Galena (Illinois)

Galena is a city in the Illinois Driftless Area 16 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and 163 miles west from Chicago. Galena is known as "The City that Time Forgot" for its rich 19th century heritage.

Named after the local lead deposits, the city was founded in 1826 and was a major port on the Mississippi River. Its fortunes changed in the 20th century as demand for lead dropped, but in the 1980s, the city reinvented itself as a tourist destination.

Today, 3,200 residents (as of 2018) form a community that is rich in history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Many of the elegantly restored homes are now bed & breakfasts or open to the public for tours. Galena has become the third largest tourist attraction in Illinois after Chicago and Springfield.

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The name Galena comes from the word for lead sulfide, and indeed the very reason for the town's early growth was the abundant lead found in the area, mined since the times of the Native Americans. Galena grew to be the most important river port north of St. Louis (despite only being on a small tributary of the Mississippi) and in its heyday rivaled Chicago in size and importance. During the Age of Railroads, however, the town passed up a Chicago-Dubuque rail line in order to "keep the sanctity of the port", a decision that began Galena's decline. Floods and the Great Depression took their tolls as well, but soon enough people began to move back and restore the beautiful 19th century heritage. Now Galena has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, taking in its commercial and presidential history, beautiful setting among the hilly driftless region, and ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, becoming a popular weekend destination for Illinoisans, Iowans, and Wisconsinites.

Get in

By car

The vast majority of visitors to Galena arrive by car. Galena is intersected on the west end by US 20 (between East Dubuque and Chicago), which runs concurrently with IL 84. IL 84 branches off north of Galena to become WI 80 to Platteville. From Chicago, take I 90 west to Rockford and follow US 20 further west. From the south (such as Springfield or the Quad Cities), take IL 84 north along the Great River Road until it intersects US 20 north of Hanover.

There is ample free parking throughout the city.

By plane

There are no major airports near Galena. Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ IATA) is a small airport 23 miles west in Iowa, serving American Airlines flights from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and charter services. You will need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach Galena.

Despite the city's prominence as a northern Illinois tourist destination, there are no interurban bus or train services.

Get around

Galena is only two miles long, so the most convenient way to travel is to park and walk through town. However, there is a fairly steep bluff between Bench and Prospect streets, which may make northwest foot travel from downtown difficult. Most parking is free, although parking spaces in the downtown area (Bench, Main, and Commerce streets) fill up quickly. There is also a large pay lot on the south bank of the Galena river west of Grant Park. A few companies offer trolley services that stop at significant places in town, which can also be chartered.

See
  • 🌍 The Belvedere, 1008 Park Ave, ☏ +1 815-777-0747. Considered the finest mansion in Galena since it was constructed in 1857. Guided tours offered about every 15 minutes from late sprint to late fall, no reservations necessary. 
  • 🌍 Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design (Chicago Athenaeum), 601 S. Prospect St, ☏ +1 815-777-4444, . This museum is located in an old brewery building. The museum exhibits include contemporary design, photography, sculpture, and other artwork such as weaving. The museum is headquartered in Chicago with a branch in Schaumburg. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 🌍 Dowling House, 220 Diagonal St, ☏ +1 815-777-1250. The Dowling House is the oldest building in Galena, now a historic house museum. 
  • 🌍 The Galena/Jo Daviess County Museum, 211 South Bench St., ☏ +1 815-777-9131, . The museum is housed in a 19th-century Italianate mansion and features plenty of agricultural history, Old Galena trinkets, and Civil War memorabilia. The centerpiece is a huge painting by Thomas Nast entitled "Peace in the Union," upstairs. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 🌍 Ulysses S. Grant's Home, 500 Bouthillier St, ☏ +1 815-777-3310. Mar-Oct: W-Su 9AM-5PM; Nov-Feb: W-Su 9AM-4PM. The house probably appears much like it did in the 1860s and 1870s, as much of the original furniture has been placed throughout the house. He only lived here for a short time, though: a year before the Civil War and a few years afterwards before he moved to the White House. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 🌍 Grant Park. The park is on the east side of the Galena River with nice views of the town nestled into the hills. There's a gazebo, a statue of Grant, and some war trophies, including one of the first cannons to fire on Fort Sumter. (updated Jul 2022)
  • 🌍 Linmar Gardens, 504 S. Prospect St, ☏ +1 815-777-1177. The enchanting Linmar Gardens is nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded and privately owned three and one-half acre garden sits atop natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand built terraces. Meander on a guided tour along paths through a collection of vibrant annual and perennial flowers, planted artistically around the inviting grounds. Tours: $10 for adults, $4 for children under 12. 
  • Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
  • 🌍 Old Market House, 23 N. Commerce St (just west of the river), ☏ +1 815-777-3310. 9AM-5PM, daily. This Greek Revival building was opened in 1846. It's had a colorful history, holding vendors stalls, jail cells, and city offices. Today it often features local history exhibits, including one about (who else) Grant. (updated Jan 2022)
  • 🌍 The Eligu B. Washburne House, 908 Third St, ☏ +1 815-777-3310, . This 1843 Greek Revival home open for tours. Learn about the U.S. Congressman who would become the friend and adviser to both Lincoln and Grant and later be appointed ambassador to France. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (updated Jul 2022)

