Overview
Galena is a city in the Illinois Driftless Area 16 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and 163 miles west from Chicago. Galena is known as "The City that Time Forgot" for its rich 19th century heritage.
Named after the local lead deposits, the city was founded in 1826 and was a major port on the Mississippi River. Its fortunes changed in the 20th century as demand for lead dropped, but in the 1980s, the city reinvented itself as a tourist destination.
Today, 3,200 residents (as of 2018) form a community that is rich in history, claiming the home of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. More than a thousand buildings in Galena are listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Many of the elegantly restored homes are now bed & breakfasts or open to the public for tours. Galena has become the third largest tourist attraction in Illinois after Chicago and Springfield.
9 sights · 3 things to do · 4 places to eat · 7 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Galena
Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design
This museum is located in an old brewery building. The museum exhibits include contemporary design, photography, sculpture, and other artwork such as weaving. The museum is headquartered in Chicago with a branch in Schau…
Dowling House
The Dowling House is the oldest building in Galena, now a historic house museum.
Ulysses S. Grant's Home
The house probably appears much like it did in the 1860s and 1870s, as much of the original furniture has been placed throughout the house. He only lived here for a short time, though: a year before the Civil War and a f…
Old Market House
This Greek Revival building was opened in 1846. It's had a colorful history, holding vendors stalls, jail cells, and city offices. Today it often features local history exhibits, including one about (who else) Grant.
The Eligu B. Washburne House
This 1843 Greek Revival home open for tours. Learn about the U.S. Congressman who would become the friend and adviser to both Lincoln and Grant and later be appointed ambassador to France. Listed on the National Register…
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Skiing in winter is quite good for the region. Summer activities include an Alpine Slide, zip line, disc golf, mountain bike rentals, and Mississippi River cruises.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 10°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DBQ Dubuque Regional Airport, Dubuque — 14 mi away. Directions
- MLI Quad City International Airport, Moline — 67 mi away. Directions
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 133 mi away (major hub). Directions
The vast majority of visitors to Galena arrive by car. Galena is intersected on the west end by US 20 (between East Dubuque and Chicago), which runs concurrently with IL 84. IL 84 branches off north of Galena to become WI 80 to Platteville. From Chicago, take I 90 west to Rockford and follow US 20 further west. From the south (such as Springfield or the Quad Cities), take IL 84 north along the Great River Road until it intersects US 20 north of Hanover.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $94–$99 a night (typical $97), from 4 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$170, comfortable ~$260.
Options are grouped as Bed and Breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Belvedere, The Eligu B. Washburne House, Grant Park
- Lunch Fried Green Tomatoe
- Afternoon Linmar Gardens, The Galena/Jo Daviess County Museum
- Dinner Cannova's Pizzeria
- Evening Green Street Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Dowling House, Old Market House
- Lunch Little Tokyo
- Afternoon Ulysses S. Grant's Home, StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery
- Dinner Great Galena Cookery
- Evening Galena Brewing Company
Day 3
- Morning Chestnut Mountain Resort
- Afternoon The Great Galena Balloon Race
- Evening Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
The region boasts a selection of intimate bistros, world-class steak and chophouses, eclectic cafés and traditional diners as well as specialties including Chicago-style pizza, fresh seafood and authentic ethnic cuisine, from Mexican and Italian to Greek.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The name Galena comes from the word for lead sulfide, and indeed the very reason for the town's early growth was the abundant lead found in the area, mined since the times of the Native Americans. Galena grew to be the most important river port north of St. Louis (despite only being on a small tributary of the Mississippi) and in its heyday rivaled Chicago in size and importance. During the Age of Railroads, however, the town passed up a Chicago-Dubuque rail line in order to "keep the sanctity of the port", a decision that began Galena's decline. Floods and the Great Depression took their tolls as well, but soon enough people began to move back and restore the beautiful 19th century heritage. Now Galena has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, taking in its commercial and presidential history, beautiful setting among the hilly driftless region, and ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, becoming a popular weekend destination for Illinoisans, Iowans, and Wisconsinites.
Get in
By car
The vast majority of visitors to Galena arrive by car. Galena is intersected on the west end by US 20 (between East Dubuque and Chicago), which runs concurrently with IL 84. IL 84 branches off north of Galena to become WI 80 to Platteville. From Chicago, take I 90 west to Rockford and follow US 20 further west. From the south (such as Springfield or the Quad Cities), take IL 84 north along the Great River Road until it intersects US 20 north of Hanover.
There is ample free parking throughout the city.
By plane
There are no major airports near Galena. Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) is a small airport 23 miles west in Iowa, serving American Airlines flights from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago and charter services. You will need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach Galena.
Despite the city's prominence as a northern Illinois tourist destination, there are no interurban bus or train services.
Get around
Galena is only two miles long, so the most convenient way to travel is to park and walk through town. However, there is a fairly steep bluff between Bench and Prospect streets, which may make northwest foot travel from downtown difficult. Most parking is free, although parking spaces in the downtown area (Bench, Main, and Commerce streets) fill up quickly. There is also a large pay lot on the south bank of the Galena river west of Grant Park. A few companies offer trolley services that stop at significant places in town, which can also be chartered.
See
See Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design (Chicago Athenaeum)
This museum is located in an old brewery building. The museum exhibits include contemporary design, photography, sculpture, and other artwork such as weaving. The museum is headquartered in Chicago with a branch in Schaumburg.
See Ulysses S. Grant's Home
The house probably appears much like it did in the 1860s and 1870s, as much of the original furniture has been placed throughout the house. He only lived here for a short time, though: a year before the Civil War and a few years afterwards before he moved to the White House.
