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Dowling House, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

4.5 (117)

Explore Galena's oldest house, a limestone trading post from 1826, and step back into the heart of Illinois' lead mining history.

The Dowling House, built in 1826, stands as Galena's oldest house and Illinois' oldest stone structure. Once a bustling trading post and family home, it offers a glimpse into the city's early days as a lead mining hub.

A brief summary to Dowling House

  • Wednesday 10:45 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 10:45 am-3 pm
  • Friday 10:45 am-3 pm
  • Saturday 9:45 am-2:45 pm
Eve
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Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dowling House.

  • Tours are seasonal, running from May to October, so plan your visit accordingly.
  • Arrive early to purchase tickets at the gift shop, as tours are limited to 16 people and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Belvedere Mansion for a discounted rate.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dowling House is located at 220 Diagonal Street in downtown Galena. From Main Street, walk east on Green Street, then turn right onto Diagonal Street. The Dowling House will be on your right, across from Fried Green Tomatoes Restaurant. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    Jo Daviess County Transit provides public transportation within Galena. The general fare is $0.50 each way, but a 24-hour advance notice is required. Check the Ride Galena map for shuttle routes and schedules, as free weekend shuttles operate seasonally from various parking lots and hotels to downtown Galena.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Galena. A short taxi or Uber ride from the outskirts of downtown to the Dowling House will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on demand and distance.

Discover more about Dowling House

Step back in time at the Dowling House, Galena's oldest house, constructed in 1826 by John Dowling. This limestone building served as both the Dowling family's residence and a vital trading post, the only one in Galena at the time.In its heyday, the Dowling House teemed with fur traders and pioneers, offering a glimpse into the rugged frontier life. Galena boomed as the lead mining capital of the world, and the Dowling House stood at the center of it all.After decades of abandonment, the house was restored in the 1960s and opened as a historic house museum in the 1970s. Today, visitors can take guided tours to explore the original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and 19th-century living quarters. The Dowling House provides a tangible connection to Galena's rich history and its role in the United States' first major mineral rush.
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