Galena Live Cam

You can belong to a resort community of individuals and families seeking a peaceful, creative, and regenerating life.

The Territory surprises you with its beauty. The land is filled with wildlife and wildflowers. You come here and stress dissolves. You can dream viewing the spectacular sunrises, sunsets, misty landscapes, stars, and peace and quiet.

In addition to careful homesite planning, care has been taken to preserve the natural features of this beautiful paradise. Large sections, 2,000 acres to be more specific, of the Territory have been set aside as greenways which consist of broad trails through woods and meadows that touch nearly every property. They remain open for the aesthetic enjoyment of all property owners.

Galena, Illinois is the 2nd most visited location in the state (2nd only to Chicago) At one time, Galena was the commercial giant of Illinois, and the Steamboat Capital of the Old Northwest. Today, it is "the town that time forgot" and much of its appeal lies in the Gothic and Victorian architecture of the mid-late 1800s which have been unblemished by time.

Historic Downtown Galena

Galena's historic downtown shopping district is home to over 140 businesses. Gift shops, apparel shops, furniture, antiques, books, fine jewelry and much more are available in beautifully restored 1800s commercial building that remain from the Galena's heyday as a mining boom town. Bakeries, coffee shops and over 20 dining choices make the experience of spending the day downtown one you will want to repeat.

Galena's many fine art galleries complete the picture. These fine establishments offer work produced by Galena's many fine local artists as well as from artists around the world. American Indian art and sculpture, breathtaking watercolors of local architecture and scenic beauty and hand crafted decorative items can add a touch of Galena to your home.

Galena Square and other Shopping Opportunities

Galena Square is located approximately one mile northwest of downtown on U.S. Highway 20. There you will find groceries, drug stores, video rentals, automobile and motorcycle dealerships, and additional stores to meet your shopping needs. You will also find other fine stores along U.S. Highway 20, such as the Village Shops, Knautz Home Furnishings, Artenia Home Furnishings and Muehleip's Home Furnishings and more.

If golf is your game, be sure to visit the Galena Golf Club on U.S. Highway 20, one and one half miles west of downtown Galena. The course is open to the public. Miniature Golf is available just east of there at the Lil General course at the Palace Campground. Please visit the Parks section of this site for information regarding the Alice T. Virtue Memorial Pool and Water Park and the other fine recreational activities available in our parks.

Galena offers an outstanding array of culinary choices for residents and visitors alike. There are more than 25 dining choices in the immediate Galena area. Many of our fine eating establishments occupy lovingly restored historic buildings creating an atmosphere not found elsewhere. One can choose from fine Italian, Cajun, Chinese, award winning Southwestern cuisine or steaks and seafood, at elegant full service restaurants. Or you can choose great burgers, gourmet deli sandwiches, old fashioned sub sandwiches and outstanding salads at our fine delis and sandwich shops.

If your looking for the best regionally produced gourmet goods, be sure to visit Galena Cellars Winery on Main Street or the Galena River Wine and Cheese featuring fine cheeses from the Tri-State area and around the world. The Grateful Gourmet will tempt you with a wide array of culinary treats and cookware. And for a wine and piano bar that will make you feel right at home, end your evening at the Grape Escape on Main Street

Old fashioned ice cream parlors, hand dipped chocolates, and coffee shops that roast their own special blends are abundant in Galena. Add three fine bakeries to the mix and there is nothing your sweet tooth could want for.

Whether a business meeting, wedding, banquet or any other celebration, Galena has much to offer. Be sure to check with the Galena / Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau for a complete listing of available meeting and banquet space and the capacity of each. Our unique architecture, fine caterers and outdoor venues make it possible to hold any type of special event you have in mind.

The Galena Public Library and Reading Room was established in 1894 by Mr. Benjamin Franklin Felt, a local merchant. It formally opened opened with 1,522 volumes, most donated by the founder, on the second floor of the Galena Post office on January 3, 1895. The condition set by Mr. Felt was that four of the nine members of the board of directors had to be women. This gained national newspaper attention as it was the first time women served on any library board in the State of Illinois.

In 1906, with matching funds from the Carnegie Foundation and the Felt Estate, work was begun on the construction of a new library on Bench Street. Its formal dedication took place on July 4, 1908.

Today, this classical Greek architecture, Indiana limestone building remains much the same as when it was built. Two fireplaces with their glass mosaic floral designs, statues from around the world, a quartoscope, and the original bookshelves and circulation desk remain to make a visit to this library a truly unique experience.

The City of Galena is fortunate to have amenities available to its residents and visitors that would rival that of much larger cities. Live theatre performances, outstanding dining choices, historic attractions, golf, beautiful parks, and outstanding shopping are just a few of the things that can be enjoyed in this picturesque setting.

There are many higher education opportunities in the Galena area. Weather you are seeking a private college experience, a major university or a community college, all can be found within a half hour’s drive. These institutions also provide great resources for the business community and add to the quality workforce in our area.

Museums, Historical Sites and Parks

Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum - The museum is housed in an 1858 Mansion built as a private residence by Galena merchant Daniel Barrows. Much of the homes original details still exist. The museum offers an award-winning audio-visual show covering the grand and glorious history of Galena. It is approximately 16 minutes in length and is shown every hour on the hour. Exhibits cover subjects that include U.S. Grant, the Civil War, costumes and textiles, lead mining and steamboating and more.

Ulysses S. Grant Home - The Italianate Bracketed style home was constructed between 1859 and 1860. It was presented to Ulysses S. Grant on August 18th 1865 upon his return as a Civil War General and victorious hero. The home was given to the City of Galena in 1904 by Grant's children with the understanding that it would be preserved as a memorial to General Grant. In 1931 the city deeded the house to the State of Illinois. The home is fully restored and furnished with Grant family furnishings. Picnicking facilities are available at the U.S. Grant Home Park across the street from the park.

Old Market House - This Greek Revival structure was built by the City of Galena in 1845 to 1846. The main floor was divided into market stalls, the upstairs was the meeting place for the city council and the basement housed the city jail. Exhibits change on a seasonal basis. Public restrooms are available at the adjacent Information Center at Old Market House Square.

Washburne House - This elegant home was built in 1843 by Elihu Washburne and enlarged sixteen years later to it's present size. Mr. Washburne was a prominent Galena attorney and later a U.S. Congressman from 1853 through 1869. He was also an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln and President Ulysses S. Grant. Grant awaited the results of his run for the Presidency in this home. The Washburne family remained in the home until 1882.

Grant Home State Park - Located across the street from the Grant Home State Historic Site on Bouthillier Street. Picnic tables are available.

Grant City Park - Accessible from Park Avenue or from the pedestrian bridge linking the park to the historic downtown shopping district, Grant Park affords a commanding view of downtown Galena and the lovely homes that perch on the hills above downtown. The park features such amenities as picnic tables, a playground, drinking water, a pavilion, restrooms, an historic Victorian Era fountain, gazebo, flower gardens and wisteria arbors.

Alice T. Virtue Pool - This waterpark features a 9,500 square-foot pool, 131 foot water slide, two diving boards, children's play area, a mushroom fountain, sand beaches picnic areas, 1,500 square-foot wading pool, sand volley ball and concession stand. The pool opens Memorial Day weekend and closes the weekend before the start of school each year.