21 Best Things to Do in Galena Illinois (+Itinerary) (2024)

Looking for an enchanting town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes? We have one that you’ll love because exploring Galena’s historic Main Street is one of the top things to do in Galena.

In Galena, it’s impossible to be bored. We loved taking a leisurely stroll down South Main Street, immersing ourselves in the charming town and Mississippi River views. Personally, I love exploring the boutique shops, art galleries, and local vineyards.

We created this guide to help you plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss out on the top things to do in Galena Country during your stay.

Things to Do | Where to Stay

The Best Things to Do in Galena

There are plenty of fun things to do in Jo Daviess County, like skiing on Chestnut Mountain Resort, wine tastings at Galena Cellars Vineyard or tasting rooms, biking the Galena River Trail, or walking the Historic Half Mile of Galena. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Galena.

1. Tour the Belvedere Mansion

This is Galena’s largest mansion and is a must-see for those who love architecture and history. Visiting is a captivating experience among the many things to do in Galena where you can step back in time and admire the Italianate style of this historic home.

I loved how each room is filled with various antiques from many locations, including items from the Liberace Estate. We saw many period items that are original to the home, like mirrors and chandeliers.

The interior is not the only thing that stands out. It is a stunning example of the Italianate style of architecture. We could see the attention to detail and the grandeur that went into its construction. From the ornate moldings to the beautiful arched windows, every element exudes elegance. And let’s not forget about the cupola!

2. Visit an Old Blacksmith Shop

Want to see how a real blacksmith shop operates? Custom ironwork is created right before your eyes by blacksmiths who know their way around a fire. And the best part? You can get up close and personal with the process.

We heard the rhythmic clang of hammers, see sparks fly, and witness the raw materials being transformed right before your eyes. It was an experience that engaged all our senses and gave us a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill involved in blacksmithing.

They also offer custom ironwork in the gift shop. I consider this shop a hidden gem and must-see attraction among the many things to do during your visit.

3. Visit the US Grant Museum

Did you know that Galena was once a large lead mining town? This is a fascinating museum where you can peer down at an authentic 1830’s mineshaft.

Or would you like to meet the ghosts of Ulysses and Julia Grant? How about trying to steer a steamboat? You can experience all these things at the U.S Grant Museum.

One of the standout features of the museum is the collection of personal items belonging to the former president. From his military uniform and presidential memorabilia to handwritten letters and personal belongings, it’s a one-of-a-kind display that offers a glimpse into the life of this influential figure.

The museum is about one mile from Grant’s home.

4. See Ulysses S. Grant’s Home

Grant’s house is on a hill overlooking downtown Galena and the surrounding area. The house itself is quite remarkable, with its beautiful Italianate architectural style with tall windows and intricate detailing. It’s like stepping into the past and getting a glimpse of this influential figure’s life.

Take advantage of visiting this U.S. President’s home. It’s a fascinating part of Galena’s history.

5. Tour the Dowling House

Known as the oldest house in Galena, this structure dates to the 1820’s. It sits at the corner of the block and looks like the trading post it once was.

When we stepped inside, we could see what was like to live in the early 19th century. The house is furnished with period-appropriate furniture, decor, and artifacts, and gave us a glimpse into the daily life of the Dowling family who once called it home.

On your visit, you can learn the history of trading, how the home is constructed, and the lifestyle of residents in that period. The house has a whole lot of history behind its doors, and it is a must-see before you leave Galena.

6. Galena Trolley Tour

Hop aboard this Trolley Tour for a delightful and informative journey. This is a great option for getting an overview of Galena (and letting someone else do the driving)!

We relaxed and toured the town while learning the history of Galena and seeing the beautiful homes.

The tour provides a comprehensive overview including the role it had in the lead-mining industry, its connection to famous historical figures like Ulysses S. Grant, and its past as a thriving river port for the shipment of goods.

The one-hour tour is not a hop-on/hop-off experience, but we didn’t mind. Do the Galena Trolley Tour if you want a convenient and hassle-free way to discover the city beyond Main St.

It’s a great option, especially if you’re visiting Galena for the first time or if you want to make the most of your limited time there.

7. Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour

The Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour is a nice addition to the list of things to do in Galena, offering a culinary adventure that showcases the city’s diverse flavors and local specialties.

