Skiing

Winter in Galena: 4 Ideas That Will Have You Coming Back Each Year

Galena is a gorgeous place to visit year-round, but our charming town turns into a winter wonderland during the colder months. Whether your goal for your holiday vacation is to reach ultimate relaxation or reach the highest peak of the mountain, you can find what you’re looking for this winter in Galena.

Before you visit Galena, make sure to have a plan for your vacation. We’ve created the perfect, complimentary Vacation Guide to help you decide the things you want to do in Galena during your winter getaway. Go ahead and take a look! It’s free! 

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4 Ways to Experience Winter in Galena 

1. Play Winter Sports in Galena 

It’s all downhill from here but in a good way! Try cross country skiing, snowboarding, and sledding on the snowy mountaintops of Galena this winter.  

Skiing and Snowboarding

Chestnut Mountain Resort has excellent slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The ski resort even provides lessons if you’re a beginner, and the pros will also love the 475-foot drop! For snowboarding, Chestnut Mountain has been rated the top snowboard park for three years in a row! Plus, the terrain park is the largest of its kind in the Midwest. If you’re looking to gear up before you take on the slopes, you can also find Mountainside Outfitters at the 20,000 square foot ski center. There, you’ll see the best clothing, souvenirs, and equipment rentals. 

Chestnut Mountain Resort at a Glance

  • 220 acres
  • 475-foot vertical drop
  • 19 ski trails
  • 7-acre terrain park
  • 2 quad lifts | 4 triple chair lifts | 1 conveyor lift

Lift Ticket Rates (Lift Only – Other Options Available)

Other Winter Sports

Another fun winter sport you can do is ice skating at Nordic Center at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. You can also explore miles of snowshoeing trails or sled down the 10th hole of the General Golf Course! The resort also hosts the Winter Carnival each year in February with all these winter activities and more.

2. Go Eagle Watching in Galena

Did you know Galena has the second most wintering bald eagles after Alaska? Between December and March, you might see these majestic creatures soaring through the sky along the Mississippi River. One spot that’s excellent for bird watching is the Horseshoe Mound. You can also visit one of the many wildlife parks like Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve. There are even eagle-watching festivals in the area where people celebrate the large, iconic birds and try to get a glimpse of them.

While you’re out spotting wildlife, why not enjoy a winter’s hike? The views along the river trail are stunning, and it’s great for cross-country skiing too. Want something more unique? Hoof It Goat Treks lets you explore the land with adorable, cuddly goats by your side.

3. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Release any holiday stress you may have with a 60-minute, 90-minute, hot stone, or deep-tissue massage at the Spa at Farmers Guest House. Come by yourself, or come as a couple and you’ll feel ultimate relaxation without even leaving the inn! 

4. Visit Some Local Wineries

friends at winery in winter

Stay warm this winter with some amazing Galena wines. Both Galena Cellars Winery and Massbach Ridge Winery are less than a quarter of a mile from the Inn. Our local vineyards produce award-winning, estate-grown wines that are sure to please your tastebuds.

Other Craft Beverage Options

If wine isn’t your thing, try these local breweries or distilleries during your visit. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day in Galena.

Galena Brewing Co.

  • Location: 227 North Main Street, Galena, IL.
  • Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 AM – 9 PM | Friday – Saturday, 11 AM – 11 PM
  • Menu Favorites: General Grant American Stout beer and a Brisket Smash Burger

Pecatonica Beer Tap House

  • Location: 136 E Main St, Warren, IL.
  • Hours: Friday, 4 PM – Close | Saturday, 12 PM – Close | Sunday, 3 PM – 7 PM
  • Menu Favorites: Nightfall Lager

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.

  • Location: 9380 US Hwy 20 W, Galena, IL
  • Hours: Monday – Thursday, 10 AM – 7 PM | Friday – Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM | Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Menu Favorites: You can’t go wrong with the Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Book a tour of the distillery and get an in-depth look at the distillation process for all their spirits

Get Cozy at Farmers Guest House in Galena 

Farmers Guest House welcomes you warmly to our cozy accommodations in downtown Galena. If you’ve ever visited Galena, you know you’ll feel at home in our charming bed and breakfast. We offer delicious, homemade breakfasts every morning to help you start your day with a smile on your face. After one bite, you’ll see why Farmers Guest House is named the Best B&B in North America! 

Rest your head after a day of exploring the historic yet adventurous town of Galena, IL, in our Jennie Room. Fun fact: we named this accommodation after Civil War General John Oliver Duerr’s wife. Get cozy in the king-sized bed, or steam your cares away with a relaxing bath or shower. We make your comfort a priority at Farmers Guest House so that your experience in Galena is a trip to remember. We can’t wait to have you. Check our availability, book your stay, and we’ll see you this winter! 

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What is the weather like in Galena, IL, in winter?

Galena in winter is very cold. Daily highs typically hover in the low 30s while lows frequently dip into the teens. By March, temperatures are milder with highs around 40°F and lows in the mid-20s.

Does it snow in Galena, IL?

Snowfall in Galena is something you can count on each winter. Annually, the area receives around 37 inches, ensuring there’s always a solid base layer to complement the snowmaking capabilities at Chestnut Mountain resort.

What is there to do in Galena, IL, in winter?

Galena, IL, is filled with things to do in winter. If you’re adventurous, you’ll love skiing and winter sports fun at Chestnut Mountain. For quieter activities, hiking and spotting bald eagles is a favorite pastime. In our historic downtown, you’ll find quaint, locally owned shops and delicious restaurants. You can warm up with tasty spirits at local distilleries, wineries, or breweries, and in the evening, return to your cozy room at Farmer’s Guest House and soak in a piping hot bath or unwind in the spa. The options are limitless this time of year!