Named after a mineral that was once mined by the Native Americans living in this region, Galena is a beautiful city in the state of Illinois, USA, that is full of history and character. The city has many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Galena Historic District which spans across 581 acres (235 hectares) and it is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. History and architecture beautifully collide in Galena to give rise to landmarks like The Dowling House, the oldest building in Galena; Ulysses S. Grant Home, home of the Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States; the Elihu B. Washburne House, DeSoto House Hotel, Turner Hall, etc. The city’s downtown also has a host of eclectic dining, shopping and entertainment options. Scattered throughout Galena are unique parks and gardens like Linmar Gardens, West Street Sculpture Park, Grant Park, etc. Many art galleries, breweries, wineries and distilleries are also located in Galena. If you’re looking for where to stay in Galena, there are plenty of options, such as hotels, vacation rentals, and cabins. This pulsating city has attractions suited to every type of visitor, and we have the details on the most awesome things to do here! Scroll down to know more about all the things to do in Galena, Illinois.
Where to stay in Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is the perfect destination for the genuinely curious traveler. Just like its mineral namesake, visitors can mine the town’s splendid history by visiting museums, hearing it from the locals, or strolling through its streets which are lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings and structures. There’s also a lot of activities involving nature, arts, sports, and recreation. Galena is also a host to a number of rentals where you can rest and unwind. Be surprised by how hotels in this area are able to reflect the town’s culture. If you’re in for a more personal visit, there are private apartments with easy access to shops, restaurants, and top attractions. For families, fully furnished historic houses are also available.
Here are our top recommendations on where to stay:
1. Be amazed at the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Enjoy a superb magic show by the acclaimed magician, P. T. Murphy, at the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre in the historic downtown area of Galena. The theatre is situated in a building built in the 1840s and it has only 24 seats, making for an intimate and magical experience. Be amazed by illusions, sleight of hand and many mystical magic tricks delivered with panache. Murphy’s mischievous sense of humor also adds to the charm of this magic show.
P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Address: 204 Hill St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 26.50 USD
2. Sample wines at Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
At Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard, soak in the fresh air of the countryside amidst acres of rolling farmland, and sample some delicious wines with a view of the vineyards. The family-run winery produces 40 different wines from 22 varieties of grapes and it offers winery tours as well as wine tastings that you can enjoy in the huge tasting room, or enjoy a glass of your favorite wine out on the patio. They also have a shop where you can pick up a bottle or two of their award-winning wines.
Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
Address: 4746 N Ford Rd, Galena, IL 610366
Website: Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm
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3. Admire ancient architecture at Dowling House
Built in 1826, Dowling House is Galena’s oldest house and it attracts thousands of visitors every year. This limestone house has very primitive living quarters and it was once the only trading post in all of Galena. Visit this historic house on a half-hour guided tour and take a look at the artifacts of that era. Or you can simply admire the ancient architecture of this house from the outside. Whatever you do, do not miss visiting Dowling House on your trip to Galena.
Dowling House
Address: 220 Diagonal St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Dowling House
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
4. Enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures at Chestnut Mountain Resort
At the Chestnut Mountain Resort, a world of adventure awaits you! This adventure paradise has an array of thrilling outdoor activities in Galena that people of all ages can enjoy. The summertime activities at this mountain resort include their famous Alpine Slide from the top of the mountain to the banks of the Mississippi River, Soaring Zipline high above the mountain’s peak, a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, Segway Tours over acres of rolling mountain terrain, mini-golf, disc golf and bike rentals. Wintertime adventures that visitors can enjoy are downhill skiing, downhill snowboarding, children’s programs, and skiing and snowboarding lessons. At Chestnut Mountain Resort, you can enjoy delicious meals at their restaurants and cafes, or stay the night or weekend to spend more time enjoying everything that the resort has to offer.
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Address: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Chestnut Mountain Resort
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily) (winter timings vary)
Price: 4 USD onwards
5. See the artwork at Galena Center for the Arts
Striving to make art accessible to all, Galena Center for the Arts is a beautiful gallery that showcases artwork from talented regional artists. Experience high-quality art exhibits in a professional setting, displayed in various gallery spaces. Galleries at Galena Center for the Arts include a Special Exhibits Gallery, Featured Artists Gallery, Regional Artists Gallery, a Pop-up Gallery, and more. Admire the beautiful regional artwork or participate in a special event at the Galena Center for the Arts.
Galena Center for the Arts
Address: 219 Summit St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Galena Center for the Arts
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: free
6. Tour the historic Ulysses S. Grant Home
Visit the historic Ulysses S. Grant Home, the home of General Ulysses S. Grant, who was a Civil War hero and the 18th President of the U.S. Constructed in 1860 in the typical Italianate style and presented to General Grant upon his return to Galena after the end of the Civil War, this beautifully restored home is now open to visitors. You can tour the home and admire the period furniture, lifestyle of the Grant family and learn about the history of General Grant via guided tours. The surrounding gardens are worth a stop too.
