Uylsses S. Grant's home in Galena

Chicagoans plagued by cabin fever and nature lovers alike, flock to the charming respite of Galena, IL.   Located about 160 miles from Chicago, Galena offers a  nearby,lovely, pastoral getaway. Nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Illinois, Galena is filled with historic French Colonial and Victorian architecture, art galleries and specialty shops. The small town also supplies a host of outdoor activities including horseback riding, fishing, hot air ballooning , ice skating and skiing.  Noted for being the home of Civil War hear and 18Th president Ulysses S. Grant, a visit to his expansive house is a Galena must-do.

Tour Galena’s largest and most elegant mansion, Ryan Mansion, built in 1876, for a peek into Victorian life. Take in the winter art show at  Stone House Pottery & Gallery for an exhibit of oils, water colors and acrylics by artist Dwight Walles.  Join the spirits on the “All About A Ghost Tour ” at Galena’s oldest hotel, De Soto House Hotel and hear authentic stories about Galena’s ghostly past. Relax at the Massbach Wine Tasting and sip estate wines from Massbach Ridges 18 acres of grapevines.  Top off your adventures at Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape  Wine & Martini Cosmopolitan Cocktail Lounge and take in some live local music.  Unwind at Bernadine’s Stillman Inn, located in a historic Galena mansion.

Photo courtesy of Galena CVB