Menominee IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Menominee, Illinois.
1. Berning Acre Farms
WORKING DAIRY EXPERIENCE
Berning Acre Farms gives visitors an authentic look into the daily life of a working family dairy operation. Guests can tour the farm, meet the animals, and learn about modern agricultural techniques through hands-on activities and educational demonstrations. This is a favorite countryside stop for those interested in local food and rural traditions.
2. Galena Historic Main Street
CHARMING 19TH-CENTURY SHOPS
Galena Historic Main Street is a beautifully preserved district boasting over 125 unique galleries, antique shops, and boutiques. Visitors can stroll among grand 19th-century architecture, enjoy local dining and discover the vibrant culture that defines this beloved small town. The street is the heart of Galena's tourism scene, filled with history and charm.
3. Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL LANDMARK
The Ulysses S. Grant Home offers a glimpse into the life of the Civil War general and 18th President. This stately Italianate house, gifted to Grant upon his return from the war, is filled with authentic furnishings and artifacts. Guided tours provide deep insight into Grant's family and legacy.
4. Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery
AWARD-WINNING WINE TASTING
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery welcomes guests to their rolling countryside estate for tastings of acclaimed Illinois wines. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, live music, and guided tours of the winemaking process. This winery is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and variety of handcrafted wines.
5. Chestnut Mountain Resort
YEAR-ROUND ADVENTURE RESORT
Chestnut Mountain Resort is a premier recreation destination overlooking the Mississippi River. In winter, visitors flock for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings alpine slides, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides. The resort features lodging, dining, and spectacular views, making it ideal for family getaways.
6. Dowling House
OLDEST HOUSE IN GALENA
The Dowling House, dating to 1826, is Galena's oldest surviving building. Guided tours reveal the stone home's history as a combination trading post and residence, complete with period furnishings. Its preserved architecture provides a vivid window into the city's early days.
7. Belvedere Mansion
OPULENT VICTORIAN HOME
The Belvedere Mansion stands as one of Galena's most iconic structures, exemplifying Victorian elegance. Guests can tour its lavishly decorated rooms, impressive staircases, and manicured gardens. The home is a favorite for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
8. West Street Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART INSTALLATIONS
West Street Sculpture Park is a unique two-acre outdoor gallery featuring whimsical and thought-provoking sculptures by artist John Martinson. Visitors wander the wooded grounds, discovering over a dozen large-scale installations. The park is an ever-evolving, creative environment open to all ages.
9. Horseshoe Mound Preserve
SCENIC OVERLOOK TRAILS
Horseshoe Mound Preserve offers sweeping views of the Galena countryside and tri-state area from a protected hilltop. Its network of nature trails is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and wildflower spotting. Interpretive signs throughout provide insight into the region's geology and history.
10. Apple River Fort State Historic Site
FRONTIER FORT RECONSTRUCTED
Apple River Fort State Historic Site preserves a reconstructed 1832 stockade, built during the Black Hawk War. Visitors can tour the fort, view historical reenactments, and learn about local pioneer and Native American history. The adjacent visitor center features exhibits and educational programs.
11. Thunderbay Falls
PICTURESQUE WATERFALL
Thunderbay Falls is a scenic, easily accessible waterfall located near Galena. The site is popular for photography, picnicking, and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Its beauty makes it a must-visit stop in all seasons.
12. Old Market House State Historic Site
HISTORIC MARKET BUILDING
The Old Market House, built in 1845, once served as Galena's bustling business center. Today, it houses exhibits on the town's rich commercial and social history, alongside a helpful visitor's center. The building's original brick architecture adds to its period charm.
13. Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
MOUND SITES & HIKING
Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve features prairie trails, Native American effigy mounds, and panoramic river views. Nature lovers will find a haven for hiking, birdwatching, and learning about ancient cultures. Interpretive markers tell the story of the land's past inhabitants.
14. Long Hollow Canopy Tours
THRILLING ZIPLINE ADVENTURE
Long Hollow Canopy Tours offers a thrilling zipline experience through hardwood forest canopies just outside Galena. Experienced guides lead adventurers of all ages through a course featuring zip-lines, sky bridges, and rappelling stations. The tour combines adrenaline and natural beauty in one unforgettable package.
15. Galena/Jo Daviess County Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Galena/Jo Daviess County Museum showcases the area's vibrant history, from Native American heritage and early settlement to Galena's lead mining boom. Housed in an elegant 1858 Italianate mansion, the museum offers engaging displays, artifacts, and interactive programs. It is the perfect starting point for understanding the region's unique story.