Galena, Illinois
Farmers’
Guest House
Getting Around
Galena, Illinois is located in
Jo Daviess County, 160 miles west of
Chicago, 175 miles southwest of Milwaukee,
and 25 miles east of Dubuque. It’s just
south of Wisconsin, and across the
Mississippi from Iowa, so you can easily
make it a three-state getaway, Parking is
extremely tight weekends from May through
October; park next to the Old Train
Depot/Visitors Information Center on Park
Avenue, across the river from downtown, and
take the inexpensive shuttle to historic
Main Street.
When to Go
Galena is an extremely popular weekend
destination, May through October. If
possible visit weekdays and/or off-season,
for reduced rates, less traffic, and a more
relaxing visit.
Sights & Activities
Galena boomed in the 1840s, as miners dug
out the area’s rich lead deposits; in fact,
“galena” is the principal ore in lead. By
the 1850s, Galena was a major river port,
with a population of 15,000 (it’s now 3500).
The lead ran out, the miners headed for
California gold, and fires destroyed many
wooden town buildings. Rebuilt in
brick and stone, Galena is now a
treasure-trove of 19th
century architecture, with much of the town
a national historic district.
History buffs will want to tour the home of
Ulysses S. Grant (he only lived here two
years, but hey…), visit a lead mine, and
take a walking or trolley tour to admire the
city’s architecture. Prefer the
outdoors? You’ve got the Galena and
Mississippi rivers for fishing, boating, and
kayaking, while golf, hiking, birding and
ballooning are also great warm-weather
choices. In winter, visitors can enjoy
cross-country and downhill skiing, thanks to
the
Ice Age glaciers that blessed the area with
a rugged landscape of steep hills and
valleys.
More info…
B&Bs and Inns
Tower Suite, Cloran Mansion
Six miles from town, on a bluff overlooking
the Mississippi River Valley,
Aaron’s Cottages & Goldmoor Inn
offers luxurious suites and handsome
cottages, creatively decorated, and enhanced
by delicious food and generous extras.
A dramatic Italianate mansion built in
1858,
Bernadine’s Stillman Inn has a
lovely garden setting. Dave and Bernadine
Anderson spoil guests with such extras as
breakfasts with a choice of entrees, plus
fruit, cookies, ice cream, popcorn,
beverages, and more.
The
Cloran Mansion is an 1880 Italian
Victorian, close to town, with a tranquil
farm setting. Favorites include the
remarkable Tower Room, with a double
whirlpool tub in the inn’s signature cupola,
and the Antonio’s Cottage, adjacent to the
inn, equally ideal for a romantic escape, or
a visit with children or a pet.
Built in 1867,
Farmer’s Guest House was a
favorite overnight stop of area farmers
bringing goods to market, and remains
equally appealing to today’s visitors.
Guests enjoy gathering in the spacious
common areas for breakfast and afternoon
wine; rooms balance historic charm with
modern convenience.
Ten minutes from Galena is the
Hawk Valley Retreat , a peaceful B&B
with accommodations in the main house and
adjacent cottages. Watch hawks soar
overhead, fish in the pond, and stroll the
nature trails.
For more area B&Bs, click these links:
Galena inns…
Hazel Green, WI inns…
Dubuque, IA inns…
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