Galena - U.S. Grant History Museum
Galena - U.S. Grant History Museum things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
Posts
This museum covers both the history of Galena - with a focus on it's heyday in the 1830s-1850s - and the tie-in to Ulysses S. Grant. Galena went from nothing in 1810 to 20,000 people at it's peak - and it is now around 3,000 people. This museum is a restored large house built in 1858. There's even a real lead mine shaft at the back of the house that predates the house that was attached. We spent just under 2 hours here. Some reviews mention a movie at the start; we didn't have that - we had a very knowledgeable shop worker give a personalized talk.
Dave CameronDave Cameron
00
This museum is a great blessing for history lovers ! It's also housed in a historic 19th century house. The exhibits are dating from the time first settlers came to Galena. Museum takes one through history, and its chronological display sails one through the timeline. Displays range from the city architecture, industry, transport, local business, mining, war, etc. All are unique and, first of its kind in the region or in the country. By being Galena is the birthplace of General US Grant, one learns the biography of the Great General !
T RST RS
10
What a great little gem of a museum. It's definitely worth the visit before the new museum is built! The mansion is beautiful, and a lot of original pieces and Italian fireplaces are still there. All the exhibits show so much detail about Galena and its history and, of course, the former president. The tour is self guided besides the first introductory presentation by one of the staff. They let you take all the photos and videos you want also. There is also a little gift shop, and it's $15 per adult.
Andrea KAndrea K
00
This was a very authentic experience and tour. They have some absolutely wonderful exhibits. It was amazing how many articles from that era were donated by the people. The manager and the lady working with her were very knowledgeable and you can tell took great pride when speaking about the new museum that is being planned. The paintings were stunning! It was well worth the money and felt that it supported a worthy cause.
LuannLuann
00
Very awesome place. If you have stopped at the Grant house then you need to stop over here and see more Grant items or vise versus. It also has information and items of Gelenas past and even an old mining shaft you get to view safey behind a protective railing and glass. . Gift shop on site as well. Lots of awesome artifacts.
Honest AbeHonest Abe
00
I'm so glad we decided to take the tour. The guides are extremely knowledgeable of the Grant family and the time frame in which they lived. Thanks
Johnny BakerJohnny Baker
00
Nearby Attractions Of Galena - U.S. Grant History Museum
Verilife Dispensary
U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site
Grant Park
Aldrich Guest House
P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre
Poopsie's
Jail Hill Inn a Boutique Hotel
Galena Trolley Tours
Galena Canning Company
Belvedere Mansion

Verilife Dispensary
4.9
(1.2K)Click for details

U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site
4.7
(707)Click for details

Grant Park
4.7
(442)Click for details

Aldrich Guest House
5.0
(326)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Galena - U.S. Grant History Museum
Vinny Vanucchi's
Durty Gurt's
Fried Green Tomatoes
Gobbie's Sports Pub & Eatery
Otto's Place
Log Cabin Steakhouse
Bread and Vine Galena
Embe Eatery and Lounge
Green Street Tavern
The Galena Brewing Company

Vinny Vanucchi's
4.2
(1.2K)Click for details

Durty Gurt's
4.5
(1.1K)Click for details

Fried Green Tomatoes
4.6
(889)Click for details

Gobbie's Sports Pub & Eatery
4.4
(725)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
211 S Bench St, Galena, IL 61036
Map
Phone
(815) 777-9131
Call
Website
galenahistory.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(77 reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Verilife Dispensary, U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site, Grant Park, Aldrich Guest House, P.T. Murphy Magic Theatre, Poopsie's, Jail Hill Inn a Boutique Hotel, Galena Trolley Tours, Galena Canning Company, Belvedere Mansion, restaurants: Vinny Vanucchi's, Durty Gurt's, Fried Green Tomatoes, Gobbie's Sports Pub & Eatery, Otto's Place, Log Cabin Steakhouse, Bread and Vine Galena, Embe Eatery and Lounge, Green Street Tavern, The Galena Brewing Company

- Please manually select your location for better experience