Dowling House: Galena's Stone Sentinel

4.5 (117)

Explore Galena's oldest house, a limestone trading post from 1826, and journey back to the city's lead mining boom.

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Dowling House

The Dowling House, built in 1826, stands as Galena's oldest house and Illinois' oldest stone building. Originally a trading post and family residence, it offers a glimpse into the city's early lead mining days and frontier life.

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

Local tips

Tours are offered daily, May through October, but check the schedule as tours are limited to 16 people and are first come, first served.
Consider purchasing a combo ticket with the Belvedere Mansion for a discounted rate.
Children 12 and under are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.

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Getting There

Walking

The Dowling House is located in Galena's historic downtown district at 220 Diagonal Street. From most points in downtown, it's easily accessible on foot. From the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, walk south on Main Street, then turn left onto Diagonal Street. The Dowling House will be on your right. No costs are associated with walking.
Public Transport

Jo Daviess County Transit provides public transportation within Galena. The general fare within Galena is $0.50 each way, but a minimum 24-hour advance notice is required. Call 815-777-8088 to arrange a ride.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Several taxi services operate in Galena, including Galena's General Express. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. A short taxi or ride-share trip from the outskirts of downtown to the Dowling House will likely cost between $8 and $15, depending on the service and distance.
Driving

If driving, navigate to 220 Diagonal St, Galena, IL 61036. Parking is available nearby, but some areas may have time restrictions. Check parking signs for any costs. Several parking lots are located within a short walk, including a lot on Commerce Street and another on Water Street. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $1-$2 per hour.

Discover more about Dowling House

Step back in time at the Dowling House, a limestone structure erected in 1826 by John Dowling, an Irish immigrant and early Galena resident. This building holds the distinction of being Galena's oldest house and the oldest stone building in Illinois. In its early days, the Dowling House served two purposes: a trading post on the first floor and the Dowling family's living quarters on the second.Galena boomed as the lead mining capital of the world, and the Dowling House was at the heart of it all. Fur traders and other frontier travelers frequented the trading post, making it a vital hub in the burgeoning city. However, as the lead mines waned, Galena's population declined, and the Dowling House was left abandoned for decades.Resurrected in the 1960s and opened as a historic house museum in the 1970s, the Dowling House now offers guided tours from May to October. Visitors can explore the original fireplace, a replica of the trading post, and 19th-century furnishings and artifacts. The 30-minute tour provides insights into Galena's development and the Dowling family's life.