The “City of Firsts” is home to plenty more than just a pretty face. From the beautifully preserved architecture and historic homes to wineries, breweries, and distilleries galore, there are plenty of things to do in Galena, IL.
Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or relaxing-from hiking to horseback riding, there’s something here for everyone.
Galena, Illinois’s Blaum Bros. Distilling Co. is a family-run distillery. They give tours and tastings in their large tasting room on the weekends and specialize in producing premium gins, vodkas and whisky.
Additionally, the on-site gift store sells bottles of their goods for guests to purchase.
A sampling of either vodka or gin is included in the $12 per person tour fee. Only in the store can you buy their whisky if you’re interested in trying it.
One of the proprietors will provide a brief overview of the distillery’s background during the tour’s 30 minutes, followed by a demonstration of how each spirit is created from beginning to end. You’ll discover how they use regional components in their goods, such as honey, from surrounding farms.
– Address: 9380 US Hwy 20 W, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-1000
– Website: https://www.blaumbros.com/
In Galena, Illinois, there is a distinctive and intriguing entertainment facility called the P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre.
This theater, founded by famous illusionist and magician P.T. Murphy, provides a singular experience that will astound and fascinate you.
There are just 24 seats available at a time in the small, comfortable theater. Because audience members can witness every trick and illusion up close, each performance is made to seem intimate and engaged.
The stage is decorated with velvet drapes and an antique magician’s cabinet to have a vintage feel. The performances are nothing short of extraordinary.
Your mind will be left reeling with P.T. Murphy’s deft illusions and mind-bending feats, leaving you speechless and in awe.
– Address: 204 Hill St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (779) 214-0035
– Website: https://www.ptmurphy.com/
The Ulysses S. Grant Home, a National Historic Site, was the former residence of the future President of the United States. In 1865, Grant lived here with his family while working as a clerk at his father’s leather goods store and later as a partner in the same business.
Grant decided to move here after graduating from West Point Academy and had hoped to pursue a career as an engineer with the Army Corps of Engineers.
However, his father convinced him otherwise, as he believed it would be more financially beneficial for Grant to return home. Upon arriving at their new home on East Fourth Street, they discovered that it required significant repairs before they could move in.
The roof leaked so severely that water infiltrated every room downstairs, cracks appeared in the walls, plaster had fallen off due to a lack of recent painting, and many windows were not properly secured or installed.
– Address: 500 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-3310
– Website: https://www.granthome.org/
Galena, a quaint community, is home to Grant Park, a lovely outdoor area. This vast park, which is 19 acres in size, offers breathtaking views of the Galena River.
On the lush, green grass, visitors may unwind or wander gently along the winding walkways that crisscross the park. The historic bandstand, which has been a part of Grant Park since 1900s, is among its most prominent features.
The bandstand is a popular location for community gatherings and live music performances.
Grant Park provides guests with many additional attractions in addition to the bandstand.
There are playgrounds, picnic spots, and many chairs to sit and enjoy the view.
There are options for entertaining and friendly rivalry on the park’s basketball and sand volleyball courts, respectively.
– Address: 625 Park Ave, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-1050
The Dowling House is a private property that is worth a visit. It was built in the late 1880s by local banker John D. Dowling and his wife, Ellen.
The spectacular front porch of this brick and stone structure affords breathtaking views of Galena’s main street. Francis took over ownership of the home after his father, John, passed away, and he lived there until he died in 1993 at 91.
In Galena, just the Dowling House and another building you’ll see later are still standing as specimens of Queen Anne architecture.
It also has several distinctive architectural features, including exquisite woodwork in its interior chambers and stained glass windows that feature images from Greek mythology.
– Address: 220 Diagonal St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-1250
This beautiful gallery features various artwork by local and regional artists.
The gallery’s warm and welcoming ambiance is ideal for exploring the distinctive items on show, which include paintings, sculptures, and mixed media artwork.
The experienced and courteous staff is always available to answer questions and give information on the artists and their works.
– Address: 112 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 281-9199
– Website: https://www.riverbendgalleries.com/
Chestnut Mountain Resort is located in Galena and offers family-friendly, pet-friendly and all-season resort activities.
The resort has something for everyone to enjoy, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing. Some accommodations range from cabins and chalets to condominiums available for those who would rather stay close to home while visiting this beautiful area of northern Illinois.
The Chestnut Mountain Resort sits on over 2200 acres offering over 35 trails with varying terrain levels so you can find what works best for your skill level or group size!
