Galesburg is a place where you get to learn and see so much. It is quite an exciting place that has a lot of things for you to explore. You will experience the deep-rooted culture and heritage immersed in everything that the city offers to all its travelers. There is so much history to uncover in this city, that you will surely love this place. It is a great place to visit with your friends and family. There are so many places that you must absolutely visit in Galesburg. Some of these places include the famous and informative Galesburg Railroad Museum, Inc, Lake Storey Park, and the Discovery Depot Children’s Museum. Want to know about all the interesting things to do in Galesburg, Illinois? Scroll down to find some of the most appealing ones.
1. Enjoy an outdoor movie night at Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Photo By Danny Sutter
Posted by Galesburg Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater on Tuesday, July 14, 2020
This is a gem of a place in Galesburg, Illinois. A complete kid-friendly and family-friendly place, Blue Moonlight lets you have a gala time with your loved ones, for free. Just drive in and get immersed in the magic of movies that even your kids will love. You are not allowed to bring food or drinks with you, but that’s not a problem. Their concession stand has delicious food that you will surely enjoy. You can have a full meal here while enjoying the movie. There is a different surreal feel to the whole atmosphere of this place that will attract you again and again so make a point to experience an outdoor movie at Blue Moonlight Drive-in Theater.
Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater
Address: 2875 W Main St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Blue Moonlight Drive-In Theater
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7:30pm - 12am (Closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: Free
2. Visit the historic birthplace of Carl Sandburg
The Carl Sandburg State Historic Site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. This is the birthplace and home of author Carl Sandburg. The cottage where Sandburg grew up is still standing there and it is one of the major attractions here. There is also a museum that showcases Carl Sandburg’s life. Except for the cottage and the museum, there are a small museum shop, a small theatre, and the rock under which he is buried with his wife. For history buffs and lovers of literature, this is a must-see place.
Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Address: 313 E 3rd St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Carl Sandburg State Historic Site
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm (Closed from Mon - Fri)
3. Learn about railroad history of Galesburg at Galesburg Railroad Museum
Posted by Galesburg Railroad Museum on Tuesday, 10 April 2012
This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Galesburg. It is immersed in history and has a lot of preserved items that will heighten your curiosity and make you want to delve deeper into it. It showcases the history of the railway industry in Galesburg and the work that went into its construction. You will find a lot of historic artifacts, documents, data, letters, accounts, and more preserved with love in this museum. Their aim is to make you acquainted with railroading and the lives entwined with it.
The Galesburg Railroad Museum
Address: 211 S Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: The Galesburg Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm (Closed on Mon & holidays)
4. Camp with the family at Allison Campground
This recreational area is the place to go for outdoor activities. There are so many activities you can indulge in such as golf, waterslide, bike trails, and fishing. This is a great place to take your kids to for some outdoor fun and exhilaration. With all the fun you can have and all the activities you can enjoy, your kids will surely love visiting this place. Allison Campground will take your hearts away even if you do not have your kids with you.
Allison Campground
Address: 1351 S Lake Storey Rd, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Allison Campground
5. Try the 18-hole golf course of Bunker Links
May showers will bring June flowers!!
Posted by Bunker Links Municipal Golf Course on Wednesday, 29 May 2019
For a golf player or enthusiast visiting Galesburg, the Bunker Links provide the best golf experience. Whether you are a local or are visiting Galesburg, you must definitely challenge yourself with a round of golf here. Bunker Links provide excellent views and their green pastures make playing there quite enjoyable. Try their 18-hole course with your friends and have a good time. The staff will give you great tips and tricks, so keep your ears open.
Bunker Links
Address: 3500 Lincoln Park Dr, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Bunker Links
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 8pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 8pm
6. Find unique gifts at Calico Cat
Posted by Calico Cat - A Gift Boutique on Friday, 3 May 2019
Whether you want a gift for your little kid or for your mum, Calico Cat has everything. This gift store is your one-stop destination for all unique gift items. They have everything you might need ranging from cards and candles in jars with quirky writings to t-shirts and beauty products. No matter what you are looking for, you will definitely find it here. Have a good time filing your basket with gifts.
