GETAWAYS

Galena, IL

Sept. 10-11, 2025

Galena Horseshoe bluff.jpg
Galena DeSoto House hotel.jpg
Galena Horseshoe bluff 4.jpg
Galena Courtyard restaurant.jpg
PXL_20241023_161235546.jpg
galena dubuque grave.jpg
Galena kayak.jpg
galena downtown 2.jpg
galena kayak3.jpg
PXL_20240725_212343942.jpg
PXL_20241022_205526208.jpg
PXL_20241024_194056419.LONG_EXPOSURE-02.ORIGINAL.jpg
20241024_144959.jpg
galena council hill.jpg

If this is your first hike of the year, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.

Sept 10-11

2-days

$280.00

Difficulty rating

camping 33

Miles

Approximately 4 miles at Mines of Spain

camping 21

Retreat to the charming town of Galena to kick off your fall season with some new and exciting activities that are sure to create lasting memories. Explore its fascinating history while hiking along the scenic bluffs and taking in the beautiful views of the mighty Mississippi River at the picturesque Mines of Spain State Park. You can choose to E-bike up the rolling hills to a nearby vineyard for a complimentary glass of wine, or you may prefer to kayak down the peaceful waters of the Galena River. There’s also the delightful option to trek alongside friendly goats or partake in an adorable mini-horse experience that will surely bring a smile to your face. Finally, end your day with a wonderful catered dinner at the historic Council Hill Railroad station, where you can enjoy live music and gather around a cozy bonfire under the stars.

Our stay overnight is at the historic DeSoto House Hotel which includes all you can eat breakfast and a boxed lunch for our 2nd day of hiking. Please see detailed itinerary for a description of our hike, hotel, and options for the afternoon.

camping 25

Hotel

DeSoto House Hotel: 230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562

Named for the discoverer of the Mississippi River, the DeSoto House opened on April 9, 1855 and was billed as the “Largest Hotel in the West.” This warm and charming landmark hotel offers delux accomodations in a historical setting with Victorian styled rooms.

All rooms include two full-size beds, WiFi, TV, Toiletries, coffee/tea service and bottled water.

Trailbound will purchase your room and hold it for you. Registration is for a double occupancy room. Please email us to let us know your preferred roommate. (hello@trailboundtrip.com) If you don’t have a preference, we will match you with someone.

The upcharge for a solo room is $100.00. Please add this cost at check out if you desire a solo room.

Cost of registration and room is non-refundable if cancelled less than 72 hours before the reservation.

camping 13

Driving Directions

camping 22

Grant Park 

Address: 625 Park Ave. Galena, IL 61036

Google directions to meet at the park for an early sack lunch.

DeSoto House Hotel 

230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036

815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562

What to Bring:

  • Hiking Shoes

  • Hiking stick

  • Backpack

  • Layers & raingear

  • Sack lunch for early lunch meeting in park.

camping 3

DAY 1

We begin our Getaway for a meet and greet at the Grant Park in Galena.  Bring your sack lunch, and we will fortify ourselves before we head off to our different activities in town.

Afternoon Activites:  Choose one!

E-bike up to a vineyard for a glass of wine. Enjoy the thrill of an E-bike on the beautiful rolling country hills of Galena to a vineyard for a complimentary glass of wine. This is a leisurely 12.5 mile, or 1.5 hour bike ride, using the assist of the ebike the whole way, or just up the hills.  Finish at Galena Wine Cellar’s vinyard for a glass of wine.  Take the shuttle back to your car around 4:00.  Trailbound will reserve your bike, with no hassel cancelation for rainy days.  Karen Pogalz will be leading the ride.  Nuts Outdoors is the rental agency. $95.00

Kayak the Galena River: Kayak the gentle Galena River for a 5-mile journey. This trip is perfect for beginners, with options to float or paddle while observing fish and wildlife. Nuts Outdoors will provide kayaks and transport us upstream. Approximately a 2 hour experience. Kari McLennan will lead the trip. Nuts Outdoors is the rental agency. $60.00

Goat Trekking: Experience the serenity of goats walking beside you in a wooded forest trail. This 1.25-mile journey will have numerous goats and will also include other guests joining the experience at “Hoof It”. Trek lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. Cost is $25.00.

Trolley Tour of Galena: Historic non-stop trolley tours to step back in time and see the homes and buildings that once made Galena a major river boat and lead mining community. We will see the U.S Grant's Home, Galena's largest mansion, Galena's oldest home, many more sights, and tell you how Galena got its start.  $22.00, purchase on  your own in town.

Mini Horse Experience:  Head to Tacktics to pet, groom, and sit with the mini horses. A 30 minute experience to bond with these adorable creatures.  Cost is $20.00

Explore Downtown Galena. Step out of the hotel and into the center of this charming town on the banks of the Galena River. The town boasts of 19th century mansions, one of a kind shops, local wineries and eateries. 

Stroll down the Galena River. An easy in and out path to follow from the popular downtown Grant Park and down the river as far as you like. Potential 8 miles.

An enchanting evening with rich local history awaits at Council Hills Station. Once serving as the old railway station and a thriving woolen mill, this unique venue is brimming with a delightful collection of antiques and timeless charm. Guests will indulge in a delicious dinner catered from Cannova’s renowned pizza, followed by live music and a warm bonfire by the tranquil river, featuring the talented Jamie Jones.

Relax after dinner in your own room, or enjoy each other’s company in the hotel’s common areas.

DAY 2

Breakfast in the Courtyard restaurant of the DeSoto House. This is a 4 story atrium in the center of the hotel. Choose any breakfast items on the menu. Breakfast is included in your registration.

Check out of the hotel, pack the car, and we will car pool to the Mines of Spain.

We begin our hike at Horseshoe Bluff. Nestled along the Mississppi River, this 1.5 mile trail takes us past ponds and beaver lodges, through the woods and towering canyons of Ordovician dolomite rock.  One might even feel like they are in Utah with all the interesting rock formations.  This trail has a few steep spots, but overall an easy to moderate hike.

Our next hike takes us up to the EB Lyons Nature Center and down to the Catfish creek while enjoying the woodland preserve where the Native Americans had settled near the creek. Approximately 2.5 miles with a 250 foot elevation gain and loss.

Boxed lunches are provided by DeSoto House Hotel and will be enjoyed on the trail.

Return to Galena to pick up the cars at DeSoto hotel. Enjoy some final shopping in Galena, and head home refreshed and restored.

Registration Cost

Included in booking:

  • 2 guides for 2 days of hiking, activities, and evening camaraderie

  • One night stay at DeSoto House Hotel at Double Occupancy

  • Breakfast at DeSoto House Hotel

  • Boxes Lunch to go from DeSoto House Hotel

  • Reserving activities, all able to be refunded for rain.

  • Dinner and live music at Council Hill Station

Not included:

  • Optional Activities: You may choose one activity

    • E-biking tour to Vineyard. $95.00

    • Kayaking down the Galena River $60.00

    • Goat Trekking $25.00

    • Mini Horse Experience $20.00

  • Solo room upgrade: $100.00

  • Alcoholic drinks at dinner

Cancellations & Refunds

You may cancel your Getaway to Galena for a full refund if made 30 days in advance.

If you cancel less than 30 days, a refund will be made if your spot can be filled from a wait list.

If you cancel less than 72 hours, Trailbound will not refund your registration.

Itinerary may change due to weather.