Learn More About Galena
Overlooking the banks of the Galena River, the historic town of Galena, Illinois blends the pristine beauty of the Midwestern countryside with a welcoming spirit and endless recreational and cultural pursuits that earned us a place on Forbes Magazine's “Prettiest Towns in America” list and Conde Nast Traveler's “Friendliest Cities in America” rankings.
The rolling hills, scenic roads and timeless ambiance of downtown Galena are to this day a celebration of a simpler era. Founded in 1826 as a center for lead mining, Galena's restored homes and commercial buildings have such a rich history that 85% of them are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to being a historic mining center, the town was home to Ulysses S. Grant in 1860 when he arrived to work in his father's leather goods store. After the Civil War, Grant returned to Galena and was presented with a handsome home that he visited frequently during his presidency. The Grant Home is now a state historic site.
Main Street in Galena has always been the pulse of the community, with over one million visitors a year strolling the two miles of antique shops and boutiques. Numerous
family, ethnic and gourmet restaurants and cafés also line the streets, luring many of Galena's visitors to upgrade into full-time residents.
If you love to shop but have had your fill of crowded malls, boring big box stores and look-alike outlets, the charming town of Galena, Illinois is the perfect place to rediscover the fine arts of treasure hunting and bargain browsing. From antiques and art to fashion and furniture, words like original and eclectic come to mind. No matter what you're shopping for during your stay in Galena, you'll find friendly owners and shopkeepers who love chatting up visitors just as much as they do making sales.
To learn more about Galena, please visit the town website.
