This Is Illinois's Quirkiest Little Town
Galena may have built its fortune on mining in the 19th century, but these days, it is the town’s quirky and unexpectedly lively agricultural scene that steals the spotlight. Local beekeepers provide visitors with the chance to learn all about bees and the honey-making process, while other families offer guided hikes where guests are joined by a herd of goats. Several businesses also offer arts and crafts workshops throughout the year if you feel creative. If you are looking to experience something new during your travels this year, Galena, Illinois, has plenty of surprises that will keep you on your toes.
Hoof It Goat Treks
You have probably gone hiking before, but have you ever done it with a pack of goats trotting along beside you? With Hoof It Goat Treks, you can do just that! These guided hikes take you through the woods and prairies of a family-owned property that has been in the same hands for four generations. The best part? Your hiking companions are a pack of friendly goats who tag along for the trek, happily accepting hand-fed treats as they go. The hike is about 1.25 miles long, lasting between 45 minutes and an hour. The guides who accompany each group are local experts, deeply familiar with the land and animals, and always excited to share their knowledge with visitors as well.
To make one of these goat treks even more eccentric, consider signing up for one of Hoof It’s themed hikes. Wine lovers can register for a wine tasting and goat hike, which take place periodically between May and November, offering hikers the chance to stroll through the forest while sipping on a glass of wine. On periodic evenings throughout the year, Hoof It also hosts bonfire and live music goat treks, which begin around sunset and conclude with starry skies, live music, a toasty bonfire, and tasty s’mores. Travelers with a sweet tooth will love the Goats + Floats trek, which features a root beer tasting paired with an hour-long goat trek, perfect for hikers of all ages. Just make sure to reserve your hike in advance, as reservations for every kind of hike are required!
Dry Creek Beekeeping
If you have ever wondered how bees turn nectar into honey, Dry Creek Beekeeping has all kinds of interactive activities to find out. This local agritourism business is family-owned and located just a 15-minute drive from Galena, offering tours, tastings, and honey for sale. Each guided tour lasts about an hour and a half and gives guests the chance to get up close to the beehives while learning from an expert beekeeper. For those interested in honey itself, visitors can also sign up for a 90-minute tasting experience that features a range of raw and artisanal honeys. During the tasting, an expert will guide guests through the flavors, textures, and aromas of up to eight varieties from around the country, while explaining what makes each one unique.
Even if you do not have a reservation, you can still visit the company’s honey bar during its seasonal hours. Taking place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, these tastings last between 30 and 40 minutes and allow guests to sample up to 20 honeys that come from around the world. Make sure to check out Dry Creek Beekeeping’s calendar to see what other interesting events take place throughout the year as well!
Downtown Arts & Crafts Workshops
After hiking with goats and exploring the world of honey, head downtown and tap into your creative side with an arts and crafts workshop in Galena. Located right on Galena’s Main Street, Scent Workshop Galena has partnered up with Dry Creek Beekeeping to host a combined beeswax candle-making workshop and honey tasting. During the experience, attendees can choose their favorite scent from a variety of honey-infused flavors, including wildflower, citrus, caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon. In collaboration with Bread & Vine, Scent Workshop also offers a French Perfumes & Pastries class. As they savor a French pastry, workshop attendees will learn how to make their own, unique one-ounce spray bottle of cologne or perfume.
Galena Spoon Co. offers another hands-on workshop you will not want to miss. In this three-hour session, attendees learn the basics of spoon carving and leave with the skills, confidence, and reference materials to continue carving on their own. For an even more immersive experience, consider signing up for The Mill, The Maker, and the Goat Caper, a unique workshop that combines tree raising, lumber harvesting, woodworking, and a goat hike all in one afternoon. This collaborative event is made possible through a partnership between a local sawmill owner, Galena Spoon Co., and the local goat farm, resulting in the most immersive agricultural tour!
Final Thoughts
Located in the northwestern corner of Illinois, near the borders with Iowa and Wisconsin, Galena is unlike what you might expect from a small Midwestern town. With its quirky agritourism attractions and craft workshops, it is easy to spend the weekend here. Plus, being less than three hours from Chicago makes it the perfect escape for those hailing from the city. Just be ready for the fun and wacky adventures that are likely waiting for you in town!