Calico Cat
Address: 88 S Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Calico Cat
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
7. Browse through a large collection of vintage items at Dig
Posted by DIG on Tuesday, 5 February 2019
Dig has a lot of curated items that make for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, especially if they love vintage items. At this gift store, you will find a lot of beautiful handmade gift items that would be a lovely thing to gift to your loved ones. There are vintage clothing, upcycled furniture, as well as houseware. They also have modern products, so you are not only limited to old items.
Dig
Address: 27 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Dig
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
8. Catch a live performance or comedy act at Sugar High Theatricals
Posted by Sugar High Theatricals on Tuesday, 21 May 2019
In the mood for a great evening watching live music, sketch comedy, stand up comedy, or anything else that makes you forget all your sorrows of life? Sugar High Theatricals is the place for you. It makes you high on happiness and laughter. They operate every day, so no matter what day you choose, they are always there to entertain you. Dine and watch amazing shows with your friends and family.
Sugar High Theatricals
Address: 2341 W Fremont Galesburg, Illinois
Website: Sugar High Theatricals
Opening hours: 1pm - 5pm (daily)
9. Learn to paint at Art Defined Studios
Check out Becky dripping paint with her granddaughter! Becky is our customer artist who gave us all this brilliantly...
Posted by Art Defined on Wednesday, 26 June 2019
Do you love art and would you like to try your hands at it? Visit the Art Defined Studios. This is the place that makes you fall in love with colors and different artistic techniques. Learn something new with every visit. We are sure you will love bringing colors to your life. This place lets you take your mind off from all the chaos and gets you lost in a world full of joy and brightness.
Art Defined Studios
Address: 306B E Simmons St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Art Defined Studios
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri: 12pm - 8pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
10. Jam with local musicians at Fat Fish Pub
If you are a night owl and want to experience the coolest nightlife of Galesburg, you must visit this place. They have live music to make your night musical and magical. They feature both local and national musicians to ensure you have the best night of your life. Their partnership with Smokin’ Willies BBQ brings to your table the best-smoked BBQ you ever had. What are you thinking about? Be here on any night of the week and live the magic of this place.
Fat Fish Pub
Address: 158 N Broad St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Fat Fish Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 1am; Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 1am
11. Grab some freshly brewed coffee at Innkeeper's Fresh Roasted Coffee
Want some brilliant aromatic coffee to tease your taste buds and satisfy your soul? Visit Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee. It is a family-run cafe that serves one of the best coffee for that stolen moment of the day. Not just coffee, you can find other items as well, such as cookies, sandwiches, and salads. This cozy and comfortable cafe is perfect for satiating breakfasts.
Innkeeper's Fresh Roasted Coffee
Address: 80 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 6pm; Sat: 7am - 5pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm
12. Drop by at Landmark Cafe & Creperie for some European-style crepes
Good evening! Tonight for dinner we have a Roast Beef Crêpe. Our savory whole wheat crêpe is filled with sliced roast beef, pickled red onions, sauteéd mushrooms, and smoked gouda topped with white BBQ sauce
Posted by Landmark Cafe & Creperie on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Landmark Cafe & Creperie is a cozy place that is perfect to visit with friends, family, or lovers. The wonderful ambiance and the great food options will make you want to visit it again. They are known for their hearty crepes that are made in the authentic European style. Whether you want soups, gourmet coffee, or cocktails, this is the place to visit.
Landmark Cafe & Creperie
Address: 62 S Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Landmark Cafe & Creperie
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 10pm; Sat: 9am - 10pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
13. Enjoy freshly baked breads at Uncle Billy's Bakery
All of the baked goodness at Uncle Billy’s Bakery is made from scratch. Try out their delicious range of cakes, pies, French baguettes, and more. You will surely love every single thing at this lovely bakery. You can also gift little boxes of this deliciousness to your loved ones. They will be absolutely thrilled.
Uncle Billy's Bakery
Address: 87 S Seminary St Galesburg, Illinois 61401
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 7am - 4pm
14. Visit the old-fashioned restaurant of Coney Island
Posted by Coney Island on Friday, 3 February 2017
This beautiful and old-style restaurant is the perfect haunt to enjoy some amazing and lip-smacking food. There are so many different varieties of hot dogs available to match each taste and each style. Apart from hot dogs, Coney Island has different sandwiches and side dishes such as mac n’ cheese, Rootbeer float, and smoothies. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or eat a hearty meal, this place will not disappoint you.
