Galena Country is known for its scenic locations that are the perfect backdrop for capturing memories of adventure, laughter, and romance. What most people don’t know is that it's a sustainability leader in its region and in Illinois. 
Your Guide to a Green Vacation in Galena
The City of Galena has implemented and is continuing to develop a variety of sustainability initiatives for this quaint, Midwest city. These activities earned Galena a Governor’s Sustainability Award in 2014. The award recognized the city for its demonstrated commitment to the economy, society, and environment through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices. In other words, it’s "greena" in Galena! Find out more here.
Experience Galena the Sustainable Way
Reduce your carbon footprint by parking your car and pedaling instead. Nuts Outdoors makes it easy to explore by bicycle with regular and electric bike rentals, perfect for conquering hills and long distances. Bike from shop to shop on Galena's Historic Main Street, pedal across the pedestrian bridge to Ulysses S. Grant’s Home, reconnect with nature on a ride along the Galena River Trail, or journey to an award-winning vineyard or cruise through a historic cemetery.
Enjoy beverages made from locally sourced ingredients. Get to Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. and Goerdts' Brewhaus for some tasty craft spirits and beer. Both companies brew and distill their product on-site. Nearly all of the grain used comes from Illinois, and the spent grain is enjoyed as a treat by cows and sheep at local farms. Many Galena Country businesses are part of a new Green Designation certification program whereby owners have taken measures to ensure that they are operating with green protocol and must fulfill the required criteria, as determined by the committee. Here is a list of these businesses:
Designated Green Lodging:
-Aldrich Guest House
-Augustus Chetlain Home & Log Cabin
-Belle Aire Mansion Guest House
-Country Inn & Suites - Galena
-Farmers Guest House
-Inn at Felt Manor and Coach House
-Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages
-Jail Hill Inn
-Lamberson Guest House
-Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
Designated Green Restaurants:
-Goerdts' Brewhaus
-Highlands Restaurant and Lounge 289
-Thriving Thistle Market, Bistro, & Wellness Center
-Woodlands Restaurant & Lounge at Eagle Ridge
Designated Green Retail Stores:
-Chocolat' 229
-Galena River Wine & Cheese
-New Earth Animals
-Noty Kity Galena
-Outside the Lines Art Gallery
-River Bend Gallery
Shop till you drop, but don’t leave a trail. Bag up your retail finds in an eco-friendly bag. Ditch the plastic shopping bags and purchase a My Green Galena reusable bag at the Galena Library or City Hall. These bad boys are quite large and are perfect for carrying all those gifts and goodies. Plastic bag pollution is environmentally damaging and completely avoidable. Shopping with a reusable bag is the way to go. The best part? My Green Galena bags are recyclable!
Need a charge?
There's no shortage of EV chargers in Galena Country. Choose from:
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E Myrtle St., Elizabeth
50kW Tritium charger
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Rd., Galena
Wall outlet (120v), EV Plug (J1772), and Tesla HPWC (Model S)
Culver's of Galena
11371 Oldenburg Lane, Galena
Two Tesla High Power Wall Connectors (80A) are available to the public.
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa
444 Eagle Ridge Dr., Galena, Two Tesla Charging Stations
Level ll (80A) and one Clipper Creek (32A). Please see the front desk.
Galena City Hall
101 Green St., Galena
Universal charger located in the City Hall parking lot on the corner of Green St. and Commerce St. Available to the public.
Goerdts' Brewhaus
226 N. Commerce St., Galena
Two Tesla High Power Wall Connectors (80A) and one Clipper Creek J1772 (48A) available to patrons from 4-9 p.m. Mon.-Thu. and 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Please see the bartender.
Goldmoor Inn & Resort
9001 W Sand Hill Rd., Galena
Two Tesla High Power Wall Connectors (80A) and one Clipper Creek (32A) EV charging for guests and patrons. Please see the front desk.
Jail Hill Inn
319 Meeker St., Galena
One Tesla high-power wall connector (80A) and one Clipper Creek J1772 (30A) are available for patrons. Please see the front desk.
Relax, knowing that you have reduced your carbon footprint!
For more information on what to do and see during your green vacation, browse the latest Galena Country Visitors Guide.