10 Things to Do in Galena, Illinois, This Winter

Step back in time this winter to Jo Daviess County’s premier tourist destination, Galena, found in the scenic northwest corner of Illinois. Delight in local food and beverages while discovering fascinating American history and enchanting scenery. Visitors enjoy the snowy winter months with outdoor recreation in this picturesque wonderland with snow-covered mountains, hills and valleys featuring the area’s best snow skiing, tubing, sleigh rides and other can’t-miss winter attractions.

“Galena is the perfect year-round destination,” says Tom Rynott, communications director at Visit Galena. “Walking in downtown Galena, visitors can admire beautiful architecture as they enjoy live music, modern art and historic sites.”

Known as Galena Country, the communities of Apple River, East Dubuque, Elizabeth, Galena, Hanover, Menominee, Nora, Scales Mound, Stockton, Warren and Woodbine make up this extraordinary area offering remarkable old-fashioned charm mixed with an authentic contemporary vibe.

Check out these 10 things to do in Galena, Illinois, during your winter trip.

1. Chestnut Mountain Resort

Home to 19 ski runs ranging from beginner to expert black diamond slopes, as well as an impressive snowboarding terrain park, Chestnut Mountain Resort attracts skiers and snowboarders for winter fun. Overlooking the stunning Mississippi River, the full-service resort features an indoor pool, sauna and hot tub area, plus exquisite Swiss-style buildings with a dynamic 7-acre terrain park. Skiers can dine at The Summit restaurant and bar and shop at Mountainside Outfitters.

2. Nordic Center

Part of the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, the Nordic Center, found inside the Highlands Clubhouse, offers impressive winter activities, including a 40-by-80-foot ice skating rink. Visitors can also toboggan down the fairway of the 10th hole, and adventurous guests will enjoy 12 miles of snowshoeing trails. After a day of winter fun, a cozy firepit warms up chilly hands and feet.

See more: Get Your Kicks in Logan County with These 9 Must-See Route 66 Attractions

3. Night of the Luminaria & Living Windows

Enter an enchanting land on Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., to discover the Night of the Luminaria and Living Windows, a free, kid-friendly event presented by the Galena Downtown Business Association. Take a walk down Main Street and watch dozens of windows twinkle in the night sky with magical holiday-themed lights. Local businesses offer extended hours so everyone can participate in holiday shopping before enjoying a cozy evening at a local restaurant.

4. Log Cabin Greek Steakhouse

Galena’s oldest restaurant, the Log Cabin Greek Steakhouse, best known for its mouthwatering steaks and impeccable cocktails, opens for dinner Wednesday through Sunday for the perfect family dinner or romantic date night on a chilly winter evening. Featuring Greek chicken, lamb chops, seafood dishes, salads and burgers, the Log Cabin is famous for its 32-ounce porterhouse, 20-ounce New York strip, 32-ounce prime rib and its 100 wines from around the world.

5. Timmerman’s Supper Club

Overlooking the stunning Mississippi River Valley on Timmerman Drive in East Dubuque, Timmerman’s Supper Club offers gorgeous views, exceptional service and delicious food. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, entrees include a homemade soup or salad with a choice of starch and fresh rolls. Timmerman’s features an extensive menu with seafood, steaks, vegetarian and meat pasta, classic cocktails, and wine and beer pairings. They also open for Sunday brunch.

6. Galena Canning Company

Known for its scratch-made recipes since its founding in the early 1990s, the Galena Canning Company on South Main Street uses freshly sourced ingredients with a wide variety of products, including salad dressings, seasonings, dips, spices, jellies, grilling sauces, and creative gift crates and baskets. Open seven days a week, this must-visit Galena staple entices visitors with delectable foods and bold flavors.

7. Galena Brewing Company

With 12 ales on tap, a full bar and a delicious food menu, tourists and locals love visiting Galena Brewing Company and Restaurant. Located on the northern end of Main Street, it’s open seven days a week with 30-minute brewery tours on Fridays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., as well as by appointment, where visitors can sip a beer or glass of wine and hear about the beer-making process. With live music weekly, this family-friendly spot also showcases the big games on seven large flat-screen TVs.

See more: Local Flavor: E-Town Coffee

8. Downtown Galena

With its rich history and stunning architecture dating back to the Civil War era, fun abounds in the quaint downtown. Locally owned boutiques, coffee shops, wineries, distilleries, breweries and nearly 30 restaurants keep locals and visitors coming to this charming destination

9. Get to Know Ulysses S. Grant

History lovers will enjoy learning about the 18th president of the U.S. at four sites in Galena, where he lived with his family from 1860 until the Civil War began the following year.

Discover fascinating details about Ulysses S. Grant, Galena and early Native American settlers at the Galena & U.S. Grant History Museum, open year-round.

Experience Grant’s Federal-style brick home with an in-depth tour and see the statue of his wife, Julia Dent Grant, at the front of the home. Remember to dress warmly because parts of the tour are outdoors.

On Park Avenue, enjoy a serene 3.5-acre park featuring a statue of Grant, a gazebo, a fountain, benches and historical cannons. Visitors can take a short walk over the footbridge that crosses the Galena River from downtown Galena and glimpse a beautiful town view while strolling in the park.

Finally, take in Galena’s newest historical monument of President Grant, a bronze statue sitting on a park bench in downtown’s Washington Park.

See more: History and Winter Fun Abound in Lee County

10. Snowflakes and Sweets Stroll

On Saturday, Dec. 16, from noon to 4 p.m., Galena hosts Snowflakes and Sweets Stroll 2023. Enjoy delicious, sweet treats from local Galena bakeries, chocolatiers and shops while strolling down Main Street. Each ticket qualifies for a punch card for 10 sweet treats, with a mix of cookies, candies or other sweet treats. Tickets are $30 if preordered and $35, if remaining, on the day of the event. Ticket holders can pick up their cards at Galena Cellars at 111 N. Main St. on Saturday, Dec. 16, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.=