Galesburg is a beautiful city in western Illinois and the county seat of Knox County. The community was originally founded in 1837 by Reverend George Washington Gale and his group of anti-slavery advocates. At the same time, Knox College was founded in the city, and the liberal arts school is still active in Galesburg to this day. Also in 1837, Illinois' first anti-slavery society was founded in town and became a stop on the famous Underground Railroad. Galesburg was officially incorporated as a city on February 14, 1857.
As of 2020, Galesburg had a population of approximately 30,000. In addition to its rich history, the city is known for its charming downtown area as well as its lovely museums and theaters. If you want to attend a live show during your visit, a couple of wonderful venues to consider are the Orpheum Theatre and the Prairie Players Civic Theatre. Alternatively, you could catch a performance of the excellent Knox-Galesburg Symphony. If you're looking for educational entertainment, consider browsing the fascinating artifacts and exhibits at the Galesburg Railroad Museum. You could also take the whole family for a fun-filled day at the Discovery Depot Children's Museum.
You should definitely spend a day or evening exploring downtown Galesburg while you're in town. There, you'll find a variety of bustling restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. When the sun is shining, you could also head to Lake Storey Park for an afternoon of boating, fishing, or picnicking. There's also Kiwanis Park, which boasts a disc golf course, a skate park, a multipurpose trail, and a variety of sports courts. If you're up for a drink while you're in Galesburg, one great spot is the Iron Spike Brewing Company, where they have 15 tasty beers on tap and serve plenty of mouth-watering food.
Campgrounds Near Galesburg, Illinois
One excellent campground in the Galesburg area is the Prairie Flower Campground. There, you can stay in one of the 154 RV campsites for upwards of $9 per night. There are full-hookup sites available, and while you're there, you'll have nearby access to many hiking and biking trails. Plus, the park is known for its cleanliness and is surrounded by trees and lakes.
Another top-notch camping option in the area is the Interstate RV Park, which offers 98 full-hookup RV campsites for $44 per night or $225 per week. Guests at the campground have access to many amenities, including a game room, DVD rentals, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a gift shop, and showers. The campground is also located right beside I-80, making it easy to get back on the road quickly.
There's also the Rock Island / Quad Cities KOA, which is located a short distance from many family-friendly attractions, like the Niabi Zoo and the Buffalo Bill Museum. While staying in one of the full-hookup RV campsites, you'll have easy access to the nearby 50-acre, which is known as a great spot for boating and fishing. As a bonus, the campground offers on-site RV repair if anything goes wrong with your vehicle.
State Parks Near Galesburg, Illinois
Jubilee College State Park encompasses 3,200 acres and contains the Jubilee College State Historic Site. The college was located at the site between 1840 and 1862, and during your visit, you can learn about its history. The park is also a great destination for outdoor recreation, featuring 40 miles of multi-use trails, beautiful views, and diverse scenery. The park is also one of the more popular camping areas in Peoria County, Illinois.
If you're an angling enthusiast, there are few destinations in Illinois that you'll enjoy more than Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. The park is home to seven different lakes, which offer a variety of fishing opportunities. Boating is a popular activity at the park as well, and many visitors also go hunting for deer and waterfowl. During your visit, you can also observe the many interesting wildlife species that roam the area or enjoy a relaxing meal at the shady picnic area.
Sand Ridge State Forest is a tranquil natural haven where visitors can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. The 7,200-acre forest is Illinois' largest state forest and features lush woodlands, open prairies, and peaceful grasslands. The park boasts many miles of scenic trails, which are perfect for hiking and horseback riding during most of the year. When it snows, the trails become popular routes for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. If you're looking for a unique activity, the state forest offers ranger-led archery programs for kids and adults. Other popular activities in the area include fishing, boating, hunting, and geocaching.
National Sites Near Galesburg, Illinois
At the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, you can visit the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, who was the 31st president of the United States. In addition to exploring Hoover's humble home, you can visit a variety of other historical sites, including a schoolhouse and blacksmith shop. During your visit, you can get an idea of what Herbert Hoover's early life was like by walking along the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Walking Route. You can also stop by the visitor center, which boasts many interesting exhibits.
Another site where you can see the home of a former United States president is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. The house located at the site was the only home that Abraham Lincoln owned in his life, and it can be seen today just as it was in the mid-19th century. As Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd, expanded their family, they decided to build a second story onto the quaint house. Visitors these days can tour the house as well as a visitor center and two other historic homes. If you visit at the right time, you may even get to see a live history demonstration.
Anyone interested in Native American culture and history will enjoy exploring the Effigy Mounds National Monument. Located near Harpers Ferry, Iowa, the monument features 206 historic effigy mounds, which were created to resemble many different animals and other important symbols of Native American culture. Twenty different tribes consider the mounds found at the site to be sacred, although it's uncertain exactly why they were originally built. While you're there, you can take a guided tour of the amazing mounds to learn more about them. Plus, there are several nearby hiking trails to explore during your visit.
National Forests Near Galesburg, Illinois
The closest national forest to Galesburg is Mark Twain National Forest, which is located in southeastern Missouri. Although the forest encompasses over three million acres, only about half of its area is public land. The forest is known for its unique collection of flora and fauna, offering superb opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. There are also several reservoirs in the forest where visitors can fish for crappie, trout, and bass. If you decide to hike through the area, a couple of the trails most worth exploring are the Berryman Trail and the Lower Rock Creek Trail.
Shawnee National Forest, which lies in southern Illinois, is known for its natural beauty as well as its amazing history. During the 19th century, the forest was home to multiple stops on the Underground Railroad, which aided in the escape of enslaved people. Throughout the forest, you'll find markers with fascinating information about the area's history. The forest also boasts many bodies of water, hiking trails, and unique landmarks.
If you're in search of a beautiful setting for outdoor recreation, look no further than Hoosier National Forest. The 202,814-acre national forest is home to over 250 miles of scenic trails where visitors can hike, bike, and ride horseback. If you prefer activities like fishing and paddling, the area also features numerous lakes and streams. While exploring the serene natural haven, keep an eye out for bald eagles, bobcats, hawks, wild boars, deer, and other unique wildlife species.
