Title: Washburne House Historic Site in Galena - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Washburne House Historic Site Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Washburne-House-Historic-Site-Hotels.0-l6091363-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Galena](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Galena.d7956.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Galena](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Galena.d7956.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Washburne House Historic Site Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.d6091363.Car-Rental-Guide)[Galena Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Galena.d7956.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Washburne House Historic Site Tours and Activities ![Washburne House Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92189-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Washburne House Historic Site featuring heritage elements and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92187-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Washburne House Historic Site featuring signage](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92188-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Photo provided by Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/216000/216164-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) [Photo provided by Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/216000/216164-Washburne-House-Historic-Site.jpg) ## Visit Washburne House Historic Site Activities [Galena travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Galena.dx7956) --- --- #### Learn about the fascinating Elihu Washburne, who helped shaped American politics during and after the Civil War, at his stately brick home in Galena. Even from the outside, it’s obvious that Elihu B. Washburne House State Historic Site was the home of someone important. The statuesque Greek Revival brick home, anchored by four two-story columns, is a big presence in the town of Galena, Illinois. Visit the family home of Elihu Washburne, who helped shape America during the Civil War and beyond. Learn the story of Elihu Washburne, a prominent American politician and early member of the United States Republican Party. He served as congressman during the Civil War, where he was a staunch ally of President Abraham Lincoln. He was also a supporter of Ulysses S. Grant. As president, Grant appointed Washburne Secretary of State and later minister to France. Follow a knowledgeable docent on a guided tour throughout the house. The tour highlights Washburne’s important friendships with Abraham Lincoln and fellow Galenian Ulysses S. Grant. In fact, Grant learned that he had won the 1869 presidential election while he was sitting in Washburne’s library. On the first floor, walk through the entry hall to the parlor and sitting room. Continue through the library, where Washburne spent his days building the Republican Party. Next to it, the formal dining room is set up for guests. Even the kitchen and pantry are so faithfully restored that you may expect to smell the aromas of the Washburne’s dinner coming from the stove. Upstairs, tour two of the family bedrooms. The entire house is filled with the Washburne’s original possessions, including furniture, paintings and decorations. The Washburne House is open only on Fridays from May through October. Admission is free, but a small donation is encouraged. Use the convenient free parking just outside the house. Continue your Galena historical tour with a visit to Ulysses S. Grant’s home, which is a 10-minute walk away. Grant, his wife Julia and their four children lived here before they moved to the White House. Washburne House has no café or shop. However, Galena’s lively downtown is less than a mile away. If the weather is nice, walk to town through Depot Park and across the river. ### Popular places to visit ![Galena featuring a house, heritage elements and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92244-Belvedere-Mansion.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Belvedere Mansion Most of this lavish mansion and its landscaped gardens are open for tours so you can appreciate its glorious Italianate design. [](https://expedia.ca/Belvedere-Mansion-Galena.d553248635922901501.Vacation-Attraction) ![Grant Home featuring heritage elements and a house](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92175-Grant-Home.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Grant Home Retrace the daily life of Ulysses S. Grant in his Galena home, where he and his family lived between the Civil War and their move to the White House. [](https://expedia.ca/Grant-Home-Galena.d6091359.Vacation-Attraction) ![Galena which includes heritage elements, a park and autumn leaves](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92271-Grant-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Grant Park Enjoy the sun in this small but beautiful park, which is scattered with colorful flowerbeds, historic monuments and shaded picnic areas. [](https://expedia.ca/Grant-Park-Galena.d553248621532649473.Vacation-Attraction) ![Old Market House showing a house and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92185-Old-Market-House.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Old Market House Make this historic market building your first stop in Galena. Part welcome center, part museum, it gives you a perfect introduction to the city. [](https://expedia.ca/Old-Market-House-Galena-Historic-District.d6091361.Vacation-Attraction) ![Galena featuring a house and heritage elements](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/92000/92258-Dowling-House.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dowling House Get an authentic look at the past inside this pretty and historic building, the oldest house in the town of Galena and now a captivating museum. [](https://expedia.ca/Dowling-House-Galena-Historic-District.d553248621532649471.Vacation-Attraction) ![Old Blacksmith Shop](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/454000/454534-Old-Blacksmith-Shop.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Old Blacksmith Shop Live demonstrations provide a fascinating experience at this blacksmith shop, with anvils and fire pokers glowing red hot and bending to the might of the hammer. [](https://expedia.ca/Old-Blacksmith-Shop-Galena-Historic-District.d553248635695666027.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Washburne House Historic Site ## Check availability on hotels close to Washburne House Historic Site [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=2025-12-09&endDate=2025-12-10)[Dec 9 - Dec 10](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=2025-12-09&endDate=2025-12-10) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=2025-12-10&endDate=2025-12-11)[Dec 10 - Dec 11](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=2025-12-10&endDate=2025-12-11) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 12 - Dec 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025)[Dec 19 - Dec 21](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6091363&startDate=19%2F12%2F2025&endDate=21%2F12%2F2025) ![Stoney Creek Inn Galena](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1110000/1109500/1109416/1ac5d099_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stoney Creek Inn Galena 940 Galena Square Dr Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Stoney-Creek-Inn-Galena.h1109416.Hotel-Information) ![Irish Cottage Inn & Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/62000000/61520000/61517800/61517759/1d68f8be_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Irish Cottage Inn & Suites 9853 US-20 Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Irish-Cottage-Inn-Suites.h61517759.Hotel-Information) ![Best Western Galena Inn & Suites](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/17500/17409/bc344702_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Best Western Galena Inn & Suites 9923 West US Route 20 Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Best-Western-Galena-Inn-Suites.h17409.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel Galena](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/93000000/92510000/92502000/92501955/88aedd0f_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Galena 324 Spring St Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Hotel-Galena.h92501955.Hotel-Information) ![Aldrich Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/14000000/13080000/13078200/13078161/17125aae_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Aldrich Guest House 900 3rd St Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Aldrich-Guest-House.h13078161.Hotel-Information) ![The Mansion on Park Avenue - walk to downtown Galena](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/84000000/83800000/83797700/83797684/7c42b24c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Mansion on Park Avenue - walk to downtown Galena Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-The-Mansion-On-Park-Avenue-Walk-To-Downtown-Galena.h83797684.Hotel-Information) ![Annie Wiggins Guest House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19420000/19414300/19414280/1c50bd5a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Annie Wiggins Guest House 1004 Park Ave Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Annie-Wiggins-Guest-House.h19414280.Hotel-Information) ![Convenient & Spacious Downtown - Private Parking Included](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/23000000/22490000/22488200/22488101/b7de1aca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Convenient & Spacious Downtown - Private Parking Included Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-Convenient-Spacious-Downtown-Private-Parking-Included.h22488101.Hotel-Information) ![The Nautical House-Downtown Galena](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/60000000/59020000/59017600/59017558/6c0e2d4e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Nautical House-Downtown Galena Galena IL [](https://expedia.ca/Galena-Hotels-The-Nautical-House-Downtown-Galena.h59017558.Hotel-Information) [See all 636 properties in Washburne House Historic Site](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6091363) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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