– Address: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (800) 397-1320
– Website: https://www.chestnutmtn.com/
There are many intriguing things to do and places to see at the Washburne House State Historic Site. This historic home museum was built in 1844 by Elihu Washburne, Galena’s first mayor, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Washburne family originally owned the antiques, historical furniture, and artifacts on display. Additionally, two exhibitions are accessible for guests to explore:
“Galena: The Jewel of Illinois” and “The Civil War in Illinois.” This is a fantastic chance for folks interested in American history to see old images and discover what life was like in different times.
– Address: 908 3rd St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-3310
Galena Cellars Vineyard is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting and tours, wine-making classes, wine club events and more.
The vineyard also offers a great selection of wines at their shop or in your home, delivered straight from the winery.
In addition to all this exciting stuff happening on-site, there are plenty of other things to do in Galena that we’ll get into later!
– Address: 4746 N Ford Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-3235
– Website: https://galenacellars.com/
It’s wonderful to take a stroll through the West Street Sculpture Park. The sculptures are all different sizes and are fashioned from diverse materials; some are tall, while others are small.
Additionally, they differ in shape; some are curved, and others are straight.
The sculptures cover a wide range of subjects, such as animals, people, and landscapes, and they can be realistic or abstract.
Some even have the appearance of being composed of metal or glass! Check out this distinctive outdoor art exhibit before departing Galena since there is something for everyone here.
– Address: 620 S W St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-9591
– Website: http://www.weststreetsculpturepark.com/
Horseshoe Mound, an earthwork created by the Hopewell culture, is a captivating Native American site in Galena, Illinois.
If you’re in the area, visiting this location is a must-do, as it’s one of Galena’s most famous sites. As soon as you arrive, you’ll know it’s something special as it’s typically bustling with visitors taking photos of the stunning panoramic view overlooking historic downtown Galena, with its charming buildings and shops below.
While a quick 15-minute exploration can be worthwhile, allowing more time to explore all four sides of the mound is recommended, each offering unique perspectives and breathtaking views.
– Address: 1679 N Blackjack Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 858-9100
Goat yoga is a wonderful way to unwind and improve your fitness. It’s a delightful experience for everyone, regardless of their level of experience with yoga.
At Goat Yoga Galena, you can participate in private or group classes held on their farm. During the session, goats will wander freely as you perform your yoga routine. As you go through your poses, the goats may jump on your back or nibble on nearby objects, creating a playful atmosphere that adds to the enjoyment of the class.
This is an excellent activity with friends or family who may not be interested in traditional exercise routines such as running but are excited about trying something new and fun.
– Address: 7306 US-20, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (563) 663-6945
– Website: https://www.galenagoatyoga.com/
This breathtaking waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff face, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
The falls can be viewed from various vantage points, each offering its unique perspective of the cascading water.
The sound of the falls crashing against the rocks and the gentle mist created by the water creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature. The surrounding area also provides excellent opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
– Address: 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-2000
The Old Market House State Historic Site, founded in 1845, is a renovated market structure that now functions as a museum. As Galena’s oldest structure, it provides an intriguing peek into the city’s past. It was once a market house that closed for revitalization.
The museum collection contains fascinating displays of historic pictures, antiques from local stores, period costumes, and antique furniture. There is also a souvenir shop where visitors may purchase T-shirts with logos from numerous enterprises throughout Galena’s history.
If you don’t want to go to the museum or the gift store, you might want to swing by for lunch. The on-site café serves sandwiches cooked from locally produced foods and soups made from vegetables grown nearby.
– Address: 123 N Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 776-9200
The Center for the Arts is a refuge for art lovers, offering a place to admire and participate in different types of artistic expression. You’ll always something new to discover with its changing exhibits highlighting local artists, engaging performances, and informative seminars.
You’ll be immersed in diverse artistic forms at the gallery, from breathtaking paintings to elaborate sculptures, all expertly produced by skilled people from your neighborhood or nearby. The variety of styles and viewpoints on the show will inspire you.
However, the center provides more than simply an opportunity to enjoy the work of others. The center’s comprehensive rental supply collection offers everything you need to create your masterpiece.
From pottery wheels to woodworking equipment, the possibilities are endless. If you want to improve your talents, the center offers workshops ranging from fundamental painting methods to jewelry manufacturing, with classes for all levels of expertise.
The facility also provides individual courses, where you may receive one-on-one assistance from qualified instructors for a more customized approach to unlocking your creativity.
