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City in the United States
Photo: DR04 of English Wikipedia, Attribution via Wikimedia Commons
Galena is a city in the Illinois Driftless Area 16 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and 163 miles west from Chicago. Galena is known as "The City that Time Forgot" for its rich 19th century heritage.
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Considered the finest mansion in Galena since it was constructed in 1857. Guided tours offered about every 15 minutes from late spring to late fall, no reservations necessary.
Chicago Athenaeum
This museum is located in an old brewery building. The museum exhibits include contemporary design, photography, sculpture, and other artwork such as weaving. The museum is headquartered in Chicago with a branch in Schaumburg.
The Dowling House is the oldest building in Galena, now a historic house museum.
The museum is housed in a 19th-century Italianate mansion and features plenty of agricultural history, Old Galena trinkets, and Civil War memorabilia. The centerpiece is a huge painting by Thomas Nast entitled "Peace in the Union," upstairs.
The house probably appears much like it did in the 1860s and 1870s, as much of the original furniture has been placed throughout the house. He only lived here for a short time, though: a year before the Civil War and a few years afterwards before he moved to the White House.
The park is on the east side of the Galena River with nice views of the town nestled into the hills. There's a gazebo, a statue of Grant, and some war trophies, including one of the first cannons to fire on Fort Sumter.
The enchanting Linmar Gardens is nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded and privately owned three and one-half acre garden sits atop natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand built terraces. Meander on a guided tour along paths through a collection of vibrant annual and perennial flowers, planted artistically around the inviting grounds.
This Greek Revival building was opened in 1846. It's had a colorful history, holding vendors stalls, jail cells, and city offices. Today it often features local history exhibits, including one about (who else) Grant.
This 1843 Greek Revival home open for tours. Learn about the U.S. Congressman who would become the friend and adviser to both Lincoln and Grant and later be appointed ambassador to France. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Skiing in winter is quite good for the region. Summer activities include an Alpine Slide, zip line, disc golf, mountain bike rentals, and Mississippi River cruises.
Hot air balloon race and festival in mid-June
Offers once-monthly "Glaze and Graze" deals, whereby participants can decorate their own three-piece dinnerware set and put it to use the next night at the Great Galena Cookery.
Pizza and pasta and a diverse wine selection. Quaint and cozy dining with lovely atmosphere.
Cooking school.
A Japanese sushi restaurant noted for fresh fish and other fresh ingredients. It is on the north end of Galena's historic Main Street and a local favorite.
Irish-style pub with live entertainment with an interior designed in Ireland.
Brewpub with six beers on draft (one is seasonal), featuring daily tours (3PM and 6PM, $5) and live music on weekdays (7:30PM).
Third-generation winery ten minutes east of Galena. Two to three tours a day from April to November ($5). Also operates a tasting room and shop in downtown Galena (515 South Main St.)
Sports bar and pizza diner with an outdoor patio.
Casual dining and drinking in an old-style pub atmosphere.
Wine tasting from vineyard and winery growing estate wines since 2003.
Wine and martini lounge with a build-your-own Bloody Mary buffet on Saturday afternoons (11AM-3PM).
Also home of the StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery.
Fireplaces, whirlpools for two, private baths, mini fridge with complimentary beverages. DSL Wi-Fi available for guests.
Galena's only 19th-century restored inn 2½ blocks from downtown's restaurants, attractions and shops. 9 rooms including Annie Lloyd's Cottage - deluxe whirlpool fireplace suites.
See a working alpaca farm and stay in one of 12 authentic hand-made log cabins on 45 acres. Walk along Adventure Creek running through the middle of the property. Visit the largest wetlands in Jo Daviess County east of the Mississippi River. Hike along 2 mi (3 km) of trails. Keep your eyes open for the Hines Emerald Dragonfly. It's an endangered species that you might see here. And when the stars come out, view them without any light pollution. Children are welcome but no pets. Each cabin has room for 4 - a new queen bed downstairs and a new full bed upstairs on the loft. Enjoy a fireplace, satellite TV with 180 channels, CD/DVD player, 4 cu ft refrigerator, microwave, central air and furnace. Behind a closed door is a full bathroom with a Kohler double whirlpool with a skylight overhead so that you can enjoy the awesome night sky. 4 mi (6 km) south of Galena & 4 mi (6 km) north of Chestnut Mountain. Established in 1991.
The Goldmoor Inn and Aaron's Cottages and Cabins are high atop the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River. Grand deluxe cottages, elegant log cabins and deluxe suites provide guests with exceptional amenities.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (circa 1850). 6 luxurious and spacious rooms.
Historic 5-room Bed & Breakfast mansion. Luxurious suites with private baths and fireplaces, billiards room and gardens. Breakfasts served in a formal dining room with antique crystal and sterling silver, complimentary evening wine hour, free Wi-Fi and private parking, seasonal specials and packages available.
Hand-carved wood spoons (in-store carving demonstrations), handcrafted kitchen boards, hand-turned wood bowls, home decor.
Galena is only two miles long, so the most convenient way to travel is to park and walk through town.
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Dubuque · Regional · DBQ
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