Imagine strolling through the charming streets of Downtown Galena, exploring its culinary scene in some of the best local eateries, cafes, and specialty shops. That’s exactly what you can expect on the Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour, and let me tell you, it’s a treat for your taste buds!

From savory bites to sweet treats, the Downtown Galena Food and Drink Tour covers a wide range of flavors. You might get to sample artisanal cheeses, freshly baked pastries, gourmet chocolates, or even local craft beers and wines.

8. Visit a Winery

Galena Cellars Vineyard & Winery is another must-visit, where you can enjoy wine tasting in a beautiful setting. Whether you are a wine enthusiast looking for a specific vintage or casual sipper hanging out with the girls, the tasting room offers a wide variety of wines, perfect for any palate.

9. Shop Main Street

No visit to Galena would be complete without perusing the aisles of boutiques and special stores. Stop at Galena Canning Company to taste and purchase handmade jams, sauces, and salsas. The local arts scene is bustling with paintings using different mediums – they are worth a peek.

10. Casper Bluff

Casper Bluff has stunning views and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. You can also see ancient Native American burial mounds and scenic views. These off-the-beaten-path land and water reserve with lookout points are hidden gems. The paths are well groomed, and you’ll appreciate the tables and seating along the way for rest.

11. Go Zip Lining

Long Hollow Canopy Tours provides an exhilarating outdoor recreation experience with zip lines and suspension bridges that take you over the rolling hills of Galena — which means you’ll see fantastic views! Located 10 minutes outside of Galena, it is a must-do activity for adventurous visitors. The prices are affordable, and the company practices good safety measures.

I recommend that you bring your own action camera.

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12. Canoeing and Kayaking

You are in for an incredibly exciting adventure as you paddle your way through a picturesque landscape and indulge in the beauty of nature. At Nuts Outdoors, you can rent electric bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

This experience takes you into the heart of the Mississippi Wildlife Fish Refuge, an area brimming with fascinating flora and fauna. As you navigate the waterways, you’ll have the opportunity to spot majestic bald eagles soaring overhead, graceful herons wading in the shallows, and perhaps even playful river otters frolicking in the distance. It’s like being in your very own wildlife documentary!

13. Goat Yoga

This experience will put a smile on your face. There are two groups of goats to fit your vibe. Thank goodness because some goats do the most! The first group are older, calmer goats that participated in the yoga class. This makes it easier to get through the class. After the yoga session, a younger group of goats join the class and all bets are off! These climbing, attention-seeking animals will make you want to take them home.

14. Goat Trek

Here’s another option to spend time with goats — Hoof-it! Don’t be surprised if you form a special connection with a particular goat. The experience is praised as a unique family bonding opportunity. The goats are described as friendly and cheerful, and the activity is not physically demanding. You’ll have multiple stops for petting, feeding, and photography. This fun excursion may be the highlight of your stay.

15. Horseshoe Mound Preserve

There are various spots that have a scenic overlook of Galena, accessible via a narrow drive. At the top, we found a stone ring with directional markers for sunrises, sunsets, and cardinal directions. The area includes picnic tables and a porta-potty for convenience. Two trails are available: a nearly mile-long loop featuring scenic views and varying terrain, and a shorter 0.2-mile trail leading to another overlook.

16. See a Magic Show

The show is great entertainment for people of all ages. PT Murphy makes the show very personable and engaging. The theater is cozy and intimate. The magic show is interactive and fun!

17. Tour a Brewery

At the Galena Brewing Company, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process and enjoy tastings of their craft beers. Additionally, Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. offers tours of their distillery, where you can learn about the art of distilling and sample a variety of their handcrafted spirits. Both locations provide a unique and immersive experience in the world of craft beverages.

18. Walk the Galena River Trail

If you are a morning person, this should be on your list of things to do. A walk along the river trail for reflective time is as peaceful as the sunrise. It is one of my favorite things to do before enjoying a nice breakfast.

19. Explore Chestnut Mountain Resort

Chestnut Mountain Resort is also nearby, offering a variety of activities for every time of year, from skiing in winter to cross-country skiing or visiting the Nordic Center. You can also enjoy the alpine slide, miniature golf, and other summer activities during the warmer months.

20. Climb the Washington Street Steps

The Washington Street Steps in Galena is the city’s tallest stairway with 252 steps. Ulysses S. Grant used to climb these stairs (when they were wooden) to go from his family’s leather shop downtown to his home on top of the hill. The stairs start at the intersection of Washington Street and Main Street. Who needs a gym in a town like Galena?

