Enjoy a Day at Thunder Bay Falls
The soft mist you feel when you’re up close, the sounds of rushing water, the sheer white beauty — waterfalls are one of the most alluring natural wonders on Earth. Fortunately, Illinois is home to some beautiful falls! One of our favorites, Thunder Bay Falls, is located just 10 minutes from downtown Galena. What makes Thunder Bay Falls so great is that you can easily reach it without hours spent hiking! Read below to learn more. For other great outdoor activities and local attractions, be sure to check out our free Vacation Guide! It’s packed with our top recommendations on how to best spend your time in Galena.
Experience One of the Best Waterfalls in Illinois
What to Do at Thunder Bay Falls
We love Thunder Bay Falls because it’s easy to access and the trail is short and sweet. It won’t take you more than 10 minutes to reach the spectacular falls, and the views are certainly rewarding! You can hike down to the bottom of the falls for the best scenery. We recommend packing a picnic and spending some time enjoying the cool breezes brought by the falls. It’s the perfect place to escape the summer heat or take a break from shopping downtown. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you will want to take pictures!
Where to Find Thunder Bay Falls
Thunder Bay Falls is a hidden gem located off the beaten path in Galena, Illinois. Most visitors who come to Galena don’t even know the beautiful falls exist! At the beginning of the trail leading to the falls, you’ll find a small parking lot. Spaces are limited, but the trail to the falls is short so most cars don’t stay long.
More Outdoor Activities in Galena
Galena is home to another wonderful waterfall at Apple River Canyon State Park! Similar to Thunder Bay Falls, Apple Canyon Falls is easy to reach. Plus, the park is full of fascinating wildlife, a beautiful lake, and five leisurely walking trails. It’s a great park to visit if you’re interested in spending an hour or two exploring. For more ways to enjoy the great outdoors, our Vacation Guide (link above) is full of ideas. A few more of our favorite outdoor activities include:
Unwind at the Farmers Guest House
Just 10 minutes from Thunder Bay Falls, the Farmers Guest House is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. There’s no better way to end the day than with complimentary wine and cheese! Afterward, unwind in one of our cozy guest rooms or suites full of comfortable furniture, luxurious linens, fine bath amenities, and more. After a relaxing evening, wake up to a delicious, award-winning breakfast to start your day the right way. Farmers Guest House is your ideal choice for a Galena getaway!
If you’re ready to book your stay at the best Inn in town, check the availability of all our accommodations and choose your favorite. We look forward to hosting you in Galena very soon!
