Things to do in Galena

Activities, attractions and tours

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Galena
Galena which includes a river or creek and a garden
Galena which includes a city
Galena which includes signage

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Top places to visit

1. Belvedere Mansion

The Belvedere is a spectacular 19th-century redbrick mansion and gardens in Galena that can be toured in the warmer months. Totally air-conditioned, the majestic halls and corridors make for a welcome respite from the afternoon heat as well as offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of affluence. On a visit to Belvedere Mansion, ring the doorbell without a reservation to ask for a guided tour of the building and its 22 rooms.
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Galena featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a house

2. Grant Home

Visit Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, the historic abode of Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant. It remains largely unchanged since he lived here more than 100 years ago and gives visitors a unique glimpse into this famous figure’s daily life.
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Grant Home featuring a house and heritage elements

3. Grant Park

Grant Park is a compact and well-maintained community green space in the heart of the scenic town of Galena. As in the rest of the town, history is important here in the park. You won’t walk far without finding some reminder of the past. Join local residents who come here each day for a run before work or a quiet evening stroll amid the flowers.
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Galena featuring military items, autumn leaves and a garden

4. Old Market House

Visit Old Market House for a warm welcome to Galena, Illinois. This converted market offers practical information, historical facts and souvenirs.
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Old Market House showing heritage elements and a house

5. Dowling House

Scenic Galena is a place filled with historic buildings, but none is of greater significance than the Dowling House, the oldest house in the town. Come here to see a house and store carefully laid out as they would have been in the early 19th century, when this was the home of the Dowling family.
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Galena showing a house and heritage elements

What to do in Galena

Popular places to visit

Galena featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a house

Belvedere Mansion

Most of this lavish mansion and its landscaped gardens are open for tours so you can appreciate its glorious Italianate design.

Belvedere Mansion
Grant Home featuring a house and heritage elements

Grant Home

Retrace the daily life of Ulysses S. Grant in his Galena home, where he and his family lived between the Civil War and their move to the White House.

Grant Home
Galena featuring military items, autumn leaves and a garden

Grant Park

Enjoy the sun in this small but beautiful park, which is scattered with colorful flowerbeds, historic monuments and shaded picnic areas.

Grant Park
Old Market House showing heritage elements and a house

Old Market House

Make this historic market building your first stop in Galena. Part welcome center, part museum, it gives you a perfect introduction to the city.

Old Market House
Galena showing a house and heritage elements

Dowling House

Get an authentic look at the past inside this pretty and historic building, the oldest house in the town of Galena and now a captivating museum.

Dowling House
Washburne House Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house

Washburne House Historic Site

Learn about the fascinating Elihu Washburne, who helped shaped American politics during and after the Civil War, at his stately brick home in Galena.

Washburne House Historic Site
Old Blacksmith Shop

Old Blacksmith Shop

Live demonstrations provide a fascinating experience at this blacksmith shop, with anvils and fire pokers glowing red hot and bending to the might of the hammer.

Old Blacksmith Shop

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Eagle Ridge Resort Golf. Wander the riverfront in this family-friendly area.

Eagle Ridge Resort Golf

Galena Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Galena at Galena Golf Club. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.

Galena Golf Club

Areas of Galena

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The Galena Territory

The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, but Eagle Ridge Resort Golf and Horseshoe Mound are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

The Galena Territory
Galena which includes a city

Galena Historic District

Travellers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Old Market House and Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum while you're in town.

Galena Historic District
Fourth Street Elevator featuring landscape views and a small town or village

Dubuque

Frequently asked questions

Is Galena worth visiting?
Galena offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or local cuisine, there's a lot here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Galena?
After you've checked off major attractions like Galena Historic District and Belvedere Mansion, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Galena.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galena?
The top tourist attraction in Galena is Galena Historic District, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Galena?
Three days in Galena is more than enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Galena Historic District, Belvedere Mansion and Grant Park are highly rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Dubuque.
Is Galena a walkable city?
With top attractions like Galena Historic District in the area, Galena is very much a place to explore on foot. Like to discover some cool neighbourhoods a walkable distance from downtown? Galena Historic District is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Galena with kids?
Planning what to do in Galena with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Galena for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are many things to do in Galena for adults.
Are there free things to do in Galena?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Galena. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Galena Historic District is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.