Dowling House, Quad Cities Travel Guide

4.5 (117)

Explore Galena's oldest house, a historic limestone gem from 1826, offering a glimpse into the past.

Step back in time at the Dowling House, Galena's oldest building and Illinois' oldest stone structure, dating back to 1826. This limestone house served as both a trading post and the residence of the Dowling family, offering a glimpse into Galena's frontier life and lead mining history.

A brief summary to Dowling House

220 Diagonal St, Galena, Illinois, 61036, US
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit between May and October when the Dowling House is open for guided tours.
Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Belvedere Mansion for a discounted rate.
Check out the Galena Trolley Tours, which include entry to the Dowling House.

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Galena Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour of Historic Downtown

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$9.49

Getting There

Walking

The Dowling House is located in Galena's historic district, a short walk from Main Street. Head towards Diagonal Street, and you'll find the house at 220 Diagonal Street. Be prepared for a slight incline as you approach. The walk should take around 10-15 minutes from most points in the historic district.
Public Transport

Public transportation within Galena is limited. Jo Daviess County Transit provides on-demand service, but reservations are required. The general fare within Galena is $0.50 each way, but it's best to call the dispatcher at 815-777-8088 for more information and to book at least 24 hours in advance.
Car

If driving, navigate to 220 Diagonal St, Galena, IL 61036. Parking is available nearby, but be aware of time restrictions and potential costs. Check parking signs for details. Free seasonal transit is available from Depot Park and Meeker Street to downtown Galena on weekends.

Discover more about Dowling House

The Dowling House, located at 220 Diagonal Street in Galena, Illinois, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built in 1826 by John Dowling, it is not only Galena's oldest house but also the oldest stone structure in Illinois. This simple, two-story limestone building originally served as both the Dowling family's home and a bustling trading post.In its early days, the Dowling House was the only trading post in Galena, catering to fur traders and other travelers. The first floor was dedicated to the trading post, while the Dowling family resided upstairs. John Dowling was a prominent figure in early Galena, contributing to the fire committee in 1834 and serving on the town board of trustees in 1838. His son, Nicholas, also played a role in the town's leadership, serving as an alderman and later as mayor.After the decline of Galena's lead mining operations, the Dowling House was abandoned for many years. However, it was resurrected in the 1960s and opened as a historic house museum in the 1970s. Today, visitors can take a 30-minute guided tour of the house, which is furnished with historically accurate items and artifacts. The tour includes the original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and a glimpse into the 19th-century living quarters. The Dowling House is open seasonally for tours from May to October.