Winston Tunnel State Natural Area
2641 S. Blackjack Rd., Galena, IL 61036
Hiking & Trails
230 acres for public hunting, hiking, nature viewing and an historic railroad tunnel.
While the tunnel itself has been walled off for years now, the entrance and walk along the tracks is beautiful. The trails are mostly either mowed grass or herd path along the way to the tunnel. Half way through the hike, the path drops right onto the old train tracks and heads to the tunnel.
The Winston Tunnel was built in 1888 for the Minnesota and Northwestern Railroad, a line that ran from Chicago to Minneapolis, Omaha and Kansas City.
This is a two-mile hike over some steep terrain that takes about 2 hours. Add extra time for pictures! Open All Year and pet-friendly.
What's happening nearby...
Bicentennial Corn Boil
Galena Recreation Park • Aug 29 @ 12noon
Join the Galena community for the highly anticipated Bicentennial Corn Boil at Recreation Park on August 29, 2026!
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Galena Historical Society's 32nd Annual Cemetery Walk
Galena & U.S. Grant Museum • Sep 12 – Sep 13 @ 1PM
Performers of the Cemetery Walk will be exploring the rugged lives of early settlers, sharing stories of prosperity and the challenges of intersecting cultures, politics, war and…
Read more about Galena Historical Society's 32nd Annual Cemetery Walk
Galena Cellars Annual Fall Harvest Festival
Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery • Sep 26 @ 11AM
Join Galena Cellars as they celebrate the 2026 Harvest! The 16th Annual Fall Harvest & Art Festival will take place at the Galena Cellars Vineyard.
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