How is the weather in Galena?

Galena experiences a humid continental climate. Summers are warm, averaging around 82°F (28°C), perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are cold, with average lows of 11°F (-12°C), which provides opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.

What are some of the best things to do in Galena?

In Galena, you can explore the historical architecture by walking down Main Street, visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home, or engage with history at the Old Market House. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic views of the Galena River Trail or hike in the Apple River Canyon State Park. For art lovers, the West Street Sculpture Park is a unique experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Galena?

The most popular time to visit Galena is in the fall, between September and October, when the town's foliage turns into a vibrant display of colors. The Galena Country Fair in October is an often recommended local event, featuring handcrafts and homemade cuisine.

What are the best places to stay in Galena?

The Historic District is a frequently suggested area to stay, being close to attractions like the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum. The countryside surrounding Galena is also popular, offering scenic views and a quiet retreat.

What are the best places to visit in Galena?

The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, Horseshoe Mound Preserve for scenic views, and the historic Main Street with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, are among the popular places to visit in Galena.

What are some hiking trails in Galena?

Galena is surrounded by nature, offering many hiking trails. The Galena River Trail is a 8-mile (13-km) trail with views of the Galena River, and the Buehler Preserve is a frequently suggested trail for birdwatching.

What are some family activities to do in Galena?

Families can take a step back in time at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, enjoy a picnic at Grant Park, or explore the outdoors at Horseshoe Mound Preserve. In winter, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding.

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Galena?

Day trips from Galena can include exploring the Mississippi Palisades State Park, about 70 miles (112 km) away, or visiting the town of Dubuque, Iowa, which is just 16 miles (26 km) away and home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Galena?

Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 70 vacation rentals in Galena featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Galena?

Four-legged friends are welcome in Galena. Choose from more than 40 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

Galena vacation rentals

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Galena

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Guest favorite

Cabin in Durango

5 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews

Cozy Cabin by the Pond

Quiet, private country location to relax and unwind. 9 miles west of Dubuque, close to Wineries, Heritage Trail, Sundown Mountain Resort. Cozy cabin and quarter acre pond. Sun yourself on the patio, or nap in the shade of the covered porch. We're sure you will love this space as much as we do. Not suitable for children under 12, we strictly enforce no children and no pets. Outdoor relaxing space, gas grill. Fully stocked cabin, with the essentials such as coffee, tea, spices and condiments.

Guest favorite

Rental unit in Galena

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

Downtown Gem for Two

Newly remodeled downtown apartment right in the middle of town. New furnishings, office nook with desk, full size kitchen and appliances, smart tv, free wifi, large open living space with private bedroom and bath. Very clean. Adjacent shared deck with table and chairs is available for use. This is a second floor apartment in the back of Simply Elegant Boutique so there are 17 steps to get to it from the outside. *Rest easy, every surface and door knob is disinfected after each stay.

Guest favorite

Rental unit in Galena

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 476 reviews

Farmhouse Style Apt, Steps from Main St, Parking!

Nestled in the heart of historical downtown Galena, our quiet and private apartment suite is only steps away from shopping, dining, entertainment and everything Galena has to offer. Wake up to a full tea and coffee bar and make yourself at home as you wind down at the end of the day. As you walk out and down the stone stairway, you will find yourself in the middle of Main Street! A reserved, off street, parking space is included with your stay! We fully clean and disinfect between stays.

Guest favorite

Home in East Dubuque

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 336 reviews

A MUST SEE! 2BR Lakefront Home w/ Boats & More!

Welcome to our cozy lakefront home located in East Dubuque, Il which is only minutes away from Galena, IL and Dubuque, IA. This two bedroom home with sofa sleeper sleeps six. We provide a paddle boat, canoe's, and lifejackets. This home also has a large garage, a private deck overlooking the lake, and large yard. Other amenities include central air, comfy mattresses, all kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, Smart TVs with sound bar, and fast cable Internet. Don't miss out book now.

Guest favorite

Chalet in Elizabeth

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 305 reviews

Galena Country Getaway

Brick walkway leads to the cedar deck with Adirondack chairs overlooking the large backyard. Enjoy dinner out on the deck and roast marshmallows over a bonfire at the firepit. The dark sky provides excellent stargazing. Kitchen features full-sized refrigerator, cooking utensils and a variety of spices. Spacious bathroom with a waterfall-style shower. Carpeted loft includes a sleep number queen sized bed and two twin beds. Close to Historic Galena & Apple Canyon State Park

Guest favorite

Home in Galena

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 495 reviews

Beautiful Miner's Cottage in a Garden

This 1840's miner's cottage in the heart of Galena is only 3 blocks from beautiful, historic and fun Downtown Galena Main Street, but is far enough to have quiet times in the quarter acre yard of perennial gardens as well the expansive 2 story front porch, and 3rd porch off the kitchen, with gas grill. The house sits on a corner lot in the Galena National Historic District. The bathroom and kitchen are newly remodeled and the entire house is designer decorated. Beautiful!

