Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
Countries
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Galena, Illinois (IL)
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. The Haunted Galena Tour Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 382 reviews
Join Master Storyteller, Ted Williams, who helped create Galena's original ghost tour, for an incomparable walk through the streets of Galena telling ghostly tales from the darker side of history. Learn about Galena's most haunted sites, eerie legends, and frightening ghosts, during this 90 minute walking tour. Performed in a true storytelling format, costumed guides lead you by candlelight.
2. Washburne House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By lapanamena - Santo Domingo, Caribbean
very nice to know more regarding Ulises grant and the other generals from this town. Good information
3. P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 657 reviews
"One of America's Best Magic Shows!" Enjoy the mysteries of an ancient art as presented by Galena's master magician, P.T. Murphy. The setting is Murphy's private theatre located in the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. Murphy is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand that the Chicago Reader called "An evening that shows magic to its best advantage, up close and personal." Advanced purchase is suggested. Run Time: 65 minutes. No intermission. Theatre rentals are available for your tour group, or private parties. Schedule is subject to change. Please call for current schedule of performances. *Masks are required.*
Reviewed By toastedcaramel - Galena, United States
My cheeks literally hurt from smiling so much! It was my husbands birthday and he made a point to make it a special show. I forgot how great magic is, especially when it is paired with a great magician! The show left me with so many questions on how he did his tricks! It was also great to have conversation with such an open minded individual. Thank you for the memories, hope to visit again! We really appreciated your time that you gave us! -Cougar & Toasted Caramel
4. Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,936 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 a craft cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails!
Reviewed By trippytripster101 - Stoughton, United States
Great drinks from friendly bartenders, the tour by Dennis was informative and entertaining, and wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend.
5. Great American Popcorn Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By 238cliffr
The staff was great and the popcorn was really good. Prices were reasonable. They had a wide variety of flavors.
6. Healing Touch of Galena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 173 reviews
I fix neck, shoulders and low back. Have table, will travel to you. Girls' getaway weekends and bachelorette parties are a large part of my business followed by couple's massage. I am very proud and humbled with these 120+ five star reviews. I feel privileged to have done massage work at every Spa in Galena as well as the local Hospital. I will travel to you anywhere in the Galena, Jo Daviess County area or come to my office/home in the Galena Territory.Schedule an appointment ANYTIME of day or ANY DAY or HOUR of the week. Whether you are looking for a great relaxing massage,deep tissue,sports or prenatal massage, it's the same reasonable price.Visit my website for testimonials and pricing. I have performed thousands of getaway weekend massages for couples as well as group re-unions.
Reviewed By 488katharinaw
My husband and I traveled to Galena for a long weekend. Gerald was flexible in scheduling a couples massage with us and worked with Craig Krebs (Thunder Bay Oasis) to get us taken care of. We both enjoyed our massages and had a very relaxing experience! We will definitely call them the next time we visit Galena.
7. 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.
8. Breakfast Diva Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
A 2015 Food Network contestant, Breakfast Diva Susan is full of laughs and skill. Everything you need to know to recreate a decadent meal in your own home in each 90 minute demonstration - including seasonal recipes, tips, hints and a hearty tasting. Winner of Best Breakfast in U.S. 2015,and owner of Farmers Guest House - one of the top 10 Bed and Breakfasts in the U.S. 2015!
9. Long Hollow Canopy Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Approximately 2.5 hours of thrilling fun! A completely guided tour on 6 ziplines, 2 ladders, Skybridge, Rappel, Quickjump, UTV Ride and Hike. Located near the Galena Territory. Reach speeds up to 45 mph and heights of 75 feet. Ziplines range from 190' - 1,250' with amazing views. Fun for families, friends and corporations. Participants must weigh between 70-250 pounds and be at least 10 years of age or older.
10. 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!
