Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
5 Nightlife in Galena That You Shouldn't Miss
If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time. The six-block Main Street boasts striking examples of various architectural styles, ranging from French Colonial to Greek Revival, and a whopping 85% of the town is a national historic district. General Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, lived here briefly before leaving to head the Union troops in the Civil War. Upon his triumphant return, the town presented him with an elegant mansion. That house and other restored historic homes are open to the public. There's much more here to fascinate the history enthusiast: the Old Market House and the Historical Society and Museum, housed in a stunning Italianate home. Before its Civil War glory days, Galena was a booming lead-mining town. Today, you can descend underground into the Vinegar Hill Lead Mine. But don't stay down there too long, or you won't get to enjoy the rolling hills and lush valleys of this charming getaway, which also offers fine dining, numerous bed and breakfasts, golfing and antiquing.
Restaurants in Galena
1. Countryside Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
All of our wonderful tours are 4 hours long, and we visit 3 locations. On the wine Tasting Tours you will visit 3 of these 6 vineyards, Rocky Waters, Fergedaboudit, Massbach, Stone Cliff, Sunset Ridge or Galena Cellars. On the Hop Tour, you will visit 3 of these 4 locations. 1-vineyard, 1 or 2 a very unique drinking establishment from the 1850’s and/or a distillery (we do not visit the distillery much). You will receive tastings/1 drink at each location. We also provide custom tours. Contact us to today to schedule or to find out more!
2. Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
A walking Haunted Pub craw on Galena's main street. Galena's #1 storyteller will guide you to 3 pubs and you will hear documented ghost stories, the history of Galena, Peoples experiences on the tours and interaction with ghost equipment. Lets not forget the perfect blend of spirited spirits. It's an experience you'll be talking about for years to come.
3. The Grape Escape
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
You can find it all here at Miss Kitty's Grape Escape located in the heart of downtown Galena, IL. Relax with a specialty martini or "you're the boss" with our famous creation: Build Your Own Bloody Mary Buffet Saturdays from Noon to 4pm. Live music Friday & Saturday with the Miss Kitty Quiz Show every Sunday.
Reviewed By ibwhte
Never been to Galena before so while staying at Alice Snyder B and B we popped into town to see what's around Great place and atmosphere Staff was top notch Love the place and drinks Band was great and the crowd jumps in for more entertainment Great job Music was nice and the place was really fun
4. The Gold Room
5. The Cornerstone
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
The Cornerstone is Galena's nightlife hot spot. We feature live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday all year long. We have over 60 beers to choose from, a full liquor selection and quality wines, as well. We also feature a small menu with food served late. We offer a Ms. Pac-Man cocktail table, dartboard & an open pool table (it is always free!). Check our face book pages & click on events for our music schedule or visit 365ink for a full listing, as well.
Reviewed By taxicabdriver
Don't believe the speculations of another reviewer stating that the bartender leaves to "get high," I unexpectedly spent my entire evening here chatting with the proprietor, Lane, and smoked a few cigarettes with him over the course of the night. He's a sharp fellow with an uninhibited wit that lends itself to laughter and thoughtful conversation; an adept curator of creativity and expression, Lane's knack for both bartending and the arts is apparent in the ambiance and aesthetics of The Cornerstone. The relaxing atmosphere, live music (5 nights a week), central location, and high-quality bartender make this venue a must-see stop for all, (of legal-age), visitors to Galena looking to kick back and celebrate life with good company. Great beer selection and the barkeeper has a breadth of knowledge when it comes to mixology, the single drawback being nothing on tap. The tunes are eclectic, played by local and traveling musicians true to the accepting traditions of live performance - while I was there several patrons got up on stage to sing and dance in a welcomed, impromptu addition to the performance. If you've got the chops let the bartender know, you'll find yourself offered one of the many house instruments and a spot on stage. I'll certainly be returning for a longer stay in Galena to patronize this fine establishment.
