Mississippi River Banks around Galena and Freeport, Illinois - Galena IL Off the Beaten Path

Preview: The scenery along the Mississippi River, down into the Mississippi River Palisades State Park, is one of the prettiest and hilliest terrains in the state. Beginning at the northwestern corner of the state is the historic lead-mining town of Galena, the third-largest tourist attraction in Illinois (after Chicago and Springfield). Although it wouldn’t quite be considered “off the beaten path,” so many small-town charms are here that it would be a mistake to overlook it. Galena’s life as a tourist attraction began about thirty years ago as a spot to spend the day, browse through quaint shops, hunt for antiques, and visit the home of General Ulysses S. Grant. As an introduction to the town, the Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum, 211 South Bench Street, is an excellent place to visit. Here you can see a slide-tape presentation and tour the museum, which is chock full of nineteenth-century artifacts—from Civil War items to clothing and toys. Most interesting of all is an actual mine shaft from the 1830s. Afterwards you can mosey into Galena’s historic downtown district. Galena’s main attraction is the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Presented as a gift to Grant in 1865, this Italianate home is filled with period furnishings and Grant family effects. he Belvedere Tour Home, Park Avenue, built in 1857, is one of Galena’s largest mansions and has been meticulously restored and furnished with antiques. Galena also has two House Tours weekends, the last full weekend in September and again in June, when you can view privately owned, restored homes, mansions, and cottages not usually available to the public. The above description is an excerpt from "Illinois: Off the Beaten Path." Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for something different, this chapter from the Off the Beaten Path series will help you take the "road less traveled" and discover hidden attractions, unique finds, and unusual locales that most tourists miss.
© Copyright Bob Puhala; revised and updated by Bill Franz published by Insiders' Guide all rights reserved.


This travel guide comes from:
Illinois Off the Beaten Path Guide Book