Girl Most Likely

Welcome!

Some call Galena, Illinois — near the Iowa-Wisconsin border and sixteen miles east of Dubuque, Iowa — “The City that Time Forgot,” frozen in the 1800s. But its one hundred or so dining, entertainment, and shopping options are a present-day delight — the half mile of Main Street’s shopping offers, free of charge, outstanding examples of assorted architectural styles — French Colonial, Greek Revival, Victorian, and more.

Galena is the birthplace of General Ulysses S. Grant, eighteenth U.S. president. His victorious post — Civil War return saw the town presenting him and his family with a house that, while no mansion, would become just one of today’s many restored historic homes now open to the public — actual mansions included!

History buffs will take in with wide, appreciative eyes the exhibits of the Historical Society Museum in its magnificent Italianate setting. Named for its iron deposits, Galena was in its pre — Civil War glory days a mining boomtown. But you don’t have to be into history to marvel at an underground tour of the Vinegar Hill Lead Mine.

Aboveground, myriad pleasures await — rolling hills, sweeping valleys, a golf resort, nearby ski lodge, trolley tours, an array of cozy bed and breakfasts and comfy hotels, hot air ballooning, magic shows, antiquing, art galleries, artisan and craft shops, a distillery, breweries and wineries.

Events and activities every weekend await honeymooners and families alike, who will wonder at the stunning vistas of Greater Galena. Each year this city of three thousand-some souls welcomes over a million visitors. Be one of them!

Jerome Ward, The Galena Visitor (published twice yearly by The Galena Gazette)