Things to do & places to visit in Galena, Illinois, United States

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.

Galena city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 12:25.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. (2.397 reviews)
- Blauman Bro's a must visit
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Distilleries

Blaum Bros. Is a family owned and operated craft distillery in Galena, IL. Blaum Bros. Uses local grain from Jo Daviess County and produces handcrafted spirits including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, gin...And many others. Blaum Bros. offers daily tours and tastings and has a gift shop and a craft cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town. Come try one of our specialty cocktails! See more..
5.0 P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre (804 reviews)
- The Magic and Humor was Great
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Theaters

"One of America's Best Magic Shows!" Enjoy the mysteries of an ancient art as presented by Galena's master magician, P.T. Murphy. The setting is Murphy's private theatre located in the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. Murphy is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand that has made P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre one of Galena's top attractions. Advanced purchase is suggested. Run Time: 65 minutes. No intermission. Not recommend for infants and toddlers. *Theatre rentals are available for your tour group, or private parties. Schedule is subject to change. See more..
5.0 The Haunted Galena Tour Company (672 reviews)
- Best ghost tour I’ve taken in a long time
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours

Our tour guy Ted was amazing. Part actor, part ghost enthusiast, he kept us completely entertained for over 90 minutes. I would highly recommend this if you were interested in learning about those stories in Galena and even having your own pure and normal experiences while you are with him. See more..
5.0 Long Hollow Canopy Tours (349 reviews)
- Great time near Galena, Illinois!!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 1, 2023 Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Had a great time with guides Joey and Ella. Long Hollow was very responsive after booking online with adjusting the number of participants a couple of times. Our group of 8 ages 14-47 had a fabulous time and would recommend to anyone in the Galena area. Challenging but everyone felt safe and guides were great!! See more..
5.0 Psychic Medium Chris McBrien (276 reviews)
- Loved it!
Spent < 1 hour Mysterious Sites • Game & Entertainment Centers

Fully trained shaman, psychic and medium offering individual and group readings, privately or for special events. Readings include tarot and mediumships, can be customized to suit your needs by including multiple art forms. Chris has been trained in the shamanic arts, mediumship, tarot, aura readings, palmistry, psychometry, energy work and handwriting analysis. Does home cleansings. See more..
5.0 Healing Touch of Galena (275 reviews)
- Healing Touch - the absolute best!!!
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

I fix neck, shoulders and low back. Have table, will travel to you. Girls' getaway weekends and bachelorette parties are a large part of my business followed by couple's massage. I am very proud and humbled with these 225 five-star reviews and number one listing for massage and wellness in Galena, IL. I feel privileged to have done massage work at every Spa in Galena as well as the local Hospital. I will travel to you anywhere in the Galena, Jo Daviess County area or come to my office/home in the Galena Territory. Schedule an appointment ANYTIME of day or ANY DAY or HOUR of the week. Whether you are looking for a great relaxing massage, deep tissue, sports or prenatal massage, it's the same reasonable price. Visit my website for testimonials and pricing. I have performed thousands of getaway weekend massages for couples as well as group re-unions. See more..
5.0 Galena Day Spa (237 reviews)
- Amazing!!!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spas

Galena Day Spa, located in the lower level of the Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, offers exceptional massages, facials, and body treatments. At Galena Day Spa, you can expect to feel completely at ease, relaxed, and satisfied no matter what service you receive. Galena Day Spa's experienced and talented therapists tailor each service to the specific needs of the client. Come visit Galena Day Spa for the best spa experience in Galena! Voted Top 5 Best Spas in Illinois in 2016 and Top 10 Best Spas in Illinois in 2014 & 2015! See more..
5.0 Hoof It - Goat Treks (196 reviews)
- Goat walkabout
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

A fabulous, relaxing and joyful encounter with these sweet animals. Made taking a walk in the woods extra special. Would highly recommend it for something very different to do, especially if you’re a city or suburban based person and want to do something completely different. Reasonably priced too. See more..
5.0 Breakfast Diva Cooking School (137 reviews)
- Fantastic
Spent 1-2 hours Cooking Classes

A 2015 Food Network contestant, Breakfast Diva Susan is full of laughs and skill. Everything you need to know to recreate a decadent meal in your own home in each 90 minute demonstration - including seasonal recipes, tips, hints and a hearty tasting. Winner of Best Breakfast in U.S. 2015,and owner of Farmers Guest House - one of the top 10 Bed and Breakfasts in the U.S. 2015! See more..
5.0 Galena On The Fly (105 reviews)
- AMAZING pilot, incredible views and I loved EVERY MINUTE!
Sightseeing Tours

