is galena really like this?

[oakparkdude]

FWIW, there's active planning by the state of Illinois and Amtrak regarding reinstituting daily passenger train service from Chicago to Galena (and beyond to Dubuque.) It will likely begin in the near future (within a few years), as the planning is fairly advanced.

http://www.dot.state.il.us/amtrak/RCK_Feasibility.pdf
Regional team pitches rail in D.C. - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star
Illinois seeking funding for transportation projects - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

[karel]

Not too near, but you can manage it...

[debbie at bouontiful]

I love Galena. Lived there twice and would love to go back. We were transferred but upon retirement I might go back.

[h2ohzrd]

Originally Posted by PennsylvaniaFarmer

i'd like to eventual move to a suburb/small town area that is within driving distance of chicago. I came across this place in a magazine i read, and i was wondering if galena is really as great as they say LogHome.com - Great Places | Galena, Illinois | Vintage by Design | Log Home Living

Except you'll have to put up with Chicagoans who think everyone outside of Chicago is a hick. And land is very expensive since it's the city folks who are driving up the prices. At one time, timber ground was going for $10,00/acre since it was also used for recreation. That price has come down some but will eventually rise.
That being said, it's is very nice. Excellent fishing, hunting ans scenery. However, maybe look just north in Wisconsin, near Cuba City, Benton or places like that.

[GolfLover2]

PennsylvaniaFarmer: We have a 2nd home in Galena and travel there just as often as possible. We live just south of Chicago and it takes us a little over 3 hours to make the drive to Galena. We have taken the major highways, but prefer the more back routes (which add a little driving time), but are more scenic and relaxing. As you drive further north and west from the city you view beautiful rolling hills, farms, livestock, and lovely small villages. We have found no matter the time of year, that Galena is as beautiful as the posters and postcards you are seeing. The downtown is a National Historic site, so the "flavor" of the city is in that vein. President/Gen. Grant was awarded a home from the citizenry after the Civil War. That home is located near the downtown and is open for tours. The downtown's shops and restaurants are plentiful and there are even street entertainers when weather permits. There are shops that range from candy stores (old-fashioned confectionary to high-end chocolate creations), boutiques of all sorts of clothing, artists showcases, crafts, antiques, food emporiums showcasing locally made edibles, and more. There are even two wineries on the main street, one with wine tasting and a restaurant. The town has many spa businesses located within it, some will even book parties or go to your rental home to render services. Galena tours are available (historic ghost tours & trolley). You can rent kayaks and canoes to navigate the Galena River that runs through the downtown. Amtrak will be back in service within the near future. There are two smaller downhill ski courses available for winter sports. (One just outside of Galena itself and one west of Dubuque). If you're a golfer, the area has many good courses within easy driving distance. The Galena Territories (Eagle Ridge) also has horseback riding, hot-air balloon rides, nationally known golf courses, an Inn with a fantastic spa, multiple eating establishments, and more. There are presently quite a few homes (ranging from small single-family cottages/farmstyle to condos and townhomes to luxury homesites) available for sale (and rent) within the Territories. Galena itself has many beautiful older homes (ranging in size) on the market too. There are log homes and Bed & Breakfasts available also in varying locations, in and nearby, for rent and some even for sale.
Dubuque, Iowa is located within a half-hour drive. It offers all the bigger city amenities and franchises, plus it has two casinos, a racing dog track, universities and colleges, theatres (live and movie), and more. Whether you go north in Wisconsin, West in Iowa, or south along the river in Illinois, there are many beautiful small towns to visit and enjoy. Some of The "Field of Dreams" movie was filmed in locations around Galena, but the actual ballfield itself is located in Dyersville, Iowa, about an hour and one-half away. While there is good weather, there is a ball game going. You can participate by rotating in, just bring a glove and ball. It looks just as it did in the movie ... cornfield and all. They host an "old-timers" baseball game during the summer and "ghosts" come out of the cornfields too. If you're a baseball fan, you don't want to miss it.
As you can probably tell, I'm hooked on Galena. My wife and I plan on moving there just as soon as my business allows the move. Although only about 3 hours from Chicago, you feel like you're in another world. It's a great place to live or just visit. I hope you take the opportunity to visit it yourself, view the countryside (not just the posters) and see why so many people talk so highly of it.
Gene Mundt, Professional Mtg. Banker

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by h2ohzrd

Except you'll have to put up with Chicagoans who think everyone outside of Chicago is a hick. And land is very expensive since it's the city folks who are driving up the prices. At one time, timber ground was going for $10,00/acre since it was also used for recreation. That price has come down some but will eventually rise.
That being said, it's is very nice. Excellent fishing, hunting ans scenery. However, maybe look just north in Wisconsin, near Cuba City, Benton or places like that.

It's not THAT bad with Chicagoans. I've been there a few times, and I know growing up in Iowa that many Iowans take little weekend getaways to Galena, and I'm sure people in Southern Wisconsin do the same.

[Mathguy]

One suggestion if you find the Galena area pricey at all...check Real Estate Listings, Homes for Sale and Rental Property Listings – REALTOR.com®
there are other small towns nearby etc. that you can check out and live a bit outside of Galena.

The roads in the area that follow the river there on both sides were listed in National Geographic Traveler as some of the most scenic in the midwest.