You’ve not seen America until you’ve seen the Midwest, any American will tell you. Beyond New York, Los Angeles, Disney Land/World; ‘real America’ awaits you right in the center of the heartland. Where to go? Why, just a few hours outside Chicago, visitors can experience the best of Midwestern living in towns such as ‘Galena,’ ‘Rockford,’ ‘Moline,’ and ‘Savanna’; locally known as the “Quad Cities” in Illinois.
The Great River Road, so called because it stretches 500 miles and is paved with thousands of years of scenic history; originates in Galena, home of nine Civil War generals and America’s 18th US President (Gen.) Ulysses S. Grant.
The driving distance from Galena to Chicago is three picturesque hours. The Mississippi River was integral to commerce in Galena and neighboring towns since the 1800s, when the area grew quickly with the discovery of lead and coal in the surrounding hills. Today over 85 percent of Galena is on the National Register of Historic Places; and is also listed as one of the Top 10 Most Romantic Small Towns in the US and Canada.
Galena is also one of the Best Small Towns in America, one of America’s Prettiest Towns and one of The World’s Friendliest Cities. Galena’s historic main streets are still lined with 19th century storefronts, quaint wood-framed homes, churches, hotels, a train depot, town hall and artisan eateries. Over 100 idiosyncratic shops line Main Street, offering a cornucopia of food and keepsakes.
Less than 100 miles from Galena is Moline, a small town nestled between the banks of the Mississippi and Rock Rivers. It is home to the future 2016 Quad Cities Multi-Modal Station, which will provide passenger rail service to-and-from Chicago.
Known for its renowned John Deere Pavilion, downtown Moline has been through a tremendous reformation. From the halcyon days when it was a booming center for manufacturing and “smokestack industries” it’s now diversified and modernized (and free of soot). Moline is today a recreational center and tourist destination.
The John Deere Legend, your adventure in 19th century farm mechanization to modern-day, is an experience not to be missed. Located near the site of the original John Deere Factory, this tour starts with the John Deere Pavilion, followed by the JD Harvester Works just out of town. It is one of the largest agricultural exhibits in the world.
Climb up into a shiny green combine, and see farm implements old and new, as well as interactive agricultural exhibits. Don’t miss the John Deere Store which carries a wide range of clothing, toys and merchandise with the famous colored and instantly recognizable shade of green emblazoned with the leaping-deer logo.
Next town on your Great River Road driving tour is Rockville. Over the past 30 years the city of Rockford has worked hard to develop tourism, including the addition of more than 20 new attractions and 18 new hotels, not to mention many great locally-owned restaurants and retail shops. Some of the not-to-miss attractions include the Anderson Japanese Gardens, with its 12-acres of winding paths is one of the highest rated Japanese Gardens in North America.
The Laurent House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the first handicapped accessible built homes in the US. Also worth touring is the butterfly-filled Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and the child-friendly Discovery Center Museum, rated as one of the top ten museums in the US
Things to do:
• Galena Trolley Tours in Galena, IL.
• www.galenatrolleys.com
• Guided trolley tour of Galena’s historic district, operates every hour, tour lasts one hour.
• Ulysses S. Grant State Home in Galena, IL.
• www.granthome.com
• President Grant’s home is beautiful furnished with original pieces, the home offers real insight to what a president’s home was like in the 1800s compared to today. The home was gifted to Grant upon his victorious return from the Civil War in 1865.
• Gustafson & Grey, Ltd., Galena, IL
• [email protected]
• While waiting for the trolley tour, I happened upon this lovely fine jewelry and antique store. Beautiful treasures available at very reasonable prices; I did not leave the store empty-handed.
• John Deere Pavilion in Moline, IL.
• In 1848, John Deere started his plow-manufacturing right here in Moline, where they are still headquartered. Tour the John Deere Pavilion, and discover the ultra-modern designs behind the $100,000 price tags on the combines and trailers.
• John Deer Harvester Works in East Moline, IL.
• www.johndeereattractions.com
• Whether you’re a city-slicker or a wanna-be farmer, this is a tour not to miss. Shiny green John Deere farm equipment has been used in the US and throughout the world since the mid-1800s. The 40-minute tour free, and you can ‘test drive’ one of their enormous machines, too. There’s a lot to be learned here, and it’s out-of-the-ordinary. Don’t miss the fun treasures in their gift shop.
• Celebration River Cruises in Moline, IL.
• www.celebrationbelle.com
• This is the largest non-gambling luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River. The boat offers scenic lunch and dinner cruises, enjoy dining while enjoying breathtaking views along the Mississippi.
• Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL.
• www.andersongardens.org
• Designed by Hoichi Kurisu, the mystical winding paths are the highest rated Japanese Gardens in North America.
• Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in Rockford, IL.
• http://www.nicholasconservatory.com
• A tropical center in the Midwest, swarming with butterflies.
• Discovery Center Museum, Rockford, IL.
• Here your children can let off steam and touch the fun-filled exhibits, as it’s recognized as one of the top 10 museums in the country.
• Mississippi Palisades State Park, Savannah, IL.
• http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r1/palisade.htm
• This 2,500-acre park offers picnicking, hiking and magnificent views of the Mississippi River. Erosion has carved interesting rock formations, including Indian Head, with its aquiline characteristics, and Twin Sisters, a pair of humanoid figures on the bluff tops.
Suggested hotels:
• The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, Galena, IL.
• www.theirishcottageboutiquehotel.com
• Don’t be deceived by the outside, as it’s in a strip mall. Inside the place is lively with toe-tapping Irish music, good food and friendly help.
• Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena, IL.
• www.eagleridge.com
• Stayed one night here, and heartily recommend this elegant wilderness hotel. The room overlooked a stream, the food was very good (don’t miss the breakfast buffet); the property is unique in the area.
• Cloran Mansion Inn B&B, Galena, IL.
• http://cloranmansion.com/
• Built in 1857, Cloran Belvedere Mansion has 22 lavishly decorated rooms and retains its elegance at reasonable prices.
• Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Illinois, Moline IL.
• http://www.stoneycreekhotels.com/hotel/travel/quadcities/home.do
• The lodge-themed hotel feels, upon entering, as though you’ve arrived in the Northwoods, as reflected in décor and furniture. Kids will love it.

Suggested restaurants:
• One Eleven Main, Galena, IL.
• www.oneelevenmain.com
• Name doesn’t reveal the fun, historic lieu and delicious food. Ate here so I can say: Bring your appetite and prepare to enjoy a memorable dinner. The restaurant prides itself in serving familiar dishes in innovative ways; it works with local famers and the menu includes locally-sourced culinary specialties.
• American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, Galena, IL.
• One of my all-time favorites! Easy to walk by, but you’ll be doing yourself a disservice. This fun, funky store has ample supplies to satisfy anyone’s sweet-tooth in a heartbeat. Don’t miss the room in the back — where you’ll discover their excellent ice cream. Definitely worth three scoops!
• Stockholm Inn, Rockford, IL.
• www.stockholminn.com
• Do not, I repeat: Do not drive 100 miles within range of this inn without stopping to have breakfast, or any meal, at this iconic, eccentric, delicious restaurant that embraces its Swedish heritage.
• Abreo Restaurant, Rockford, IL.
• www.abreorockford.com
• Here is another example of something special hidden in an conventional exterior; which can be said about a lot of the places mentioned for this story. Easy to drive by, but don’t. This is another fun, trendy eatery where the seasonal menus are heavily sourced from local farmers, and the chefs’ talents pleasantly surprise.
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