Travel to Galena, Illinois for Family Fun

One of the most beautiful towns you will come across in Illinois is that of Galena. Galena is a beautiful post lead-mine town and a culturally and historical tourist destination.

Galena is located in Northwest Illinois, only a few hours from Chicago. So, whether you are from the big city and need a weekend away, or you are traveling to the big city and need somewhere to stay, look no further than Galena.

Galena hosts a variety of beautiful and quaint bed and breakfast resorts for visitors. The city is vibrantly decorated and most of the town is considered a part of the National Historic District. The architecture alone is worth a visit and a stroll throughout the city.

Galena is also known for its relaxing atmosphere, which is what draws so many city people there.

During the month of July Galena will be having an Antique town Rods Car Show from the 21-22^nd.

In August, Galena will have a Corn Boil on August 4 and a Sidewalk Sale Days Event from August 10-12 from 10am-5pm.

There is also a Heartland Music Festival on August 17 from 7pm-12am. Also, in August, there is a 4^th Annual High Flute'n Fashion Show on august 18^th and a Market House Arts Festival on August 18^th from 10am-5pm.

In September, Galena hosts Fire in the Forge every weekend as well as Fall Music on Main on September 1.

The Odd Couple will be featured each weekend in September also.

Galena will also be hosting the Illinois Quarter Horse Association Trail ride and Celebration on September 28-29 of 2007.

October in Galena means the continuation of Fire in the Forge and the galena Farmers Market. During the weekend of October 6 and 7, there is the Galena Country Fair. There is also a Duck Derby and a Mississippi Adventure Day in October.

Galena is also home to several attractions for tourists to enjoy. The Apple Canyon Lake Property Owners' Association is a private lake community with a public golf course and restaurant.

There is also the Apple River Fort State Historic Site located in Elizabeth Illinois which is also a beautifully historic town.

Nearby in Dubuque Iowa, there is a Bell Tower Theater which features live stage performances year round.

One attraction found in downtown Galena is the DeSoto House Hotel. The Hotel was opened in 1855. The Hotel is in the center of the town's antique shops, restaurants, boutiques, historical points of interest and picturesque 1800s architecture.

Another beautiful place to see is Galena's Dowling House. This is Illinois' oldest stone structure built in 1826. The Dowling House hosts 30 minute tours and I slocated on 220 Diagonal Street.

The Galena History Museum located on 211 S Bench Street is another beautiful place to see. The museum exhibits include Civil War, mining, steamboating, clothing, geology, dolls and toys. The Museum originated in the 1830s, along with much of the former mining town. The museum is open daily from 9am-430pm and features a museum shop.

The Galena Post office is another beautiful site to see and has an incredible history.

The Post office was built in 1858 of Navoo limestone and. The style implemented by architect Ammi B Young is that of renaissance and the architect is said to have began this architectural movement throughout the United States. On the hillside of the post office sits the old Galena High School which was built in 1905 after the previous school burned. The school was converted into condominiums in the early 1980s.

The Galena Public Library is another work of art that is certainly worth viewing and visiting. The Library was built in the late 1800s and contains over 22,000 items which provide the community with a variety of resources. There are also dozens of literary programs and events for all ages throughout the year.

Galena's beautiful and picturesque setting is certainly worth a trip filled with relaxing shopping and sight seeing. It is also definitely worth it to go to see an art or music festival sometime during the summer.