This experience has been on my bucket list for YEARS and I am so happy we chose Andy and his amazing staff at Galena On The Fly to share it with! My best friend and I did the sunrise flight and from the very beginning, Andy was humorous and informative and his added touches really set him apart from other companies, as the scenery speaks for itself. Throughout our ride Andy provided us with a soundtrack of facts about Galena, the balloon and funny anecdotes that kept us all laughing and enjoying ourselves, the entire time. When we landed and enjoyed our champagne and chocolate, even though the ride was over and we weren't 4,000 up in the air enjoying breathtaking views, he kept us all smiling with stories of past rides, the locals that support and allow the balloon landings and overall it was just an amazing experience and I could not have been happier! Thank you Andy and everyone at Galena On The Fly!! See more..
5.0 River Bend Gallery (75 reviews)
- Beautiful Artwork! Worth the time to visit the gallery
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Art Galleries

Exclusive home to Geoffrey Mikol's Nature scape photography. His artwork is stunning, catching elusive light that the eye sees but that cameras often miss. He has a talent for capturing moments in nature that still the soul and quiet your senses. See more..
5.0 Washburne House State Historic Site (68 reviews)
- Galena's best kept secret
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Historic Sites

Volunteer tour guides give a warm welcome and leisurely tours of this authentically restored 1840s mansion where U.S. Grant received the news of his presidential win via a telegraph set up in the home's library. This was a real treat to see a family home from the period and not having it commercialized. Donations are appreciated and go for ongoing restoration projects. A must see while in Galena but it is only open on Friday mornings. Convenient parking. See more..
5.0 Galena Spoon Co. (29 reviews)
- Never thought spoons could be so interesting, but....
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Galleries • Lessons & Workshops

Located at the corner of Hill & Main in the heart of historic downtown Galena, Illinois, this quant owner- and artist-operated shop includes hand carved wood spoons (in-store carving demonstrations daily) handcrafted spatulas and assorted woodenware, handcrafted kitchen boards (charcutier, cheese, bread, serving, and cutting), hand turned wood bowls, home decor, and a fine selection of specialty foods. It's worth taking a few short steps off Main to enjoy this gem! See more..
5.0 Original Goat Yoga Galena (25 reviews)
- Amazing unique experience
Spent 1-2 hours Farms

Goat Yoga is about making people happy, disconnecting them from stress and focusing on positive vibes. Part Yoga, Part Animal Assisted Therapy! See more..
5.0 Galena Center for the Arts (18 reviews)
- So diverse
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries

The Galena Center for the Arts is an Illinois not-for-profit. Our vision is to elevate and celebrate regional arts and artists by offering high-quality art in an atmosphere and presentation found in leading art institutes and theatres. The Center has art galleries, historic Galena photos, Art studios, music and theatrical performances on specific dates. Check the website for performances and events. See more..
5.0 Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts (8 reviews)
- Looking for a book? Bill Butts can find it for you
Libraries
Bill and Yolanda Butts used to operate an outstanding bookstore on Main Street in Galena, Illinois. Called Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts, it catered to folks like me who love to read non-fictional books in such categories as Civil War, World War II, biography, Hollywood, ancient history, sports and Old West. Then they decided to close their shop and move their business into the basement of their home on the outskirts of Galena. Today, they sell books mostly online. In fact, Bill says he has only one or two in-home appointments per month. Like me. My wife and I paid a visit to their home at 9304 Saturn Lane during our recent three-day weekend in Galena. It was the second time we have visited their home, giving me a wonderful opportunity to browse through the basement filled with shelves of books. In advance of our trip, I scanned through Butts' website to see which books would tweak my interest. I found eight, then alerted Bill to hold them for him. And I asked him to set aside any other books he thought might also tweak my interest. So how many books did I purchase when I arrived at his house? Fourteen. Books on historic Galena, General William T. Sherman, Adlai Stevenson, Jack Lemmon, William Wyler, Alec Guinness, General John A. Rawlins, the Battle of Britain, the Enola Gay, D-Day, a Medal of Honor winner from Iwo Jima, the Battle of Berlin, World War II from Normandy to Berlin and the memorable confrontation between Pete Rose and Bart Giamatti. If you're a book lover, I encourage you to access the Main Street Fine Books & Manuscripts' website, which allows you to scan books in 52 categories, autographs in 23 categories, magazines, maps, newspapers, prints, photographs and new arrivals. And if you don't find what you are looking for, chances are Bill can find it for you. See more..
5.0 Galena Public Library (4 reviews)
- lovely building
Libraries
really beautiful building and welcoming staff. we stopped in to ask directions and used the restroom. See more..
4.5 Ulysses S. Grant Home (1.389 reviews)
- Interesting glimpse into Grant's family life
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

