Fifty miles east of the Mississippi River lies the small city of Galesburg, IL. The founding fathers originally planned their new community to foster religious education. Today the beautiful historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places, known for its unique and valuable architectural styles. Galesburg is home to the 1854 Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, Knox College, and Sandburg University, named for author Carl Sandburg, whose ashes lie beneath Remembrance Rock.
Temperatures with an average high of 80 degrees and low of 22 degrees make this a great place for all sports. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Lake Story Recreational Area with year-round activities including boating, swimming and picnicing on the 600-acre lake. Hiking trails in the summer and snowmobiling in winter are popular with visitors and locals.
With Chicago only a three-hour drive, you can spend the weekend shopping on the Miracle Mile (said to be the Rodeo Drive of the East), taking in a theatre performance, and enjoying fine dining. It’s been said that you can eat out every night of the year in Chicago and never go to the same restaurant twice! Not to be outdone by neighboring Chicago, Galesburg offers a range of restaurants from classical elegant to casual cuisine closer to home.
Visit the vibrant Seminary Street Historic Commercial District where once-abandoned buildings now house thriving restaurants, specialty shops, antiques and collectibles, spas, coffee houses, and bakeries. Sure to become a favorite shopping and dining spot during your assignment!
Your stay in the area wouldn’t be complete without a photo stop at the famous “Big Blue Chair”. Don’t forget to send pictures of the many faces of Galesburg to friends and family at home.
