Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
- 1. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co
- 2. Ulysses S. Grant Home
- 3. Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
- 4. Grant Park
- 5. The Old Blacksmith Shop
- 6. Chestnut Mountain Resort
- 7. Galena Welcome Center
- 8. Washburne House State Historic Site
- 9. Horseshoe Mound
- 10. Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery
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10 Things to Do in Galena That You Shouldn't Miss
If not for the modern-day goods sold in the retail establishments, you might think Galena was frozen in time. The six-block Main Street boasts striking examples of various architectural styles, ranging from French Colonial to Greek Revival, and a whopping 85% of the town is a national historic district. General Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. President, lived here briefly before leaving to head the Union troops in the Civil War. Upon his triumphant return, the town presented him with an elegant mansion. That house and other restored historic homes are open to the public. There's much more here to fascinate the history enthusiast: the Old Market House and the Historical Society and Museum, housed in a stunning Italianate home. Before its Civil War glory days, Galena was a booming lead-mining town. Today, you can descend underground into the Vinegar Hill Lead Mine. But don't stay down there too long, or you won't get to enjoy the rolling hills and lush valleys of this charming getaway, which also offers fine dining, numerous bed and breakfasts, golfing and antiquing.
Restaurants in Galena
1. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Blaum Bros. Is a family owned and operated craft distillery in Galena, IL. Blaum Bros. Uses local grain from Jo Daviess County and produces handcrafted spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin...And many others. Blaum Bros. Offers daily tours and tastings and has a gift shop and cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails!
Reviewed By Michael M
Visited really close to closing so the place was empty. It was on St. Pattys day though. The service was great and the bartender was helpful and had a fun and wonderful personality. I tried 3 different types of bourbon here and all three were great. The hellfyre Vodka is also a must try. Especially in the awesome bloody marys.
We did not get to take the tour while here so I can not comment on that.
2. Ulysses S. Grant Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This Italianate-style brick house, with original furnishings, looks very much as it did in 1865 when a group of townspeople presented it as a gift to Ulysses S. Grant on his victorious return from the Civil War.
Reviewed By Helena L - Malmesbury, United Kingdom
Take the house tour. It is about 40 minutes long and outlines Grant’s life and achievements. It is fascinating to imagine the Grant family occupying the various rooms
Our guide was very knowledgeable.
No charge although a $5 per person donation is recommended. Quite a sell on that aspect with boxes at the entry and exit points.
Worth a small detour if in the area.
3. Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 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 Allen21096 - Chicago, Illinois
The Galena/ Jo Daviess County Historical Society operates the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum. It is on Bench St. and it is only a short stair climb from Main St. to Bench St. It may not be as large as a big city museum, but for Galena, there is a wealth of information here. Information regarding the native American inhabitants, leadmining, Civil War history, including a good deal of information about General Ulysses S. Grant. There is also local property and genealogical information for area families that dates a long way back. There is even information about one of the first ironclad ships in the Civil War - the U.S.S. Galena. And, if you look closely, you'll have a good look at the original “Peace in Union” oil painting (9′ x 12′) depicting Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox in 1865. Reasonably priced and informative and helpful staff.
4. Grant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By Julie E - Chicago
My husband and I have gone to Galena 3 times in the last year and we love it here. This time my nubby decided to bring his Metal Detector to do some "treasure hunting", while he did that I walked the park and then took the path to the Main Street Shops. It is really a beautiful, peaceful and relaxing walk. I would recommend enjoying the beauty of Grant Park whenever you go to Galena.
5. The Old Blacksmith Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 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 Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Galena knows how to entertain visitors. The historic town in northwest Illinois, near the Mississippi River, is a tourist mecca during the summer months. We always take a three-day weekend. There is so much to see and do, so many good restaurants, so many art galleries and antique stores, so many places to stay, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, so much history. It never gets old. And it's a convenient drive from downtown Chicago. Every year, we find something new. This time, the Old Blacksmith Shop at 245 Commerce Street proved very educational. Rich Tickner operates the last surviving blacksmith shop of 35 that originally did business in Galena. He demonstrates his craft from 10 to 4 on Friday through Monday. His shop is a museum with 100 years of tools and equipment. Step back in time and watch Tickner and his staff work the coal fired forge and listen to the stories about the techniques of blacksmithing, from the horse-and-buggy era and the days when a blacksmith put shoes on Gen. Grant's horse. Also check out the gift shop, which features many examples of the blacksmith's custom craftsmanship made in the local foundry, including beautiful fireplace sets.
6. Chestnut Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 316 reviews
Reviewed By BDAD68 - Hinsdale, Illinois
I’m comparing this place to other similar places such as Wilmot and Alpine Valley both in Wisconsin. I would say easily this place is nicer and has better skiing and snowboarding. Great view overlooking the Mississippi River. The staff was very pleasant and friendly. My bed was comfortable and the room was clean. But dated a bit.
7. Galena Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By 1sassymae - Galesburg, Illinois
Showed up on Labor Day weekend on spur of moment Bike trip and decided to stay all night. Welcome center had contact with all of the B&B's and other hotels and we were able to get a room on a phone call they made for us. Thank you Greenbriar is a hiden gem.
8. Washburne House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Elihu B. Washburne was a prominent lawyer, U.S. Congressman, political adviser to Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Grant, U.S. Secretary of State and ambassador to France. He built one of the grandest houses in Galena and, most importantly, vigorously promoted the military and political career of another Galena resident, Grant, paving the way for Grant's ascendancy to the Presidency in 1868. Today, his house is a state historic site managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. Built in 1843, three years after Washburne arrived in Galena as a recent graduate of Harvard Law School, the house at 908 Third Street was constructed in the popular Greek Revival style and enlarged 16 years later to its present size. After Grant's second term ended in 1877, Washburne didnt' return to Galena. He lived in Chicago until his death in 1887. But he and his wife are buried in Galena's Greenwood Cemetery. The house reflects Washburne's success and social position with a temple-like front portico with large pillars characteristic of the Greek Revival style, which was popular in Galena from the 1820s to the 1860s. The interior was organized into distinct formal, informal and servant areas. The hallway separates the public and private rooms at the front of the house. Guests were received in the parlor while the sitting room was reserved for family members to read, study and sew. The servants' work area was confined to the rear of the house where such housekeeping chores as cooking and laundry were conducted. The interior has been restored as a model of Victorian age middle-class gentility. Some wall coverings in the library and dining room have been restored. In the 1840s and 1850s, houses of this size and stature were rarely found outside New York and Philadelphia and Newport and Charleston and Natchez and New Orleans.
9. Horseshoe Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Marlaina L
We stopped here on after our anniversary dinner, around 7:30 and before sunset. The informative panels were well written and provided interesting information, and it was interesting to see the arrangement of the path, especially the seasonal solstice markers. Looking down into the valleys was a truly spectacular view, especially at the end of the day just before sunset! The drive up to the mound is very steep, but the views are not to be missed!
10. Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By chefpeppy - MD
This place is an art gallery with all the beautiful photos. Everything is for sale if you are looking for a beautiful photograph for your wall. There are two levels of pictures. Greeting cards are on the first floor all the way in the back of the gallery.
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