Top Things to do in Galena Country
Top Hotels in Galena Country
Countries
10 Museums in Galena Country That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Galena Country, United States including Outside the Lines Art Gallery Galena, Stockton Heritage Museum, Galena Center for the Arts, Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery, River Bend Gallery, Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum, Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum, Pinder Pottery & Gallery, The Old Blacksmith Shop, Artists & Artisans Community Gallery and Creative Space.
Restaurants in Galena Country
1. Outside the Lines Art Gallery Galena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Located in historic Downtown Galena, IL, and on Upper Main in Dubuque, IA, the galleries features original creations from over 100 US artists, many who are from Galena and the Tri-state area. The mission of our gallery is to offer high quality handmade items at affordable prices. Knowing all of our artists personally enables us to accurately describe their processes and products.
Reviewed By purloins
Wonderful treasure in downtown Galena. Friendly owners and staff. Wonderful selection of artisan created and made itemS. We love the pottery and have picked up several pieces.
2. Stockton Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Visit the Stockton Heritage Museum and learn about the important people and events that shaped Stockton and the surrounding area in Northwest Illinois. The Stockton Heritage Museum: -Collects and preserves the oral, written, and pictorial memoirs and data of the past, relating to Stockton and Northwestern Illinois. -Assembles and displays artifacts that provide a window into Stockton's past -Encourages and aides individuals interested in historical research -Presents programs that share the stories and rich history of Stockton and the area.
3. Galena Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
The Galena Center for the Arts is an Illinois not-for-profit. Our vision is to elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists by offering high-quality art in an atmosphere and presentation found in leading art institutes and theatres. The Center has art galleries, historic Galena photos, Art studios, music and theatrical performances on specific dates. Check the website for performances and events.
4. Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By wrigleyrick
My Father in Law and I stopped in for a visit and were stunned to see that the gallery was closing at year end. This place has been a fixture in Galena for many years and my wife and I have purchased many pictures to hang in our house. If you are a fan of world class nature photography this place is a must see. All the prints are 40% off until the end of the year so now is the time to buy. We will miss our visits to this gallery and hope that Tom and the rest of his shops are doing well. As a photographer Tom is the best of the best.
5. River Bend Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Exclusive home to Geoffrey Mikol's Nature scape photography. His artwork is stunning, catching elusive light that the eye sees but that cameras often miss. He has a talent for capturing moments in nature that still the soul and quiet your senses.
Reviewed By E4039SQjenniferm
Our first trip to Galena and the River Bend Gallery was definitely a highlight! The images Geoffrey captures with his camera are breathtaking and we had a hard time choosing what we wanted to bring home. They have so many options. What we wanted wasn't in stock and they made it for us that night and we were able to pick it up the next morning! We were lucky enough to meet the photographer and tell him how much we loved his work. A must stop!
6. Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By RobertW2h483MD - Park Ridge, United States
This museum has three rooms with every available place having interesting displays. For kids and model railroaders there are trains running around the top of each room. A complete telegrapher's office with the original equipment is here. Outside is a Milwaukee Road caboose (or way-car) which you can walk through when the museum is open. The caboose has displays of railroad equipment and framed news clippings. The curator of the museum is Gerald Speer who is deeply knowledgeable on the Chicago Great Western railway, and this depot, and of railroads in general. Mr. Speer is a retired history teacher, who has studied carefully. He is a great resource. There are exhibits here about the Winston tunnel and its many problems. There is also another display about the Dunleith Tunnel in East Dubuque. The local high school, River Ridge H.S. is where Mr. Speer taught history. A former student of Mr. Speer, Michael Dittmar is now teaching history at River Ridge. The students and teachers at River Ridge H.S. have prepared several "YouTube" videos about the Winston Tunnel and the Chicago Great Western Railway. I recommend that you watch some of the videos while preparing for your visit to the museum. Start with "The Winston Tunnel: Ghosts of the Great Western Railroad" and "Ghosts of the Great Western: The Elizabeth Depot". The Elizabeth depot museum is open every weekend during the months of May to October. Many people from Chicago and Rockford drive through Elizabeth on their way to Galena, which is a great tourist attraction. This depot and the Apple River fort are excellent breaks from the long drive. I plan to re-visit this museum for a third time as there is a lot here and I have new questions for Gerald Speer. If he doesn't know the answers, then probably no one alive does.
7. Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia, items honoring Ulysses S. Grant (including an original painting depicting Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant), plus other historical articles from Galena and Jo Daviess County.
Reviewed By sarahkE5365QB - Taxco, Mexico
We didn't know much about Galena beforehand, but learned a great deal at this little museum. There were many informative videos (and a hologram) about Grant, his generals, Lincoln, and other tidbits of Civil War history. I enjoyed learning about the ice age, and the driftless region. Since I grew up around Cincinnati near the Ohio River, I am familiar with the Steamboats and the glory of the age. I also like how the topography of this area reminds me of home. I learned about the rise and fall of the mining business, and how the city has changed over time. Highly recommended.
8. Pinder Pottery & Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Joe lives in Galena and has been making pottery since 1985. He received a BA in Art in 1987 from North Central College. Reflected in his work is his fondness for nature, gardening and early American pottery. His primary concern is with form, strong lines, and sound proportions. Pinder Pottery is made inside the Gallery/Studio. Each stoneware fired piece is matured at 2200 degrees in the kiln making it practical for everyday use.
Reviewed By SueB009
We stopped in and bought a coffee cup for my husband..We had the pleasure of talking to Joe, who was kind enough to spend quite a bit of time explaining the process that was used to create the very unique coffee cup we purchased..It was such an education! Joe is obviously very knowledgeable about his craft and it shows..We loved our purchase and will make sure to return in the future.
9. The Old Blacksmith Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Historical, working blacksmith shop/museum in Galena. We are open to the public from May through October, with shop hours of 10am-4pm Friday through Monday. Stop in and see how Smiths worked back in Galena's heyday.
Reviewed By MotherOfTwoSons
We have been coming to Galena every year for over 30 years and finally made it to The Old Blacksmith Shop. They have limited hours and we seldom were able to be in town when they were open. We love living history museums and this one was great! The blacksmith was creating items to be sold in the shop as we watched. He would show us the piece periodically, explaining every part of the process. We were able to give creative feedback and wound up purchasing the piece he made as we watched. There is a small gift shop in back with the pieces they make for sale, as well as other iron pieces made nearby and small Galena souvenirs. They do have a box for a suggested donation to help defray the costs. It was a fun experience and I would definitely return.
10. Artists & Artisans Community Gallery and Creative Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Artists & Artisans features high quality works created by local and regional artists and craftspeople in an historic setting. "Bishop's Busy Big Store" was once the anchor of Elizabeth's Main Street. In our gallery, we strive to present inspiring work within a fine arts setting while paying homage to the unique and important history of the building.
Reviewed By Y1665XYlisan
This is a wonderful gallery in a beautifully restored, highly significant historical building. The staff are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. They feature fine work in a wide variety of mediums.
