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Photo: Scooter2424, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
The Chestnut Mountain ski resort is located in Galena, Illinois, 20 miles southeast of Dubuque, Iowa, in Jo Daviess County. It is visible from a 10-mile radius. The ski resort opened in 1959 and features two restaurants, a lodge with 119 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub area, as well as several other accommodations. There are 19 ski runs: 4 Beginner, 11 Intermediate, 3 Advanced, plus "The Far Side", a snowboarding terrain park. The park has two quad chairs, four triple chairs, and two surface lifts.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.