Galena & U.S. Grant Museum
Home to a wonderful collection of artifacts that tell the rich story of Galena: General & President Ulysses S. Grant, 9' x 12' "Peace in Union" painting, Nine Civil War Generals, leadmines, steamboats, and so much more!
A Step Back in Time
Imagine being able to escape the bustle of the here and now and take a walk back in time, immersing yourself in:
- the untouched beauty of the Driftless;
- the region’s earliest native settlements;
- the hurly-burly of the first trading post on the Fevre River;
- the mines, foundries, breweries, and farms that fed life along the river;
- the Grant family’s leather shop and Ulysses’ path to the presidency; and
- a bustling main Street alive with shops, carriage traffic, and social and political life.
The city of Galena is a living showcase of a prosperous 19th century Midwestern town. Today, Galena is one of the country’s most historically significant, culturally vibrant, and scenically breathtaking places. Carved into a steep, rocky hillside in the early 19th century, Galena’s historic downtown offers a glimpse of the region’s past as an economic boomtown, larger than Chicago in the 1830s.
For almost 83 years the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society has been a trusted and prudent steward of Galena’s vibrant history and culture. Galena’s past is proudly on display at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum on Bench Street.
Admission Rates
Adults: $15.00
Seniors (65+): $14.00
Youth (11-18): $12.00
Age 10 and Under: Free
Members: Free
Hours
Open Daily 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address
211 S Bench Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
Located 1 block from Main Street
GROUPS
We can offer a variety of tours depending on the size and age of your group. The Old Blacksmith Shop is also part of the Museum complex and is an exciting, authentic and fully operational Blacksmith operation that still produces forged iron products. Young and old enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of the Old Blacksmith Shop – be sure and get the details.
STEP-ON GUIDES FOR BUS GROUPS
We provide an experienced and accurate guide who will board your motorcoach and provide you with a 60-minute narration of Galena’s historic district. If you wish, we can also do a tour through the countryside, identifying old mine sites, the Mississippi River and the unglaciated character of our beautiful terrain.
MUSEUM TOURS
We offer tours for all types of groups from schools to retirees. Please call us at (815)777-9129 or e-mail us at: info@galenahistorymuseum.org for rates and other information.
GIFT SHOP
Be sure to shop both of our Gift Shop locations, Galena & U.S. Grant Museum on Bench Street and at The Old Blacksmith Shop. We have a wide selection of history books covering the history of the development of this northwestern region of Illinois; Ulysses S. Grant – The General and The President; The Civil War; Native American history and culture, architecture of the region and so much more.
