©

Galena trip planner

Create a fully customized day-by-day itinerary for free
Itinerary planner
+ Add destination
2 adults
Adults
- +
Teens
- +
Kids
- +
Close
You have 3 trips in progress.   See all
Trip PlannerUSA  /  Illinois  /  Galena

Galena

4.1
Distilleries · Historic Sites · Nightlife
Galena is the largest city in and the county seat of Jo Daviess County, Illinois, with a population of 3,429 at the 2010 census. A 581acre section of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Galena Historic District. It is named for the mineral galena, which was mined by Native Americans in the area for over a thousand years. Owing to these deposits, Galena was the site of the first major mineral rush in the United States. The first American settler arrived in 1821, and by 1828, the population was estimated at 10,000, rivaling the population of Chicago at the time. The city emerged as the largest steamboat hub on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis, Missouri. Galena was the home of Ulysses S. Grant and eight other Civil War generals. Today, the city is a tourist destination known for its history, architecture, and resorts.HistoryPrecolonial and colonial historyThe city is named for galena, the natural form of lead sulfide (PbS) and the most important lead ore. Native Americans mined the ore for use in burial rituals. The Havana Hopewell first traded galena in the area during the Middle Woodland period (c. 1–400 CE). However, the use of galena in the Havana territory is uncertain; very little has been identified in burial mounds. During the Mississippian period (900–1500 CE), galena saw use as body paint.
Use our United States day trip planner to arrange the hows, wheres, and whens of your trip to Galena.
Source
Create a full itinerary — for free!

Plan your trip to Galena

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.

Places to visit with Galena

ChicagoTrip planner Best for: Observation Deck, Art Museum, Park SpringfieldTrip planner Best for: History Museum, Historic Site, Landmark Oak ParkTrip planner Best for: Architectural Building, Historic Site, Religious Site RockfordTrip planner Best for: Garden, Children’s Museum, Water Park EvanstonTrip planner Best for: Room Escape Game, Theater, History Museum