Do
  • 🌍 Chestnut Mountain Resort, 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, toll-free: +1-800-798-0098. Skiing in winter is quite good for the region. Summer activities include an Alpine Slide, zip line, disc golf, mountain bike rentals, and Mississippi River cruises. (updated Jan 2022)
  • Galena Artists Guild hosts events like gallery walks throughout the year. The gallery on US Hwy 20 showcases local talent.
  • Galena Cellars, Winery, and Vineyard has two locations, a shop downtown and a vineyard 6 miles north of Galena. It's in a beautiful setting and worth the short drive.
  • The Galena Country Fair takes place in October every year, where more than 100 artists sell arts and crafts.
  • Linmar Gardens is a privately owned garden on a hill overlooking downtown. There's a waterfall, sunken garden, flagstone pathway, and sculptures.
  • The Great Galena Balloon Race, Galena Territory. Hot air balloon race and festival in mid-June 
  • Shenandoah Riding Center east of town, in the midst of the rolling hills, offers guided trail rides on over 40 mi (64 km) through hills, woods, and along creeks. The one-hour rides are offered daily year-round.
  • StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery, 414 Spring, ☏ +1 815-777-0354. Offers once-monthly "Glaze and Graze" deals, whereby participants can decorate their own three-piece dinnerware set and put it to use the next night at the Great Galena Cookery. 

Buy

Eat

The region boasts a selection of intimate bistros, world-class steak and chophouses, eclectic cafés and traditional diners as well as specialties including Chicago-style pizza, fresh seafood and authentic ethnic cuisine, from Mexican and Italian to Greek.

Drink

Stop in for a tasting and a tour at one of Jo Daviess County’s award-winning wineries or stay a while with a bottle of your favorite and some cheese and crackers.

Sleep

Galena and Jo Daviess County’s unprecedented variety of quality lodging choices offer all the modern amenities expected by today’s traveler. Cozy, comfortable B&Bs; crisp, contemporary vacation rental homes; historic hotels, motels and nationally recognized resorts are all located in Illinois’ northwest corner.

Bed and Breakfasts
  • Abe's Spring Street Guest House, 414 Spring St, ☏ +1 815-777-0354. Also home of the StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery. $94-129. 
  • Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast, 1237 Franklin St, ☏ +1 815-777-0583. Fireplaces, whirlpools for two, private baths, mini fridge with complimentary beverages. DSL Wi-Fi available for guests. $99-225. 
  • Farmers' Guest House, 334 Spring St, toll-free: +1-888-459-1847. Galena's only 19th-century restored inn 2½ blocks from downtown's restaurants, attractions and shops. 9 rooms including Annie Lloyd's Cottage - deluxe whirlpool fireplace suites. 
  • Galena Log Cabin Getaway & Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm, 9401 W Hart John Rd, ☏ +1 815-777-4200. See a working alpaca farm and stay in one of 12 authentic hand-made log cabins on 45 acres. Walk along Adventure Creek running through the middle of the property. Visit the largest wetlands in Jo Daviess County east of the Mississippi River. Hike along 2 mi (3 km) of trails. Keep your eyes open for the Hines Emerald Dragonfly. It's an endangered species that you might see here. And when the stars come out, view them without any light pollution. Children are welcome but no pets. Each cabin has room for 4 - a new queen bed downstairs and a new full bed upstairs on the loft. Enjoy a fireplace, satellite TV with 180 channels, CD/DVD player, 4 cu ft refrigerator, microwave, central air and furnace. Behind a closed door is a full bathroom with a Kohler double whirlpool with a skylight overhead so that you can enjoy the awesome night sky. 4 mi (6 km) south of Galena & 4 mi (6 km) north of Chestnut Mountain. Established in 1991. (updated Jun 2017)
  • Goldmoor Inn, 9001 Sand Hill Rd, toll-free: +1-800-255-3925, fax: +1 815-777-3993. The Goldmoor Inn and Aaron's Cottages and Cabins are high atop the bluffs overlooking the majestic Mississippi River. Grand deluxe cottages, elegant log cabins and deluxe suites provide guests with exceptional amenities. 
  • Main Street Inn, 404 S. Main St, ☏ +1 815-777-3454, . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (circa 1850). 6 luxurious and spacious rooms. starting at $95. (updated Feb 2016)
  • The Steamboat House Bed and Breakfast, 605 S Prospect St, toll-free: +1-800-717-2317. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Historic 5-room Bed & Breakfast mansion. Luxurious suites with private baths and fireplaces, billiards room and gardens. Breakfasts served in a formal dining room with antique crystal and sterling silver, complimentary evening wine hour, free Wi-Fi and private parking, seasonal specials and packages available. $105-155. 

Go next
  • Elizabeth is about 20 minutes, 15 mi (24 km), southeast on US 20, featuring a replica of a fort used to repel natives in the Black Hawk War.
  • Stockton is about 35 minutes, 28 mi (45 km), east on US 20, beyond Elizabeth, home to J.L. Kraft's first cheese plant.
  • Scales Mound is about 15 minutes, 11 mi (18 km), northeast along the Old Stagecoach Trail. Ninety percent of the village is recognized as a historic district. Nearby is Charles Mound, the highest point in Illinois.
  • Dubuque is 25 min, 16 mi (26 km), west on US 20, right across the Mississippi River in Iowa. It is the oldest city in Iowa and features the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Routes through Galena
Dubuque ← Jct N ←  W  E  → Stockton → Freeport → Rockford
Platteville ← Hazel Green ← becomes ←  N  S  → Hanover → Quad Cities


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