Things to Do in Galena

Things to Do in Galena, IL - Galena Attractions

Things to Do in Galena

Check out must-see sights and activities:
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre, Historic Sites, Parks. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Top Attractions in Galena

These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

Distillery tour featuring a selection of handcrafted spirits, including a unique spicy vodka, complemented by engaging guides and a relaxed tasting experience.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.

Intimate 20-seat theater specializing in close-up magic and humor, featuring personal audience interaction and a cozy atmosphere for an engaging evening.
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Historic home featuring mid-1860s furnishings and insights into a Civil War General's life. Delivers a self-guided tour through national history in a family-friendly setting.
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Historical trolley tour through a charming neighborhood, highlighting historic homes and local lore with informative narration. Ideal for initial orientation and activity planning.
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Thrill-seekers can enjoy an alpine slide, zip-lining, and segway rides, while the boat tour along the Mississippi River provides serene wildlife sightings. Dining with river views available.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
1

What travelers are saying

  • Explorer57727633961
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a fun place. My wife and I had booked the distillery tour and loved it. It was informational and casual.
    The atmosphere and the bartenders were great. The drinks, especially the Orange Whip, were amazing. We had so much fun.
    If we are in the area again, we will definitely be stopping in.
    Written February 3, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joe D
    Shorewood, IL7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very small theater with some great close up magic. Mr Murphy is entertaining, funny, and very personable. We all loved the show.
    Written February 10, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Owl Eyes
    Dallas, TX7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tour of the old house was awesome! The guides were super engaging and kept it interesting without dragging things out. It was really well maintained, too.
    Written January 26, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Charles B
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historical tour on the trolley was well worth the time. It lasted about and hour and gave us an intimate look into the history of Galena. Ours had only 4 riders so driver/ host was able to easily answer any questions we had .
    Written November 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Danny D
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun time checking out the area during the summer. Lots of activities; frisbee golf, mountain biking, alpine slide, and the flying eagle ‘zip-line’. Beautiful views of the valley overlooking the Mississippi River.
    Amenities on site, as well as restaurant in the lodge. Ski store has cold drinks if needed, and souvenirs.
    Written May 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greg M
    Bolingbrook, IL8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is captivating with great views, eats, hisotry and fun. You must see the one man magic show. Incredible and a very samll (24) audience. The irish place just off the beaten path is great food and fun. Reservatiosn are recommeded.

    Make teh trip to teh Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA. It brings back childhood memories of playing baseball until it was dark.
    Written November 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bobwigglesworth
    Chicago, IL43 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The tour was brief but I'm fine with that. I liked the building and prefer a structure like this which isn't ornate in any way. Kind of basic but gives a good idea of how hard life was back in the day.
    Written August 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • tscammac
    Merrill, WI18 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful waterfalls with a nice viewing platform area. Great place for a quick stop to get out stretch your legs for a few moments.
    Written July 31, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Illinois0717
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Galena Cellars Winery was high recommended by friends!! I’m a wine drinker and like have a chance to try new wines. The staff is awesome with their suggestions! I learned about each wine & cider I tried. There was a food truck & snacks you could purchase in the Tasting Room.

    The view is great for a breezy summer afternoon!! We enjoyed the live music they had on Saturday!!
    Written July 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dave C
    Illinois1,844 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a park directly across the river from central Galena. it's accessible by bridge from downtown Galena (over the river) - or there's parking on the other side of the river. If you go from the main entrance on the east side of the river, you need to climb a hill to get to the top - with great views of much of the main part of Galena. There are paved walkways that take you through the park There are a number of benches with different views. There's a gazebo, a statue of Grant, historic cannons/howitzers, a water fountain, a playground for small kids, and a basketball court. Can be somewhere quiet to just relax or to stroll. To stroll the whole thing - while reading the signs - took us 45 minutes.
    Written October 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Taylor B
    Chicago, IL8,447 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    While visitors to historic Galena, Illinois, pay most attention to Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War-era historians point out that Elihu Washburne deserves his props. Washburne, a prominent Galena lawyer who served in the U.S. Congress during the Civil War, had much to do with Grant becoming president of the United States. Also a friend of Abraham Lincoln, Washburne was with Grant on the night he was elected and later served as Secretary of State and Minister to France in Grant's administration. So it is interesting to see how Washburne lived. His 1 1/2-story Greek Revival house at 908 3rd Street in Galena, steps east of U.S. Route 20, south of the Galena River, was built in 1844-1845 and humbles Grant's home, which is nearby. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The house, which is open for guided tours of the first floor and two second-floor bedrooms, features a two-story porch with four fluted Doric columns. Emphasis is placed on Washburne's friendships with Lincoln and Grant, especially his support in getting Grant elected in 1868. The rooms are furnished to reflect the mid-19th century life of a well-to-do midwestern professional. Washburne lived in the house until 1882, when he moved to Chicago, where he died in 1887. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Galena.
    Written July 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • spanoutsos
    Lincolnwood, IL15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A memorable experience with my 14 year old son. Jen was warm and explained just enough about both the goats and yoga. It was a really nice balance between the two. I appreciated Jen reminding everyone to do the poses at his/her comfort level. I would definitely recommend this experience!
    Written March 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
  • January
    19 ºF
    Coldest month
    4 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • February
    22 ºF
    4 days of rain
    Less busy
  • March
    35 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • April
    46 ºF
    7 days of rain
    Less busy
  • May
    59 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Wettest month
    Moderately busy
  • June
    69 ºF
    8 days of rain
    Moderately busy
  • July
    72 ºF
    Hottest month
    5 days of rain
    Very busy
    Busiest month
  • August
    70 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • September
    64 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • October
    51 ºF
    6 days of rain
    Very busy
  • November
    36 ºF
    5 days of rain
    Less busy
  • December
    27 ºF
    4 days of rain
    Less busy
    Least busy month
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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