Galena and the Mississippi Palisades

My wife and I got away for a short few days and went to Galena. We'd both been either near or through the area before but hadn't stayed long. My most vivid memory was a day trip with my parents about 40 years ago to the Palisades and an over-night with my new bride about 28 years ago in nearby Dubuque Iowa.

Galena is of course the home town of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. His home was not open the day we were there as it is closed on Monday and Tuesday of each week. We were able to walk around the grounds a bit and grab a few photos. Main Street and the riverfront area (both sides) have attractions. The old railroad terminal is down the hill from Grant's home on the south side as is Grant Park. Main Street - full of lots of small shops, restaurants, and Bed and Breakfasts are on the north side. There are levies and flood gates to protect the northside from flooding as the Galena River can grow quite large during melt-off and storm season.

We stayed at the Stoney Creek Inn, on the north edge of town along route 20. A very nice place to stay. The warmest hotel I've ever been in. We ran the AC everynight even though it was in the low 40's outside and I don't remember turning on the heat. We did run the fire place one morning. The decor is a wonderfun mix of rustic cabin and golf theme. Our only complaint was they just wiped the dishes we used (we had a suite with a kitchenette) instead of washing them or replacing them with fresh. Still, I'd rate this place a 4 out of 5. Off season and an AARP rate got us the room for about $150 a night. During the "season" it runs just over $300!

The Mississippi Palisades State Park is just north of Savannah. Maybe 30 miles south of Galena. It has several vistas overlooking the Mississippi River and Buffalo Lake as well as several walking trails.


Galena & NW Illinois - Images by Alan Look

See you on the sidelines...