This Midwestern Town Is An Overlooked Gem That Offers Plenty Of Tourist Attractions

When you think of Illinois, Chicago may be the first thing that springs to your mind — and for good reason. After all, the Windy City is a national urban treasure with an iconic skyline and vibrant neighborhoods full of great eats, cool shops, and lakeside vibes. However, there is more to the Land of Lincoln than the metropolis on the shores of Lake Michigan. In fact, the state is home to a number of charming smaller communities that are well worth exploring in their own right, including the town of Galena.

Situated in the northwestern corner of Illinois on the river that shares its name, Galena is a town boasting a rich history, outdoor attractions, and deep Americana vibes. This heartland community is home to just over 3,000 people, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character. With a downtown featuring a melange of architectural styles, 87% of its buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which means visiting Galena is like stepping back in time.

Galena is also a great place to eat, with everything from fine dining to quick noshes on offer. The fresh bounty of the surrounding farmland makes its way straight onto the tables of the town's restaurants, which helps it punch well above its weight as a culinary destination. Combine this with the classic homes, antique shops, art galleries, and beautiful natural surroundings, and you have a perfect Midwestern weekend destination.

Established in 1862 as a center for lead mining, Galena's proximity to the Mississippi River caused it to transform into one of the busiest ports in the upper Midwest. With that came prosperity in the form of the Victorian homes and beautiful brick buildings that we can still see today. The town's impressive Historic District is home to brick buildings representing a variety of architectural styles, including Late Victorian, Italianate, Greek Revival, and Gothic Revival. Famous among these is the General Grant House, a stately home gifted to the general by the townspeople after his triumph in the Civil War.

Perhaps the best way to take in Galena's architectural wonder is on a self-guided walking tour of downtown, which takes you past at least 20 notable buildings. Alternatively, you can also jump on a trolley tour for a narrated trip around town in a shiny red San Francisco-style streetcar, or — if you're in the mood for pedaling — rent an e-bike for both cruising around Galena and along the area's idyllic trails.

While you're in town, make sure to check out some collectibles and other relics of Americana at the Galena Antique Mall, or take in some local art at the River Bend Gallery or Galena Center for the Arts. It should also come as no surprise that, given its rich history, Galena is rumored to have a few haunted properties. The Galena Ghost Walk is a guided tour that combines history with stories of past and present hauntings, making for a perfect — if a bit spooky — after-dinner excursion.

One of America's most charming river towns, and nestled amidst rolling hills near two major waterways, Galena offers an array of opportunities to get out in nature. The most popular activity is gliding along the Galena River and the backwaters of the Mississippi on a paddleboard or kayak, both of which can be rented from Nuts Outdoors downtown. Also, just out of town you'll find the Casper Bluff Water & Land Reserve. This 85-acre property is home to the Aiken Mound Group — a cluster of mounds and other structures thought to have been constructed by the Effigy Mounds People over 1,000 years ago. In addition to archeology, the park also features hiking trails, great birdwatching, and sweeping views of the mighty Mississippi from the tops of the bluffs.

After working up an appetite outdoors, head back into Galena to eat. Fritz & Frites combines German and French fare in an intimate bistro setting, while Bread & Vine serves up Roman-style pizzas, burgers, tacos, and more, along with quality cocktails and wines. Local institution Log Cabin Steakhouse is your best bet for old school, no-nonsense Midwestern cuts of beef, and the Galena Bakehouse is famous throughout the region for their pitch-perfect empanadas.

Getting into town is also easy. Galena is a two and a half hour drive from Chicago's O'hare Airport — a straight shot west on Interstate 90 and then State Highway 20. You can also get there from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which takes a little over 90 minutes.