Beautiful year round, Galena Country offers breathtaking views, delicious food, one-of-a-kind boutique shops and priceless memories waiting to be made on a scenic road trip. 

Elizabeth

Traveling west on Highway 20 towards Galena, you will drive through the charming village of Elizabeth. Stretch your legs and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast at E-Town Coffee Co. Pick up a bottle of wine from their great selection for that sundowner later on, and browse the local art on display.

Before you leave, grab a cup of E-Town’s locally roasted, freshly ground coffee for the road! Elizabeth is where the battle of the Apple River Fort took place as part of the Black Hawk War in 1832. An exact replica of the fort lies on Myrtle Street if you want to take a peek.

Long Hollow Scenic Overlook

As you leave Elizabeth, you will be treated to views of wooded countryside interspersed with neat farmsteads and hilly terrain. Who says Illinois is flat? Not here! A must-stop is the Long Hollow Scenic Overlook. The breathtaking scenery of Galena Country’s rolling countryside is quite something! Be sure to use this perfect backdrop to snap your selfies!

Tapley Woods

Traveling just a little further will take you into the Tapley Woods Conservation Area, home to the Long Hollow Canopy Tours. Driving through this area is a special treat in any season! The forest crowds in close to the roadside, and with low speeds and open windows, you can enjoy the sounds of birdsong and the buzz of insects. There are spots where the trail breaks clear of the woods and opens up to views of the hilly landscape.

Galena

Ahhhh, Galena! Such beauty and so much history! As you enter this town, you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set. Frozen in time, the Historic Main Street is lined with beautifully restored 19th Century buildings which house art galleries, eclectic boutiques, and stores as well as restaurants. Nearly every scene offers a picturesque background you won’t forget.

Stop in at the 1864 American Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor which features an old-fashioned fountain and original cabinets. Grab a refreshing ice cream and take a seat on a sidewalk bench to take in the sights and sounds of Galena. Directly next door to the ice cream parlor is Galena’s Kandy Kitchen. You can’t pass up the opportunity of purchasing some lip-smacking homemade candy for the rest of the drive!

Menominee

While you munch on that delicious candy, continue west to Menominee. This quaint village is located on the Little Menominee River near East Dubuque. J.M.’s Tap is Menominee’s hidden gem! This family-run restaurant specializes in homemade pizza and features all-you-can-eat Friday fish fry! Enjoy a hearty meal as you get to know the locals and share your Galena Country experience with them.

Everywhere you go in Galena Country turns into a classic road trip, packed with adventure and places to explore. There is no hurry, take your time and soak it all in. Start planning your trip today by browsing the latest Galena Country visitors guide, and be sure to book your accommodation early!

When it comes to meaningful male bonding, after-work drinks just don’t cut it! To truly connect with your best buds, you need a 'bro-cation' in Galena Country for everything from thrilling outdoor activities to rocking live entertainment. Don't know where to start? We've gathered a list of great ideas for your man-cation.

Lodging

Before the shenanigans begin, make sure that you have a place to rest your weary head after an action-packed day! Galena Country has a wide variety of lodging options to choose from but here are some fun stays for your guy's getaway:

Arrowhead Tree House, Elizabeth
Brixen Ivy Ranch, Elizabeth
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Galena
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, Galena
LeFevre Inn & Resort, Galena
Palace Campground, Galena 

Get Outdoors 

Galena Country's rolling terrain creates a natural playground for unique outdoor activities! Feed your hunger for adventure with these experiences: 

Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve, Galena
Drive 20 Golf Trail, Galena Country
Galena Fly Fishing Outfitters, Galena 
Galena On the Fly Hot Air Balloons, Galena
Hoof It Goat Treks, Galena
Nuts Outdoors, Galena
River Valley Hunting, Scales Mound
Shenandoah Riding Center, Galena
Woodbine Bend Golf Course, Woodbine

Raise your glass

Taste local in Galena Country by savoring handcrafted and award-winning beer, wine, and spirits, or hang out with the locals in hidden small-town bars and pubs. 

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., Galena 
Highway 20 Brewing Co., Elizabeth
Incognito Bar, East Dubuque
The Otherside, East Dubuque 

Shop Galena's Main Street

From leather apparel, cigars, locally roasted coffee, and sportswear to delicious food items, everyone in your group will find something on Galena's Historic Main Street. More than 125 shops and restaurants line this charming half mile.

