Fun Things to Do in Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois has a quiet charm that sneaks up on you. With its local eats, craft brews, and low-key vibe, it’s a place you can take your time exploring.
Galena has good eats, brews, and fun things to do. I spent a week meandering through its streets, trying new restaraunts that surprised me, and stumbling into local shops. If you’re into places where each bite and sip has a story, here’s my take on where to eat, drink, and wander in this cozy little town.
Restaurants
Log Cabin Steakhouse: My favorite spot – the flaming saganaki is a must-try!
Little Tokyo: Their lunch boxes are filling and super tasty.
Galena Taphouse: Perfect for brews and casual bites.
Cannova’s Pizza: Classic pizza joint.
Fried Green Tomatoes: Cozy spot for Italian food, the crème brûlée was delicious.
Frank O'Dowd’s Irish Pub: Great for some pub-style eats.
Cafes, Coffee & Breakfast
Otto’s Place: Hands down, my favorite breakfast place for a sit-down meal in Galena.
Galena Bakehouse: Best grab-and-go breakfast empanadas and baked goodies.
Bread and Vine, Kaladi’s Coffee Bar, Galena Roasters: Coffee spots to fuel up.
Breweries & Wineries
Galena Cellars: My top pick – we did a tasting and loved all of the local wines.
Galena Brewing Company and Galena Taphouse: Awesome spots for local brews.
Fergedaboudit Vineyard: Didn’t get to go, but I heard good things.
Blaum Bros Distillery: Cool distillery with good vibes.
Activities
Tennis, Golf, Mini Golf: Perfect for a little outdoor fun, our airbnb had amenities to play tennis.
Root Beer Revelry: Test your palette with a tasting flight of unique draft root beers for a fun and fizzy experience.
Olive Oil Tasting: A fun experience! Try Galena River Wine & Cheese.
Walk (or Bike) the 8-Mile Trail: Great for the views, and the part we walked was beautiful.
Thunder Bay Falls: A quick walk-up, with the waterfall size depending on the weather.
Shopping Downtown: Full of cute boutiques and quirky gift shops for unique, kitschy finds.
Things we wanted to try, but didn’t get a chance:
Hoof It Goat Hike: You can hike with goats! We didn’t have time, but it’s on my list for next time.
Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain: The season had ended, but it looks like a blast with amazing views.
PT Murphy Magic Show: I’ve heard this is a surprisingly fun way to spend the evening.
Kayak the Galena River: A peaceful, scenic way to enjoy the river – I’ll save this for next time.
Scent Workshop: Make your own candle, perfume, or diffuser. We didn’t have time, but it’s on my list for next trip.
