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Illinois (IL)
Galena
Things to Do in Galena
Old Market House State Historic Site

Old Market House State Historic Site, Galena: Address, Phone Number, Old Market House State Historic Site Reviews: 4.5/5

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Old Market House State Historic Site

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Old Market House State Historic Site
4.5
86
#16 of 29 things to do in Galena
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
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Vendors peddled their wares at this Greek Revival Market House in the 19th century, which now hosts changing exhibits, meetings and special events.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
48 within 3 miles
Fritz and Frites
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0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French • German • European
Root Beer Revelry
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0.1 mi$ • American
Fried Green Tomatoes
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379 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Steakhouse
Otto's Place
1,022
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Little Tokyo
284
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Log Cabin Restaurant
1,461
281 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Greek
Durty Gurt's
1,179
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Embe
426
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Big Bill's Sandwich Shop & Coffee Bar
144
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Deli
Vinny Vanucchi's
1,749
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Tuscan • Sicilian
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Attractions
27 within 6 miles
Galena Welcome Center
83
0 ftVisitor Centers
P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
686
420 ftTheaters
Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
341
301 ftHistory Museums
The Old Blacksmith Shop
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511 ftSpeciality Museums
Dowling House
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487 ftHistoric Sites
Mark Twain & The Laughing River
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Grant Park
256
0.2 miParks
River Bend Gallery
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0.2 miArt Galleries
Chicago Contemporary Art
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0.1 miArt Galleries
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0.2 miAntique Shops • Shopping Malls
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Popular mentions
4.5
86 reviews
Excellent
49
Very good
19
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
0
srmorgan516
Johnston, IA121 contributions
Nice stop!
Jan 2020 • Family
The historical artifacts were interesting to view and read about. It was a fairly quick stop but we left with a little more knowledge then we arrived with. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Worth a stop.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ricard071
Chicago, IL45 contributions
great place
Oct 2019
Loved the history and the information given out. the people were nice and helpful.
Will try to get back next summer.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
nemoandmish
Oak Lawn, IL256 contributions
Went for the Farmer's Market...
Jul 2019 • Family
We went because we heard they had a Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings...there were only 4 booths there of mostly non-food vendors. I was very disappointed but we ended up walking inside the building to look at all the historical memorabilia. If you are going to this site to learn more about President Grant, then this location is worth the visit. The staff was nice and there was plenty to see - they even directed us to a "real farmers market the next day", but honestly they should stop advertising that they have a Saturday morning Farmer's Market. That was a major disappointment.
Written July 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
harryatkck
Kansas City, KS772 contributions
A lot of information here
Jun 2019 • Solo
There are plenty of things to see & buy here. Most are U.S. Grant related. The staff here is great & call tell you anything you need to know about the town & the Grant family.
Written June 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rick j
Streamwood, IL13 contributions
One stop to get all your Galena information
Dec 2018 • Family
Wonderful friendly staff will give you up to date pointers on what is happening about town.Browse the exhibits to get a feel of the Galena history.
Written December 19, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MotherOfTwoSons
South Holland, IL65 contributions
Great history and local information
Sep 2018 • Couples
We visit this spot every year when we come to Galena. Not only is it a history museum with all kinds of displays (mostly about General Grant and his family), but it also has tons of tourist information for the area. It's the first place I like to visit to get menus from local restaurants to decide where we will eat during our stay, plus information on other fun things to do around the area. The staff is so friendly and knowledgable about the area, local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Make it one of your first stops in town and you won't regret it!
Written September 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
721Douglas
Cresco7 contributions
It's all about Grant
Aug 2018 • Family
You can easily spend an hour just beginning to see all the different Ulysses S Grant history here. For history buffs for certain.
Written September 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL7,265 contributions
The Old Market House dates to 1845
Aug 2018 • Couples
No matter where you go in Galena, Illinois, you walk into history. Start at the Old Mark House State Historic Site at 123 North Commerce Street, on the block between Main Street and the Galena River. The Old Market House was erected in 1845-1846 and served for 65 years as the city market during the decades of Galena's greatest prosperity as a river port and lead mining center and commercial hub, the most important city between St. Louis and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Today, it serves as a welcome center and museum with one of the largest and finest collections of Ulysses S. Grant memorabilia from the Civil War, his Presidency, his World Tour and his death. Many personal and family items are included. There also is considerable information on the other eight Union generals who hailed from Galena. If you are looking for information on Galena, its historic sites, places to stay and shop and dine, this is the place. Annette, Judy, Diana and Kaitlynn and others on the staff are eager and very knowledgable and very friendly and anxious to answer your questions and point you in the right directions. From the Old Market House, you're only a block away from the action on Main Street.
Written August 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Al H
Muscatine174 contributions
Great collection of US Grant Artifacts
Jul 2018
They have a great collection of General Grant artifacts and memorabilia. Also, it houses the welcome center for Galena with information on all of the attractions.
Written July 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
JCgolf9
Ottawa, IL503 contributions
Resourceful and informative
Jun 2018 • Couples
There's a great deal of history packed into this space along with a very helpful staff. Enjoy viewing some authentic pieces of history and find brochures for all sorts of area activities and attractions. AND, the building and location have a pretty neat history too!
Written June 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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