The Best Things to do in Galena Illinois in 2023
2022 was a fantastic year here in Galena, with many of our top-rated events throughout the year coming back for the first time since the pandemic began. We expect to enjoy all the same number of fantastic things to do in Galena, Illinois, throughout 2023 – but to enjoy it with us, you’ll want to start planning your upcoming getaways in Illinois to our top-rated Galena Bed and Breakfast now!
Though Galena has plenty to offer visitors, most people come here for the undeniable charm of this small, historic town. In fact, Galena is the second most visited town in Illinois, behind only Chicago, which we think speaks volumes about the number of things to do in Galena, Illinois, and how much people enjoy spending their time here. Even more, couples return to Galena year after year to embrace the slower pace of the day-to-day experience here, dine at our restaurants, shop at our shops, and, of course, enjoy time at our Galena Bed and Breakfast.
As you plan out an itinerary filled with plenty of fun things to do in Galena, Illinois, leave yourself plenty of downtime to soak up the luxury at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. There is, after all, something behind our 600+ reviews on TripAdvisor and the nearly 250+ on Google, all of which are 5-star reviews. Add to that a near-perfect inspection score from the luxury-branded Select Registry hospitality group and a ranking of the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the Country and the #2 Bed and Breakfast in the world. There’s a lot to love about romantic Galena getaways, starting right here at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. Book your room today!
The Best Things to do in Galena, Illinois, in 2023!
When it comes to finding the best things to do in Galena, Illinois, you’ll likely get different answers depending on who you ask. Galena is, of course, many things to many different people – but the diversity of things to do in Galena, Illinois, is one of the things we love about it most. That’s especially true when you look at the relatively small size of this charming midwest town! For being home to just over 3,000 residents, Galena sure does offer its residents and visitors plenty of great things to do!
Whether you love tasting new releases of wine, beer, or spirits or would prefer to work off your breakfast calories by doing something active during the day, you’ll find no shortage of great things to do in Galena, Illinois. It really does offer something for everyone – and it’s for this reason that Galena has won awards for being one of the best small towns in America. Located just a few short hours from many major metropolitan areas, Galena is a great place to get away.
Whether you plan to stay in the cozy confines of our Galena Bed and Breakfast the entire weekend (we wouldn’t blame you), or you want to get outside for some adventure, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Galena, Illinois. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Galena for 2023!
- It’s no secret that shopping in downtown Galena is one of the most popular things to do in Galena, Illinois – and that’s just as true whether you’ve been here several times before or this is your first visit. There are some genuinely wonderful shops here, all owned by friendly locals, making it a wonderful place to browse and embrace the way of life here in Galena.
- Between store visits, there are also a few fun tastings you can enjoy in downtown Galena. With so many great options in town, wine tasting has quickly become one of the most popular things to do in Galena, Illinois. You’ll find great-tasting opportunities in town at Galena Cellars Winery, Massbach Ridge Winery, Jamie’s Wine Studio, The Grape Escape, and Champagne on Main. Others in the area include Rocky Waters Winery and Fergedaboutit Winery. You should also sample local brews at Galena Brewing Company.
- The history of Galena is another big draw for many of our guests, so it’s easy to see why visiting Galena’s many historic attractions is one of the best things to do in Galena, Illinois. Top places to visit include the historic Ulysses S. Grant home and the Belvedere Mansion and Gardens.
- After a long day working at our Galena Bed and Breakfast and helping our guests to relax and unwind, our favorite way to do the same is by taking to the popular Galena River Trail. The Galena River Trail is a wonderful multi-use trail that starts just down the street from our Galena Bed and Breakfast and winds its way for 17 miles through the gorgeous countryside of Galena. You can ride it from here to Chestnut Mountain Resort, making it easy to see why it’s one of our favorite things to do in Galena, Illinois.
- Take a tour and sit at the bar for a delicious craft cocktail or two at Blaum Bros. Distillery. Their distillery is located just outside of downtown Galena on highway 20.
- If you want to take in some of the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi River, we recommend heading to Chestnut Mountain Resort, where you can take one of their narrated Mississippi River Cruises. They also offer an alpine coaster and zipline for added fun.
- Speaking of beautiful scenery, one of the increasingly popular things to do in Galena, Illinois, is to soar overhead in a hot air balloon. Fans of hot air ballooning also don’t want to miss the annual Great Galena Balloon Race, held each June. This year’s event will be held June 16 – 18, 2023.
- There are also several great hikes in Galena, IL, including those found at Mississippi Palisades State Park, Apple Canyon River State Park, Horseshoe Mound Preserve, or one of the other incredible Jo Daviess County Conservation properties.
- How about a round of golf? It’s quickly become one of the more popular things to do in Galena, IL, and there are ten nearby golf courses for you to try. Top courses include Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, the Galena Golf Club], Woodbine Bend Golf Course, and the Lacoma Golf Course.
- Finally, if you’re looking for one of the most unique things to do in Galena, Illinois, we recommend visiting our friends at Hoof It Galena. They offer goat treks, which are a fun, healing, and wonderful escape from the ordinary.
Unwind from the Day at our Galena Bed and Breakfast
Whether you enjoy only one of these exciting things to do in Galena, Illinois, or all of them, we have no doubt you’ll have a great getaway. There’s plenty to do here to keep you busy for many days – and even many getaways! Add an active calendar of Galena, IL events to this list, and there’s truly never been a better year to visit us at our Galena Bed and Breakfast.
When you stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast, you can plan to leave feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of your year. Our Galena Bed and Breakfast offers six luxurious guest rooms, each unique in its decor and specific offerings – not to mention their own share of our history – and all are outfitted with luxury amenities. Standard amenities include custom-designed and super-plush Frette Spa Robes and towels, Aveda personal care products, a customizable Bluetooth sound system, and Samsung Smart TVs.
We’ll also treat you to a delicious multi-course breakfast each morning of your stay. It’s delicious and filling and will keep you satisfied for an entire day of enjoying the best things to do in Galena, Illinois. As you return to your home away from home at our Galena Bed and Breakfast each afternoon, we’ll also treat you to a delectable wine, charcuterie, and appetizer tray each afternoon. It features a delicious and ever-changing assortment of house-made appetizers and cookies, a daily charcuterie plate from a local vendor, and your personalized selection of wine or other beverages.
2023 is off to a fantastic start in Galena, and we’d love nothing more than to treat you to something special this year. Book your room at our #1 Galena Bed and Breakfast today.
