Galena is located in northwest Illinois in Jo Daviess County. Forbes Traveler named Galena one of the ten prettiest towns in America. Downtown Galena offers historic 19th century architecture, quaint shops, fine dining and gorgeous views of the surrounding hills, streams and valleys. Often referred to as the town that time forgot, its buildings present virtually the same exterior view that they had before the Civil War. The area is full of historic sites, including the home of President Ulysses S. Grant. The town also encompasses an area known as the Galena Territory, home to the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, highly acclaimed golf courses and privately owned resort homes. Several of these homes serve as an alternative to rented hotel rooms, providing guests with amenities such as hot tubs, game rooms, large decks and exclusive use of the entire home. Activities include skiing, hiking, boating, fishing, horseback riding and golf. Morning and evening hot air balloon rides are also available and very popular with resort residents and guests.