History comes to life at Grant’s home

The Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site in Galena will be the site of a Civil War Encampment July 18 and 19. The Old Northwest Volunteers will demonstrate camp life in the 1860s. (Andrea Mills/amills@svnmail.com)

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On a normal day, there are so many things going on in Galena that it’s difficult to decide what to do.

July 18 is no different. In fact, it’s even worse to choose that day, as a number of activities make it the perfect time to travel north.

The Civil War re-enactors will again set up camp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. near the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, 500 Bouthillier St. Members of the Old Northwest Volunteers will give visitors a look into camp life more than 100 years ago.

The events include medical exams (for the soldiers, not the visitors), signing enlistment papers, training, and electing officers. Among Saturday’s events is an afternoon picnic, and on Sunday morning, there’s a church service.

While in Galena, add to the day with one of these attractions:

■ Ryan Mansion tours – Home built by James R. Ryan in 1876. Tour from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Ring door bell; no reservations. Adults $10, 12 and under $5. The mansion is at 11373 U.S. 20 west.

■ Tour and picnic in the vines in Hanover – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 18 at Rocky Waters Vineyard/Winery, 2003 W. Hanover Road. For picnic reservations and information, call 815-591-9706. Gift shop and tasting room will be open. Tours are free.

■ Historic tour carriage rides and dinner by carriage light – The rides are 3-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The cost is $35 a person; there is seating for two adults. Reservations are necessary – 815-275-9470. Find the carriage in back of the DeSoto Hotel. More options are available.

Dinner for two and a carriage ride are offered 5-9 p.m. July 18. The cost is $85 to $115. Get the carriage at 110 Green St. Call 815-275-9470.

■ Irish dancing and entertainment – Two shows 6-8 p.m. July 18 at Frank O’Dowd’s Irish Pub, part of The Irish Cottage Boutique Hotel, 9853 U.S. Route 20 west, Galena. Call 866-284-7474. No charge to watch.

■ Mark Twain and the Laughing  River – Folk singer Jim Post puts on a one-person historical musical about Mark Twain’s life at the Galena Trolley Depot Theater, 314 S. Main St., Galena. The cost is $20 for adults and $12 for 12 and younger. Call 815-777-1251 for information.

If you go

What: Civil War encampment

When: 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. July 18; also open on July 19

Where: Near the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, 500 Bouthillier St., Galena

Cost: Free

Information: Visit Galena Jo Daviess County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.galena.org or Galena State Historic Sites at www.granthome.com, or call 877-464-2536 for the visitors bureau or 815-777-3310 for the historic sites.