Ulysses S. Grant Home
Address: 500 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Ulysses S. Grant Home
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 4:45pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 3 USD onwards
7. Visit the remarkable Old Blacksmith Shop
Check out The Old Blacksmith Shop, an authentic smithy in Galena that is more than 100 years old. Built in 1897, this original blacksmith shop is a museum-cum-shop where the forges are still operational and a real blacksmith is always present to give you demonstrations and historical information about the museum. There are plenty of traditional tools and original equipment on display in the museum. The gift shop has several handcrafted ironwork items and you can even get beautiful fireplace sets custom-made at the foundry of The Old Blacksmith Shop.
The Old Blacksmith Shop
Address: 245 N Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: The Old Blacksmith Shop
Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 10am - 4pm (closed Tue - Thu)
Price: 2 USD onwards
8. Get connected to nature at Linmar Gardens
Perched on a hill with views over the city of Galena, Linmar Gardens is a private 3.5-acre (1.4-hectare) garden that is beautifully landscaped and perfect for connecting with nature. Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and take in the beauty of the artistically designed grounds that also has several water features like ponds, fountains, flowing brooks and a 20-foot (6-meter) waterfall! Besides its vibrant collection of flowering plants, Linmar Gardens also has gazebos and a sunken garden that is built on the ruins of one of the first African-American churches of the state.
Linmar Gardens
Address: 504 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Linmar Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am & 2pm; Sun: 2pm (guided tour timings)
Price: 4 USD onwards
9. Learn about the culture of Galena at Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Located in a stunning and well-maintained Italianate mansion built in 1858, Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society, is also known as the History Museum where visitors can learn about the illustrious past of Galena. Spread out over 6000 square feet, the museum houses several exhibits related to the Civil War, General Ulysses Grant, many national treasures like paintings, maps, documents and other such interesting artefacts related to Galena’s culture and history. Visitors are also encouraged to check out books, gifts and souvenirs at the museum’s gift shop.
Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Address: 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 8 USD onwards
10. Marvel at unique sculptures in West Street Sculpture Park
Enjoy wandering across 2 acres (0.8 hectares) of the open-air West Street Sculpture Park and marvel at the unique steel sculptures on display. All sculptures in this park are designed by artist John Martinson at his on-site studio. There are over a dozen welded steel sculptures scattered throughout the park, including a giant Tinkertoy, humongous 40-foot (12-meter) towers, unique assemblages and signs. Besides gigantic sculptures, there are many walking paths, a picnic table, and a shop where the artist’s smaller works can be bought at the West Street Sculpture Park.
West Street Sculpture Park
Address: 620 S W St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: West Street Sculpture Park
Opening hours: dawn - dusk (daily)
11. Tour the historic Old Market House
Built in the mid-1800s, the Old Market House is a historic structure constructed in the Greek Revival style of architecture. It served as a gathering spot and market place for Galena’s shoppers and merchants until the early 1900s. After extensive restoration in 1955, the Old Market House now serves as a site for meetings, special events and changing exhibits. The historic building also doubles up as Galena Area’s Welcome Center and visitors can tour it to know more about its history as well as learn about the happenings and events taking place in Galena.
Old Market House
Address: 123 N Commerce St., Galena, Illinois
Website: Old Market House
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 1 USD onwards
12. Try the vodka at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is one of the best distilleries in Galena, and one of the best spirits that they produce is their vodka. Started by two brothers in 2013, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is renowned for distilling and producing fine spirits in a carefully controlled environment. Made from locally sourced wheat and rye, their unique vodkas like the fine Blaum Bros. Vodka, and the spicy-fiery HellFyre Vodka are must-try spirits at Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Address: 9380 US Hwy 20 W, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 5pm
13. Revisit history at Elihu B. Washburne House
One of the best things to do in Galena is take in the beautiful architecture of Elihu B. Washburne House, which was constructed in the Greek Revival style in 1843. The house is historically significant as the former residence of the eminent attorney, U.S. Congressman, and political advisor to Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant, Mr. Elihu B. Washburne. The exterior and interior of the house have been restored to its former glory, and visitors can learn about the history of Elihu B. Washburne, his family, his ties to the White House, as well as observe the Victorian era furniture, artifacts and rooms through guided tours.
Elihu B. Washburne House
Address: 908 Third Street, Galena, Illinois
Website: Elihu B. Washburne House
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 1pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
14. Relax with a drink at Miss Kitty's Grape Escape
At the wine and martini lounge, Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape, enjoy delicious cocktails, beers, wines and spirits in a relaxed and fun environment. Drop by after work or for a late-night libation: this lounge has a variety of drinks for every mood. Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape also offers live entertainment and scrumptious food to go with their fabulous drinks. Enjoy a relaxing evening by yourself or with friends at this lovely spot in Galena.
