What to do and see in Galena, Illinois (IL): The Best Free Things to do

April 21, 2022 Cedrick Jardin

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. Great American Popcorn Company

110 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036-2225 +1 815-777-4116 http://Greatpopcorn.com
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 169 reviews

Great American Popcorn Company

Reviewed By 238cliffr

The staff was great and the popcorn was really good. Prices were reasonable. They had a wide variety of flavors.

2. Peace of the Past

408 S. Main and 217 N. Main, Galena, IL 61036 +1 815-777-2738
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Peace of the Past

Reviewed By Peasandquiet2 - Joliet, United States

Prepare to step back in time! I always stop here when in town. Large collection of books to browse thru. Many antiques including some great dresser/cabinets

101 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036-2224 +1 815-776-9166 [email protected] http://otlag.com
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

Outside the Lines Art Gallery Galena

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.

4. Galena Center for the Arts

219 Summit St, Galena, IL 61036-1635 +1 779-214-0261 [email protected] http://www.galenacenterforthearts.com
Excellent
94%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Galena Center for the Arts

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.

421 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036-2257 +1 815-777-4277 http://www.mangelsen.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Mangelsen - Images of Nature Gallery

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.

300 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036 +1 815-281-9199 [email protected] http://riverbendgalleries.com/
Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 67 reviews

River Bend Gallery

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!

7. Galena Veterans Memorial Park

599 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036-2328 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Veterans-Memorial/1133575116686899
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Galena Veterans Memorial Park

8. The Grateful Gourmet Co.

204 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036-2244 +1 815-777-1922 [email protected] https://www.gratefulgourmetgalena.com/home/
Excellent
77%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

The Grateful Gourmet Co.

The Grateful Gourmet is an eclectic and fun kitchenware, specialty food, gift, coffee and tea shop located in the heart of beautiful Galena, IL

Reviewed By 911RN318 - Waupun, United States

Great place for fun kitchen gadgets. A lot of different items to browse. Staff is friendly and helpful!

9. Old Market House State Historic Site

123 N Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036-2209 +1 815-777-3310 [email protected] http://www.granthome.com/markethouse2.htm
Excellent
57%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 86 reviews

Old Market House State Historic Site

Vendors peddled their wares at this Greek Revival Market House in the 19th century, which now hosts changing exhibits, meetings and special events.

Reviewed By srmorgan516 - Johnston, United States

The historical artifacts were interesting to view and read about. It was a fairly quick stop but we left with a little more knowledge then we arrived with. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Worth a stop.

10. Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard

515 S Main St 4746 North Ford Road, Galena, IL 61036-2352 +1 815-777-3330 [email protected] http://www.galenacellars.com
Excellent
65%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard

Over three generations of winemakers, the Lawlor-White Family has produced over 50 unique red, white and fruit wines. Enjoy all Galena Cellars has to offer including wine tasting experiences, tours and live music. Stop in and savor a taste of Illinois!

Reviewed By Lynnieskitchen

Great little winery with awesome wines! Perfect setting to sit back & relax... sip a glass on the porch or check out their new tasting room!????

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