Galena Day Tour from Chicago: Historic Sites and River Views

Chicago , United States

Galena Day Tour from Chicago: Historic Sites and River Views

Active

8h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Escape the city for a day of Midwestern charm on this scenic tour from Chicago to Dubuque, Galena, and Grant Park. Begin with a riverside stroll in Dubuque, Iowa’s oldest city, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River. Continue to the historic town of Galena, known for its preserved 19th-century architecture and charming small-town atmosphere. Visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home to learn about the legacy of the 18th U.S. president, then wrap up your day with a quick stop at Chicago’s iconic Grant Park.

Unlimited Bottled Water & Complimentary Snacks – Stay refreshed and energized throughout the journey.

Themed Attractions with Seasonal, Adventurous & Playful Highlights – Carefully selected for excitement and discovery.

Happy Family Time – Kids enjoy 50% off for a joyful and budget-friendly trip in July and August.(Prices shown are the final specials)

Exclusive Travel Keepsakes – Includes a custom travel passport and share-worthy moments for your social media.

Available options

Tour Only(CGT1)

This price option exclude: admission fee to Ulysses S Grant Home

Tour W/admission (CGT1)

This price option include: admission fee to Ulysses S Grant Home

What's included

Ulysses S Grant Home (if Price Option Selected)

Professional vehicles transportation (Vehicle used based on the number of guests attending that day)

Professional Humor and Heart Bilingual Tour Guide & Driver

Unlimited Bottled Water Throughout the Trip

Gratuities

Twice-Daily Treats – Sweet snacks and candies, delivered with a smile!

Exclusive "Local Exploration"Travel Passport – 10 stamps earns a spot at our Annual Explorer Gala!

Detailed itinerary

In the morning, we will depart from Chicago to Dubuque, the oldest city in Iowa. You can stroll freely along the Mississippi River, or take a cable car at your own expense to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Dubuque and the Mississippi River. In the afternoon, we will head to the historic town of Galena, where 80% of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The rich historical atmosphere makes people feel that time has become slow and meaningful here. It is an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Finally, we return to Chicago to end this day's exploration.

Itinerary:

Chicago --Distance: 170mi Time:3Hrs-- Free time in Dubuque (75 mins, including lunch time) → Galena (45 mins) → Ulysses S Grant Home (45 mins) → Grant Park (15 mins) --Distance: 155mi Time:2.6Hrs-- Chicago

The small town of Dubuque is located at the junction of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. The Mississippi River runs through the city. As an important river in the United States, the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River should not be missed.

Galena is nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois. Galena became a bustling town in the early 1800s when lead ore was discovered ("Galena" means lead sulfide in Latin), and mining became its primary industry. Today, Galena is a top tourist destination in Illinois and the Midwest, and there is no other place in Illinois with such beautiful hills and valleys.

Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President of the United States. He was born in Ohio and graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1843. During the second half of the Civil War, he became commander-in-chief of the Union Army. Because of Grant's skillful command and repeated extraordinary achievements, he made outstanding contributions to the end of the Civil War and the victory of the Union. After the war, he successfully ran for president and re-election, but his performance was mediocre.

Stop 5

Grant Park is a large urban park in the city's central business district. It was renamed in 1901 to honor US President Ulysses S. Grant. The park contains performance venues, gardens, artworks, sporting, and harbor facilities. It hosts public gatherings and several large annual events and is popularly referred to as "Chicago's front yard"

Return to Chicago with unforgettable memories of a remarkable journey.

What's not included

Food and beverage (Tour guide will arrange).

Personal expenses and other expenses not listed in the Cost Includes.

Ulysses S Grant Home (if Price Option Not Selected)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

50% Off for Kids in July & August 2025:Children aged 3–11 can enjoy half-price admission on all day tours, or as the 3rd and 4th child sharing a room on multi-day tours. This is a final special offer with no additional discounts.

Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end.

Tickets and Charges: City Passes and personal attraction tickets are not accepted. Attraction prices may change, and tickets are non-refundable.

Booster Seats: Children under 8 require a booster seat. Please ask for more information in advance.

During spring time, especially during the month of May-Between04/29 and 05/16, the tulips blossom at their fullest height forging an unforgettable scenery. Meanwhile, strolling through Holland, our local tour guide will take you on a tour of this European-style town in stead of ordinary itinerary.

Collect the Memories:Guests will receive an exclusive Local Exploration Travel Passport. For every Local Exploration tour you join, you’ll collect a unique stamp. Gather 10 stamps to receive an invitation to our Annual Explorer Gala — a joyful celebration where travel lovers connect, share stories, and relive their favorite moments on the road!

Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided.