21. Relax at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is a serene escape where travelers can unwind and rejuvenate. The resort has luxurious accommodations, a full-service spa, and a range of outdoor activities. It’s the perfect destination for relaxation and leisure.

Where to Stay in Galena

After several visits to Galena, we liked staying close to Main St. in the downtown area. This way, we could park the car and walk around to shop, dine, or explore the town.

The hotel garage where we stayed had in and out privileges, or you can park on the street.

Galena is one of the best small places in the Midwest and for a weekend getaway from Chicago. When planning your trip, be sure to explore the unique places to stay in town.

Luxury

Historic

Bed and Breakfast

Family-Friendly

Boutique

Some of these accommodations fall into multiple categories. For example, the Goldmoor is both luxurious and historic. So, they are listed by the most prominent classification.

About Galena, Illinois

Interestingly, Galena was such a bustling small town when Chicago was still part of a swamp.

Today, it is well-known for being the post-war home of President U.S. Grant, a film location for the movie “Field of Dreams”, and a place of revival for art galleries and studios by Chicago-area artists.

The historic city and its historic buildings make you feel as though you are stepping back in time. Once a mining town and trading post, the population continued to grow and became one of the busiest ports on the Mississippi River.

After over a hundred years, Galena maintains its historic charm and is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding at the Shenandoah Riding Center. There are golf courses in the area, and a indoor pool at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.

How Far is Galena from Chicago

Galena is almost a three-hour drive west of Chicago and is one of the best weekend trips at any time of year.

To get to Galena by car, take I-90/I-94 (toll road) to US-20 W/US Hwy 20 W. Then follow US-20 W/US Hwy 20 W to S Main St. (turn right) into downtown Galena.

From Chicago, the drive is approximately 165 miles.

Where to Park in Galena

Parking on Main Street is the luck of the draw and is free for only three hours. However, the city has three free all-day public parking lots:

• Park Avenue and Bouthillier Street (near the train Depot, east of the river)
• Bench Street and Gear Street (south of the US Highway 20 bridge, west of the river)
• Main Street to Meeker Street (north of downtown)

The city offers free seasonal transit from the Depot parking lot and Meeker Street lots to downtown Galena on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

There is a paid parking garage on Main Street next to the DeSoto Hotel. Main Street is a central location for most things to do in Galena.

You can also find all-day, free, on-street parking available on Water Street. And there is an all-day public lot on Commerce Street between Green Street and Washington Street for about $10.

Things to do Near Galena Illinois

While in Galena, we drove the car on some fun excursions that were less than 30 minutes away from town. You may want to check out these places too. We thought they were worth a visit.

Three Sister Sweets is a cool stop right before you reach Galena, if you are traveling from Chicago. We love to stop and take photos in the large pink chair and sweets for the road before returning home.

Apple River Fort will be a fun outing for the family. It is a historic fort where you can learn about life on the frontier.

Gramercy Park is 15 miles west of Galena. The park features a scenic overlook of the Mississippi River and surrounding area.

The Fenelon Place Elevator, also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, is a historic funicular railway that takes you to the top of a hill. This historic funicular railway is claimed to be the shortest and steepest railroad in the world, rising 189 feet over a length of 296 feet.

It was originally built in 1882 by a wealthy banker for his personal use. Now, it is a tourist attraction where travelers can ride to the top of a hill for panoramic views of the Mississippi River, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It is a 25-minute ride from Galena. The fee is $3 each way and it is open fromApril 1 to November 30 (8 am to 10 pm). When we went, we found an ice cream parlor nearby which was a nice surprise.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Galena Illinois

Shopping along Main Street is also a favorite pastime for weekenders. The boutiques are welcoming and stocked with specialty items, including everything from clothing to handmade chocolates and imported goods.

We always enjoy taking a long weekend to Galena. The small town is quaint, and we can’t get enough of the cute boutiques, local vineyards, and historic museums. From outdoor adventures to art galleries and shopping, the list of fantastic things to do in Galena is endless.

For more history, art, and entertainment, consider this list of things to do.

• West Street Sculpture Park
• Market House Square Art Festival
• 1859 Beldon School
• Corkless in Galena Wine Festival

With this list of the best things to do in Galena, Illinois you’ll find a blend of history, charm, and experiences that will make you want to return again and again.

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