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Stagecoach Trail, Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Photo: Michael Boyd · CC BY 3.0

Drives Illinois Iowa and Illinois

Stagecoach Trail

Jo Daviess County, Illinois · Galena → Warren

Leisurely25 mi40 min1,900 ft climbHigh point ≈ 1,100 ftOne way
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The drive

The Stagecoach Trail is a gently curving, hilly two-lane road first established in the mid-1830s, following the original stagecoach route between Galena and Chicago. This drive goes from Galena east to Warren, 24.9 miles, passing Scales Mound in Jo Daviess County.

Visit Galena describes open countryside with cows, historic architecture and small villages. Scales Mound has about 90 percent of its buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is near Charles Mound, the state's highest point at 1,235 feet, which is on private land and closed to the public. Council Hill Station is an 1850s general store and railway station turned watering hole and music venue. Warren has the Old Stone Hotel, built in 1851 and now the Warren Community Building.

Along the way

  1. Galena
  2. Scales Mound
  3. Apple River
  4. Warren
Elevation
1,900 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 1,100 ft
GalenaWarren
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
GalenaWarren
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • A 6.5-mile detour leads to Apple River Canyon State Park.
  • Charles Mound, the state's high point near Scales Mound, is on private land and not open to visitors.
  • The road is two lanes and hilly with gentle curves.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check IDOT Getting Around Illinois.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Stagecoach Trail take to drive?

The Stagecoach Trail from Galena to Warren is 24.9 miles and takes about 40 minutes.

What is the Stagecoach Trail in Illinois?

It's a historic road first established in the mid-1830s on the original stagecoach route between Galena and Chicago, now a hilly two-lane county road.

Which towns are on the Stagecoach Trail?

The drive passes Scales Mound and ends in Warren. Apple River Canyon State Park is a 6.5-mile detour off the road.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Stagecoach Trail, from Galena to Warren