Location: Galena
Top Things to do in Galena
The 9 Best Sights & Landmarks in Galena, Illinois (IL)
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. Washburne House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By lapanamena - Santo Domingo, Caribbean
very nice to know more regarding Ulises grant and the other generals from this town. Good information
2. Galena Veterans Memorial Park
3. Old Market House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
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.
4. Ulysses S. Grant Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,318 reviews
This Italianate-style brick house, with original furnishings, looks very much as it did in 1865 when a group of townspeople presented it as a gift to Ulysses S. Grant on his victorious return from the Civil War.
Reviewed By H1131RZkarenm
The Grant home is filled with original furniture, artifacts, woodwork, and other items that belonged to a real American war hero and U.S. president, Ulysses S. Grant. Our guide was generally knowledgeable about the home and Grant and his family. Admission is a donation, suggested for adults is $5. Definitely worth seeing. There are several steep stairs.
5. Root Beer Revelry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
We are a Root beer store with 50 + bottles of root beer from around the country to mix and match. We also have a large selection of ginger ale and ginger beers , cream sodas and unique flavors . We also have six Regional root beers on tap, with go cups and root beer floats.
Reviewed By FatTaft
We thoroughly enjoyed talking with the proprietors and staff at Root Beer Revelry. Friendly and knowledgeable, we enjoyed some Root Beer history with our flight of Root Beers, and received some excellent recommendations to accomodate our taste buds!
6. Original Goat Yoga Galena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Goat Yoga is about making people happy, disconnecting them from stress and focusing on positive vibes. Part Yoga, Part Animal Assisted Therapy!
Reviewed By tay612
My boyfriend and I decided to try goat yoga and although we are not great at yoga ourselves, we still had a blast! Loved the passionate insights from the owner and the atmosphere of balancing yoga practice with having fun with the goats. We also got to spend some time with a few baby goats that were so adorable. Would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a different activity to do in Galena (recommend being able to do some basic yoga poses/movements). Although masks weren't required once we were in the barn, we felt the activity was still safe with hand sanitizer and spaced out mats, and wouldn't expect people to wear masks while exercising (participate at your own risk). The goats were so fun!!
7. Dowling House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
Reviewed By R7469RCjulieo - Park Ridge, United States
great stories and a fun tour! Learned so much about the town and the house as well as the Dowling family
8. Historic Marker - Early Galena
9. Belvedere Mansion
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 316 reviews
The green drapes from "Gone with the Wind" are one of the many interesting items on display at this 22-room Italianate-style home. Built in 1857, the mansion now exhibits period furnishings and also includes items from the estate of flamboyant entertainer Liberace.
Reviewed By jamessW1255CT
Great historical home with great history. The two docents were very knowledgeable and entertaining. We thoroughly enjoyed it. A great deal of historical references and various period pieces. Just do it.
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