Guest favorite

Tiny home in Darlington

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 277 reviews

The Bower- Peaceful farm stay getaway.

Thank you for checking out The Bower at Arbor Crest Acres! We would be happy to host you! This is our 5th year hosting and our 2nd tiny cottage. Our farmette is conveniently located 2 miles from town, set off the road, and through the woods. The Bower is just inside our property on the edge of the woods. We invite you to explore our property and enjoy the animals. The west end of our land over looks town and is a great place to watch the sunset and the goats graze.

Guest favorite

Rental unit in Galena

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 388 reviews

Gameroom in Galena

In the center of downtown Galena, we offer over 1500 sq ft. in a 1852 building. A bay window offers 180° view of Main St. A pool table, shuffleboard, pinball machine and bar are at your disposal. You'll have access to either Main Street from the front or Bench Street from the back. There is free parking on South Main Street and out the back on South Bench Street. There is no dedicated parking spot but parking opens up quit a bit in the evenings.

Guest favorite

Loft in Galena

4.81 out of 5 average rating, 715 reviews

Rustic Apartment overlooking Franklin & Main St

Hey there! We exposed the old original brick and hard wood floors inside. We installed an electric fireplace with a big comfy couch right in front of it. We do have cable TV with a variety of channels for you. There is a kitchen complete with an oven, stove, microwave and fridge if you are going to channel your inner chef. The bathroom has a shower and tub, and a built-in bathroom heater to keep it warm for you! This apt is above a coffee shop!

Guest favorite

Rental unit in Galena

5 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews

Dawson's Remise Luxury Accommodation

Enjoy a luxurious stay in our remise ("carriage house"), complete with authentic Art Deco and Industrial furniture and design. We took great care in ensuring top notch craftsmanship and amenities, so as to create an inviting environment that you won't want to leave! Hidden away off the quaint and historic Park Avenue, you'll enjoy a quiet and restful stay whilst within walking distance to Main Street Galena and all it has to offer.

Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Galena

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 313 reviews

The Guest House - Private and All Yours

Enjoy the cozy comforts of this renovated studio in Galena's historic district. The building is yours for your stay, with driveway parking onsite. We've made this a welcoming space for respectful travelers of all backgrounds, so join us for a comfortable and unforgettable time in our beautiful and historic city. Our space is privately operated by us, not an outside vacation rental company. We live onsite, and been here for 20 years.

Guest favorite

Home in Shullsburg

5 out of 5 average rating, 110 reviews

The Car Wash Inn A Unique Stay

Enjoy a unique stay inside a beautifully revitalized single bay 1950s car wash. Only minutes away from historic downtown Shullsburg. This space has been thoughtfully designed to retain it's industrial charm with a nostalgic ambiance, while offering modern amenities for a comfortable stay. ~20 miles to Galena, IL ~25 miles to Mineral Point, WI ~25 miles to Dubuque, IA ~ATV Trail Access with large parking area

Vacation rentals for every style

Get the amount of space that is right for you

Popular amenities for Galena vacation rentals

Self check-in

Gym

BBQ grill

Laptop-friendly workspace

Wifi

Stay near Galena's top sights

Fried Green Tomatoes49 locals recommend

Otto's Place37 locals recommend

Log Cabin34 locals recommend

US Grant Home Historic Site29 locals recommend

Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.28 locals recommend

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 128 reviews

The Beauty on Belden: minutes from amenities!

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Ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals in Galena

Home in Galena

4.75 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Lakeview, newly renovated home

Townhouse in Galena

Unit has been sold and is no longer for rent

Superhost

Hotel room in Galena

Club Wyndham Galena IL

Guest favorite

Cabin in Durango

5 out of 5 average rating, 262 reviews

Cozy Cabin by the Pond

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 56 reviews

Galena Area Retreat

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Quick stats about vacation rentals in Galena

Total rentals
140 properties
Nightly prices starting at
$90 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
17K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
60 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
40 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
10 properties have a pool

Your guide to Galena

Welcome to Galena

With a history as rich as the mineral deposits for which it’s named, Galena is a charming small-town getaway in the heart of the Midwest and the county seat of Jo Daviess County. Though it seems unimaginable now, Galena once rivaled Chicago in population. Back in the late 1820s, thousands flocked here to mine its namesake ore, which had long been used by Native Americans for burial rituals and trading. Even an American president has called Galena home: Ulysses S. Grant’s mansion, presented to him by the townspeople in the 1860s, is one of the town’s most popular tourist destinations. Many Chicagoans call Galena their second home. Galena’s main street, sometimes called the Helluva Half Mile (riffing on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile), is lined with Victorian-era storefronts and eateries. The rolling hills along the horizon draw visitors for skiing in the winter and hot-air ballooning during the warmer months.

