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Seven headed palm tree at Cachiche town, Ica, Peru — Translation on poster: “dates”
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All the United States Illinois Galena

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Galena

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Galena, Illinois

Updated October 4, 2024

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Unusual Attractions in Galena

Galena, Illinois

The Dowling House

The oldest house in Galena, Illinois, now is a reminder of when this city was the world's lead mining capital.
Baby Blue

Galena, Illinois

West Street Sculpture Park

Dozens of large steel sculptures fill this two-acre park outside a former blacksmith's studio.
The DeSoto House Hotel, opened in 1855, is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois.

Galena, Illinois

DeSoto House Hotel

The oldest operating hotel in Illinois enjoys a historic (and some say haunted) past.
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Add it!

Dubuque, Iowa

Crystal Lake Cave

An underground wonderland in Iowa.
9 miles from Galena
Charles Mound

Scales Mound, Illinois

Charles Mound

This family driveway also serves as the highest point in Illinois.
11 miles from Galena
Shot Tower

Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque Shot Tower

This long unused shot tower on the Mississippi remains a point of pride for a small city in Iowa.
12 miles from Galena
Fenelon Place Elevator

Dubuque, Iowa

Fenelon Place Elevator

For just a few bucks, this Iowa funicular will let you feel like an 1800s fat cat.
13 miles from Galena
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