This Is The Friendliest Small Town In Illinois
Galena, located in the northwesternmost corner of Illinois, was officially founded as a town in 1826, brought to life for its thriving lead mining industry. The 18th US President, Ulysses S. Grant, also worked in the town briefly during the 1860s. Although lead mining eventually declined and many moved west due to the California Gold Rush, a tight-knit community stayed behind. Today, Galena continues to thrive, holding hundreds of community events each year, and is home to a cozy nightlife scene and friendly farming community. If you are seeking an authentic and heartfelt weekend away, Galena is the refreshing destination you have been looking for.
One-of-a-Kind Tours
Why explore Galena solo when you can take a tour with one of the town’s friendly and knowledgeable locals? Signing up for a tour with Galena Trolley Tours is one of the best ways to start off their experience in town. Guests can ride the original, family-built trolley from 1988 while listening to engaging narration about Galena's architecture and history as the trolley winds through the streets. For an even more immersive historic experience, travelers can join a walking tour led by historic interpreter Bob Buman, dressed as Ulysses S. Grant. Buman brings the 18th president's time in Galena to life while also exploring the town's steamboating and lead-mining past.
The warm and tight-knit farming community in Galena is another highlight of the town. Travelers can learn more about some of the nearby farms with an ATV Farm Tour of Dittmar Farms, offering a chance to explore Galena's farm life and learn about the land while riding an ATV. The farm also has an antique tractor driving experience, in which the local farmers will teach visitors to drive an authentic tractor from the International Harvester Letter Series! There are so many other tours and experiences worth checking out in Galena, including a Beekeeping Tour with Dry Creek Beekeeping, downtown food tours, and wine tours in Galena’s wine country, so make sure to check out Galena’s website for a full list of experiences.
Nightlife
Be sure to save some energy for exploring Galena by night—it's worth it to experience the town's lively music venues, cocktail bars, and theaters, which play a significant role in the local community. Travelers can enjoy a unique evening at the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre, an intimate space where magician P.T. Murphy presents some of his most unexplainable magic tricks.
Amelia's Under the Lamplight Dinner Theater, located on the historic main street, is another popular spot for live music or comedy in the evenings, offering a three-course meal alongside spectacular performances.
For a night in a cozy bar, Galena has several more options to consider. Birch Lounge Bar & Bistro has a laid-back atmosphere, serving appetizers, cocktails, beers, and wines alongside occasional live music. Locals are also frequently found enjoying a night at Champagne on Main, a bar specializing in vintage and non-vintage champagnes, as well as wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Annual Events
Galena’s community hosts countless events each year, making any time a good time to visit. At the beginning of March, the town will host its Whiskey Weekend, where attendees will be able to choose from over 200 varieties to sample. About a week later, the Galena St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will take place, featuring a parade with 30 floats and a Shamrock Shimmy Race to get you into the Irish spirit. At the end of April, the town comes together again for the Grant's Home Front Reenactment & Encampment, a family-friendly event that relives a Civil War Battle and allows families to interact with live interpreters from the 1860s. With the weather warming in May, the community takes to the streets during the Main Street Sidewalk Sale, in which local vendors attempt to clear their inventory.
Perhaps one of Galena’s most well-known events is the Great Galena Balloon Race, which takes place in June and features a spectacle of colorful hot air balloons racing through the sky, complemented by a classic car show and live music. In July, the town celebrates the country’s birthday with fireworks, live entertainment, and food at its annual Independence Day Celebration.
As the weather begins to chill, the town celebrates the coming of fall through a variety of festive events, such as the Galena Cellars 15th Annual Fall Harvest Festival, an event taking place at a local vineyard to celebrate the year’s harvest, and the annual Galena Oktoberfest, featuring polka music, wiener dog races, and, of course, lots of beer. To celebrate the holiday season at the end of the year, Galena hosts all kinds of events, including a Christmas Ball, Christmas Parade, and Fireworks show.
Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
To fully experience the warmth of Galena, travelers should stay in one of the town’s friendly and inviting inns or bed and breakfasts. Visitors will feel welcome at the 305 North Inn Bed & Breakfast, housed in a historic building from 1845 with private decks and several common areas to unwind or chat with other guests. Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast is another fantastic option, rated as the third most romantic bed and breakfast in the United States and featuring 1880 Italianate architecture, cozy fireplaces, and 1.5 acres of gardens to explore. Want to stay on the property of one of the town’s most popular vineyards? Consider making reservations for the Galena Cellars Vineyard One Bedroom Suite, situated above the winery’s tasting room.
Final Thoughts
While living in a city most definitely has its perks, there is something undeniable about the neighborly atmosphere of a small town. Galena is the perfect example as a town that is small in population, but large in community spirit. No matter the time of year, there always seems to be an event going on or a musician performing in one of the town’s venues. Do not be afraid to venture out from some of Illinois’ larger cities and enjoy a comforting weekend away in Galena!
