Galena, IL

Travel Guide
Galena
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

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Stoney Creek Inn Galena
2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL, 61036
The price is $100 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
$100
per night
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Super duper friendly and helpful staff. I’ve stayed here a couple of times and haven’t had any issues getting what I needed from the staff. Only gripe is that the price for a night is through the roof for a room as small as the one I stayed in is. Corporate should definitely take these kind of things ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2023

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL
2.5 out of 5
11334 Oldenburg Ln, Galena, IL, 61036
The price is $115 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
$115
per night
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"We were able to check in very early and were automatically upgraded for free to a King Suite with a Jacuzzi tub."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2023

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Galena, IL
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20, Galena, IL, 61036
The price is $107 per night from Jun 6 to Jun 7
$107
per night
Jun 6 - Jun 7
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (614 reviews)
"It has a lot of charm for a restful stay"

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

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.
Galena's Premier Lake View Cottage (1 and/or 2 bedroom occupancy options )
Galena's Premier Lake View Cottage (1 and/or 2 bedroom occupancy options )
Galena
Stay at this cottage in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Eagle Ridge Resort and Horseshoe Mound are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (181 reviews)
Stay was great
"The cabin was beautiful and exactly as described."

Reviewed on May 22, 2023

Galena's Premier Lake View Cottage (1 and/or 2 bedroom occupancy options )
*Dog Friendly Talisman Lodge* w/Outdoor Hot Tub* Pool Table* Fireplace* BBQ*
*Dog Friendly Talisman Lodge* w/Outdoor Hot Tub* Pool Table* Fireplace* BBQ*
Galena
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galena. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the comfy beds in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (73 reviews)
Parents in town
"Everything was great, would definitely recommend this home for a visit!"

Reviewed on May 12, 2023

*Dog Friendly Talisman Lodge* w/Outdoor Hot Tub* Pool Table* Fireplace* BBQ*
~Walk 2 Downtown ~ Dog Friendly ~ NEW Outdoor Fire Pit ~ EV Charger ~ Private
~Walk 2 Downtown ~ Dog Friendly ~ NEW Outdoor Fire Pit ~ EV Charger ~ Private
Galena, IL
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Galena. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a porch. Our guests praise the family amenities in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Loved everything about it!
"Absolutely wonderful. Great location, got to see some deer each morning everything you need is pretty much provided. I think we spent more time at the fire pit will definitely be going back."

Reviewed on May 19, 2023

~Walk 2 Downtown ~ Dog Friendly ~ NEW Outdoor Fire Pit ~ EV Charger ~ Private
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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