Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
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The 8 Best Museums 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. 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Chicago Contemporary Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
You can buy original art directly from the artists in a casual inviting gallery and studio setting or online. See works in progress and meet the artists. We sell original paintings of a select group of artists with a focus on both quality and affordability. Unique Chicago Skyline and Chicago Cityscape Paintings, Powerful Paintings of the John Hancock and Sears Tower, Whimsical Jazz and Blues Paintings, Glowing Large Abstract Paintings, Lush Contemporary Landscape Paintings, Fantastic Poppy Paintings. All our paintings are ready to hang, with the paintings continuing around the sides. Custom Commissions can be done to your size, color and thematic needs. Many clients and collectors come to us with ideas, photos and visions. Most commissions are done within 3 weeks. Your satisfaction is always guaranteed, or your money back. Purchase online or visit our gallery. This is a collection of original contemporary paintings and prints by Chicago artists Joseph Catanzaro and Kathleen Patrick. It includes abstracts, floral, people, music, wine, landscapes and cubist artwork.
