Galena, IL

History That's Fun

While lessons about the past may evoke a snore among your young ones, living history is altogether different. So, when it comes time to learn about the Civil War in school, they can honestly say, "I've been there." Thankfully, many of Galena's museums appeal to short attention spans.

• Galena/Jo Daviess County History Museum. Start your adventure at this museum tucked inside an 1858 Italianate mansion. Hourly audiovisual shows offer an overview of Galena's history.
• Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historical Site. Take a 30-minute tour through the house that was given to Civil War hero Grant, upon his return to Galena. The home, which Grant's children later donated to the city, has been faithfully restored to its post-Civil War appearance. Many of the furnishings are actual pieces used by the former president and his family.
• Vinegar Hill Historic Lead Mine & Museum. Your children will never forget this guided tour, which features a journey through a real mineshaft, created in 1822.