Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
350 reviews
Excellent
220
Very good
105
Average
20
Poor
5
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MidwestLiketoTravel
Midwest412 contributions
May 2021
Excellent museum with so much history and information on Galena. Of course, US Grant gets top billing and the archives relating to him and family are great. But there is much to the area, from the lead mine (the musuem has an old shaft within it) to steamboats to Civil War era to today. The original Nast painting of the surrender at Appomattox is awesome - who would have thought it was here. Very friendly staff who was knowledgable about the area. The museum is two stories with the stairway very narrow, but the second floor is worth it. Worth every bit of the admission price.
Written May 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
markmillieramon
Naperville, IL862 contributions
Jul 2022
Galena has a surprisingly rich history and this museum illustrates it beautifully. It starts with a video of General Grant and his wife greeting us to town and telling a few anecdotes. The rest of the tour is pretty standard stuff. They do have the original painting of Lee surrendering to Grant to end the civil war. Lots of rifles and bayonets used in battle. There's even a flag from the war of 1812. One room on the first floor is devoted to mining as Galena was an area rich in lead. Not for everyone but if you love history you just might learn something.
Written July 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jfurukaw
Vernon Hills, IL586 contributions
Nov 2022
Nice little museum although opening video presentation was difficult to see, very dimly lit. Rest of items were quite interesting. Several one of a kind paintings as well as original flags. Admission was a bit pricey for being so small
Written November 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen W
Fox River Grove, IL593 contributions
Oct 2022
We decided that, since we were nearby, we'd stop in (we are museum people anyway). I thought it was pretty pricey for its size ($12 pp adults) but we ponied up anyway. The visit begins in the parlor where a docent gives and overview and then shows an avatar-narrated presentation. Sadly, the two presentations overlapped significantly. I wish they would choose one or the other.
The rest of the museum is see on your own and included interesting exhibits. After the presentations, we probably spent about 30 minutes in the museum.
The rest of the museum is see on your own and included interesting exhibits. After the presentations, we probably spent about 30 minutes in the museum.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phillip
Chicago, IL149 contributions
Sep 2020
This was the second time we have been here, but it was over 15 years since we were last here. The building itself has character and seems to be well maintained. I didn't remember much from the last time I was here, so it was a fresh look for me. Lots to read and look at. The hologram presentation was very enjoyable and is presented in the parlor room. There was a news reporter from the Telegraph Herald in Dubuque taking photos around the museum and also photographed us as we were sitting down preparing to watch the hologram presentation, which is good publicity for them. I definitely recommend coming here to see their collection.
Written September 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
USMA74
Cincinnati, OH444 contributions
Aug 2021
Visiting this museum to see "Peace in Union" was the purpose of our trip, and well worth it. Easy to get to, great displays. Grant's history in Galena is probably not widely known. Combining a visit here with a visit to Grant's home is a great way to experience it.
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dee P
Chicago, IL83 contributions
Aug 2020
Super touristy. Think bachelorette parties, of which we saw a couple on Saturday afternoon. Food choices are pretty sparse. Lots of people didn't care about COVID safety protocols, though most of the shops were doing a great job!
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MegMike
Bloomington, IL180 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
The artifacts on display here are amazing! But, this place either needs an upgrade or a new building needs to be built. The holograms that we were shown were not very lit up and could barely see them. The 2nd floor needs to be more lit up & the stairs would be hard to climb for elderly people. But the 2nd floor in my opinion had the best artifacts. The gift shop needs more unique items to buy.
Written June 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah K
Taxco, Mexico22 contributions
Oct 2020
We didn't know much about Galena beforehand, but learned a great deal at this little museum. There were many informative videos (and a hologram) about Grant, his generals, Lincoln, and other tidbits of Civil War history. I enjoyed learning about the ice age, and the driftless region. Since I grew up around Cincinnati near the Ohio River, I am familiar with the Steamboats and the glory of the age. I also like how the topography of this area reminds me of home. I learned about the rise and fall of the mining business, and how the city has changed over time. Highly recommended.
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin H
2 contributions
Oct 2021
The most fun, exceptional museum I have visited outside of Independence Hall and the Chicago Field Museum. This is a charming, welcoming, and history-rich locale with an easy, self-paced approach to sharing unique Civil War and Driftless Area exhibits. Each exhibit is engaging, modern, and detailed. I recommend taking at least 2 and a half hours to see everything. 19th century history fans will not be disappointed. Friendly, accommodating staff. Gorgeous prewar architecture. A true gem of Midwest museums.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
515Tlmiller100
Ankeny, IA44 contributions
Is the museum currently closed due to Covid? Thanks
Lisa P
Woodridge, IL609 contributions
Hi you would need to call them direct to confirm that.
sara12rara
Asheville, NC2 contributions
What year did this museum open?
Galena History
Galena, IL
Our Museum open in 1938. We hope you will come see us soon!
Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum
- Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- We recommend booking Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum:
- (0.02 mi) Directly Across from Turner Hall & 150 Steps to Main St~ Fireplace~WALK2TOWN!
- (0.07 mi) Lamberson Guest House
- (0.08 mi) The Inn at Felt Manor
- (0.12 mi) DeSoto House Hotel
- (0.07 mi) Elle & Beck's Loft Suite
- Restaurants near Galena / Jo Daviess County Historical Society and Museum:
- (0.04 mi) Galena Lions Den
- (0.04 mi) Vinny Vanucchi's
- (0.11 mi) Log Cabin Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) Bread & Vine
- (0.10 mi) The Market House Restaurant