20 Attractions to Explore Near Galesburg Railroad Museum

The Carl Sandburg State Historic Site, is an inspiring tribute to the renowned American poet and author. Built on the lands of Sandburg’s beloved home, it provides a beautiful space for visitors to explore his life and work. Visitors can take a guided tour through the three-story farmhouse, and learn about the farm chores he was assigned as a young boy. Throughout the site, interactive displays and programs provide insight into his life, poetry and legacy.

The Bishop Hill State Historic Site is a reminder of America's vestige of Utopian communal living. It is the site of the communal colony established by Swedish immigrants in 1846, founded on principles of hard work, resource sharing, and cooperation. A museum highlights artifacts from this time period while guided tours are available through restored historical buildings like the Steeple Building which served as their church and the Colony Store Museum.

Jubilee College State Park, offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to discover. With its rolling hills, acres of hardwood forests, and a variety of wildlife, the park is an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, bird watching and fishing. Visitors can cool off in one of the three lakes or enjoy a scenic sunset from one of several lookouts that feature panoramic views of the countryside. There are also cabins and trails offering more opportunities to enjoy nature.

Baker Park is a lovely place to enjoy the outdoors and take part in exciting recreational activities. This park covers over 600 acres of land, so there's plenty of room for joggers, cyclists, hikers and birdwatchers. Several scenic trails meander through prairies and wetlands in search of nature's beauty. Kayak rentals are available on the park’s lagoon while families often bait up at any one of four shimmering ponds stocked with plenty of fish.

Niabi Zoo, is an animal lover's paradise. With over 350 different species from all corners of the world in its fifteen acres, there is plenty to explore. Visitors can take a peaceful stroll through the African Savannah and marvel at the majestic sight of Giraffes eating from the trees above them. Fans of aquatic species will find incredible amazement with Penguins, Otters and Sharks at the new Water's Edge Exhibit.

Camden Park, is a premier outdoor recreational area. Visitors can explore acres of forest and riverside trails, go canoe and kayaking on the adjacent Rock River, or relax along one of the many picnic spots. Adventurous individuals can also climb and rappel from the park’s rocky cliffs. The views of the river and surrounding nature are incredible! The park also hosts numerous events throughout the year including music festivals, guided hikes, craft workshops and more.

Francis Park is a stunning example of rolling terrain and lush green foliage. Located on 158 acres east of the small town of Atkinson and overlooking the Rock River, it offers diverse and peaceful recreation opportunities for all types of visitors. Whether you're looking for a place to go for a hike, bike, or picnic with your family, Francis Park has something to offer. For those seeking more strenuous activities such as canoeing and kayaking, you won't be disappointed.

Wildlife Prairie Park is a must visit spot for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors. The park was established in 1978 and covers over 1,800 acres of prairie, grasslands and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking and horseback riding on the marked trails throughout the park. Wildlife Prairie Park also houses some of the state's most-loved animals including American bison, river otters, elk and more!

Ryan’s Historic Round Barn built in 1917 by Anton J. Ryan and his brother-in-law Leonard Schullenzee, this historic structure was meant to last for many years. This round barn is made of wooden frame covered with wooden shingles and the interior is finished with a bright white wash. The main feature of this building is its 52-foot diameter that allows for plentiful storage space for livestock and other agricultural supplies while still providing plenty of light and ventilation.

Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area is a unique and scenic location for outdoor recreation. This area includes a lake surrounded by lush greenery that is perfect for picnicking and fishing. Visitors can go for stunning hikes along trails with great views of the hills and valleys of the region. The campgrounds provide all the necessaries to experience an extended stay in nature. Although motorized vehicles aren't allowed, horseback riding on the trails is a popular activity.

Wildlife Prairie Park is a great park to visit. It's home to over 50 different species of native wildlife, many of which can be seen up close and personal! As one of the few free-roaming parks in the state, visitors enjoy seeing species like bison, elk, river otters, and wolves in their natural environment. With plenty of trails for hiking and biking and 13 lakes stocked with fish, Wildlife Prairie Park is full of activities for nature lovers of all ages.

The Hauberg Museum is a National Historic Site that tells the story of midwestern farming from the early twentieth century. Visitors can explore the farmstead site and the beautifully-preserved heritage of the Hauberg family who originally settled on this land in 1846. The museum includes several buildings, including a reconstructed cabin and a springhouse, which serve to illustrate how families lived during that period.

Black Hawk State Historic Site is a great place to visit with something for everyone. This scenic park is located along the Upper Mississippi River and provides historical information about the Sauk and Meskwaki Nation through its photo galleries, plaques and displays. There are also plenty of recreational activities to keep the whole family occupied such as trails perfect for walking, hiking, biking or horseback riding as well as fishing spots on the river.

The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is a great destination for all your shopping needs. this mall provides shoppers with an enjoyable and convenient experience. With over 50 stores, it's the perfect place to find designer clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, and much more. Additionally, it has several restaurants where you can sit down and have a delicious meal or grab something to go. The mall also has a wide range of services like salons, spas and banks.

Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel offers a full range of casino gaming options, from the classic favorites like poker, blackjack and slots to exciting electronic table games. With over 800 slot machines, 30 table games and endless entertainment options, this destination provides an exciting getaway for any gambler. In addition to the 6 restaurants and 4 bars that offer everything from delicious burgers to celebrity chef cuisine, there is always something to do.

The Toolesboro Mound Group, situated in southeastern Iowa along the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, is an archaeological treasure steeped in ancient history and cultural significance. This remarkable site, dating back over 2,000 years, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and traditions of the indigenous peoples who once inhabited the region.

This picturesque park offers a variety of recreation for visitors, including two playgrounds, two large picnic shelters, grills and picnic tables, a fishing pond and boat access to the Mississippi river. There’s something for everyone at Sunset Park! For those wishing to explore the outdoors, miles of winding trails provide an ideal venue for biking or even just a leisurely stroll. Or head north to Sycamore Bend for more fun.

The John Deere Pavilion is an interactive museum celebrating the agricultural heritage and rich history of John Deere. The main attractions of the pavilion include an expansive two-story gallery showcasing iconic products, an immersive theater for 4D virtual reality experiences, and a 28-foot replica of a classic tractor surrounded by visually stunning scenery, state-of-the-art exhibits, and interactive activities.

The Vibrant Arena at the MARK is a premier event and entertainment facility. Featuring a main stage area with flexible seating and state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology, it provides an unbeatable experience for music concerts, theatrical productions, sports tournaments and large conventions. It also boasts multiple large meeting rooms, outdoor space for outdoor events, plus concessions stands and more.

The Broadway National Historic District, is known for its Victorian-style homes that line the historic street. Along with these homes, the district also contains businesses, parks, churches and a former armory. With over 100 years of history taken in through these features, it's no wonder why Broadway is such an iconic piece of the area. Visitors can explore not just the beautiful architecture but also various historical monuments.