Galena Canning Co., Galena  
Galena's Kandy Kitchen, Galena 
Galena Roasters, Galena
Nine Generals Cigar Co., Galena
Union Leathers, Galena
Verilife Cannabis Dispensery, Galena   

Fuel your hunger  

Follow your appetite to home-inspired comfort food or trendy eateries and brewpubs; there's no way you'll go hungry in Galena Country! Check out these tasty spots:

Cajun Jack's Bar & Grill, Elizabeth 
Frentress Lake Marina, East Dubuque  
Log Cabin Steakhouse, Galena 
Wally's Pizzeria & Pecatonica Beer Co. Tap House, Warren

Be entertained 

Dare your pals to go on a haunted pub crawl where you'll hear spine-tingling stories of hauntings in Galena! Be mystified by sophisticated sleight of hand at a magic show or enjoy live music played by local talent at a historic 1850s general store and railway station, now a watering hole and live music venue.

Council Hill Station, Scales Mound
Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl, Galena
PT Murphy Magic Theatre, Galena  

Immerse yourself in history 

Follow in Ulysses S. Grant's footsteps with a visit to his home, frozen in time! Learn all about the 1832 Black Hawk War with a visit to the Apple River Fort or watch a demo, using original tools and forges in an authentic 1897 Old Blacksmith Shop!   

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, Elizabeth
Grant Home State Historic Site, Galena
Old Blackmith Shop, Galena

Events fit for a man-cation

Galena Country offers one-of-a-kind events year through; however, some stand out as the perfect male-bonding events that are sure to build on those memories for a lifetime.

Galena Brew Fest
Grant's Homefront Reenactment and Encampment 
Galena Whiskey Weekend 
Heroes For History Stair Challenge
Shenandoah Pro Rodeo 

In Galena Country, we've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will. For more fun ideas on ways to enjoy Galena Country, check out the lastest visitors guide!

Credit: Unposed Photography taken at Fried Green Tomatoes

A vacation really feels like a vacation when you can sit outside and relax with a cocktail, ice-cream or enjoy lunch in the shade while you take in beautiful scenery and fresh air. 

A portion of Galena's Historic Main Street is closed to traffic thru October to accommodate outdoor seating for all food and drink establishments. This adds to the city's charm as it bears a resemblance to the bustling café culture of Paris and Rome. Use this handy map to navigate parking in Galena. 

Spend your morning shopping and strolling the streets of Galena Country, before you soak up some rays with patio pancakes and mimosas. Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor music and refreshing wine at an award-winning winery on the patio or a picnic blanket on the lawn. Make a toast to the beautiful summer evening with a cocktail and delicious meal on a deck!

From secret backyard gardens, to sunny sidewalk-seating, to large covered patios, we have created a list of great outdoor spots in Galena Country:

In Galena Country, we've always been known to have a good time... times may change, but that never will! Plan a one-of-a-kind getaway today, by booking your stay and browsing the digital visitors guide.

It’s been more than 30 years since Field of Dreams first charmed viewers with its endearing narrative of how baseball helps an Iowa farmer reconnect with figures from the past, including his own father. In the film, downtown Galena pinch-hits for Chisholm, Minnesota. Take a stroll and experience a walking tour along Galena’s Historic Main Street, showcasing a dozen key locations featured in the iconic movie.

Download a PDF map with this information here. 

1. DeSoto House Hotel, 230 S Main St., Ray Kinsella and Terrence Mann search the local Chisholm phone book in an old phone booth, for Graham’s contact information. Also in this scene, you can see the Chisholm, Minnesota banner hanging across Main Street.
2. Green Street Stairs, Bench St., Ray Kinsella and Moonlight Graham are spotted walking together in the evening hours to Graham’s office.
3. Embe Eatery & Lounge, 233 S. Main St., Where Ray parks his VW Van while looking for Moonlight Graham in Chisholm, MN. Another scene where the Chisholm banner can be spotted hanging over Main Street.
4. Klein's Market Bakery, 118 S. Main St., This building is predominately spotted in the background as Ray strolls the streets of Chisholm looking for Moonlight Graham. In the movie, you can recognize the building by the old vehicle parked in front of it.
5. Dreams Boutique, 116 S Main St., This scene features the third symbol of Ray’s apparent time-travel back to 1972. He spots an old car and rubs the dirt off of the license plate to reveal the 1972 sticker confirming the travel back in time.
6. Country Crafts & Sports, 113 S Main St., This location is the movie theater where Ray smirks at the marquee advertising The Godfather movie title, stating “One of this year’s ten best”. It's the second moment of Ray’s realization that he has travelled back in time.
7. Great American Popcorn Co., 110 S. Main St., Ray spots the Re-Elect Nixon presidential campaign poster. The first sign of Ray’s apparent time-travel back to 1972.
8. Petals and Primitives, 111 S. Main St., The first quick glimpse the viewers receive of Moonlight Graham, as he passes by in the background.
9. Outside the Lines Art Gallery, 101 S. Main St., The iconic scene where Ray Kinsella meets Moonlight Graham for the first time.
10. Big Bill's Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar, 301 N. Main St., This is the location featuring the bar scene where Terrence Mann interviews Chisholm locals about Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham.
11. Fritz & Frites Bistro, 317 N. Main St., The bar in this quaint restaurant is the bar used in the 'interview scene' mentioned above, with Terrance Mann and residents of Chisholm.
12. Galena Chiropractic, 400 Broadway St., The location of Moonlight Graham’s Optometrist office. During this scene, Ray and Archibald chat about his one-game in the majors with no bat.

