Main Street
Brick shops climbing a hillside.
Galena
A beautifully preserved lead-mining town in Illinois's hilly northwest corner, and home of Ulysses S. Grant.
This town grew rich in the 1840s, then time passed it by. Main Street, most of it on the National Register, has shops and Grant's Home, given to him by the townspeople. Go in the fall for color.
- Best Time
- May–October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About three hours by car northwest of Chicago.
What to See
1 of 2 are freeUlysses S. Grant Home
The house that the town presented to him in 1865.
Know Before You Go
- Fall weekends are busy.
Where to Stay
Stay in town.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Midwest list.