Booking Details: Ensure all booking details (name, contact, flight info) are accurate. Errors will result in personal costs.

Itinerary Changes:Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for smooth operations.

Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval.

Tour Adjustments:The tour guide may alter schedules based on weather, traffic, or other conditions.

Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions may change—check the product website for updates.

Meeting point

08:30Departure Chicago: H Mart Naperville；1295 E Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL 60563；

Important notes

Please notify your order number or invoice number upon payment. Present your receipt and voucher upon check-in.

Know Before You Go

1. The maximal waiting time for any late passengers is 10 minutes beyond the meeting time announced by the Tour Guide. While JUPITER LEGEND Corporation makes every effort to provide on-time service, it does not guarantee to arrive at or depart from any point.as a specific time, which may be affected by any number of factors including weather, traffic, strikes, government shutdowns, war or terrorist attacks, or mechanical prob- lems. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation is not liable for any inconvenience or expense caused as a result of such a delay, not liable for the expense of connecting air or train or bus service missed as a result of a delay and not liable for any other travel expense caused as a result of a delay.

2. JUPITER LEGEND Corporation and Ctour Holiday reserve the right, when operating conditions require, transferring passengers from one vehicle to another en route.

3. The following documents are recommended to make your check-in process smooth: A valid photo ID is required to board the bus; We recommend you bring a copy of the email confirmation to board the bus.

4. This product is a group activity. If you choose to leave the group, please inform in advance, and obtain the consent of the tour guide. You need to sign the departure agreement form and the unfinished part will be regarded as your own abandonment. The group fee will not be refunded.

5. Gift items in the itinerary that cannot be given away due to force majeure factors such as traffic and weather conditions or personal reasons may be subject to change. Please understand that the fees will not be refunded.

6. Smoking is prohibited aboard the bus in accordance with Federal law.

7. Pets and animals are not allowed on the vehicle.

About Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-class cuisine. Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, it offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a famous public park in downtown Chicago, known for its modern art and architecture. It's home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as 'The Bean'.

Park 1-2 hours Free

Art Institute of Chicago

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago houses an impressive collection of artworks from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $25 (adults), Free for children under 14

Skydeck Chicago

Located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass balcony extending out from the building.

Observation Deck 1-2 hours $28 (adults), $20 (children 3-11)

Navy Pier

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Free to enter, individual attractions have varying costs

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Sports 2-4 hours (game duration varies) Ticket prices vary depending on the game and seating

Must-Try Local Dishes

Deep-Dish Pizza

A thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce. It's a Chicago classic and a must-try for pizza lovers.

Dinner Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some restaurants.

Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A steamed or grilled all-beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all served on a poppy seed bun.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some hot dog stands.

Italian Beef Sandwich

Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll. It's typically dipped in the juices and topped with sweet or hot peppers.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and beef. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some Italian beef restaurants.

Chicago-Style Popcorn

A sweet and savory snack made with caramel and cheese-flavored popcorn, often sold in colorful boxes at street corners and ballgames.

Snack Contains dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some popcorn stands.

Popular Activities

Kayaking on the Chicago River Biking along Lake Michigan Rock climbing at First Ascent Picnicking in Millennium Park Yoga in the park Spa treatments at The Peninsula Chicago Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago Attending a performance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Chicago for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks and attractions.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Polish, Chinese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chicago is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Some areas of the city have higher crime rates, and visitors should research their destinations before traveling.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night

Getting there

By air

O'Hare International Airport • 27 km (17 miles) from city center
Midway International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center

By bus

Greyhound Station, Megabus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The 'L' is a convenient and affordable way to get around Chicago. It consists of eight color-coded lines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Loop Lincoln Park Wicker Park Magnificent Mile Pilsen

Day trips

Navy Pier

2 km (1.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan. It offers a variety of attractions, including shops, restaurants, and rides.

Wrigley Field

10 km (6.2 miles) • Half day to full day

Wrigley Field is a historic baseball park located on the North Side of Chicago. It's home to the Chicago Cubs and offers a unique atmosphere for sports fans.

Museum Campus

3 km (1.9 miles) • Half day to full day

The Museum Campus is a 57-acre park located on the southern tip of Grant Park in Chicago. It's home to several world-class museums, including the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium.

Festivals

Lollapalooza • Early August (4-day festival) Chicago Jazz Festival • Late August to early September (weekend festival) Chicago Food Festival • Early September (weekend festival)

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and long wait times
Use the Ventra card for easy and convenient payments on public transportation
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods and culinary scene to get a true sense of Chicago's character and culture
Take an architecture river cruise to see the city's stunning skyline and learn about its architectural history
Visit the city's many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, even in the heart of the city