One Day Galena and Dubuque Tour from Chicago

Explore the charming towns of Dubuque and Galena on this enriching day trip from Chicago. Begin your journey along the scenic Mississippi River in Dubuque, where you can enjoy free time to stroll, have lunch, or even take a cable car ride for breathtaking views. Continue to Galena, a beautifully preserved historic town where 80% of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you’ll visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home and take in the serene beauty of Grant Park. With a total travel distance of 325 km from Chicago, this tour offers the perfect blend of history, scenery, and relaxation before heading back to the city.

1. 1

   Dubuque

   4 hours

   The small town of Dubuque sits at the junction of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, with the Mississippi River flowing through it. As one of the United States’ most important rivers, the Mississippi’s beautiful scenery is not to be missed.

2. 2

   Galena

   1 hour

   Nestled in the rolling hills of northwestern Illinois, Galena grew into a bustling town in the early 1800s after lead ore—its namesake, from the Latin “galena” (lead sulfide)—was discovered, making mining its primary industry. Today, Galena is a premier tourist destination in Illinois and the Midwest, renowned for its unmatched hills and valleys.

3. 3

   Ulysses S. Grant Home

   30 min

   Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, was born in Ohio and graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1843. During the latter half of the Civil War, he rose to commander‑in‑chief of the Union Army, and his skillful leadership and repeated extraordinary achievements were instrumental in ending the conflict and securing Union victory. After the war, Grant successfully won the presidency and was re‑elected, though his tenure was considered mediocre.

4. 4

   Grant Park

   3 hours

   Grant Park, a large urban park in Chicago’s central business district, was renamed in 1901 to honor U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. The park features performance venues, gardens, artworks, sporting facilities, and a harbor, and it hosts public gatherings and several major annual events, earning its reputation as “Chicago’s front yard.”

5. 5

   Chicago

   30 min

   The guests will be dropped off to hotel or home.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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