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Galena

Galena rolls with the Midwestern weather patterns, which is good news for visitors. Perhaps the most beautiful times of year to visit are late spring, when the surrounding hills are in bloom, or autumn, during leaf-peeping season. Summertime in Galena is marked with outdoor bistro seating on Main Street, live music and festivals on the weekends, and strolling families wielding ice cream cones. Though winter is a little quieter (and can be quite cold), it has its own draws. Area resorts tucked into the hills host downhill skiers and snowboarders, and cross-country ski trails criss-cross through nearby nature preserves and Apple River Canyon State Park.

Top things to do in Galena

Great Galena Balloon Race

One of Galena’s best-known tourist attractions is also one of its most magnificent. Every third full weekend in June, weather pending, thousands come to marvel at a series of colorful balloon races across the prairie. The pros race at dusk on Friday night and at dawn on Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, amateurs can enjoy leisurely hot-air balloon rides with on-site rental companies.

Galena Grant Park

Toward the south end of bustling Main Street, a pedestrian bridge stretches across Galena River to this stately Victorian-era park. True to the period design, the park’s paths lead under decorative arbors to the town’s Civil War monument and gazebo, and the formal fountain stands out as a landmark.

West Street Sculpture Park

On the funkier side of Galena’s tourist attractions is this 2-acre park featuring metal sculptures of various scales. Ranging from rusted-out can contraptions to impressive postmodern art statements, the dozens of sculptures here are spread all over the park (including some in its trees), exposed to the elements, and open to visitors year round.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in Galena?
Galena experiences a humid continental climate. Summers are warm, averaging around 82°F (28°C), perfect for outdoor activities. Winters are cold, with average lows of 11°F (-12°C), which provides opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
What are some of the best things to do in Galena?
In Galena, you can explore the historical architecture by walking down Main Street, visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home, or engage with history at the Old Market House. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the scenic views of the Galena River Trail or hike in the Apple River Canyon State Park. For art lovers, the West Street Sculpture Park is a unique experience.
What is the best time of year to visit Galena?
The most popular time to visit Galena is in the fall, between September and October, when the town's foliage turns into a vibrant display of colors. The Galena Country Fair in October is an often recommended local event, featuring handcrafts and homemade cuisine.
What are the best places to stay in Galena?
The Historic District is a frequently suggested area to stay, being close to attractions like the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum. The countryside surrounding Galena is also popular, offering scenic views and a quiet retreat.
What are the best places to visit in Galena?
The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, Horseshoe Mound Preserve for scenic views, and the historic Main Street with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, are among the popular places to visit in Galena.
What are some hiking trails in Galena?
Galena is surrounded by nature, offering many hiking trails. The Galena River Trail is a 8-mile (13-km) trail with views of the Galena River, and the Buehler Preserve is a frequently suggested trail for birdwatching.
What are some family activities to do in Galena?
Families can take a step back in time at the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum, enjoy a picnic at Grant Park, or explore the outdoors at Horseshoe Mound Preserve. In winter, Chestnut Mountain Resort offers family-friendly skiing and snowboarding.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Galena?
Day trips from Galena can include exploring the Mississippi Palisades State Park, about 70 miles (112 km) away, or visiting the town of Dubuque, Iowa, which is just 16 miles (26 km) away and home to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Galena?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 70 vacation rentals in Galena featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Galena?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Galena. Choose from more than 40 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

Galena vacation rentals

Top-rated vacation rentals in Galena

Vacation rentals for every style

Houses

Cabins

Villas

Popular amenities for Galena vacation rentals

Stay near Galena's top sights

Galena house rentals

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Home in Galena

Ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals in Galena

Home in Galena

Townhouse in Galena

Hotel room in Galena

Cabin in Durango

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Townhouse in Galena

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Galena

Total rentals

Nightly prices starting at

Total number of reviews

Family-friendly rentals

Pet-friendly rentals

Rentals with a pool

Your guide to Galena

Welcome to Galena

The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Galena

Top things to do in Galena

Great Galena Balloon Race

Galena Grant Park

West Street Sculpture Park

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the weather in Galena?

What are some of the best things to do in Galena?

What is the best time of year to visit Galena?

What are the best places to stay in Galena?

What are the best places to visit in Galena?

What are some hiking trails in Galena?

What are some family activities to do in Galena?

What are some of the best day trip ideas in Galena?

Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Galena?

Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Galena?

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