Galena, Illinois, is known for many things, including the home at which Abraham Lincoln gave a speech during his presidential campaign and its Main Street, known as the Helluva Half Mile. However, many people don’t know its importance in the art community. Offering a varied selection of art galleries, our Farmer’s Guest House guests will want to spend at least a few hours exploring the art. This guide to our favorite Galena art galleries will give visitors an easy way to explore the artistic side of our beautiful midwestern hometown. For even more ideas for a mid-western escape, be sure to download our Vacation Guide! Inside, you’ll find all of the top things to do and attractions to visit.
Galena Art Galleries
Outside the Lines Art Gallery, 101 S Main Street
Main Street is the cultural epicenter of Galena, and when you step inside Outside the Lines Art Gallery for the first time, you will understand why. Offering an eclectic selection of many genres, including wood art, photography, jewelry, and glass, visitors will find their joy as they walk the aisles of this comprehensive art gallery in the heart of downtown Galena.
Geoffrey’s River Bend Gallery and Gifts, 112 N. Main Street
The story of this beautiful Galena art gallery is as intriguing as the masterpieces that hang on the walls inside. The owner, Geoffrey Mikol, is also the creator of the art. He is a young man born with Down’s Syndrome who discovered that a camera provided the ideal way to express his creative leanings. Every photo he sells tells a story that will leave potential buyers waiting with bated breath to hear more. The gift portion of his shop came later and incorporated his art in new and exciting ways, including snow globes in rectangular shapes, puzzle pails with his artwork as the picture, and 8 X 8 wall tiles called Sticky.
Galena Center for the Arts, 971 Gear Street
The Galena Center for the Arts is exactly what it advertises: a center for the art community of our Illinois town. Offering exhibits, classes, performance arts, and special events, it is home to 9 different studios that new artists can use as a stepping stone to careers that will exceed their wildest expectations.
West Street Sculpture Park, 620 S W Street
The West Street Sculpture Park, while not technically an art gallery, is worth visiting during your art tour in Galena. Offering 2 acres of beautiful landscape interspersed with steel sculptures that could only be described as funky, the park is an excellent way of mixing the beauty of nature with art pieces you will never want to forget, so be sure to take plenty of pictures as you meander. Local artist John Martinson creates all the pieces.
Relax in Comfort with Farmer’s Guest House
After a long day exploring the artistic side of Galena, coming home to Farmer’s Guest House will highlight your vacation. Offering comfort and style, each room is named after a Civil War general’s wife and is decorated in a style we sincerely hope they would approve. In addition to our rooms, guests enjoy a fresh breakfast each morning, so be sure to bring your appetite! Also, be sure to browse our specials and sweeten your stay! No matter what brings you to Galena, staying with us will ensure you have an unforgettable vacation!