Galena, IL

Travel Guide

Galena which includes a city
Galena
Galena showing a river or creek and a park
Galena showing a city
Galena featuring signage

Once the home of Ulysses S. Grant, this city offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century America with its redbrick buildings and interesting historical sites.

Visit Galena in Illinois to discover a rich history and learn about Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War General who went on to become the 18th President of the United States. Tour the house where Grant and his wife lived before he started his presidency and see the holographic video of the two that welcomes visitors.

Start your exploration of the area with a visit to the Ulysses S. Grant Home Museum. This house was given to Grant and his wife Julia by the city of Galena when he returned home from the Civil War in 1865. A hologram of the couple greets visitors as they enter and for a small fee you can take a tour of the interior. See authentic furniture from Grant’s day as well as a number of national treasures.

Head downtown and take a walk past the facades of the 19th-century buildings in Galena’s downtown area. The building facades alternate between brick red and bright white in color. Grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs at one of the many family-owned shops and restaurants that line the street.

On the east side of the river, stroll through Grant Park. Here, you will find a statue of Ulysses S. Grant and a cannon that fired at the battle of Fort Sumter during the Civil War. Visit the park in mid-October during the Galena Country Fair. Over 150 vendors converge on Grant Park to sell handmade goods like birdhouses, jewelry and clothing.

To experience a piece of contemporary Galena, make a stop at the West Street Sculpture Park. The artist John Martinson built every sculpture in the collection, which is spread over a 2-acre (0.8-hectare) plot.

Galena is a 3-hour drive from Chicago. For those flying in, the Dubuque Airport lies 23 miles (37 kilometers) away in Iowa. To reach Galena from the airport, rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle bus.

Where to stay in Galena

On certain cold winter days the bluebirds and waxwings will converge on certain juniper trees to feed on the small berries. On my days off I would drive around looking for the tree that appealed to the birds.

The Galena Territory

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Though The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound.

The Galena Territory
Galena which includes a city

Galena Historic District

Explore the "outdoor museum of the Victorian Midwest" with unique period architecture, art galleries, and various dining options. Don't miss the Ulysses S. Grant Home and Prospect Street mansions.

Galena Historic District
Stoney Creek Inn Galena

Stoney Creek Inn Galena

2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL
$98 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$109 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,196 reviews)
"This is an outstanding motel. A custom feel throughout with theme lamps and other touches that show refined taste. A gem. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa

4 out of 5
11383 US Highway 20, Galena, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$85 nightly
The price is $94 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$94 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (739 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable, accommodating staff. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites

3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20, Galena, IL
$132 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
$147 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,149 reviews)
It was awesome!
"We’ve never stayed in a hotel that was this cultural and antique-ish! We loved it and we were in awe the second we walked in. I’d 100% recommend staying here if you’re visiting the Galena area!"

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees

Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees

Galena
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (113 reviews)
"We had a great stay here! This is a lovely house in a beautiful wooded area. It was very comfortable for our family of 4. Everyone had their own space and the living room/dining/kitchen area was also great. We enjoyed using the Owner's Club pool and facilities. We will definitely stay here again ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Private 3BR/2BA Territory Home Nestled in the Trees
Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory

Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory

Galena
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews)
Lovely Home
"This was a lovely home with all the amenities. Great mattress and pillows, comfortable living room furniture, loved dining table and chairs that had wonderful view of trees along back yard. Kitchen was well stocked for cooking all meals. Appreciated TV, and box fan in bedroom, plus extra outlet plugs ..."

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2025

Cozy 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Townhome in the Galena Territory
JUST BUILT! Timber Ranch  
The Rocky Mountain Spirit Meets Galena, IL 
4BR/4+BA

JUST BUILT! Timber Ranch The Rocky Mountain Spirit Meets Galena, IL 4BR/4+BA

Galena
Stay at this vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Horseshoe Mound and Eagle Ridge Resort Golf are ...
Most AMAZING property that has it ALL!
"This property is truly a gem, making us feel at home yet at a 5-star resort! We traveled for a last minute July 4th holiday visit to see family in Dubuque and hit an absolute jackpot in the Galena Territories! The house was perfect for our three 20-something kids, spouses, and our first 7 month old ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

JUST BUILT! Timber Ranch The Rocky Mountain Spirit Meets Galena, IL 4BR/4+BA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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