena Trolley Tours! The narrated tours offer an open-air experience in the summer and climate-controlled protection in the cooler months. Some sites include the timeless buildings of Old Galena, the home of President Ulysses S. Grant, and many more historic sites and stories. Plan ahead as the Galena Trolley Tours is only open May 1st through October 31st.
227 N. Main Street, Galena, IL 61036 | (815) 776-9917 | Website
With an impressive culture of brewing and local provisions, the Galena Brewing Company has served as a source of comfort and community for the past ninety years! Combining their welcoming historic atmosphere, comfort foods and series of acclaimed craft brews, this brewery is one of our favorite must-dos when visiting Galena. Our planning tip... check out their events calendar for live local music!
304 N. Main Street, Galena, IL 61036 | (815) 990-7203 | Website
Galena is a town known for its preservation of history. One of the many popular activities that rises from this lengthy history is the acclaimed ghost tours of Galena! Our favorite is the Haunted Galena Tour Company providing some of the best haunted site tours in all of Illinois. The extensively detailed walking tours dive into the haunts and mysteries surrounding Galena. Our favorite tour is the Spirits & Spirits Tour which includes a guided walk through three haunted establishments and three specialty drinks. Our planning tip... this is a popular attraction, so plan ahead and book online if possible.
9380 W. US Highway 20, Galena, IL 61036 | (815) 777-1000 | Website
Looking to dive further into Galena's past and modern distillery culture? Check out the tour and tasting at the Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. distillery. This memorable glance into the art of distilling art includes a tour of the distillation area, barrel room, and open floor tasting room and cocktail bar. Our planning tip... this is a popular tour, so plan ahead and book online if possible.