Route 20 Mercantile

03/18/2026

Big news for 🎉

Galena has been named Best of the Midwest 2026 by Midwest Living, recognized as one of the Midwest’s best small towns! With more than 100 locally owned businesses, rich history, and unforgettable experiences, it’s no surprise that Galena continues to stand out.

See the full list and start planning your next visit 👉 https://bit.ly/4sOVc1h

01/29/2026

📘 The 2026 Galena Country Visitors Guide is here!

From can’t-miss attractions to places to stay, seasonal events, and road trip inspiration, our newest Visitors Guide is your go-to resource for planning the perfect Galena Country getaway.

2026 is also a special year as Galena celebrates its Bicentennial, and this guide is packed with ideas to help you experience it all.

👉 Access your free copy here: https://bit.ly/4eXWgdF

01/28/2026

01/20/2026

#25 in the U.S. and climbing! ✨ Galena has made Tripadvisor's Best of the Best US destinations list at #25! From history, great food, and scenic views, there’s so much to love and explore. Have you visited yet? 💚
See the full list: https://bit.ly/3Lp1HYN

11/21/2025

🌟 We’re Heading to Galena! 🌟

We’re packing up and making our way to beautiful Galena, IL for a two-day adventure and we can’t wait! We already have a TON of amazing recommendations from all of you (thank you! 💛). We definitely won’t be able to hit every spot this trip… but that just means we’re already planning our next visit! 😉

This week, we’ll be:
✨ Meeting with local businesses
✨ Exploring downtown shops & hidden gems
✨ Filming for our upcoming Travel Series
✨ Getting to know the incredible owners and stories that make Galena shine

If you’re a Galena-area business owner (or know one!), we’d love to stop in, introduce ourselves, and chat about you being featured in one of our upcoming travel episodes. You do not have to be on the main strip — we want to explore it all!

📣 Want your business included on our next Galena trip? Drop a comment, message us, or tag your favorite spot below. Let’s bring more visibility, more stories, and more love to small businesses across Illinois. 💛

Galena… we’ll see you soon!
– The Eat Shop Explore Team

07/09/2024

This summer, ditch the urban routines of Chicago for a slow-paced day trip or culture-rich overnight stay in the Midwest.

11/08/2023

04/21/2023

Well OshGosh B’gosh! Be like the cool kids and sport your Galena Route 20 and Great River Road Buttons today…

NOW AVAILABLE
Galena Spoon Company
Elizabeth Grand Antique Company
Online at www.galenaroute20.com

03/24/2023

Travel across the Mississippi River and through time at these historic homes, Native sites, and scenic nature preserves.

03/24/2023

Happy first day of spring! What's your favorite park or natural area to explore along the Great River Road?

(Photo: Riverside Park in La Crosse, WI/Travel Wisconsin)