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Dowling House: Galena's Oldest Tale
Explore Galena's oldest house, a beautifully preserved 1826 trading post and home, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant 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 the Dowling family residence and a bustling trading post during Galena's lead mining boom. Explore its well-preserved rooms and artifacts for a glimpse into 19th-century life.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Dowling House
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Walking
The Dowling House is located at 220 Diagonal Street in downtown Galena. From Main Street, cross over to Diagonal Street. The Dowling House will be on your left. Check the parking signs for any costs associated with parking.
Public Transport
Jo Daviess County Transit provides public transportation within Galena. The general fare for service within Galena is $0.50 each way. A minimum 24-hour advance notice of the trip is required.
Taxi/Ride Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Galena. A short trip from downtown Galena to the Dowling House will likely cost around $10-$15. Galena's General Express is a locally owned and operated Limo-Taxi-Party Bus service providing safe and reliable transportation in the Galena area.
Local tips
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Check the seasonal schedule (May-November) for tour availability.
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Purchase tickets at the gift shop, as tours are first-come, first-served.
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Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Belvedere Mansion for a discounted rate.
Discover more about Dowling House
The Dowling House, located at 220 Diagonal Street, stands as a testament to Galena's rich history as the first major mineral rush location in the United States. Built in 1826 by Irish immigrant John Dowling and his son Nicholas, this sturdy limestone structure is not only Galena's oldest house but also the oldest stone building in Illinois.Originally, the house functioned as both a family home and a trading post. The Dowlings lived upstairs, while the ground floor served fur traders and other settlers. John Dowling was a prominent figure in early Galena, contributing to the fire committee and town board. His son, Nicholas, also held positions as alderman and mayor.After Galena's lead mining boom subsided, the Dowling House was abandoned for decades. 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 pieces and artifacts. See the original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and a 19th-century trader's living quarters. The Dowling House is open seasonally, from May to November.
A brief summary to Dowling House
Use Dowling House as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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