One of America’s ‘Coolest Small Towns to Visit’ is an Illinois Favorite

This small Illinois town never disappoints. There's a special feeling I get every time I make this drive and I think it's time to do it again.

I haven't been to this wonderful Illinois town as many times as I would like, but every time I visit, I have more fun than the time before.

I love when Illinois gets some national recognition that I want to share. Too often, it's something that makes me angry, sad or feel embarrassed.

Not. This. Time.

The Coolest Small Towns in America to Visit

Now, here's some of that good news we Illinoisans love to hear. Travel website, MatadorNetwork.com just released its list of the coolest small American towns and only one from Illinois made the list.

Galena, Illinois... One of the Coolest Small Towns in America

I can't say that sentence above without hearing John Mellencamp's, Small Town, in my head.

So...

Allow me to 'educate you on this fantastic small town, the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.

You could start your visit to Galena, Illinois by visiting Grant's home. Galena is a town with a great flair for preservation. Most of this town is on the National Register for Historic Places and they all look spectacular.

From the Bed & Breakfast locations, the shops along 'Helluva Half Mile', the restaurants, the wineries, the root beer flights, mansions, Mean Bean Coffee, and more.

I haven't been to this wonderful Illinois town as many times as I would like, but every time I visit, I have more fun than the time before. Never disappointing.

For the adventurous, there are many things to do on the Galena River, like Thunder Bay Falls

Great hiking trails along the bluffs and ravines of Apple River Canyon State Park.

The slide and the views at Chestnut Mountain.

Much to do for wine lovers, too.

Push 'play' on that 'Galena Road Trip Playlist' and take a drive along the Great River Road.