Dreaming of getting out of the house for some fun this winter? Turn those dreams into reality with a Galena skiing getaway! The Galena area is home to a variety of winter activities and events. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and more.

You likely already know Galena as a great warm weather destination but did you know we also make for the perfect winter escape? It’s true! Galena’s charm doesn’t disappear with a little snow on top, it only increases.

Come winter, Galena is transformed into a snowy wonderland offering lots of fun, seasonal activities to enjoy.

Skiing Galena

If your idea of winter fun involves strapping on a pair of skiis, Galena’s got you covered with Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort.

Chestnut Mountain is Illinois largest ski resort and the best in the state, offering downhill skiing and snowboarding for everyone from beginners to experts. It’s Far Side Terrain Park is the largest and highest rated in the Midwest. The resort also offers gear rentals and there’s even an on-site restaurant!

Best of all, Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort is only a half hour’s drive from our Galena bed and breakfast, Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages.

If cross-country skiing is more your speed, you’ll enjoy a visit to Eagle Ridge Nordic Center.

Eagle Ridge has 7 miles of beautifully maintained x-country skiing trails – and that’s not all. They also have ice skating,  snowshoeing trails, and sledding.

Eagle Ridge is also home to the annual Winter Carnival, held Presidents’ Day Weekend, February 18-21, 2022.  This year’s Winter Carnival promises an Ice Bar serving hot and cold beverages, Fire and Ice Hot Air Balloon Glow, the Sasquatch Shuffle snowshoe race, and lots of other fun. All less than 15 minutes drive from Hawk Valley Retreat!

In fact, guests of Hawk Valley Retreat and Cottages don’t even have to leave the property to hike or snowshoe. Our Galena inn, nestled on 10 secluded acres, has a mile of trails you can explore. We even have snowshoes you can use! Explore the trails, enjoy the views and wildlife, then warm up with your cottage’s whirlpool tub or fireplace. Perfect!

And That’s Not All

Once you’ve taken off the skiis and snowshoes, there’s still plenty of winter fun to be had in Galena.

Wildlife enthusiasts will not want to miss a chance to watch the bald eagles during the peak of their annual migration along the Mississippi River, mid-January through February. Illinois is home to one of the largest winter populations of bald eagles, second only to Alaska, and the Galena stretch of the Mississippi is a fantastic place to see them.  Both Casper Bluff Preserve and Mississippi Palisades State Park are excellent locations for viewing these majestic and graceful birds.

Speaking of nature, Galena’s many preserves provide another fun way to get out into that snowy wonderland. Consider a winter hike or showshoeing jaunt through beautiful  Casper Bluff Preserve,  Buehler Preserve, or the Galena River Trail, to name but a few.

Galena also has a great many places to stay warm while enjoying the cold weather.  Sit back and take in those wintry views with a rejuvenating drink in your hand at Blaum Brothers Distillery,  Galena Cellars, Massbach Ridge Winery, or Champagne on Main. Craft beer lovers will enjoy a visit to Galena Brewing Company , which also offers a full menu!

So go ahead, plan that Galena skiing getaway at Hawk Valley Retreat today. We’re looking forward to seeing you!