The Galesburg center is about the area of Galesburg Amtrak Station and the area of Galesburg Railroad Museum.
Galesburg experiences four distinct seasons, including very cold, precipitous winters; often-rainy springs; warm, clear summers; and crisp, beautiful autumns. Any time is a good time to visit, since Galesburg's historic district looks picturesque in all weather conditions. The museums are always a good refuge from rain or snow. If you plan to walk the town, however, plan your travels during the warmer months from May through October.
The city also presents several events that you may wish to plan to attend. The Railroad Days Festival is held each year in June for railyard tours, a street festival, and one of the largest model railroad train shows in the Midwest.
The city also hosts the Stearman Fly-In over Labor Day weekend, an event which celebrates the iconic American biplane at the Galesburg Municipal Airport, followed by the Great Cardboard Boat Regatta and the annual rubber duck race later in September at Lake Storey. Head to Walnut Grove Farm around Christmas for family-friendly holiday activities.
When you're searching for the best hotels in Galesburg for discounts, AAA members, military and government service members, and older adults will find the best hotel discounts at the Quality Inn in Galesburg. This newly renovated hotel is in a quiet yet convenient location, only minutes from Carl Sandburg Mall and Lakeside Water Park, and slightly less than 2 miles from Lake Storey and Carl Sandburg College. Each guest room comes with a refrigerator and a microwave. You can save even more money by preparing light meals and snacks in your room rather than dining out.
You will stay entertained and connected throughout your stay thanks to free cable programming and complimentary wireless internet access. Daily housekeeping service keeps everything tidy so that you can relax and enjoy your getaway to Galesburg. Start your day in the city with free coffee and tea in the lobby or the Quality Inn's full buffet breakfast offered to guests free of charge.
If you're planning an event in Galesburg, consider bringing your group to the Best Western Prairie Inn & Conference Center. This welcoming hotel offers everything you could want in a value hotel for a reunion, wedding, or special event, including ample meeting and event spaces, as well as gorgeous grounds. You could easily host a small wedding in the courtyard gazebo or host a small conference in the hotel's meeting and event spaces.
Other attractive amenities at the Best Western Prairie Inn & Conference Center include a beautiful indoor pool, wraparound windows, and a vaulted, wood-panel ceiling. Dine at the Prairie Inn Cafe, one of two on-site restaurants, and you may be treated to a live piano performance. Business travelers will appreciate the 24-hour business center, express checkout service, and complimentary wireless internet access, as well as in-room desks and complimentary newspapers. The fitness center is also generously sized and maintained with a variety of modern equipment. Everyone will appreciate waking up to a cooked-to-order breakfast for a small surcharge.
Lake Storey Park is the place to relax and unwind at the beach or on the water. The restrooms and the fishing areas are all accessible so that everyone can get in on the fun. Be sure to get your fishing permit before you toss a line in the water. Mountain bikers will also find dedicated trails off Main Street, and walkers will find plenty of trails, too. Book a picnic shelter and make a day of it while barbecuing and watching the kids romp on the playground.
Those who want to get away from it all would also do well to spend some time in the countryside. Spend a day at Woodland View Farm's acres of trails, ponds, pastures, prairies, and woodland. This farm is the place for pumpkin picking at the end of the farm's October season. Visit Heartland "Criations" Alpacas LLC to learn about alpaca breeding, and shop the selection of handmade scarves, gloves, blankets, yarn, and socks made from alpaca wool.
Come to tour, study, shop, or escape to the country. Whatever brings you to Galesburg, Illinois, you'll leave refreshed and inspired.
Below are reviews of the city of Galesburg, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Great location
Nice quiet town full of nice people. We enjoy Galesburg!
Always have to visit Coney Island, Calico Cat Boutique, Pizza House.
We enjoy the Pizza House!
Lake Storey Park is great for walking.
Great places to eat!
Knox College
Great places to eat!
Great places to eat.
I went to the Knox County Fair to see Scotty McCreery and he was the best.
The Landmark Restaurant
Good restaurant options. Railroad Museum was great. Easy town to get around in.
Visited relatives in town and had a good time.
I came to Galesburg just to visit relatives. Nice family friendly town.