Galena (Illinois) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois
About Galena (Illinois)
The name Galena comes from the word for lead sulfide, and indeed the very reason for the town's early growth was the abundant lead found in the area, mined since the times of the Native Americans. Galena grew to be the most important river port north ofSt. Louis(despite only being on a small tributary of the Mississippi) and in its heyday rivaledChicagoin size and importance. During the Age of Railroads, however, the town passed up a Chicago-Dubuque rail line in order to "keep the sanctity of the port", a decision that began Galena's decline. Floods and the Great Depression took their tolls as well, but soon enough people began to move back and restore the beautiful 19th century heritage. Now Galena has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, taking in its commercial and presidenti
Top Attractions in Galena (Illinois)
Explore the best things to see and do in Galena (Illinois):
- ★Chestnut Mountain Resort
- ★Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
- ★Dowling House
- ★Grant Park
- ★Linmar Gardens
- ★Old Market House
- ★StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery
- ★The Belvedere
Where to Eat in Galena (Illinois)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Cannova's Pizzeria
- 🍴Fried Green Tomatoe
- 🍴Great Galena Cookery
- 🍴Little Tokyo
Where to Stay in Galena (Illinois)
- 🏨Abe's Spring Street Guest House
- 🏨Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Farmers' Guest House
- 🏨Galena Log Cabin Getaway & Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm
- 🏨Goldmoor Inn
- 🏨Main Street Inn
Galena (Illinois) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: