Whether you’re planning a winter ski trip or looking for outdoor adventure during the warmer months, Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of the most popular attractions in northwest Illinois. Located high above the Mississippi River, Chestnut Mountain Resort features amazing views, seasonal activities, and family-friendly recreation in one scenic destination. While many visitors know it for skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers plenty to experience throughout the year, making it a worthwhile stop no matter when you visit Galena.
A visit to Chestnut Mountain Resort can easily become the centerpiece of your getaway. During the summer, guests can ride the famous alpine slide Galena visitors have enjoyed for decades, soar through the trees on a Galena zipline course, or take in panoramic river views from the resort grounds. Beyond the mountain, the region offers even more things to do in Galena, including dining at the best restaurants, exploring historic downtown, adventuring at Long Hollow Canopy Tours, visiting the best Galena winteries, and hitting the hiking trails.
After a day exploring the surrounding area and Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, you’ll want to return to the refined comfort of a boutique Bed and Breakfast. Located just minutes from downtown, our award-winning Galena Bed and Breakfast offers spacious suites, thoughtful amenities, and a gourmet breakfast each morning. Whether you’re visiting for outdoor recreation, a romantic getaway, or a long weekend of sightseeing, our boutique inn provides an elevated place to relax between adventures. Book your stay today!
What to Do at Chestnut Mountain Resort
Chestnut Mountain Resort, about 20 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast, sits eight miles southeast of Galena on a wooded bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and it earns its reputation as a four-season destination. In winter, 19 trails, a 7-acre terrain park, and over 475 feet of vertical drop make it a legitimate ski and snowboard destination. Come warmer weather, the mountain transforms into an adventure hub with something for just about everyone in the group.
Some activities you can experience at Chesnut Mountain Galena include
- The Alpine Slide allows visitors to cruise 2,050 feet of terrain-tailored track on a wheeled sled down to the banks of the Mississippi, controlling their own speed the whole way. You can ride the scenic chair lift back to the top for panoramic views of three states. Close-toed shoes are recommended, and children under six must be accompanied by an adult.
- The Soaring Eagle Zipline is an 800-foot Galena zipline with sweeping views of the Mississippi River Valley, launching riders backward up the mountain before racing them forward toward the base. Single and double riders are welcome. Riders must be at least 42 inches tall.
- The Mississippi River Boat Cruise is a guided 1.5-hour cruise through the Driftless Area, past wooded limestone bluffs, with wildlife, regional history, and river scenery along the way. This is one of the most popular attractions, so reservations are highly recommended.
- At the Farside Bike Park, you’ll find a purpose-built mountain biking terrain with trails designed for a range of skill levels, from first-timers to riders looking for a more technical challenge on the mountain.
- The Chestnut Mining Company is a gem mining and geode-cracking experience that gives kids and curious adults alike the chance to sift for gemstones and crack open geodes to see what’s inside.
- Other great options for family-friendly adventure include guided 3-mile segway tours of the resort grounds, a 9-hole disc golf course, and an 18-hole mini golf course for all ages.
We recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance, especially for the Mississippi River Cruises, which are among the most popular attractions. Warm-weather activities open Memorial Day weekend, and since everything runs weather-dependent, it’s worth checking the resort’s conditions page before you head out.
When the day winds down, Summit Food and Spirits is right on the deck of Chestnut Mountain Resort, open daily for breakfast through dinner, with local craft beers, cocktails, and some of the best river views you’ll find anywhere in the region.
Stay at the Best Galena Bed and Breakfast
The best way to experience both Chestnut Mountain Resort and everything downtown Galena has to offer is by staying at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. Located two minutes from Galena’s historic Main Street, our award-winning boutique Bed and Breakfast puts you close to the area’s most popular attractions while offering a more refined and relaxing home base.
Each of our spacious, three-room, 800-square-foot guest suites is designed for relaxation, featuring upscale furnishings, luxurious bedding, and thoughtful amenities. Every stay also includes our signature gourmet breakfast, prepared fresh each morning from locally-sourced ingredients and consistently praised as one of the highlights of the guest experience. Book your stay today and discover why so many guests choose our Galena Bed and Breakfast as their home base.
