Spooky Things to Do Header Image
Experience the Spooky Side of Galena Country!

Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Galena is the perfect place to celebrate the season of Halloween. Founded in 1826, the city has a history rich in haunted possibilities. From haunted tours and trails to Halloween celebrations, performances and places with stories of their own, here are five ways to experience the spooky side of Galena Country this fall.

1. Celebrate Spooky Season

Each October, Galena's Annual Halloween Parade & Festival takes over historic Main Street for the season's biggest celebration. Elaborate floats, costumes, music and plenty of surprises make their way through downtown as thousands gather for this longtime Galena tradition.

Looking for more of a fright? Head into the woods for Fear Forest at Shenandoah Riding Center. Follow a moonlit trail through the forest, where frightening scenes and unexpected characters wait along the way.

For something a little more lighthearted, grab a putter for Haunted Glow-in-the-Dark Miniature Golf. Li'l General Mini Golf gets a haunted makeover for select nights during spooky season, adding a twist to a classic round of mini golf.

2. Explore Galena's Haunted Side

Once the sun goes down, Galena's history takes on a different feeling. Walk on historic streets while hearing stories of unexplained happenings, local legends and some of the people who once called Galena home. With several haunted tours to choose from, you can decide just how you'd like to explore.

Take to the streets with All About a Ghost Tour, experience history with a pirate-inspired twist on Dead Billy's Galena Pirate Tour, or uncover more of the city's darker stories with Haunted Galena Tour Company.

If you'd rather pair your ghost stories with a drink, join Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl, Amelia's Haunted Pub Crawl, or Haunted Galena Tour Company's Spirits and Spirits Tour for an evening where local history and a few spirited stops come together.

3. Step Into Galena's Historic Past

You don't need to wait until dark to find places that feel perfectly suited to spooky season. Sometimes, stepping inside a building that's been around for nearly two centuries is enough to spark the imagination.

Start at the Dowling House, the oldest home in Galena. Built in 1826, the historic property offers a glimpse into life during Galena's earliest days. Take a tour through the home and learn more about the people and stories that shaped the community.

Then, stay at the DeSoto House Hotel. Opened in 1855, the historic Main Street landmark is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois and has welcomed generations of travelers. Of course, some say not every guest has left. Stories of unexplained encounters and ghostly visitors have become part of the hotel's lore.

4. Take in a Mysterious Show

Give your feet a break from exploring and settle in for an evening of mystery and entertainment.

Dig into Galena's darker history during Murder and Mayhem in a Mining Town, an experience that brings stories from the city's past to life while you enjoy drinks and dessert in the Eli Parker Room of the haunted DeSoto House Hotel.

For another immersive night out, see what's on stage at Amelia's Under the Lamplight Dinner Theater, where dinner and entertainment come together for an experience unlike your typical night at the theater.

Or step inside the intimate P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre, where illusion and plenty of "how did he do that?" moments make for a fitting addition to a spooky-season itinerary. No ghosts required for this one!

5. Shop the Dark Side of Main Street

Before you leave the spooky side of Galena behind, make one more stop on historic Main Street.

A Darkness Lovely isn't your typical shopping experience. Step inside to browse an eclectic collection including gothic décor, macabre art, unusual gifts and curiosities. The shop also serves as a home base for Haunted Galena Tour Company, making it an easy addition before or after one of your haunted adventures.

Spend your days exploring historic sites and Main Street, then see what happens after dark with haunted tours, Halloween events, and mysterious entertainment. Whether you're searching for a genuine scare or simply love everything about spooky season, there's plenty waiting to be discovered in Galena Country. Start planning your getaway and see which side of Galena Country comes out after dark.