What to do in Galena, IL

Activities, attractions and tours
Galena

Galena Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Galena has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Galena, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Galena with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Galena

Galena is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Galena, and make it a breeze to explore Galena and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Galena to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Galena, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Galena.

Galena attractions

Galena has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Galena to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Galena.

Looking for things to do in Galena can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Galena or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Galena attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!


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Top places to visit

1. Belvedere Mansion

The Belvedere is a spectacular 19th-century redbrick mansion and gardens in Galena that can be toured in the warmer months. Totally air-conditioned, the majestic halls and corridors make for a welcome respite from the afternoon heat as well as offering a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of affluence. On a visit to Belvedere Mansion, ring the doorbell without a reservation to ask for a guided tour of the building and its 22 rooms.
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Galena featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture

2. Grant Park

Grant Park is a compact and well-maintained community green space in the heart of the scenic town of Galena. As in the rest of the town, history is important here in the park. You won’t walk far without finding some reminder of the past. Join local residents who come here each day for a run before work or a quiet evening stroll amid the flowers.
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Galena showing a park, heritage elements and military items

3. Dowling House

Scenic Galena is a place filled with historic buildings, but none is of greater significance than the Dowling House, the oldest house in the town. Come here to see a house and store carefully laid out as they would have been in the early 19th century, when this was the home of the Dowling family.
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Galena featuring a house and heritage elements

4. Old Market House

Visit Old Market House for a warm welcome to Galena, Illinois. This converted market offers practical information, historical facts and souvenirs.
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Old Market House showing heritage elements and a house

5. Grant Home

Visit Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, the historic abode of Civil War hero and 18th President of the United States Ulysses S. Grant. It remains largely unchanged since he lived here more than 100 years ago and gives visitors a unique glimpse into this famous figure’s daily life.
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Grant Home showing a house and heritage elements

6. Old Blacksmith Shop

Visit the Old Blacksmith Shop to take a trip back in time to a bygone period of 19th-century forging and hammer work. A guided tour offers insight into the workings of this blacksmithing shop, which dates back to 1897. Chat to the on-site historian about the changes and constants of the blacksmith industry.
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Live demonstrations provide a fascinating experience at this blacksmith shop, with anvils and fire pokers glowing red hot and bending to the might of the hammer.

Recommended things to do in Galena


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Galena

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The Galena Territory

The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, but Eagle Ridge Resort and Horseshoe Mound are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

The Galena Territory
Galena featuring a city

Galena Historic District

Travellers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Old Market House and Dowling House while you're in town.

Galena Historic District