This charming town in northwest Illinois is named after a mineral mined here 20 years before the gold rush in California.
It was a booming mining town in 1860 with a population of over 12000 when Ulysses S Grant moved here. Grant and the lead mines are no more, but the buildings still are.
Featured Locations, Businesses and Attractions
Haunted Galena Tour Company
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Address: 220 Diagonal Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 815.990.7203 |
Based on the true ghost stories of Galena’s past, the Haunted Galena Tour Company explores performative storytelling to immerse audiences in the spooky history that haunts the streets of Galena. |
Galena History Museum
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Address: 500 Bouthillier Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 815.777.3310 Website: https://www.galenahistory.org |
Follow along General Ulysses S. Grant (portrayed by interviewee Bob Buman) to hear about Galena’s rich historical tales through a one hour walk down Main Street. |
Old Blacksmith Shop
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Address: 245 East Commerce Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 815.777.1893 Website: https://www.galenahistory.org |
Operating as both a museum and a legitimate blacksmith shop, find handmade items in the gift shop by the on duty workers and watch the sparks fly as they practice their skills. |
Magic Theater
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Address: 204 Hill Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 773.259.3234 Website: http://www.ptmurphy.com |
With only 24 seats, magician PT Murphy creates an intimate and unforgettable magic show for his audience. As an entertainer, Murphy offers humor alongside sleight of hand. |
Galena Floodgates
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Address: N/A Phone: 815.77.1050 Website: http://www.cityofgalena.org |
The City of Galena is protected from floods by the steel floodgate system, which close during bouts of highwater. |
Galena Canning Company
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Address: 106 Main Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 815.777.2882 Website: https://galenacanning.com |
Sauces, dressings, fruit preserves, salsas and many more, the family-owned and operated Galena canning company has had success with their unique flavors for more than 20 years. |
Ulysesses Suites
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Address: 214 Bench Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 303.883.5694 Website: https://www.ulyssessuites.com |
Located in the heart of downtown Galena, the lovingly renovated Ulysses Suites pays homage to its previous occupier during the turn of the century, the Grant Hotel. |
Jo Davies Conservation Foundation at Horshoe Mound (JDCF)
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Address: 1679 BlackJack Road, Galena, Illinois Phone: 815.858.9100 Website: https://jdcf.org |
The JDCF was first located just outside Galena, and was acquired as an open piece of property in 1993 by those hoping to protect the “Gateway to Galena” from development, ensuring the view of the city from Highway 20 would remain intact, continuing enjoyment for years to come. Now, the JDCF works to preserve wildlife and resources in the area, and educates others to do the same. |
Hoof-It Goat Trekking
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Address: 616 Devils Ladder Road, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 563.663.6944 Website: https://www.hoofit-galena.com |
Not any ordinary hike! This tourist attraction in the wooded proprties and praieries of Galena leads you on a tour of nature with a goat in tow. |
Galena Cellars
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Address: 111 North Main Street, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 630.232.9463 Website: https://galenacellars.com |
With live music, outdoor seating, and over 50 unique red and white wines to choose from, three generations of winemakers in the Lawlor-White family-owned business have kept the Galena Cellars alive and thriving. |
Awake4Yoga in Grant Park
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Address: 625 Park Avenue, Galena, Illinois 61036 Phone: 773.259.3234 Website: https://www.awake4yoga.com |
An accesible and fun yoga class for all located in the scenic Grant Park, a beautiful area with city views. |