Galena

The recreation center grew out of the townsite. A store went up among the derelict buildings in 1910 and stayed in one family's hands until 1960. The Gelsky family later built Galena Lodge using timbers from the old town, and from 1976 it was a cross-country ski center on the miners' and loggers' roads. It closed in 1992 and the Forest Service moved to end its permit. In 1994 a community campaign raised more than $500,000, bought the lodge and gave it to the Blaine County Recreation District, which still runs it on donations and trail fees.

What the plaque says

Galena After Warren P. Callahan located a rich lead-silver mine here, April 26, 1879, thousands of eager treasure-hunters joined in a rush to Wood River in 1880. Successful prospectors discovered valuable lodes from here to Bellevue. Galena had a hotel, four general stores, a livery stable, several saloons and dining halls, a shoe store, and daily stage service to Hailey. After a ruinous decline in silver prices in 1888, its mines were shut down. But Galena continued as a recreation center. 484 Text prepared by the Idaho Historical Society Marker made & installed by Idaho Transportation Department

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Galena Summit Overlook — 3.8 mi
  The Salmon River's first miles, seen from an overlook named for the couple who helped keep a mine out of the view.

More markers nearby

• Alexander Ross — 2.3 mi
• Salmon River — 4.5 mi
• Vienna — 6.6 mi
• Sawtooth City — 8.7 mi