Galena's Gateway to History
Explore Galena's vibrant past: lead mining, steamboats, and Ulysses S. Grant, all within a historic 1858 mansion.
The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, operated by the Jo Daviess County Historical Society, immerses visitors in the rich history of Galena and Jo Daviess County. Explore exhibits on lead mining, steamboating, and the life of Ulysses S. Grant within an 1858 Italianate mansion.
A brief summary to Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society
- 211 S Bench St, Galena, Illinois, 61036, US
- +1815-777-9129
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter experience and more personal interactions with the staff.
- Check the museum's event calendar online to see if any special exhibitions or lectures coincide with your visit.
- Take advantage of the guided tours for deeper insights into the exhibits and local history.
- Explore the museum's gift shop for unique historical books and souvenirs.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in the heart of the Galena Historic District, you can easily walk to the Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society. Start on Main Street and head south. Turn left onto Bench Street. Continue walking straight for about 0.3 miles until you reach 211 S Bench St. The Historical Society will be on your right. The walk should take about 7 minutes.
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Public Transport
Jo Daviess County Transit provides public transportation within Galena on weekdays and Saturdays. A minimum 24-hour advance notice of the trip is required. The general fare for service within Galena is $0.50 each way. The City of Galena, in cooperation with Jo Daviess County Transit and Galena Country Tourism, offers a free round-trip shuttle to the downtown on weekends from June through October. The downtown stop is on Green Street next to the public restrooms.
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Car
For those driving, start from the main area of the Galena Historic District. Head south on Main Street and turn left onto Bench Street. Continue on Bench Street until you reach 211 S Bench St. There is street parking available, but be mindful of any parking regulations. Free parking is located on Spring Street on the west side of the river, just past the intersection of U.S. 20 and Bench Street/Riverside Drive. Free parking is also located just south of the U.S. 20 bridge on the west side of the river. This lot is accessible by taking South Bench Street to Gear Street. All day paid parking is available at the Galena City Hall parking lot at 101 Green Street. When using ParkMobile, the Zone Number for the City Hall parking lot is 98303.
Discover more about Galena - Jo Daviess County Historical Society
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Haunted Galena Tour Company
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Civil War Monument
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Unmissable attractions to see
Galena - U.S. Grant History Museum
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Grant Park
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Essential places to dine
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Courtyard Restaurant
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DeSoto House Hotel
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Green Street Tavern
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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