Summer Information For Galena In Illinois






Oct 11, 08

Galena
Illinois

History and Beauty

Galena, located just east of the Mississippi River in the northwest corner of Illinois, is as beautiful as it is historic. American Indians found the beauty of these rolling hills long before anyone else. They called it Manitoomie, which means "Sacred Ground" and mined the lead ore that would put this region on the map.

In the early 1880s people came from all over to try their luck at mining. Many found their fortunes here. Galena became the busiest port on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. But after the Civil War, lead was not in as high demand and the town faded out of the spotlight.

Many buildings remain to speak of the past glory. In fact, 85 percent of Galena is a National Register Historic District. See buildings that include Federal, Italianate, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival styles. These beautiful examples of 19-century architecture will take you back in time to when the steamboats ruled the river.

Galena was home to Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War general and 18 the president of the United States. His post Civil War home here still stands and has been restored. Tours are available of this home presented to Grant in 1865.

The Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum is located in an 1858 Italianate mansion. Exhibits on the Civil War, the history of the Galena River, mining and the geology of Jo Daviess County can all be seen. The museum also provides a video on the town's history.

Adventure Awaits

Along with all this fascinating history is a spectacular landscape that offers a world of opportunity for outdoor adventure. Starting at the top, so to speak, is the alpine slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort. Wind your way down the side of a bluff to the Mississippi River 2,500 feet below.

Two nearby state parks offer a variety of outdoor activities. Hikers can enjoy miles of trails in Apple River Canyon and Mississippi Palisades state parks. Camp grounds are located in both parks as well.

Numerous golf courses in the area provide ample opportunities for golfers to test their skills. There are four courses at Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort alone. Three 18-hole championship courses and one 9-hole course allow the resort to offer a variety of challenges and settings.

A number of exciting events go on here throughout the summer. The Galena Arts Festival, Jo Daviess County Fair, the Stagecoach Trail Festival and the Civil War Encampment Reenactment are just a sampling of what this area has to offer summertime visitors.

An endless array of shops and galleries offer hours, and even days, of shopping fun. The antique stores alone total more than 15. An equally wide variety of dining options exist ranging from elegant to casual.

Arapahoe Basin Ski Area