Things to do in Galena

Activities, attractions and tours
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Galena which includes a city
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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 showing heritage elements and a house

3. 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 which includes heritage elements and a house

4. 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

5. Old Blacksmith Shop

Visit the Old Blacksmith Shop to take a trip back in time to a bygone period of 19th-century forging and hammer work. A guided tour offers insight into the workings of this blacksmithing shop, which dates back to 1897. Chat to the on-site historian about the changes and constants of the blacksmith industry.
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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.

6. 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 showing fall colors, heritage elements and military items

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 showing heritage elements and a house

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
Old Market House which includes 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
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
Galena showing fall colors, heritage elements and military items

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
Washburne House Historic Site featuring a house and heritage elements

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

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

Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve, a lovely green space in Galena. Wander the riverfront in this romantic area.

Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve

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 featuring a city

Galena Historic District

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

Galena Historic District