Things to do in Galena

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Galena Travel Guide

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Recommended things to do in Galena

Number of things to do	4
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour: $10
Top 5 things to do	Zipline Adventure in Galena, Illinois Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour Cocktail Adventure Tour 21+ Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour
Under $25	Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour
With kids	Dubuques Historic Downtown GPS Self Guided Walking Tour Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

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

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

Grant Home

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.

Galena showing heritage elements, military items and fall colors

Grant Park

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

Old Market House

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

Galena showing heritage elements and a house

Dowling House

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.

Washburne House Historic Site

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

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.

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

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

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.

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.

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.

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Popular day trips from Galena

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

Dubuque

Bellevue

East Dubuque

Scales Mound

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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