During the long winter months, it’s nice to take a little break. Here’s a charming little town in Illinois that’s perfect for a winter day trip.
The little town of Galena is home to fewer than 3,000 people, but it’s chock-full of places to see and things to do.
Visit Galena/Facebook
Take a jingle-bells sleigh ride with Shenandoah Riding Center.
Visit Galena/Facebook These hour-long rides include a halfway point stop with a bonfire and cocoa. Make your reservation in advance by calling (815) 777-9550.
Go for a stroll downtown and shop at the quaint stores there. During Christmastime, the shop windows come alive with holiday displays.
Visit Galena/Facebook Galena’s downtown area is so quaint and charming that you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon there. You’ll find shops selling local goods, art museums, cafes, and coffee shops.
Visit the historic homes and museums.
Spiderpig41/Tripadvisor Galena is full of historic homes and buildings. Take the guided tour at the home of Ulysses S. Grant (shown here) to learn more about this charming home’s history. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at 500 Bouthillier Street.
Go sledding, skiing, or snowboarding at Chesnut Mountain Resort.
SHW2733/Tripadvisor Grab your cold weather gear and head for the hills for a morning or afternoon of snowy fun.
Go for a winter hike.
Visit Galena/Facebook Strap on a pair of snowshoes (you can rent them in town or bring your own) and explore the natural areas.
Tour the Blaum Bros. Distilling Company.
Sherman R./Tripadvisor Take the brewery tour, where you’ll learn how this little home-grown company creates craft spirits.9380 W Highway 20.
Dine at one of the many restaurants in Galena.
980candace/Tripadvisor Fried Green Tomatoes (pictured here) is just one of many great dining options in this foodie town.
Have you visited Galena in the winter? Tell us about your adventures there!
Visit Galena/Facebook
These hour-long rides include a halfway point stop with a bonfire and cocoa. Make your reservation in advance by calling (815) 777-9550.
Galena’s downtown area is so quaint and charming that you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon there. You’ll find shops selling local goods, art museums, cafes, and coffee shops.
Spiderpig41/Tripadvisor
Galena is full of historic homes and buildings. Take the guided tour at the home of Ulysses S. Grant (shown here) to learn more about this charming home’s history. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at 500 Bouthillier Street.
SHW2733/Tripadvisor
Grab your cold weather gear and head for the hills for a morning or afternoon of snowy fun.
Strap on a pair of snowshoes (you can rent them in town or bring your own) and explore the natural areas.
Sherman R./Tripadvisor
Take the brewery tour, where you’ll learn how this little home-grown company creates craft spirits.9380 W Highway 20.
980candace/Tripadvisor
Fried Green Tomatoes (pictured here) is just one of many great dining options in this foodie town.
If you’re looking for some fun weekend ideas, here’s a unique bed and breakfast to check out.
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