Fun Things to Do in Galena!
Ulysses S. Grant Home
500 Bouthillier St, Galena | 815.777.9131 | www.galenahistory.org
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. The Museum features over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space on lead mining in the northwest region, the driftless area, Grant’s leather store, the Port of Galena: 1858. Discover souvenirs, gifts, books of historical nature in the museum gift and bookshop.
Galena Trolley Tours
314 S Main St, Galena | 815.777.1248 | www.galenatrolleys.com
Travel through the historic area viewing panoramas from the bluffs Historic narrated trolley tours offered hourly or by group reservation. Choose from a one-hour non-stop tour of Galena’s Historic district or a two and a half tour of homes including admissions to the US Grant Home, Belvedere Mansion and the Dowling House. Galena’s most affordable trolley tour.
Ehrler Ranch Carriage Co.
11661 W Chetlain Ln, Galena | 815.281.1780 | www.ehrlerranch.com
Enjoy the sights and sound of Galena at the relaxed pace of a carriage tour in a white vis a vis carriage with driver and coachman. Carriage stop is in front of the Post Office in Green Street and is $40 for a 20-25 minute tour for up to 4 guests per ride. It’s best to call to make a booking.
Galena Historical Society and Museum
211 S Bench St, Galena | 815.777.9129 | www.galenahistory.org
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.
Fever River Outfitters
525 S Main St, Galena | 815.776.9425 | www.feverriveroutfitters.com
Customized guided and unguided canoe and kayak trips on the Galena River and backwaters of the Mississippi as well as guided bicycle trips. Fever River Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, e-bicycles, snowshoes, cross-country skis and sells boats, sports gear and apparel.
The Old Blacksmith Shop
245 N Commerce St, Galena | 815.777.1893 | www.galenahistory.org/blacksmith-shop
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.
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 Chestnut Dr, Galena | 800.397.1320 | www.chestnutmtn.com
Skiing in the winter and fun alpine slide in the summer. Fun for all ages. In summer, slide your own sled down 2,050 feet of terrain-tailored track to the banks of the Mississippi. Control the speed of your descent as a toboggan-like track carries your wheeled sled 2,050 feet from a bluff down to the Mississippi River.
Dowling House
220 Diagonal St, Galena | 815.777.1250 |
www.belvederemansionandgardens.com/the-dowling-house
Galena’s oldest house, built of native limestone in 1826 as a trading post and residence. Furnished with primitives and a collection of Galena pottery. Open Seasonally.
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N Brodrecht Rd, Galena | 815.777.9550 | www.facebook.com/shenandoahridingcentergalena
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!
Belvedere Mansion
1008 Park Ave, Galena | 815.777.0747 | www.belvederemansionandgardens.com
The green drapes from "Gone with the Wind" are one of the many interesting items on display at this 22-room Italianate-style home. Built in 1857, the mansion now exhibits period furnishings and also includes items from the estate of flamboyant entertainer Liberace.
Galena Cellars Vineyard
4746 N Ford Rd, Galena | 815.777.3330 | www.galenacellars.com/winery
Enjoy the beautiful Jo Daviess County Countryside at Galena Cellars Vineyard with a tour of our vineyard and production facility. Private tours available year-round. Public tours April-November.
Galena On The Fly
Eagle Ridge Inn Driveway, Galena | 815.777.2474 | www.buyaballoonride.com
Take your group outing to new heights! Balloon rides available daily at dawn and dusk. Reservations required. Special packages available and can be customized for group needs.
Long Hollow Canopy Tours
3247 W Longhollow Rd, Elizabeth | 815.281.2853 | www.longhollowcanopytours.com/
Enjoy approximately 2 1/2 hours of thrilling fun on this completely guided canopy tour! The course gets progressively longer starting with shorter zip lines and ending with 3 zip lines over 700 feet long. Reach speeds up to 40 mph and heights of 75 feet! Rappel off of a platform and venture across our 140-foot sky bridge to reach our final 1,250-foot zip line. For the final challenge element, you can choose to Quick-jump or Rappel!
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
9380 W US Highway 20, Galena | 815.777.1000 | www.blaumbros.com
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 craft cocktail bar. Located in Galena on Highway 20 on the East side of town.
P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
204 Hill St, Galena | 779.214.0035 | www.ptmurphy.com
Enjoy the mysteries of an ancient art as presented by Galena's master magician, P.T. Murphy. The setting is Murphy's private 24-seat theatre located in the heart of historic downtown Galena, IL. P.T. Murphy believes in magic. It's his job. He will entertain, mystify and inspire you to believe! P.T. is known for his personable style, mischievous sense of humor and sophisticated sleight of hand. Approved for ages 13 and up. Run Time: 65 minutes.
Horseshoe Mound
1679 N Blackjack Rd, Galena | jdcf.org/properties/horseshoe-mound/
In 2014, JDCF opened Horseshoe Mound Preserve featuring a central gathering area, viewing scopes, and scenic outlooks with views across three states. Hiking trails extend throughout the property and offer close views of the city of Galena, plus distant views of Bellevue and Dubuque in Iowa, the Mississippi River, and several other geological mounds in Iowa and Wisconsin.