The Best Small Town In Illinois For Seniors
Galena is highly regarded as one of the top small towns in Illinois for seniors. Sitting on the Mississippi River, high up on the bluffs, Galena is historic, with gorgeous 19th-century architecture and a walkable town center. Located in the northwestern corner of Illinois, a 581-acre section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District. Many of these buildings remain as they were, giving the town a real 1800s feel. And for those considering relocating from outside the state, Illinois fully exempts Social Security benefits, pensions, and IRA/401(k) withdrawals from state income tax. Whether you are looking to resettle somewhere when you retire in a few years or you are already well into your golden years and want a change of pace, consider the quaint town of Galena, Illinois.
A Brief History Of Galena
Over 1,000 years before European American settlement of the area, the Meskwaki, Ho-Chunk, Sauk, and Menominee were mining galena, a metallic mineral. Because of its use as the main ore of lead and the area’s rich deposits, Galena was the site of the first major mineral rush in the United States, and by 1828, the population was 10,000. In addition to Galena mining, the town became a key steamboat hub on the Mississippi River in the north. Galena also has a connection to the Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Union generals made Galena their home at some point.
Historic Things To Do
To get a sense of the town's history, Galena has several sites that offer insight into what shaped its development. The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site is the restored home of the 18th US President and Union General. The citizens of Galena presented the house to him in 1865 as an appreciation for his success in the war. The house is located on Bouthillier Street, and in addition to the preserved building, it also features the original furnishings. In addition, Grant Park, a beautifully landscaped hilltop park just across the Galena River from downtown, offers riverfront walking paths, historic monuments (including a statue of Ulysses S. Grant), and sweeping views of Galena’s 19th-century downtown.
The DeSoto House Hotel, right on Main Street, was opened in 1855 and is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois. Grant utilized the hotel as his campaign headquarters. The Old Market House was built in 1845-1846 and served as the city market for 65 years. The Greek Revival building is on N. Commerce St. and is now used for community events. There are self-guided walking tours of Galena available, or you could take a narrated trolley tour, detailing the mining and Civil War history of the town. For a different take on history, Ghost Tours are hosted by several companies, offering evening tours of the town’s supernatural legends.
Downtown Galena
Galena has a well-preserved downtown core, with 19th-century mansions and commercial buildings as a testament to the town’s mining past, as well as its place as a steamboat hub on the Mississippi River, and later as a railroad hub. Around 85% of the town is designated as a National Historic District, and the downtown has over 800 historic properties built in French Colonial, Greek Revival, and Italianate styles. Main Street is the primary commercial area, nicknamed "Helluva Half Mile" due to its high density of independent businesses.
The downtown is laid out in three tiers, with Main Street focused on retail and dining, Bench Street lined with public buildings and churches, and Prospect Street, where you will find a residential district, rich in 19th-century mansions. Main Street is home to over 125 independently-owned shops, antique stores, and galleries. There is also a well-developed cuisine culture in Galena. Main Street follows the Galena River, creating a pleasant walking environment, particularly given the lack of chain stores.
Food and Drink
Galena has a well-developed culinary scene ranging from fine dining in historical settings to craft breweries, gastropubs, cafes, and bakeries. The center for most dining options is along Main Street. Fried Green Tomatoes is a highly rated Italian-American spot on North Main, famous for the namesake appetizer, steaks, and a superb wine list. Just down the street, find Fritz & Frites Bistro, which specializes in French and German fusion cuisine. On South Main, Bread and Vine in Galena is a bakery and restaurant, notable for its French pastries, as well as quiche, tacos, and gourmet sandwiches. Away from Main Street, on W. Sand Hill Rd., Edge by Goldmoor Inn is on a hilltop with stunning views of the Mississippi River. The restaurant specializes in seasonal European fine dining and has a Chef’s Table experience for up to eight guests.
Goerdts' Brewhaus, on North Main, is a Bavarian-themed brewery and smokehouse specializing in BBQ and brisket. Also on North Main, The Grape Escape is a wine bar and lounge, with an impressive drink selection and live music. Just outside Galena on Hwy 20 West, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is a distillery offering craft spirits, plus cocktails and tours. Galena Cellars Vineyard offers wine tastings at its countryside vineyard on North Ford Road, about six miles from downtown Galena, as well as at its downtown tasting room on North Main Street in Galena.
A Daytrip From Galena
Elizabeth, Illinois, is a small town 15 miles from Galena. Despite its small size, Elizabeth is an inviting historical town with interesting sites and local spots for eating and drinking. The Apple River Fort State Historic Site is a reconstructed fort from the 1830s. A key battle during the Black Hawk War took place here. The interpretive center provides details about the fort and local pioneer history. Elizabeth is perfect for scenic drives, its rolling hills provide for a lovely outing and photographic opportunities. In town, the Highway 20 Brewing Company is housed in a 1875 Presbyterian Church and features craft beers. The town is also a draw for local businesses, particularly antiques, plus locally-owned boutiques, all in the historic downtown district.
Out And About in Galena
The town of Galena has much to offer the senior who is seeking a quiet retirement location, small-town charm, and a lively town life. With its deep connections to the Civil War, and in particular to Ulysses S. Grant, fans of history will find much to do in this town. The quality of life is high, and the cost of living is low (with median home sale prices around $200,000, according to Redfin), making Galena an ideal retirement location. And with its use in filming scenes from Field of Dreams, Galena is full of surprises, thanks to its historic brick buildings.