Explore and reminisce the amazing locations showcased in the movie, make a few stops along the way and discover even more eateries, galleries and boutique shopping! But first, book your stay and let the planning begin with the digital visitors guide. There's a lot of places out there, but there's nowhere like us!

Photo Credit: Internet Movie Cars Database

Image Credit: EnjoyIllinois.com

Friends are the greatest escape! You don't need to wait for that special occasion to celebrate the magic of friendship - two words: Girl's Trip! Gather your besties, and hit the road to Galena Country, where you'll create a lifetime of memories! 

A fun and beautifully scenic alternative to the highway is the Historic Stagecoach Trail, established in the 1830s! As you near Galena Country, hop off Highway 20, take the W. Galena Road/Stagecoach Rd. exit, through Lena, Waddams Grove, and continue to Nora, where gorgeous Galena Country begins.

In the town of Warren, pop into Dusty’s Closet Antiques to find unique treasures! This small-town store features antique furniture, vintage collectibles, and a small gift selection. Thirsty? Stop for a refreshing pint at Pecatonica Beer Company and a slice of Wally's pizza.

As you head towards the town of Apple River, there is a 6.5-mile detour that’s worth it! Turn left onto N.Canyon Park Rd., which will lead you to the Apple River Canyon State Park. Discover incredible limestone bluffs carved by the Apple River, deep ravines, springs, streams, and plenty of wildlife. This park is ideal for outdoor activities and camping in the summer. In the fall, this park puts on an impressive show of color bursts.

Back on Stagecoach, driving through the town of Apple River, a must-stop is the Thriving Thistle Market & Bistro. This is a gourmet gas station! It supplies zero-ethanol fuel for your vehicle, and the bistro offers delicious fuel for your belly! Treat yourselves to freshly baked bread, pizza, burgers, delicious smoothies, and more! 

After exploring this little gem, keep jamming to that playlist as you cruise towards Scales Mound. Stop at Pat's Country House Grocery for last-minute essentials, snacks, and yummy treats! How about celebrating your girl's trip at a unique and historic 1850’s general store/railway station that has been transformed into a watering hole and music venue? This awesome find is called Council Hill Station in Scales Mound. Ruins of a woolen mill, barn, and silo can also be found on the property.

Otherwise, continue a little further to Galena Cellars Winery, where you can relax on the comfortable wrap-around deck of the charming farmhouse or on the manicured lawn, and soak in the gorgeous views of the vineyards. If you don't have enough time on your hands, you could wait until you reach Galena, where they have a tasting room downtown. How convenient!

Arrive in Galena and check into Ulysses Suites, a fun vacation rental situated right in the heart of downtown Galena - a girls shopping paradise! Explore more than 125 independently owned boutiques, galleries, and eateries on Galena's historic Main Street. Make your own perfume or scented candles at the Scent Workshop, and stop in at Noty Kity to shop lip balms, body lotions, lingerie, massage oils, and more!

Part of the fun of shopping in Galena is taste-testing the unique foods while you shop. Taste your way down Main Street, testing anything from a delicious slice of artisan cheese to homemade candy and freshly popped popcorn. Sip on fresh brews at the Galena Brewing Company, sparkling bubbles at Champagne on Main, or specialty cocktails at Miss Kitty's Grape Escape while singing along to live music played by local artists! If you dare, try a Haunted pub crawl or ghost tour before you turn in for the night! What about a magic show? Visit the P.T Murphy Magic Theatre to witness P.T.'s personable style, mischievous sense of humor, and sophisticated sleight of hand.

A great way to end a fun weekend with the girls before heading back home is to enjoy the relaxed vibe at Millennium Bar & Marina, tucked away on the backwaters of the Mississippi River in East Dubuque. Here you can enjoy some home cooking and specialty drinks at the water's edge while you share your favorite memories of your road trip.

TIP: To add to your already exciting girlfriend getaway, there is a collection of brand new experiences happening only in Galena Country, featuring unique educational workshops, delicious tastings, and outdoor adventures, such a goat trekking - yes, we said goat trekking with adorbale goats! Don’t just visit; make the most of your time with these hands-on, behind-the-scenes fun activities that only happen here.

Galena Country transports people to another time and place to enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and adventures. Some historic, some timeless, and some brand-new, but always original. Start planning your trip today by browsing the latest Galena Country Visitors Guide, and be sure to book your accommodation early!