Travel and Lodging

Getting to Galesburg

Situated between both Peoria and the Quad Cities and Chicago and St. Louis, Galesburg is a central and easily accessible community located in the heart of Knox County, Illinois. Click here to find Galesburg on Google Maps. One State 2018 conference events will be held in a variety of venues concentrated in downtown Galesburg (October 22) and on campus at Knox College (October 23).

By Train (recommended)

Galesburg is home to one of the nation’s busiest rail yards for freight in addition to being a hub for passenger rail service. The busiest train station in western Illinois — and within walking distance of nearly all One State venues and events — Galesburg’s passenger depot (GBB) is served by four Amtrak runs daily:

California Zephyr
Carl Sandburg
Illinois Zephyr
Southwest Chief

The One State 2018 schedule has been organized around these rail-service points, so there’s no need for Amtrak passengers to worry about missing any of our great conference events and sessions! We are also happy to provide a luggage drop near the train station, for those eager to dive right into the conference and check into their hotel rooms later in the day.

By Bus

Those traveling to One State from the Chicago area may reserve seats on a private charter bus to and from downtown Chicago. The charter will depart early in the morning on Monday, October 22 and return to Chicago the evening of Tuesday, October 23. Please note your interest in this option when you register online.

Commercial bus service to Galesburg is available via both Burlington Trailways (recommended) and Greyhound; Galesburg Transit provides service within the city locally.

By Car

Galesburg is served by Interstate 74, whose route continues north to the Quad Cities and southeast toward Peoria, Illinois and beyond. U.S. Route 34 connects Galesburg with Burlington, Iowa, and the Chicago–Kansas City Expressway (Illinois Route 110). Galesburg is approximately:

200 miles from Chicago
200 miles from St. Louis
150 miles from Quincy
140 miles from Champaign-Urbana
120 miles from Springfield
90 miles from Bloomington-Normal
60 miles from the Quad Cities 
50 miles from Peoria
300 miles from Carbondale

By Air

The Galesburg Municipal Airport (GBG) provides general access and private chartered flights. The Quad City International Airport in Moline (MLI) and General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) are each roughly 45 minutes from Galesburg by car.

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Staying in Galesburg

Three primary hotel options for One State attendees are all located in close proximity, where East Main Street meets Interstate 74. Free shuttles will be provided to and from all three hotels and One State conference venues on both dates. Further information will be available at a later date regarding special rates and availability for conference presenters and those registered in advance. Please note that space at these properties is limited and hotel accommodations cannot be guaranteed, especially for walk-ups and those with on-site registrations.

Best Western Prairie Inn and Conference Center
300 South Soangetaha Road
Galesburg IL 61401
Conference rate $89 per night, subject to availability
(309) 343-7151 • Website

Holiday Inn Express and Suites
2160 East Main Street
Galesburg IL 61401
Conference rate $149 per night, subject to availability
(309) 343-7100 • Website

Baymont Inn and Suites by Wyndham
2285 Washington Street
Galesburg IL 61401
Conference rate $99 per night, subject to availability
(309) 807-3727 • Website

There are another five hotels and approximately 30 bed-and-breakfasts or Airbnb rental properties located in the general vicinity.

Questions? Contact the One State Planning Committee via email at onestate@artsalliance.org.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available! Contact Alliance Development Director Sangini Brahmbhatt via email at brahmbhatt@artsalliance.org.