Looking for an easy weekend escape from Omaha? Galena, Illinois is a charming small town about five hours away with plenty to eat, explore, and experience. There is always something fun going on, no matter then season, from shopping and dining to outdoor activities and local events. We recently took a weekend trip and put together a guide to help you plan your own visit!
PLACES TO EAT
These are the places we stopped by while on our trip. Everything was so good and we recommend checking them out if you’re visiting Galena!
Otto’s Place | @ottosplace_
A breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot serving all the classics, plus cocktails and coffee!
Location: 100 Bouthillier St.
Charlie’s Place Eatery
A casual breakfast and brunch spot just off Main Street serving all your go-to breakfast favorites!
Location: 200 N Main St.
Little Tokyo
A Japanese and Asian fusion restaurant right off Main Street serving fresh sushi and Japanese steakhouse dishes!
Location: 300 N Main St.
Fried Green Tomatoes | @friedgreengalena
A well-known Italian Steakhouse serving steak, seafood, and classic Italian dishes!
Location: 213 N Main St.
Galena Cellars | @galenacellars
A wine tasting room off Main Street offering tastings, small bites, entrees, and cocktails. They also host live music and events throughout the year!
Location: 111 N Main St.
Galena Roasters | @galenaroastersspecialtycoffee
A small batch coffee shop serving signature blends and small bites. It’s a great place to start your day in Galena!
Location: 118 N Main St.
SHOPPING
Galena’s Main Street is lined with so many unique shops that you could easily spend a whole day popping in and out, browsing, and exploring everything Main Street has to offer!
Galena Book & Paper | @galenabooks
The cutest book and stationery shop with books, cards, paper goods, and gifts!
Location: 306 S Main St.
Galena Apothecary | @galenaapothecary
A modern apothecary offering high-quality personal care products, perfumes, soaps, and accessories!
Location: 303 S Main St.
Root Beer Revelry | @rootbeerrevelry_official
A root beer and craft soda experience with tasting flights and a full retail shop featuring soda, sauces, syrups, and merch!
Location: 228 S Main St.
Poopsie’s | @poopsiesofgalena
A fun shop filled with toys, games, art, books, and unique gifts!
Location: 402 S Main St.
Candy Carnival | @galenacandy
A classic candy shop making homemade treats along with a wide selection of nostalgic favorites!
Location: 222 S Main St.
ACTIVITIES
We spent most of our trip on Main Street checking out all the unique shops, but there’s plenty more to explore around the area. These are just a few things to check out while you’re there!
Hiking with goats with Hoof it Goat Treks | @hoofitgalena
A guided hiking experience through scenic trails led by friendly goats. A favorite local activity and something new and unique to try!
Location: 616 S Devils Ladder Rd.
Golfing at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa | @eagleridgeresort
Located along Lake Galena, this resort offers championship golf, nature trails, hot air balloon rides, a spa, and restaurants. Golf is open to the public!
Location: 444 Eagle Ridge Dr.
Skiing at Chestnut Mountain Resort | @chestnutmtn
A resort overlooking the Mississippi River offering skiing and snowboarding in the winter, plus ziplining, river cruises, Segway tours, and a bike park in the warmer months!
Location: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd.
Horse back riding at Shenandoah Riding Center | @shenandoahridingcenter
Located about 10 miles outside of Galena, this equestrian facility offers trail rides, riding lessons, wagon rides, and more!
Location: 200 N Brodrecht Rd.
Visit the Galena and U.S. Grant Museum | @galena_history_museum
Explore Galena’s history through exhibits inside a mansion built in 1858!
Location: 211 S Bench St.
Check out the waterfall at Thunder Bay
A 17-foot waterfall located about 10 minutes from downtown Galena. An easy scenic stop with nearby walking trails and beautiful ice formations in the winter!
Location: 233 Thunder Bay Rd.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at Hotel Galena and has such a wonderful experience, but there are plenty of great options in the are, from boutique hotels and cozy inns to outdoor retreats.
Hotel Galena
A boutique hotel near Main Street with fireplaces in every room and continental breakfast included!
Location: 324 Spring St.
DeSoto House Hotel | @desotohousehotelgalena
Illinois’ oldest operating hotel featuring Victorian guest rooms, on-site dining, and a historical walking tour!
Location: 230 S Main St.
Galena Inn | @galenainn
A charming inn within walking distance of Main Street with private bathrooms and a hot tube spa for guests. President Grant was a close personal friend of the owner and even delivered his farewell speech from the balcony!
Location: 301 S High St.
Ulysses Suites | @ulyssessuites
A renovated historic hotel with modern rooms, thoughtful design, and updated amenities!
Location: 214 S Bench St.
Chestnut Mountain Resort | @chestnutmtn
Stay on site and enjoy year-round outdoor activities, plus an indoor pool, whirlpool, and restaurant!
Location: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd.