Activities in Galena Illinois

 
Galena IL Skiing
Tucked away high above the Mississippi is the acclaimed Galena IL Ski Resort, Chestnut Mountain Resort. Featuring 19 trails, 220 acres and a vertical drop of 475 feet, Chestnut Mountain Resort Galena IL is a premier Illinois Ski Resort with two quads, four triple chair lifts and three surface lifts. Lines are hard to come by at this ski resort due to the number of lifts, trails and expansive acreage. Chestnut Mountain Resort Galena IL, consistently rated one of the top ten ski resorts in the Midwest by Ski Magazine, also offers night skiing. With 26% beginner, 47% intermediate, 21% advanced, and 6% freestyle terrain, every age and style of skier or snowboarder will enjoy Chestnut Mountain. Snowboarders especially love the 7-acre Farside Terrain Park’s half-pipes, quarter pipes, table tops and 25 rails. Even in the summer, visitors can enjoy Chestnut Mountain Resort Galena IL by taking to the Alpine Slide. Wheeled sleds take you down a 2,500-foot bluff on a toboggan-like track down to the edge of the Mississippi River. Where else in the world can you experience something like that! Galena IL Skiing at Chestnut Mountain Resort is located less than 10 miles from our Galena Bed & Breakfast. Other Galena IL Skiing can be found at Sundown Resort. Sundown Mountain Resort is located 25 miles west of Galena and offers down hill skiing and instruction. It has 20 trails, six ski lifts and two terrain parks. Bring your own cross country skis or rent them from Fever River Outfitters and enjoy the Galena River Trail located just one block from the Queen Anne Guest House.
 

Galena River and Apple River Canyon State Park
The Galena River not only shaped the landscape and layout of Galena IL, it shaped Galena’s history. In 1816, George Davenport successfully shipped the first load of lead down the Galena River, and within a few years, Galena IL was supplying 80% of the country’s lead. The Galena River is a tributary of the Upper Mississippi River, which flows just a few miles southwest of Galena. By the early 20th century, railroads had replaced steamboats and the lead industry was dwindling in Galena. Soon, the Galena port that was once one of the busiest on the Mississippi was unused and forgotten. Today, Galena is celebrated and treasured for its beauty and recreation. This river system is one of the finest smallmouth bass fisheries in Illinois and also offers the angler largemouth bass, white bass, walleye and catfish. You may choose to rent a canoe or kayak from Fever River Outfitters and paddle the river. The Galena River Trail, located just one block from the Queen Anne Guest House, was opened in 2005 offering 3.4 miles of hiking, biking and cross county skiing for visitors and residents alike. In 2008, the Galena River Trail was extended and now offers over 5 miles of hiking, biking and cross country skiing. The trail, made of crushed rock, begins at the Galena River Boat Landing and continues south along an abandoned railroad corridor to the Mississippi River and Galena Junction and extends north to the Meeker Street pedestrian bridge and then to Galena's recreation park and swimming pool.
 

Galena IL Shopping
Galena IL Shopping offers some of the best shopping in the Midwest, without the crowded streets! Because of Galena’s architectural and cultural heritage, it is home to a large artistic community. There are 19 art galleries and studios within Galena IL alone! Don't miss the Galena Country Fair held every year on Columbus Day weekend. If you can’t make it to Galena IL then, don’t worry, Galena’s historic downtown was voted “Best Main Street” by Midwest Living Magazine readers. Any shopping excursion in Galena IL turns into an unforgettable experience. For starters, Main Street is filled with numerous little gourmet shops. Savor the decadent flavors at Chocolat’, a wonderful candy boutique, browse the selections at Galena Kandy Kitchen, and try an assortment of different popcorns and candied crunchies at the Great American Popcorn Company. Looking for timeless items that never go out of style? Step into the fashion dimension and check out stores like Max Mitchell Fashion Accessories and Carlotta’s Studio, a fine ladies' boutique that carries classic clothing and unique “artwear”. In addition to adorable boutique stores and tasty food shops, Galena’s Main Street shopping district is also home to some unique shops. The Atomic Toy Company, an incredible, kids' toyland is a place that children always love, and Galena Beads, a gallery of beads, is a place where creativity and jewelry mix. Spend time enjoying Galena IL Shopping and check out some of these fantastic places below. The historic mile of Main Street is sure to make you shop till you drop, but our Bed and Breakfast Galena Illinois will rejuvenate and revive you after a long day.
 

Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the scenic beauty of Galena Illinois. Riding centers in The Galena Territory and around Galena offer scenic trail riding for novice to experienced riders. Take in breathtaking vistas of the Mississippi River, the Galena River, Galena Lake, IL and surrounding countryside. In Galena Territory, the Shenandoah Riding Center offers Horseback Riding in Illinois on over 40 miles of trails. Guided trail rides vary in length and difficulty, but you are sure to have knowledgeable guides and well trained horses for a memorable experience. If you prefer not to ride, why not try a carriage ride with one of two Clydesdales named Jack or Clyde at Jack's Galena Carriage Company. They will tour the historic parts of Galena, such as Main Street or Park Avenue. Ask them about picking you up at the Queen Anne Guest House for a carriage ride and dinner special that they offer on weekends from May to November.
 

Dining Options
Whether your desire is a tender steak or all American hamburger, your appetite will be satisfied in Galena. Galena hosts some very fine dining options, many within walking distance from the Queen Anne Guest House. Below is a short list of some of our favorite restaurants.
 

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Activities in Galena Illinois	Attractions in Galena Illinois

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