Galena, IL

Travel Guide
Galena
Once the home of Ulysses S. Grant, this city offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century America with its redbrick buildings and interesting historical sites.

Visit Galena in Illinois to discover a rich history and learn about Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War General who went on to become the 18th President of the United States. Tour the house where Grant and his wife lived before he started his presidency and see the holographic video of the two that welcomes visitors.

Start your exploration of the area with a visit to the Ulysses S. Grant Home Museum. This house was given to Grant and his wife Julia by the city of Galena when he returned home from the Civil War in 1865. A hologram of the couple greets visitors as they enter and for a small fee you can take a tour of the interior. See authentic furniture from Grant’s day as well as a number of national treasures.

Head downtown and take a walk past the facades of the 19th-century buildings in Galena’s downtown area. The building facades alternate between brick red and bright white in color. Grab a bite to eat or shop for souvenirs at one of the many family-owned shops and restaurants that line the street.

On the east side of the river, stroll through Grant Park. Here, you will find a statue of Ulysses S. Grant and a cannon that fired at the battle of Fort Sumter during the Civil War. Visit the park in mid-October during the Galena Country Fair. Over 150 vendors converge on Grant Park to sell handmade goods like birdhouses, jewelry and clothing.

To experience a piece of contemporary Galena, make a stop at the West Street Sculpture Park. The artist John Martinson built every sculpture in the collection, which is spread over a 2-acre (0.8-hectare) plot.

Galena is a 3-hour drive from Chicago. For those flying in, the Dubuque Airport lies 23 miles (37 kilometers) away in Iowa. To reach Galena from the airport, rent a car or take a taxi or shuttle bus.

Where to stay in Galena

On certain cold winter days the bluebirds and waxwings will converge on certain juniper trees to feed on the small berries. On my days off I would drive around looking for the tree that appealed to the birds.

The Galena Territory

4.5/5(40 area reviews)

Though The Galena Territory might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Eagle Ridge Resort and Horseshoe Mound.

The Galena Territory
Galena which includes a city

Galena Historic District

Travelers come to Galena Historic District for its stunning river views, and you can see top attractions like Galena-Jo Daviess County History Museum and Old Market House while you're in town.

Galena Historic District
Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Stoney Creek Inn Galena
2 out of 5
940 Galena Square Dr, Galena, IL
The price is ₩123,147 per night from May 21 to May 22
₩123,147
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
Mother/daughter weekend
"No complaints. Pool and hot tub were clean, not super chlorinated, and the jets were just right in the hot tub. Would stay again if/when I’m back in the area. Beds were comfortable and the room was nicely decorated. Enjoyed the cabin atmosphere of the whole hotel."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Stoney Creek Inn Galena
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
4 out of 5
11383 US Highway 20, Galena, IL
The price is ₩138,404 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
₩138,404
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (235 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
3.5 out of 5
9853 US-20, Galena, IL
The price is ₩162,828 per night from May 21 to May 22
₩162,828
per night
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Galena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (925 reviews)
Nice Hotel
"Nice, clean, quiet hotel, but were disappointed the restaurant and pub was closed as it was a Monday. Will keep that in mind for next time. Easy and fast check in. Friendly staff. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Irish Cottage Inn & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sonder Market Hall
Sonder Market Hall
3.5 out of 5
1436 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a nightclub, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions United Center and Willis Tower ...
8/10 Very Good! (58 reviews)
"Gorgeous rooms. Simple and quiet property."

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Sonder Market Hall
Sentral Michigan Avenue
Sentral Michigan Avenue
4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (395 reviews)
Gorgeous apartment!
"It was amazing to have a whole apartment for the price of a hotel room... less actually. Their system is simple and painless. I will book here again!"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
4 out of 5
One Superior Place, Chicago, IL
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (203 reviews)
"Nice location and nice property. We enjoyed our visit there."

Reviewed on May 12, 2024

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.