Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
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Top 10 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. 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
2. 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.
3. Ulysses S. Grant Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,318 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 H1131RZkarenm
The Grant home is filled with original furniture, artifacts, woodwork, and other items that belonged to a real American war hero and U.S. president, Ulysses S. Grant. Our guide was generally knowledgeable about the home and Grant and his family. Admission is a donation, suggested for adults is $5. Definitely worth seeing. There are several steep stairs.
4. 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.
5. Grant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By 178randyr - Rochester, United States
Grant Park, located across the Galena River from the city's downtown, is an outstanding place to relax, enjoy a picnic, and survey the landscape. The park offers something for everyone and includes a view of the city, benches, picnic tables, a gazebo, several cannons, a statue of General and President U.S. Grant, a fountain, a playground, and a basketball court. For those who wish to see Galena on foot, the park is an ideal place to start. Free all-day parking in a large lot is located two blocks south across the tracks from the Galena Depot. The Grant House is a short uphill walk. Also, a pedestrian bridge leads directly to downtown, which is filled with old buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars.
6. 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.
7. Horseshoe Mound
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By whitesox18
Must see! This was a short drive from downtown Galena and absolutely beautiful. It is a very high elevation offering great views.very peaceful nice picnic spot. Be aware down a dirt road— you turn near a farm- we missed it first time we drive by.
8. Chestnut Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By HexFun
Despite the brisk fall breeze, we absolutely enjoyed our alpine ride and ski lift. The autumn trees were gorgeous!
9. Dowling House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By R7469RCjulieo - Park Ridge, United States
great stories and a fun tour! Learned so much about the town and the house as well as the Dowling family
10. Thunder Bay Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By muselola - Chicago, United States
The waterfall is much larger than I expected! It’s in the Galena Territory near the Eagle Ridge Resort, so if you’re staying there, it’s an easy drive. If you’re in Galena proper it’s a 10min drive via highway 20. There’s ample space to park and a large path to walk up to see the falls. People were even fishing while we were there. Not a big destination, as we stayed for maybe 15 min at the most, but worth the stop!
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