Miss Kitty's Grape Escape
Address: 242 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 1am; Sat - Sun: 11am - 1am
15. Try the unique flavors at Great American Popcorn Company
Tuck into some yummy popcorn at the family-owned-and-operated Great American Popcorn Company store in Galena. The store has been handcrafting popcorn for over 24 years and it is made from 100% non-GMO corn sourced from American farms. Try some of their mouth-watering popcorn flavors like Bacon & Cheddar, Butter Pecan, Cherry Cheesecake, Freaking Hot, White Cheddar Jalapeno, and more! The store also sells fudge, ice cream, chocolates and candies.
Great American Popcorn Company
Address: 110 S Main St, Galena, IL 6103
Website: Great American Popcorn Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
16. Sample the delicious brews at Galena Brewing Company
A grassroots brewery in Galena, Galena Brewing Company is famous for its locally produced lip-smacking variety of beers. The brewery offers 13 delicious beer styles, with five beers on tap and seasonal brews are available too. Customers can also enjoy beer flights and drink specials alongside scrumptious bar food. The brewery also has live music on most weekends.
Galena Brewing Company
Address: 227 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Galena Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 9pm
17. Check out the boutiques in Downtown Main Street
Affectionately called the “Helluva Half Mile’, Galena’s Downtown Main Street has an exciting array of shops and boutiques where you can shop to your heart’s content. From traditional mom ‘n’ pop shops to quaint boutiques to independent stores, downtown Galena offers you a variety of goods from apparel to jewelry to ceramic sculptures! Check out Honest John’s Emporium, Pinder Pottery, and At Home in Galena for some unique shopping options.
Downtown Main Street
Address: Main Street, Galena, IL 61036
18. Chill out with live entertainment at The Cornerstone
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
One of Galena’s most happening nightlife venues, The Cornerstone offers fantastic drinks, an upbeat ambiance, and foot-thumping live music four nights a week. The bartender will mix up delicious cocktails for you and the performers will play original music that will keep you entertained for hours. The Cornerstone also has a pool table, a dartboard, and many other attractions.
The Cornerstone
Address: 125 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: The Cornerstone
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 5pm - 1am; Sat - Sun: 12pm - 1am
19. Explore Galena's haunted history with Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours
Explore the spooky side of Galena and embark on a ghost tour with Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours. The tour company offers a variety of ghost tours and experiences that take you through some of the most haunted places to visit in Galena. The tours are accompanied by accounts and true stories of Galena, narrated by professional storytellers, and there are no special effects of any kind involved in the ghost tours.
Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours
Address: 303 S Main St, Galena, Illinois 61036
Website: Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD onwards
20. Play golf at Galena Golf Club
Take a break from sightseeing and play a round of golf at the beautiful 18-hole golf course at Galena Golf Club. This well-maintained public golf course has a par 71 layout with some challenging areas that can be enjoyed by beginners as well as expert golfers. The beautifully kept golf course also has a lovely clubhouse and guests can enjoy special twilight rates and golfing lessons too.
Galena Golf Club
Address: 11557 US Hwy 20 W, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Galena Golf Club
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 13 USD onwards
21. Unwind at Grant Park
Located alongside the Galena River, Grant Park is a beautifully landscaped park that provides the ideal space to sit back, relax and unwind in Galena. The park has a pavilion with tables, playgrounds, a basketball court, and many other recreational areas. Adding a historic and picturesque charm to the park are its several cannons, monuments, gazebos, a beautiful fountain and a walking bridge across the river to downtown Galena.
Grant Park
Address: 625 Park Ave, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Grant Park
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
22. Tour the amazing Chicago Athenaeum
Chicago Athenaeum is an International Museum of Architecture and Design and its facility in Galena has a lot of informative exhibits that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Featuring all forms of objects and ideas related to all disciplines of design like graphics, architecture, urban planning, landscape, industrial sculptures and product design, Chicago Athenaeum is an interesting place to visit in Galena. It also conducts educational and entertaining programs throughout the year, that visitors can participate in.
Chicago Athenaeum
Address: 601 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Chicago Athenaeum
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 12pm - 5pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
23. Admire Victorian-style architecture at DeSoto House Hotel
The historic DeSoto House Hotel was built in 1855 and was once called the ‘Largest Hotel in the West’. Named after the man who discovered the Mississippi River, DeSoto House Hotel is a stunning Victorian-style building with a red brick exterior and the interior is also just as grand, with as many as 55 guest rooms still retaining their Victorian-era charm. You can admire the architecture of the hotel from the outside or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the restaurants in the hotel that still have their original beamed ceilings and brick walls.
