There are a number of hotels and resorts in Galena and in the surrounding area of Jo Daviess County. There are also many motels and bed and breakfast accommodation available. One of the Galena hotels is actually the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. The DeSoto House hotel dates back to 1855, and its many guests over the years have included such respected and notable luminaries as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Stephen A. Douglas, and William Jennings Bryan.
Galena is located in the northwest corner of Illinois. Its heyday was in the mid 19th century when lead ore, known as galena, which gave the city its name, was shipped out in large quantities by steamboats down the Mississippi river. At one time the city population stood as high as 14,000, but has since declined to under 4,000.
The city is a rich source of American history. No less than nine American Civil War generals once lived there, including Ulysses S. Grant. His home, donated to him by a grateful city populace when he returned to Galena in 1865, is still a popular attraction there today. When he became the US president in 1869, he still regularly visited Galena, until around 1880, five years before he died.
A stay at any of the Galena hotels will mean an opportunity to indulge in one of the more interesting parts of America. Despite its relatively small population today, the city and its surrounding area has much to offer the enquiring visitor.
Nearby Apple River Canyon is perfect for the outdoors person. There's kayaking, hiking, fishing, camping and picnicking for a start. The four excellent picnic areas have toilet facilities, drinking water, tables and grills available.
If you visit in winter, the Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort offers you some of the finest skiing and snowboarding to be found in the Midwest. There are 19 trails that drop almost 500 feet. Three surface lifts and six chair lifts help you get to the top. If you'd rather stay warm, far away from the snow, try the sauna and Jacuzzi, or the indoor pool while you're there.
If you prefer a little mystery in your life, the Annie Wiggins Ghost Tour, packed full of historic tales and legends, might be perfect for you. The Annie Wiggins guest house is the obvious starting point.
Another splendid example of Galena hotels is Ryan Mansion, a splendid historic house built in 1876. This is a mansion of splendor, complete with a butler. If you enjoy living in tasteful opulence, this is the place for you.
