Accessible Travel: Family Trip to GalenaWe are a deaf and hearing family, and we just took our first trip as a family of four to Galena, Illinois! It was just what we needed for the ultimate relaxing getaway—slow mornings, nature walks, good food, and quality time together. Here are all the best things we did with the kids in Galena!Authorsoursignedworld
DestinationsIllinoisItinerary

Where We Stayed

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Absolutely loved our stay at this inn! Madison said, “Mom, it looks like it’s from Frozen, like where Elsa and Anna live!” ❄️ The staff was incredible—so friendly and communicative—and the onsite restaurant is an authentic Irish pub. Such a cozy, magical getaway! 🍀✨
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Day 1

Otto's Place
Okay, this restaurant is so cute! If you can, ask to be seated upstairs—it’s such a cozy vibe. The staff was incredibly kind, and the food was delicious. I had the smothered burrito and I’m already craving it again! 🌯😋
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Horseshoe Mound Preserve
The views at Horseshoe Mound are absolutely gorgeous. We loved looking out over the city, and Madison had the best time discovering little flowers along the hike. Such a peaceful, beautiful spot to slow down and take it all in. 🌼🌿
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Apple River Canyon State Park
Talk about peaceful. We debated going since the drive was longer than expected, but honestly—even the drive was breathtaking. Open plains, blue skies… absolutely stunning. We wished we had packed a lunch and stayed longer. It was so relaxing wading by the river, listening to the birds, and searching for tadpoles. Such a lovely, slow moment in nature. 🌾☀️🐸
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Durty Gurt's
Okay, this restaurant was NEAT! The inside was so cool—Madison couldn’t get enough of the empty toilet decorations 😂🚽. The food was a solid 10/10. Zach ordered the Tombstone Burger and oh my gosh… I wanted to eat the whole thing. YUM! 🍔🔥
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South Main Street
There’s nothing better than strolling through the heart of a small town. We loved popping into all the little shops—window shopping, finding a few treasures here and there. We did it two days in a row and honestly, we could do it again and again. 🛍️✨
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Cannova's Pizzeria
We’ve had a lot of pizza in our lives, but Cannova’s was sooo yummy! Madison got the cheese pizza and nearly devoured the whole 10” by herself 😄. Zach and I split the BBQ chicken pizza and the fettuccine Alfredo—both were 10/10. We’d go back in a heartbeat! 🍕🍝🔥
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Day 2

Galena Bakehouse
ORDER THE EGG EMPANADAS! Seriously—I wish I could have another right now. This little spot was one of our absolute favorites. Everything tasted like it was made fresh just for us—so flavorful and comforting. And Zach said his unsweetened iced tea was the best he’s ever had. 🥟🧊
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Hoof It Goat Treks
This place was so much fun! Our 5-year-old had a blast, but honestly, Zach and I both said we’d go again even without her. It was such a sweet and memorable experience for all of us. 💛🎉
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Big Bill's Sandwich Shop and Coffee Bar
Sandwiches are one of my all-time favorite foods, and this shop did not disappoint! We grabbed our order to go and had the sweetest little picnic at the park. Everything was absolutely delicious. Oh—and don’t skip the roasted coffee. So good! 🙌🏼🥪☕️
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Grant Park
What a sweet little park tucked behind the town. We had a picnic, played some basketball, explored the historic landmarks, and just soaked up some quality family time. Simple moments like these are the best. 🧺🏀
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Bread and Vine Galena
First off—wow!!! Everything about this place was a 10/10. The ambiance, the food, the dessert, the staff… all amazing. I seriously wish we had a spot like this in my hometown! ✨🍽️🍰
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More Ideas

Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour
Got more time? This is a great idea for sampling some of the best spots in downtown Galena!
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Horseback Rides, Interactions, and Petting Zoo
Horseback rides are definitely on the wish list of things to do in Galena!
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