This Illinois city was recently named ‘runner-up’ for best Midwest small town
USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards recently named an Illinois city with a population of fewer than 4,000 a “runner-up” for “Best Small Town in the Midwest (2026).”
Although it didn’t crack the top 10 list, Galena was named a “runner-up.”
USA Today lauded Galena’s “impressive history,” as it’s the home of the oldest operating hotel in Illinois as well as one of the state’s oldest newspapers.
“Galena’s location along the Mississippi River offers numerous outdoor activities, while the walkable historic district includes a vibrant Main Street and numerous restaurants and small businesses,” USA Today reported.
The city of Galena is no stranger to national accolades. A 2025 report from cable network HGTV found Galena had one of the 40 “most charming” small downtowns in the nation, and Travel and Leisure magazine named Galena among the 20 “most beautiful” small towns in the U.S. in 2023.
“Being recognized by USA Today readers is an incredible honor, but what truly makes Galena special is the people and sense of community behind the destination,” Terry Mattson, president and CEO of Galena Country Tourism, wrote in an emailed statement to the News-Democrat. “Visitors are drawn to the history, natural beauty, and experiences, but it’s also a great place to live and build a life. Galena succeeds because the community cares deeply about preserving what makes it unique while investing in its future.”
Galena has a population of 3,308, according to 2020 Census Bureau data, and it’s located in Jo Daviess County. The median household income in Jo Daviess County is $73,993, and the median monthly housing cost for those with a mortgage is $1,455. Median rent for the county is $825, the U.S. Census Bureau reports.
Visiting Galena
Galena is about 330 miles, or 5 hours and 30 minutes by car, from Belleville.
The town’s historic Main Street boasts more than 125 independent restaurants, stores, bed-and-breakfasts and inns, and you can also enjoy hiking and biking.
You can take a narrated trolley tour through the landscape and stop by the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site or the Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum.
Don’t forget to peruse Main Street and enjoy the diverse architecture on your way to a wine tasting or a spa.
Round out your day with a visit to the Galena Center for the Arts, where you can explore exhibits and participate in hands-on workshops.
If you’re looking for unique lodging, an octagon treehouse in Galena was recently named among the “most wishlisted” Airbnbs in the state.
Best Midwest small towns
Here are the top 10 best small towns in the Midwest, according to the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards for 2026:
1. Vevay, Ind.
2. Madison, Ind.
3. Sister Bay, Wisc.
4. Winona, Minn.
5. Mackinac Island, Mich.
6. Middlebury, Ind.
7. Council Grove, Kansas
8. Worthington, Ohio
9. Lake Geneva, Wisc.
10. La Porte, Ind.
Do you have a question about living in Illinois for the News-Democrat? We’d like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below.
