Illinois
A lovely place by the river for history buffs
Galena is tucked away in the hills of northwest Illinois. When lead (“Galena” means lead sulfate in Latin) was found in the early 1800s, the town grew quickly. Mining was the first business that the town did. Galena was the biggest port between St. Louis, Missouri, and St. Paul, Minnesota, by the middle of the 1880s. It was on the Galena River, which is close to the Mississippi River.
The town is on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 85% of it. A lot of the houses on Main Street were here when Galena’s 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, lived there. It’s a lovely and true story of American history. Today, Grant and Lincoln would not find much that has changed in Galena from when they were there. Galena’s stores have changed over the years, but its warm and welcoming personality has stayed the same.
The natural beauty of Galena and all of Jo Daviess County is well known. These hills and rivers have been here since the time of the glaciers and can’t be found anywhere else in Illinois that is as beautiful. You can see wildlife prairies, bald eagles, and effigy mounds that Native Americans built because many places are protected and kept in good shape.
Galena is now one of the best places to visit in Illinois and the Midwest. Also known for its four-course golf course at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa and its cute bed and breakfasts. The General Golf Course there has been praised as one of the 100 best golf courses in the United States. On the Galena River, you can do more than just golf. You can boat or paddleboard. People who like to try new things can go on a Segway trip at Chestnut Mountain or a hot air balloon ride with Galena On The Fly. Four wineries in Galena and Jo Daviess counties make wines that have won awards. With signature dishes and desserts, many of the restaurants are attractions in and of themselves.
Galiena is the beginning of the Great River Road in Illinois. It’s an 885-kilometer trip along the Mississippi River. This drive, which was chosen by National Geographic as one of the “500 Drives of a Lifetime,” tells the story of American history and the people and places that made our country what it is today. The route goes through cute towns and past museums, landmarks, and beautiful wineries, all set against the vast beauty of the Mississippi River.