– Address: 971 Gear St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 402-3111
– Website: http://www.galenacenterforthearts.org/
Belvedere Mansion is a historic house museum located in Galena, Illinois. The mansion was built in 1855 by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad Company to serve as an executive residence for its President. It was designed by architect John Mills Van Osdol and featured elements of Greek Revival architecture, including columns supporting a pedimented portico with triangular tympanum above it; dentil molding under cornice; pilasters separating windows on either side of central doorways; and window surrounds with fluted pilasters at corners that support molded lintels above them (all examples seen below).
The Belvedere Mansion was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971; today, it is owned and operated by the Galena Historical Society, which offers tours every weekend during summer months (May through October) plus Tuesdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend–or whenever they feel like opening their doors!
Walk through this beautiful home while listening to stories about life during Illinois’ early days from guides dressed up like Victorian ladies or gentlemen from different eras throughout history! If you’re lucky enough, maybe even see some famous politician who once lived here.
– Address: 1008 Park Ave, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-0747
– Website: https://www.belvederemansionandgardens.com/
Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve is a lovely nature preserve with hiking, biking, and snowshoeing among its many activities. Because it is part of the Galena River State Fish and Wildlife Area, visitors may enjoy fishing piers and picnic tables for group trips. Here are some compelling reasons to visit Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve:
– Address: 870 S Pilot Knob Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 858-9100
Linmar Gardens, situated in the picturesque town of Galena, is a stunning outdoor oasis that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This 3.5-acre property boasts meticulously maintained gardens, water features, and outdoor art installations that captivate your senses. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, marvel at the colorful flora, or simply relax on one of the many benches and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
The gardens are specifically beautiful during the spring and summer months when the flowers bloom. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the gardens offer several events throughout the year, including garden walks, art exhibits, and music performances.
– Address: 504 S Prospect St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-1177
– Website: https://linmargardens.com/linmar-home
The Galena Welcome Center is your first stop when you arrive in the town. It’s a great place to start your trip, as it has all kinds of information about what to do in Galena.
You can get oriented with a map and find out where everything is located, plus there’s plenty of history and facts about Galena in case you want to learn more about it before heading out into town.
The center offers guided tours throughout the year and daily programs highlighting different aspects of life in this small Midwestern town, like a Civil War reenactment or quilting demonstration.
If none of those sound appealing (or if they do), then there are plenty more options available: explore nearby hiking trails; take advantage of free Wi-Fi while lounging at one of four picnic tables; grab lunch at one of two restaurants inside or next door; pick up souvenirs from local shops including books/CDs/DVDs by local artists; browse through antique shops specializing in collectibles such as dolls houses & accessories
– Address: 101 Bouthillier St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 776-9200
The Galena Antique Mall, 1026 Main Street, has many vintage items. This antique mall has a wide variety of antique objects for sale, including glassware, toys and games, furniture, china and cutlery, clocks and watches, and much more.
They conduct special events throughout the year, including their much-anticipated “Holiday Open House,” where you may discover unique presents for everyone on your list.
Don’t miss out on one of Illinois’ largest antique malls, with over 150 exhibitors across four levels. Discover unusual findings that you won’t find anywhere else by exploring the large collection of antique antiques at cheap costs!
– Address: 8201 US-20, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-3440
This park, located at the intersection of East Main Street and North Broadway, is a must-see. It offers a lovely perspective of Galena’s historic downtown area and a chance to get outside and appreciate nature.
When you arrive at Veterans Memorial Park, you may park on-site or across the street at one of the numerous pay lots near the courthouse square. You may also stroll from your hotel or bed and breakfast if they are nearby!
Once inside the park itself, there are many things to see: trees, flowers (including rose bushes), benches where people can sit down if they’d like some time alone with their thoughts before heading back home again – plus open space for kids who want something more active than just sitting still in silence all day long!
Tin Pan Alley Antique Mall, located in the heart of Galena, Illinois, is a shopper’s paradise for those passionate about vintage and antique finds.
This expansive mall features over 50 vendors, each offering a unique selection of antique and vintage items, from furniture to jewelry, glassware, collectibles, and more.
The mall’s charming atmosphere and welcoming staff create a warm and inviting shopping experience. You can easily spend hours wandering through the many aisles, exploring the extensive collections, and discovering hidden treasures.
– Address: 303 S Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (563) 293-1237
Healing Touch of Galena is the place to go if you want a peaceful massage that’s a little different from the standard.
This spa has everything from hot stone massages and reflexology to prenatal massages and couples massages. They even provide foot reflexology services!
