Things to do in Galena

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

Galena must see attractions

1. Belvedere Mansion

The Belvedere is a spectacular 19th-century redbrick mansion and gardens in Galena that can be toured in the warmer months. Totally air-conditioned, the majestic halls and corridors make for a welcome respite from the afternoon heat as well as offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of affluence. On a visit to Belvedere Mansion, ring the doorbell without a reservation to ask for a guided tour of the building and its 22 rooms.
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Galena featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture

2. Grant Home

Visit Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, the historic abode of Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant. It remains largely unchanged since he lived here more than 100 years ago and gives visitors a unique glimpse into this famous figure’s daily life.
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Grant Home featuring a house and heritage elements

3. Grant Park

Grant Park is a compact and well-maintained community green space in the heart of the scenic town of Galena. As in the rest of the town, history is important here in the park. You won’t walk far without finding some reminder of the past. Join local residents who come here each day for a run before work or a quiet evening stroll amid the flowers.
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Galena showing heritage elements, military items and fall colors

4. Old Market House

Visit Old Market House for a warm welcome to Galena, Illinois. This converted market offers practical information, historical facts and souvenirs.
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Old Market House featuring a house and heritage elements

5. Dowling House

Scenic Galena is a place filled with historic buildings, but none is of greater significance than the Dowling House, the oldest house in the town. Come here to see a house and store carefully laid out as they would have been in the early 19th century, when this was the home of the Dowling family.
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Galena showing heritage elements and a house

What to do in Galena

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Galena

Galena featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture

Belvedere Mansion

4/5(7 reviews)

Most of this lavish mansion and its landscaped gardens are open for tours so you can appreciate its glorious Italianate design.

Belvedere Mansion
Grant Home featuring a house and heritage elements

Grant Home

4.5/5(147 reviews)

Retrace the daily life of Ulysses S. Grant in his Galena home, where he and his family lived between the Civil War and their move to the White House.

Grant Home
Galena showing heritage elements, military items and fall colors

Grant Park

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Enjoy the sun in this small but beautiful park, which is scattered with colorful flowerbeds, historic monuments and shaded picnic areas.

Grant Park
Old Market House featuring a house and heritage elements

Old Market House

5/5(2 reviews)

Make this historic market building your first stop in Galena. Part welcome center, part museum, it gives you a perfect introduction to the city.

Old Market House
Galena showing heritage elements and a house

Dowling House

4.5/5(55 reviews)

Get an authentic look at the past inside this pretty and historic building, the oldest house in the town of Galena and now a captivating museum.

Dowling House
Washburne House Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house

Washburne House Historic Site

5/5(3 reviews)

Learn about the fascinating Elihu Washburne, who helped shaped American politics during and after the Civil War, at his stately brick home in Galena.

Washburne House Historic Site
Old Blacksmith Shop

Old Blacksmith Shop

Live demonstrations provide a fascinating experience at this blacksmith shop, with anvils and fire pokers glowing red hot and bending to the might of the hammer.

Old Blacksmith Shop

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

4.5/5(70 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Eagle Ridge Resort Golf. Wander the riverfront in this romantic area.

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

Galena Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Galena Golf Club. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Galena Golf Club

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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
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Popular day trips from Galena

Fourth Street Elevator featuring landscape views and a small town or village

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Bellevue

Bellevue

Photo by Richard Remington

East Dubuque

Photo by Richard Remington

Scales Mound

Photo by Richard Remington

Hanover

Frequently asked questions

Is Galena worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor adventures, there are loads of fun things to do in Galena. Be sure to experience the area's blend of unmissable sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Galena?
Start your day with a visit to Galena Historic District and Belvedere Mansion. Then, explore other areas of Galena for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galena?
Galena Historic District is one of the top tourist attractions in Galena and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Galena?
You can easily tour leading sights like Galena Historic District, Belvedere Mansion and Grant Park with a three-day break in Galena. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Dubuque.
Is Galena a walkable city?
It comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Galena. Several key attractions, including Galena Historic District, are reachable on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of Galena's neighborhoods, Galena Historic District is 0.1 miles away from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Galena with kids?
Deciding what to do in Galena with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Galena for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's a range of things to do in Galena for adults.
Are there free things to do in Galena?
From enjoying parks to strolling around exciting neighborhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Galena. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Galena Historic District is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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