Are you planning a weekend escape to Galena? With stunning landscapes, fabulous wine, picturesque date spots, charming bed and breakfasts, and so much more, Galena, Illinois, is a wonderful place for a romantic vacation! Below, discover the best things to do on your Galena getaway!
Before traveling to Illinois, request a copy of our free Vacation Guide! You’ll find even more recommendations for the best things to do on your Galena Getaway. From upcoming local events to museums and galleries, this guide has everything you need to prepare for your trip and learn more about the many things to do in Galena.
Table of Contents
The Best Things to do on Your Galena Getaway
Explore the Top Hiking Trails
Each of these stunning Galena, IL, hiking trails offers you the opportunity to disconnect from our modern world and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just want to try something new, a morning or afternoon stroll on one of these hiking trails will make a great addition to your getaway!
1. Apple River Canyon State Park
As you walk the Galena, IL, hiking trails in Apple River Canyon State Park, you’ll be surrounded by nature and native wildlife. You’ll find a variety of ferns, plants, flowers, deer, squirrels, and over 40 species of birds. While you are walking, you may even hear the cascading sounds of the Apple River Canyon Falls!
2. Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
One of the best Galena, IL, hiking trails can be found in the Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve. This 85-acre property offers some of the most majestic views of the Mississippi River and the wonderful bluffs in our area. You’ll also see the magnificent burial mounds dotting across the horizon line. In addition, there is a picnic shelter and information station!
3. Galena River Trail
Galena River Trail provides an unparalleled experience with six miles of hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. This smooth path is open to the public and does not have an entrance fee to walk or ride.
After you finish walking this stunning stretch of finely paved rocks, you’ll find the Galena Junction Trail. This 3.4-mile trail is one of our guests’ favorites for its views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding forest!
You’ll also pass through the Buehler Preserve in Galena, IL, on your journey. This 25-acre paradise boasts sweeping views of the hilly woodlands and stunning floodplains. You can see natural habitats, prairie restoration projects, and an abundance of public space!
4. Horseshoe Mound
Horseshoe Mound in Galena, IL, welcomes you at the eastern entrance of our stunning town. One of northern Illinois’ most scenic attractions, this 40-acre natural expanse showcases rolling green fields and outlooks of the tri-state area. On these Galena, IL, hiking trails, you’ll have panoramic views of our historic haven, the Mississippi River, and mounds in Iowa and Wisconsin!
Sip on Award-Winning Wine
Did you know that Galena, IL, and the surrounding area is home to a variety of wonderful family-owned vineyards and wineries? Several of these vineyards and wineries have cozy tasting rooms on Main Street! If you’re a wine lover, be sure to set aside time on your Galena getaway to savor the excellent wine in Galena, IL. Get a taste for local flair, learn about the specific growing conditions and types of wine produced in Illinois, and enjoy some of the area’s most scenic landscapes! Here are the best places to enjoy wine in Galena!
1. Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery
Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, recently named the Yahoo! Travel Best Winery in Illinois, produces award-winning vino right here in town. You can visit their tasting room on Main Street or tour the vineyard just 15 minutes from downtown.
2. Massbach Ridge Winery
Massbach Ridge Winery is another excellent choice for local vino. Like Galena Cellars, Massbach Ridge Winery also has a tasting room on Main Street. In addition, you can take a 35-minute drive through the scenic countryside to Elizabeth, IL, to tour the vineyard.
3. Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery
Located in Hanover, IL, Rocky Waters Vineyard and Winery is a nearby destination that you can reach in just 25-minutes during a stay at the Farmers Guest House. This family-owned winery boasts beautiful outdoor seating areas, excellent tours, and a delicious variety of wine to try.
4. Attend Wine Lovers Weekend
If you’d like to experience all of these great wineries, plus hundreds of others, in the same place, you need to plan a trip for Wine Lovers Weekend in Galena, IL! This exciting two-day event boasts the largest indoor wine tasting event in the state of Illinois. It features over 300 varieties of wine, craft beer, and spirits to try! Wine Lovers Weekend also offers gourmet wine-inspired dinners, excellent vino tastings, cooking demonstrations and so much more!
5. Experience WineTime at the Farmers Guest House
Since the 1800’s, the Farmers Guest House has been a gathering place for travelers and locals alike. Today, things are no different. Each night at 5:00 p.m. our guests are invited to gather in the common rooms for WineTime. This special time each day allows visitors to get to know other guests and learn about the great things to do in Galena, all while enjoying a glass of vino and snacking on local cheese!
Enjoy a Romantic Date
When you visit us at Farmers Guest House, you’ll have easy access to an intimate assortment of romantic things to do in Galena, IL. Whether you wish to explore hand-in-hand through our scenic downtown or spend time together in your rustic retreat, reignite the spark with your special someone on your getaway!
1. The Studio at Farmers Guest House
Nothing says “I love you” quite like treating your partner to a spa treatment at The Studio at Farmers Guest House. We encourage booking 60-minute Couples Massage, one of the most romantic things to do in Galena, IL. When you enter this rejuvenating oasis, you’ll be recharged from this ultimate relaxation experience, just steps away from your guest room. You and your partner will leave feeling more refreshed, relaxed, and closer to each other than before!
2. Linmar Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Galena, enjoy the natural beauty of these stunning gardens. Linmar Gardens is open from mid-May through October, and it’s simply a delightful place to relax together. Whether you take an informative tour or set your own pace, you’re sure to fall in love with this peaceful hideaway. As you walk around, bring your camera to capture the Sunken Gardens as well as the blooming perennials and annuals!
3. Reserve Your Table at a Downtown Eatery
Plan the perfect date night with your beloved when you reserve a table at one of the wonderful restaurants in Galena, IL. Each of these delightful dining establishments features a full menu of sumptuous small plates, indulgent entrees, and decadent desserts. You also find a lavish assortment of artfully crafted cocktails, craft beer, and savory wines.
- Campeche Mexican
- Fritz & Frites
- Log Cabin Steakhouse
- Little Tokyo
- Market House
- One-Eleven Main
- Vinnie Vanucchi’s Little Italy
Many of these restaurants are situated on the Helluva Half Mile in downtown Galena, just around the corner from Farmers Guest House!
4. Grant Park
If you or your partner is a history lover, you’ll love exploring Grant Park in Galena, IL. This 3.5-acre city escape is situated on the Galena River and offers a collection of Civil War artifacts. In fact, this haven is actually named after General Ulysses S. Grant (who grew up here), and there is a statue commemorating him!
Take a look at our blog on the best Galena, IL, parks for more picnic-worthy spots!
Stay at Galena’s Top B&B
At the Farmers Guest House, you’ll find premier accommodations conveniently located just steps from Main Street and the area’s best restaurants, hiking trails, wineries, and attractions. We serve one of the best breakfasts in North America each morning and treat our guests to a variety of modern amenities with every stay. Browse our guest rooms today to learn more about us.
If you’re ready to book a stay at the best bed and breakfast in Galena, check the availability of our guest rooms now and book your Galena getaway today! We look forward to hearing all about your adventures.