The staff is welcoming, competent, and professional, and they genuinely care about their clients’ health objectives.
If you’ve never tried massage therapy but want to learn more about it, this is a great place to start; they’ll help you select which sort of treatment is best for you depending on your requirements (e.g., pain alleviation or relaxation) as well as any other considerations such as age or injury history.
– Address: 270 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-4128
– Website: https://www.healingtouchgalena.com/
Why Should You Go? The objective of the Galena Day Spa is to give clients a soothing and revitalizing experience that will leave them feeling pampered and cared for.
Their crew has years of industry expertise, and their dedication is evident in their excellent service.
Guests are welcome to take advantage of the various treatments provided at this location, including facials, massages, body wraps, and waxing services.
– Address: 9853 US-20, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 776-9905
Are you looking for a new way to connect with the spiritual side of yourself and others?
Psychic Medium Chris McBrien is a good place to start. Chris has been a psychic medium for over 30 years and has helped people find closure and guidance from loved ones who have passed on.
He also offers classes on how to be more spiritually connected and healing sessions that can help clear negative energy from your body and mind.
If you want to learn more about these topics or just want an experience that will open up new possibilities for your life, this is an excellent option!
– Address: 303 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (630) 945-2911
The Shenandoah Riding Center provides equestrian riding classes as well as trail rides. They’re on the Galena/Jo Daviess County line so that you can take in the views from both sides of the Mississippi River.
Summer camps for children are available at Shenandoah Riding Center, as are special events such as Halloween parties and Christmas festivities. There is also a gift shop at the facility where you can buy gifts for your favorite equestrians!
– Address: 200 N Brodrecht Rd, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-9550
The museum is an interesting visit for history buffs in Galena, Illinois.
The museum, housed in a gorgeous 1858 Italianate home, is committed to preserving and presenting the area’s rich history. The exhibits are carefully organized and feature antiques and displays that tell the narrative of Galena and Jo Daviess County.
Visitors may explore the museum’s holdings of Civil War relics, historical apparel, mining equipment, and much more. In addition, the museum offers walking tours and educational programs that dive further into the region’s history.
– Address: 211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-9129
– Website: https://www.galenahistory.org/
If you want to expand your horizons beyond the typical winery experience, Galena Cellars Winery is worth visiting.
The winery offers a variety of unique wine and food pairings, such as wine and chocolate or cheese. They also have live music every weekend!
– Address: 111 N Main St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-3330
– Website: https://galenacellars.com/
Root Beer Revelry is an annual family-friendly event held in downtown Galena during Memorial Day weekend.
The festivities include live music, food trucks, games, and crafts for children, as well as root beer and floats from local restaurants and bars.
Admission to the festival is free, but if you wish to buy anything from the vendors or participate in specific activities such as making your t-shirt or entering the root beer float contests, there will be additional charges.
For instance, making a t-shirt will cost you $10, while entering the root beer float contests will set you back $25.
– Address: 228 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (608) 393-8283
– Website: http://www.rootbeerrevelry.com/
The Old Blacksmith Shop is a museum that showcases the ancient blacksmith shop within the National Ancient Site of Canada.
The structure, built in 1897, was transferred to its current location in 1980. Visitors may immerse themselves in the life of a 19th-century blacksmith through the museum’s displays.
– Address: 245 N Commerce St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-1893
If you enjoy wine or seek a fun and instructive experience, Jamie’s Wine Studio is the place to go.
This great location provides wine tastings, workshops, and a club for local wine enthusiasts to interact and share their love of wine.
You’ll love discoverin
g new and fascinating flavors while boosting your wine knowledge with a welcoming community and competent staff. Visit Jamie’s Wine Studio for an unforgettable and delightful wine experience!
– Address: 209 S Main St, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-0207
Eagle Ridge Resort is a perfect place to stay during your trip to Galena. The view of the lake from this resort is stunning, and it has a great restaurant, bar, and spa. When you stay here, you’ll be able to enjoy activities like fishing or hiking on the property or nearby trails.
Suppose you stay at Eagle Ridge Resort while visiting Galena. In that case, we recommend eating dinner at their restaurant, “The Table,” which serves delicious farm-to-fork cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting overlooking Lake Catherine! You can also have drinks at “The Bar”, where they have live music every night!
– Address: 444 Eagle Ridge Dr, Galena, IL 61036
– Phone: (815) 777-5000
– Website: https://www.eagleridge.com/
We hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Galena, IL. It’s a beautiful town, and we think its residents should be proud of what they offer!