Coney Island
Address: 77 S Cherry St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Coney Island
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat: 11am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm
15. Have your lunch at Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar
Posted by Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar on Saturday, 8 June 2019
Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar is located right in the hustling downtown Galesburg. It is a quaint place which serves great food and ensures that you leave the place feeling both full and happy. You can visit this restaurant for lunch, dinner, happy hour, cocktails, and more. Make a plan with your friends or family for a great day out or a night out. You must not miss out on their Scallop and Portobello Bisque soup.
Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar
Address: 57 S Cherry St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Cherry Street Restaurant and Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am (Closed on Sun)
16. Enjoy some beer at Iron Spike Brewing Company
Stop by Spike for Sunday Funday and grab yourself a $4 Bloody Mary! Also, try our Sunday Specials Horse Shoe and...
Posted by Iron Spike Brewing Company on Sunday, 30 June 2019
The Iron Spike Brewing Company is a brewpub that is located in a former fire station. It is a great place to hang out with friends for a great evening. They have delicious American comfort food. Apart from their delectable and savory food, they also have a wide range of unique beers and spirits. You will love the ambiance and environment of this brewpub. Get here on a Friday night to enjoy the mesmerizing vibes.
Iron Spike Brewing Company
Address: 150 E Simmons St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Iron Spike Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri: 11am - 2am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
17. Skate at Kiwanis Park's skating area
Galesburg, IL re-covered with Gatorskins 8-26 and 27, finished 9-2-17. Aaron Olin frontside rock, Angela Dennison photo.
Posted by Aaron T Olin on Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Kiwanis Park is a recreational area providing some amazing activities that are loved and enjoyed by kids and adults alike. One of the places and activities that you must visit is the skating area. This is a great fun activity for all age groups. Have fun with your kids skating around and bringing some activity to your holidays. Skate around even if you are not very good at it. The learning experience and pleasure is better than actually skating around perfectly. Have great fun here with your friends or family.
Kiwanis Park's skating area
Address: 2191 E Knox St, Galesburg, IL 61402, USA
Website: Kiwanis Park’s skating area
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
18. Paddle in the lake at Lake Storey Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Lake Storey Park lets you get close to nature. There are nature trails that are perfect for you to take a lazy stroll or an exhilarating hike. Apart from trails, you will also find a lovely picnic area here, where you can have a lot of fun with your friends or family. You can fish at the lake with a permit. Swimming, however, is not allowed. Take your family and kids here for a lovely picnic that you will all enjoy. Play some games, take with you exciting outdoor games that kids and adults will both like. Lake Storey Park is surely going to make your time very memorable.
Lake Storey Park
Address: 1572 Machen Dr, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Lake Storey Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
19. Let your kids have fun at The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum is a great place for your children. However, the fun and knowledge are not just limited to kids. Adults, too, can benefit from the exhibits and activities here. If you have kids traveling with you, make sure to bring them here. Your kids can learn all about being a village banker or postal delivery person here. With the interactive setting, the kids will learn a lot without having to cram from books. Your kids will surely ask for a second visit soon after you leave.
The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
Address: 128 S Chambers St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: The Discovery Depot Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
20. Play bowling at Northgate Lanes
Northgate Lanes is the place to go to if you want to indulge in some bowling activities. There are 24 lanes available for bowling with automatic scoring. This is a place that holds a lot of fun, whether you go with friends or family. If you have children with you, Northgate Lanes also has 12 bumpers for them that they will thoroughly enjoy.
Northgate Lanes
Address: 1576 N Henderson St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Website: Northgate Lanes
Opening hours: Wed: 12pm - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 10pm (closed from Sun - Tue & Thu)
Explore Galesburg like never before
Galesburg is a city that’s teeming with so many places to see and lots of moments to experience. We have curated some of the best things you can do here. Whether you are a local or are visiting this lovely city, you must not miss out on any of these things. These places will add on to your memories and make sure you have a lot of things to recount and remember. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags, put your traveling foot forward and get going.
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