Galena & U.S. Grant Museum - Galena (IL)

5 /5 Andrea K: What a great little gem of a museum. Its 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 its $15 per adult.

4 /5 Tom Hill: Wonderful, well thought out exhibits, take you deep into Grants life and times. With lots of fascinating details into everything else that was even tangentially connected to the Grant family. The only complaint I have is that the lighting was seriously inadequate. Im getting a bit older, and my eyesight is not what it once was, and I struggled to read, and see many of the exhibits. So my recommendation would be, if you have any concerns about your eyesight, give them a couple of years. There is a plan in the works to move this museum to new digs, out by Grants home, where I hope they will modernize the lighting and make it easier to see. If the lighting issue doesnt scare you off, definitely check this museum out. Its a fascinating look at a very interesting president.

4 /5 Dave Cameron: This museum covers both the history of Galena - with a focus on its heyday in the 1830s-1850s - and the tie-in to Ulysses S. Grant. Galena went from nothing in 1810 to 20,000 people at its peak - and it is now around 3,000 people. This museum is a restored large house built in 1858. Theres 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 didnt have that - we had a very knowledgeable shop worker give a personalized talk.

5 /5 T RS: This museum is a great blessing for history lovers ! Its 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 !

5 /5 Luann: 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.