Galena, Illinois, located in Jo Daviess County, is one of the best small historic towns on the Mississippi River. The entire downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Galena has been home to nine Civil War generals, most notably Ulysses S. Grant, and the downtown has kept its historic appeal with independent stores, restaurants, and historic attractions dotted along Main Street. It’s easy to make Galena a long weekend getaway or an annual trip to enjoy this historic Midwestern town.
Did You Know? The first “mineral mining rush” occurred in Galena during the first half of the 1800’s. More than half of the lead production was mined around Galena, ending in 1848 when the miners left for the California Gold Rush.
Things to Do: History
If you like American history and home & garden tours, spend a day walking between museums around downtown Galena. Here are a few highlights from one or our recent visits:
Start your tour of Galena history before 1850 at the Galena Historical Society. The museum is housed in an Italianate Mansion with 6,000 square feet of interesting exhibits and presentations. It’s the best place to get a comprehensive overview of the town’s history. Leave the historical society and walk to the Dowling House, the oldest house in Galena. The last stop on your early Galena tour is the Old Blacksmith Shop. Watch sparks fly during your visit— the forges are still operable. Tickets are available onsite and you’ll spend at least 30 minutes at each of the locations.
Photo: visitgalena.org
Ulysses S. Grant Home offers 30-minute guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00am to 4:45pm. Grant lived here X to x. To see an exhibit featuring the largest collection of Ulysses S. Grant artifacts, head to the Old Market House. The Market House State Historic Site is a Greek Revival Building that also houses the Galena Welcome Center, open from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Both attractions operate on suggested donations.
Washburne House State Historic Site is open every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00pm, May through October. Guided tours are given by The International Order of Questers, Galena Belles Chapter 1304. Tour the home of Elihu B. Washburne, a prominent Galena attorney, U.S. congressman, political adviser to Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant, and ambassador to France.
Belvedere Mansion was built in 1857 and is considered the finest mansion in Galena. The mansion is open to the public for guided tours from mid-May to mid-November. During your tour of the 22-room mansion, the guide will explain the history and architecture of the home. The focus of the tour is the collection of antiques and furniture by the current owners. The house is full of unique items with interesting stories.
Photo: visitgalena.org
Things to Do: Brew, Distill & Ferment
Take a break from the historic tours and walk along Main Street to taste award-winning craft beer, craft distilled spirits, and wine. You won’t find dozens of tasting rooms, but you will be more than impressed by the quality and proximity to each other on Main Street. Sample distilled spirits or have a cocktail at the Blaum Bros. Tasting Room, enjoy a glass of wine at Galena Cellars Tasting Room, or a flight of craft beer at Galena Brewing Company. Tours of the Blaum Bros. Distillery and Galena Cellars Winery are also an option—both locations are a short drive from downtown.
Things to Do: Shopping & Entertainment
Main Street in Galena is lined with dozens of eclectic retail stores. There are no chain stores, which many people find refreshing when visiting a small town. A few of our favorite downtown shops are Sinchiladas Trading Co., Maggie Black’s, and Outside the Lines Gallery. Sinchiladas is a cultural gift store that purchases their merchandise directly from artists— check out the cool leather hats and other unique items. Maggie Black’s has two floors of well-merchandised home décor, home furnishings, art, and gift items. Don’t forget to visit the upstairs gallery as you peruse the store. Outside the Lines Art Gallery is a unique gallery with fine crafts, pottery, jewelry, and gift items. If you see something you like in the store, buy it— it will be challenging finding the artist’s work anywhere else.
If you are looking for something to do in town in the evening, we highly recommend the P.T. Murphy Magic Show. There are only 24 seats in the theater, in theory that should help you figure out the magic tricks. The show is enjoyable and entertaining for all audiences and might just be the highlight of your trip. There are also afternoon shows on the weekends.
Photo: visitgalena.org
Dining
A great way to start your day in Galena is visiting Galena Roasters for a caffeinated beverage or specialty drink. Another one of our favorites is Klein’s Market Bakery. If you are looking for a fresh cinnamon roll, muffin or an afternoon cookie, Klein’s is your spot. There are dozens of restaurants to consider for both lunch and dinner. Check out One Eleven Main and Fried Green Tomatoes, you will not be disappointed by either choice. If you are traveling with the family or just like burgers, Durty Gurts Burger Joynt is worth a visit. On a warm day or evening, walk over to American Old Fashion Ice Cream Parlor and treat yourself to some ice cream. They have been in business since 1970— the line out front is there for a reason!
Lodging
Galena has many lodging options in and around town. We like the DeSoto House Hotel for its historic charm and excellent location for exploring downtown. A great destination resort to consider for its amenities is Eagle Ridge Golf Resort & Spa, located a short distance outside of town. If you can, squeeze in some time at the spa or play a round of golf at the resort. The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel is another great choice just outside of town. The staff is very accommodating, breakfast is included, and there is an Irish pub attached to the hotel. Don’t miss the scones in the morning.
Photo: visitgalena.org
Bonus: Take a short drive across the Mississippi River into Iowa. Visit the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Crystal Lake Cave near Dubuque, Iowa. If you are a baseball fan or have seen the Field of Dreams Movie, just another 25 miles east in Dyersville, Iowa is the baseball field used in the movie. Don’t forget your baseball glove, you can play catch on the field!!