DeSoto House Hotel
Address: 230 S. Main Street Galena, IL 61036
Website: DeSoto House Hotel
24. Enjoy a concert at Turner Hall
Built in 1874 at a cost of a meager USD 15,000, the iconic Turner Hall is a historic building in Galena. The building has hosted several special performances, operas, orchestras, lectures and it even hosted notable personalities like Theodore Roosevelt over the ages. After undergoing extensive renovations, Turner Hall now regularly hosts concerts, orchestras and other musical performances. Spend some time soaking in the culture and history of Galena by catching a concert at the magnificent Turner Hall.
Turner Hall
Address: 115 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Turner Hall
Opening hours: as per show timings
25. Check out art at River Bend Gallery
Located in the heart of downtown Galena, River Bend Gallery is an art gallery displaying the works of Galena local, Geoffrey Mikol. With over a decade of professional experience as a photographer, his pictures are renowned for their ability to capture moments in elusive light that are very technically difficult to execute, especially for a person with Downs Syndrome. His stunning photographs of local historic ruins, animals, structures, buildings, daily sights, etc, make for beautiful art that would look great on any wall. Do drop by River Bend Gallery in Galena and check out the award-winning artwork of this amazing artist.
River Bend Gallery
Address: 313 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: River Bend Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm
26. Jog around Galena River Trail
Situated at a short distance from downtown Galena, Galena River Trail is an 8.8 mile (14 km) picturesque trail that is perfect to go jogging. Winding alongside the Galena River, this trail was built on the lines of the Burlington Railroad and affords fantastic views of the massive bluffs and the river along with opportunities to spot the local flora and fauna. The trail ends at the Chestnut Mountain Resort, from where you can take a free chair lift ride up to a restaurant where you can enjoy a rewarding drink!
Galena River Trail
Address: 100 Bouthillier St., Galena, Illinois
Website: Galena River Trail
Price: Free
27. Enjoy panoramic views of Galena from Horseshoe Mound
Another interesting site in Galena is the historic Horseshoe Mound. This Stonehenge-like structure has giant stones that are meant to align with the setting sun on the summer and winter solstices. After hiking up to the mound, visitors are greeted with panoramic views spanning three states, including views of the Mississippi River, the city of Galena and other mounds in Wisconsin and Iowa. Plaques explaining the history of the place, viewing scopes, and a central gathering area are also available at the Horsehoe Mound.
Horseshoe Mound
Address: 1679 N Blackjack Rd, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Horseshoe Mound
Opening hours: dawn to dusk
Price: free
28. Taste the sauces at Galena Canning Company
On your stroll down the Main Street of downtown Galena, drop by the Galena Canning Company and sample some of their amazing sauces. Established in the 1990s by award-winning chef Ivo Puidak, Galena Canning Company offers a range of sauces ranging from sweet, savory, mild to intensely hot in flavor. At their store, try some of their most popular sauces like Hickory Smoked Onion Barbecue Sauce, Galena'mite Blasting Sauce, Veggie Burger Starter, and more. The store also sells other products like salsas, dips, artisanal butter, jams, jellies, oils, gluten-free pasta, etc.
Galena Canning Company
Address: 107 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Galena Canning Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 8am - 5pm
29. Try the steaks at Fried Green Tomatoes
Located in a historic building that once housed a leather shop owned by General Ulysses Grant’s father, Fried Green Tomatoes is a cozy restaurant in downtown Galena serving scrumptious Italian-American food. The proprietor of the restaurant has left many of the original details of the building intact, which give the restaurant an old-world charm. Known for their juicy steaks, Fried Green Tomatoes serves the finest USDA choice steaks served with exquisite sauces. Must-try steak dishes at the restaurant are their Espresso Steak, Jack Daniels Porterhouse, and Filet Mignon & Shrimp. Wash down your delicious steak with a glass of wine from their award-winning wine collection.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Address: 213 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Fried Green Tomatoes
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 4pm - 8:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon)
30. Enjoy mesmerizing views at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
With arresting views of the Mississippi River and its backwater sloughs, Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve is a must-visit spot in Galena. There are plenty of bird-spotting opportunities and several walking and hiking trails at this natural reserve. Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve is also a very significant Native American archaeological site, with several mounds from as far back as A.D. 700, discovered here.
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
Address: 870 S Pilot Knob Rd, Galena, IL 61036
Website: Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve
Explore historical Galena
Galena is a beautiful city in Illinois that has a rich cultural and architectural history. There are numerous attractions in Galena for visitors of all ages. If you are wondering what to do in Galena, Illinois, equip yourself with our list to ensure you have the best time in this amazing city!