Enjoying an Afternoon in Galena Kayaking on the River
Outdoor enthusiasts love to spend time in Galena, located in the beautiful Driftless Region of Illinois – a region characterized by dramatic bluffs, rolling hills, rivers, and valleys. The scenery is gorgeous, but it also allows for so many great things to do in Galena, including a bit of Galena kayaking through the quiet waterway through downtown.
Galena kayaking may be one of the furthest things from your mind when planning a getaway to this quaint and historic town – but we assure you it can (and should!) be a fun, relaxing part of your getaway. The quiet waters of the Galena River are perfect for kayaking and offer a unique vantage point to see Galena’s beautiful architecture and natural scenery.
The Galena River isn’t the only place to enjoy a quiet paddle – the quiet backwaters of the Mississippi River aren’t too far away either! Relax under the heat of the summer sun, and enjoy an unforgettable Galena kayaking adventure with us this summer. It’s just one of the many memorable experiences waiting for you when you stay at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
Enjoy the Best Galena Kayaking Adventure
The Galena River is just steps away from our Galena Bed and Breakfast – which means in no time at all, you can be on the water and paddling your way to an unforgettable Galena kayaking adventure. You are welcome to bring your own boat, of course – especially if you plan to do some kayaking on the backwaters of the Mississippi River – but there’s really no need.
Local outfitter Nuts Outdoors has everything you need to get started on a Galena kayaking adventure. They have a range of products to choose from, including single and double kayaks, paddleboards, and even kayaks outfitted for fishing! They also offer shuttles to get you to and from your start/end points along the Galena River, which makes Galena kayaking easier than ever!
The waters of the Galena River are generally very quiet and slow-moving, which means they are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy an easy Galena kayaking adventure – even if you’ve never done it before! About 10 miles of the river can easily be paddled, including a section right through the heart of downtown Galena. The sections for Galena kayaking include the following:
- 2 hours to and from the dock in downtown Galena
- 2.5 hours from Buckhill to Galena
- 3.5 hours from Council Hill to Galena
- an 8-hour trip along the entire section of the Galena River from Diggins, Wisconsin to Galena.
Depending on the section you paddle, your Galena kayaking adventure will take you past pastures, wooded hills, towering rock outcroppings and bluffs, past footbridges, old railroad bridges, and even remnants of the Galena Lock and Dam. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you paddle, too. Popular inhabitants along the route include Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, and plenty of songbirds and other wildlife.
More Things to Do in Galena, Illinois This Summer
As fun and relaxing as a Galena kayaking adventure is, it’s just one of the many fantastic things to do in Galena, Illinois this summer. From relaxing on the patios and decks and our Galena Bed and Breakfast to wine tasting at local vineyards, you can stay as busy as you want during your Galena getaways! Below, find some inspiration among our list of favorite things to do in Galena, Illinois during the summer months!
- Always at the top of our list of things to do in Galena, Illinois is visiting the great shops and attractions in downtown Galena. These stores, galleries, restaurants, and more are the backbone of our charming community and keep Galena a thriving and interesting place to visit!
- Spend a day in nature at Apple River Canyon State Park or Mississippi River Palisades State Park, both great places for hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and more.
- These parks aren’t the only great place to immerse yourself in nature. Consider taking one of these fantastic Galena hikes this summer!
- Stick close to “home” at our Galena Bed and Breakfast and enjoy a walk or bike ride down the Galena River Trail.
- Take a wine tour to local vineyards, or enjoy a tasting with Galena Cellars and Massbach Ridge Winery in downtown Galena.
- Experience the thrill of an alpine slide or the beauty of a Mississippi River Cruise at Chestnut Mountain Resort this summer.
- Take to the skies for a beautiful morning adventure with a Galena hot air balloon ride!
- How about a bit of horseback riding? Head to Shenandoah Riding Center for a guided horseback ride through the area!
- For something else memorable for the animal lover in you, take a Goat Trek with our friends at Hoof It Galena.
- Finally, enjoy the thrill of zipping through the treetops on a zipline adventure with Lone Hollow Canopy Tours.
Even with these ten exciting things to do in Galena, Illinois, there’s way more we haven’t told you about! We’ll save some for the next time we see you at our top-rated Galena Bed and Breakfast. Don’t miss your chance to stay at the country’s #1 best bed and breakfast. Book your room today!