See Grant Park
The park is on the east side of the Galena River with nice views of the town nestled into the hills. There's a gazebo, a statue of Grant, and some war trophies, including one of the first cannons to fire on Fort Sumter.
See Linmar Gardens
The enchanting Linmar Gardens is nestled on a hillside overlooking the historic town of Galena. The secluded and privately owned three and one-half acre garden sits atop natural outcroppings which have been enhanced with hand built terraces. Meander on a guided tour along paths through a collection of vibrant annual and perennial flowers, planted artistically around the inviting grounds.
- Main Street is a beautiful collection of colorful stone and brick buildings occupied by restaurants and mom and pop stores.
Do
- Galena Artists Guild hosts events like gallery walks throughout the year. The gallery on US Hwy 20 showcases local talent.
- Galena Cellars, Winery, and Vineyard has two locations, a shop downtown and a vineyard 6 miles north of Galena. It's in a beautiful setting and worth the short drive.
- The Galena Country Fair takes place in October every year, where more than 100 artists sell arts and crafts.
- Linmar Gardens is a privately owned garden on a hill overlooking downtown. There's a waterfall, sunken garden, flagstone pathway, and sculptures.
- Shenandoah Riding Center east of town, in the midst of the rolling hills, offers guided trail rides on over 40 mi (64 km) through hills, woods, and along creeks. The one-hour rides are offered daily year-round.
Do StoneHouse Pottery & Gallery
Offers once-monthly "Glaze and Graze" deals, whereby participants can decorate their own three-piece dinnerware set and put it to use the next night at the Great Galena Cookery.
Buy
Eat
The region boasts a selection of intimate bistros, world-class steak and chophouses, eclectic cafés and traditional diners as well as specialties including Chicago-style pizza, fresh seafood and authentic ethnic cuisine, from Mexican and Italian to Greek.
Eat Cannova's Pizzeria
Pizza and pasta and a diverse wine selection. Quaint and cozy dining with lovely atmosphere.
Eat Little Tokyo
A Japanese sushi restaurant noted for fresh fish and other fresh ingredients. It is on the north end of Galena's historic Main Street and a local favorite.
- Log Cabin.
- Market House Restaurant.
Drink
Stop in for a tasting and a tour at one of Jo Daviess County’s award-winning wineries or stay a while with a bottle of your favorite and some cheese and crackers.
Drink Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub
Irish-style pub with live entertainment with an interior designed in Ireland.
Drink Galena Brewing Company
Brewpub with six beers on draft (one is seasonal), featuring daily tours (3PM and 6PM, $5) and live music on weekdays (7:30PM).
Drink Galena Cellars Winery & Vineyard
Third-generation winery ten minutes east of Galena. Two to three tours a day from April to November ($5). Also operates a tasting room and shop in downtown Galena (515 South Main St.)
Drink Gobbie's Sports Pub & Eatery
Sports bar and pizza diner with an outdoor patio.
Drink Green Street Tavern
Casual dining and drinking in an old-style pub atmosphere.
Drink Massbach Ridge - Downtown Galena Tasting Room
Wine tasting from vineyard and winery growing estate wines since 2003.
Drink Miss Kitty's Grape Escape
Wine and martini lounge with a build-your-own Bloody Mary buffet on Saturday afternoons (11AM-3PM).
Sleep
Galena and Jo Daviess County’s unprecedented variety of quality lodging choices offer all the modern amenities expected by today’s traveler. Cozy, comfortable B&Bs; crisp, contemporary vacation rental homes; historic hotels, motels and nationally recognized resorts are all located in Illinois’ northwest corner.
Bed and Breakfasts
Stay Cloran Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Fireplaces, whirlpools for two, private baths, mini fridge with complimentary beverages. DSL Wi-Fi available for guests.
Stay Galena Log Cabin Getaway & Adventure Creek Alpaca Farm
See a working alpaca farm and stay in one of 12 authentic hand-made log cabins on 45 acres. Walk along Adventure Creek running through the middle of the property. Visit the largest wetlands in Jo Daviess County east of the Mississippi River. Hike along 2 mi (3 km) of trails. Keep your eyes open for the Hines Emerald Dragonfly. It's an endangered species that you might see here. And when the stars come out, view them without any light pollution. Children are welcome but no pets. Each cabin has room for 4 - a new queen bed downstairs and a new full bed upstairs on the loft. Enjoy a fireplace, satellite TV with 180 channels, CD/DVD player, 4 cu ft refrigerator, microwave, central air and furnace. Behind a closed door is a full bathroom with a Kohler double whirlpool with a skylight overhead so that you can enjoy the awesome night sky. 4 mi (6 km) south of Galena & 4 mi (6 km) north of Chestnut Mountain. Established in 1991.
Stay The Steamboat House Bed and Breakfast
Historic 5-room Bed & Breakfast mansion. Luxurious suites with private baths and fireplaces, billiards room and gardens. Breakfasts served in a formal dining room with antique crystal and sterling silver, complimentary evening wine hour, free Wi-Fi and private parking, seasonal specials and packages available.
Go next
- Elizabeth is about 20 minutes, 15 mi, southeast on US 20, featuring a replica of a fort used to repel natives in the Black Hawk War.
- Stockton is about 35 minutes, 28 mi, east on US 20, beyond Elizabeth, home to J.L. Kraft's first cheese plant.
- Scales Mound is about 15 minutes, 11 mi, northeast along the Old Stagecoach Trail. Ninety percent of the village is recognized as a historic district. Nearby is Charles Mound, the highest point in Illinois.
- Dubuque is 25 min, 16 mi, west on US 20, right across the Mississippi River in Iowa. It is the oldest city in Iowa and features the Smithsonian-affiliated National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
Nearby
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