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. See more..
4.5 Galena Trolley Tours (594 reviews)
- A Great Way to Learn About the Ciry
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Trams • Bus Tours

My husband and I spent 4 days in Galena. The trolley ride was the first thing on our agenda. We heard about the history of Galena as well as discovering the layout of the town The driver was knowledgeable and shared his knowledge with us. I would recommend this ride, the cost of the ride was a good value for what we received...it was also easily accessible, with parking close. We did go on the first ride of the day...that might have helped with parking spots. We thoroughly enjoyed our ride See more..
4.5 Galena Cellars Winery (386 reviews)
- Great place for wine tastings.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Wineries & Vineyards

Over three generations of winemakers, the Lawlor-White Family has produced over 50 unique red, white and fruit wines. Enjoy all Galena Cellars has to offer including wine tasting experiences, tours and live music. Stop in and savor a taste of Illinois! See more..
4.5 Root Beer Revelry (375 reviews)
- How many varieties of Root beer are there?
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

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. See more..
4.5 Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum (350 reviews)
- Great Historical Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • History Museums

It's worth the climb up the steep stairway to see what's inside this lovely Italianate home built in 1858: an actual lead mine, Civil War memorabilia, items honoring Ulysses S. Grant (including an original painting depicting Robert E. Lee's surrender to Grant), plus other historical articles from Galena and Jo Daviess County. See more..
4.5 Shenandoah Riding Center (271 reviews)
- Wonderful Family Time
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

The Shenandoah Riding Center is a first-rate equine facility with a top-caliber staff. Its location in The Galena Territory makes it unrivaled for scenic trails and tranquil beauty. From seasoned equestrians to beginning horse enthusiasts of all ages, we have something to offer for everyone! See more..
4.5 Grant Park (264 reviews)
- Excellent Park
Parks

If you go to Main Street in Galena, you must walk up the steps by the river and cross over to Grant Park. It is high on a hill with a bunch of walking paths, a statue of Ulysses S Grant, a beautiful fountain, a gazebo, and some historic cannons on display. The view of downtown Galena is fantastic. There are plenty of benches to just sit and enjoy the views. It is one of the nicest small parks I have ever been to. See more..
4.5 Great American Popcorn Company (174 reviews)
- Highly Recommend
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Delicious products that are worth the visit. Cool atmosphere and nice employees. They let you sample types until you find what you want. Will definitely plan on ordering more online when I’m not near Galena in the future. See more..
4.5 Tri State Travel Trolley Tour (167 reviews)
- Can't go Wrong here...
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bus Tours

Strongly suggest this tour before you set out on your own.....sure is a benefit to know what is 'just around the corner' so you can get up close and personal...and the factual information offered by the driver is impeccable...Never too occupied to not answer questions and share insights of great value...Most enjoyable and informative tour before setting out on foot for individual discoveries... Outstanding tour, and marvelous experience...!! See more..
4.5 The Old Blacksmith Shop (152 reviews)
- Step back in Time
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

Historical, working blacksmith shop/museum in Galena. We are open to the public from May through October, with shop hours of 10am-4pm Friday through Monday. Stop in and see how Smiths worked back in Galena's heyday! See more..
4.5 Horseshoe Mound (138 reviews)
- Awesome hike, very beautiful
Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

My boyfriend and I decided to have a weekend getaway at The Goldmoor. We both enjoy being outdoors so even though there isn’t much you can do in Galena at the moment with COVID-19 restrictions, hiking was a good alternative for us. Horseshoe mound preserve is absolutely beautiful and very clean! The drive up to the parking area is a lot of fun too, I would definitely recommend a 4WD vehicle to make it smoother. We both really enjoyed the hike, it’s very hilly and gives you a great workout! There are a lot of amazing views to see at this place. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves nature. See more..
4.5 Matthew's Haunted Pub Crawl (135 reviews)
- Great history and lore!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Ghost & Vampire Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours

Such a fun, informative and spooky evening! ‘Matthew’ was awesome in every way. The history and lore presented was fascinating, and since he’s been a lifelong Galena resident lended to the credibility. I was able to use the dowsing rods with his guidance and it was a most awesome experience. The drinks were really good too! Thank you for a fun time! See more..
4.5 Galena Cellars Vineyard (131 reviews)
- A relaxing day
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Over three generations of winemakers, the Lawlor-White Family has produced over 50 unique red, white and fruit wines. Enjoy all Galena Cellars has to offer including wine tasting experiences, tours and live music. Stop in and savor a taste of Illinois! See more..