Named after a mineral that was once mined by the Native Americans living in this region, Galena is a beautiful city in the state of Illinois, USA, that is full of history and character.
The city has many historic buildings and landmarks, including the Galena Historic District which spans across 581 acres (235 hectares) and it is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. History and architecture beautifully collide in Galena to give rise to landmarks like The Dowling House, the oldest building in Galena; Ulysses S. Grant Home, home of the Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States; the Elihu B. Washburne House, DeSoto House Hotel, Turner Hall, etc. The city’s downtown also has a host of eclectic dining, shopping and entertainment options. Scattered throughout Galena are unique parks and gardens like Linmar Gardens, West Street Sculpture Park, Grant Park, etc. Many art galleries, breweries, wineries and distilleries are also located in Galena. This pulsating city has attractions suited to every type of visitor, and we have the details on the most awesome things to do here! Scroll down to know more about all the things to do in Galena, Illinois.
1. Be amazed at the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Enjoy a superb magic show by the acclaimed magician, P. T. Murphy, at the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre in the historic downtown area of Galena. The theatre is situated in a building built in the 1840s and it has only 24 seats, making for an intimate and magical experience. Be amazed by illusions, sleight of hand and many mystical magic tricks delivered with panache. Murphy’s mischievous sense of humor also adds to the charm of this magic show.
2. Sample wines at Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
At Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard, soak in the fresh air of the countryside amidst acres of rolling farmland, and sample some delicious wines with a view of the vineyards. The family-run winery produces 40 different wines from 22 varieties of grapes and it offers winery tours as well as wine tastings that you can enjoy in the huge tasting room, or enjoy a glass of your favorite wine out on the patio. They also have a shop where you can pick up a bottle or two of their award-winning wines.
3. Admire ancient architecture at Dowling House
Built in 1826, Dowling House is Galena’s oldest house and it attracts thousands of visitors every year. This limestone house has very primitive living quarters and it was once the only trading post in all of Galena. Visit this historic house on a half-hour guided tour and take a look at the artifacts of that era. Or you can simply admire the ancient architecture of this house from the outside. Whatever you do, do not miss visiting Dowling House on your trip to Galena.
4. Enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures at Chestnut Mountain Resort
At the Chestnut Mountain Resort, a world of adventure awaits you! This adventure paradise has an array of thrilling outdoor activities that people of all ages can enjoy. The summertime activities at this mountain resort include their famous Alpine Slide from the top of the mountain to the banks of the Mississippi River, Soaring Zipline high above the mountain’s peak, a scenic cruise along the Mississippi River, Segway Tours over acres of rolling mountain terrain, mini-golf, disc golf and bike rentals. Wintertime adventures that visitors can enjoy are downhill skiing, downhill snowboarding, children’s programs, and skiing and snowboarding lessons. At Chestnut Mountain Resort, you can enjoy delicious meals at their restaurants and cafes, or stay the night or weekend to spend more time enjoying everything that the resort has to offer.
5. See the artwork at Galena Center for the Arts
Striving to make art accessible to all, Galena Center for the Arts is a beautiful gallery that showcases artwork from talented regional artists. Experience high-quality art exhibits in a professional setting, displayed in various gallery spaces. Galleries at Galena Center for the Arts include a Special Exhibits Gallery, Featured Artists Gallery, Regional Artists Gallery, a Pop-up Gallery, and more. Admire the beautiful regional artwork or participate in a special event at the Galena Center for the Arts.
6. Tour the historic Ulysses S. Grant Home
Visit the historic Ulysses S. Grant Home, the home of General Ulysses S. Grant, who was a Civil War hero and the 18th President of the U.S. Constructed in 1860 in the typical Italianate style and presented to General Grant upon his return to Galena after the end of the Civil War, this beautifully restored home is now open to visitors. You can tour the home and admire the period furniture, lifestyle of the Grant family and learn about the history of General Grant via guided tours. The surrounding gardens are worth a stop too.
7. Visit the remarkable Old Blacksmith Shop
Check out The Old Blacksmith Shop, an authentic smithy in Galena that is more than 100 years old. Built in 1897, this original blacksmith shop is a museum-cum-shop where the forges are still operational and a real blacksmith is always present to give you demonstrations and historical information about the museum. There are plenty of traditional tools and original equipment on display in the museum. The gift shop has several handcrafted ironwork items and you can even get beautiful fireplace sets custom-made at the foundry of The Old Blacksmith Shop.
8. Get connected to nature at Linmar Gardens
Perched on a hill with views over the city of Galena, Linmar Gardens is a private 3.5-acre (1.4-hectare) garden that is beautifully landscaped and perfect for connecting with nature. Enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and take in the beauty of the artistically designed grounds that also has several water features like ponds, fountains, flowing brooks and a 20-foot (6-meter) waterfall! Besides its vibrant collection of flowering plants, Linmar Gardens also has gazebos and a sunken garden that is built on the ruins of one of the first African-American churches of the state.
9. Learn about the culture of Galena at Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Located in a stunning and well-maintained Italianate mansion built in 1858, Galena/Jo Daviess County Historical Society, is also known as the History Museum where visitors can learn about the illustrious past of Galena. Spread out over 6000 square feet, the museum houses several exhibits related to the Civil War, General Ulysses Grant, many national treasures like paintings, maps, documents and other such interesting artefacts related to Galena’s culture and history. Visitors are also encouraged to check out books, gifts and souvenirs at the museum’s gift shop.
10. Marvel at unique sculptures in West Street Sculpture Park
Enjoy wandering across 2 acres (0.8 hectares) of the open-air West Street Sculpture Park and marvel at the unique steel sculptures on display. All sculptures in this park are designed by artist John Martinson at his on-site studio. There are over a dozen welded steel sculptures scattered throughout the park, including a giant Tinkertoy, humongous 40-foot (12-meter) towers, unique assemblages and signs. Besides gigantic sculptures, there are many walking paths, a picnic table, and a shop where the artist’s smaller works can be bought at the West Street Sculpture Park.
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