Galesburg Attractions

Built in 1858, Browning Mansion is an Italianate-style square home that Mr. William Browning "Victorianized" after purchasing it in 1886. He remodelled by adding bays, dormers and gingerbread.

This site is the birthplace of Carl Sandburg, Pulitzer Prize winning poet and Lincoln biographer. The museum contains hundreds of artifacts and displays that relate to Sandburg. A perennial garden, located behind the home, has plantings that are appropriate to Sandburg's era and surround Remembrance Rock, where the ashes of Carl Sandburg and his wife, Lilian, are buried.

The Central Congregational Church was built on the site of "Old First Church," in December of 1898 of red sandstone. The Romanesque style architecture was modeled after Trinity Church in Boston.

Discovery Depot Children's Museum presents interactive exhibits, programs and educational experiences. Visitors will enjoy Safety City, Depot Post Office, Grocery, Diner and Farm.

Galesburg Civic Art Center hosts a permanent collection with over 300 pieces that feature various styles from the 1900s. The Main Gallery features 10 to 12 exhibits annually.

Galesburg Railroad Museum is housed in a Pullman parlor car. There is a collection of restored railroad cars that include a 1920 baggage and postal express car, 1930 caboose and locomotive.

The Illinois Citizen Soldier Museum has artifacts from the War of 1812 through to Desert Storm on display. The Illinois National Guard dates back to the 1700s and highlights Illinois' most famous Citizen-Soldier, Captain Abraham Lincoln.

The cornerstone for the Knox County Courthouse in Galesburg was laid in 1884 and the building completed in 1886. Ornate details on the building are typical of the Romanesque period.

Old Main is best known as the site of one of the most famous debates in American history. On October 7, 1858 Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated the issues of slavery and states' rights.

The Orpheum Theatre is a restored Vaudeville theatre that opened in 1916. The art nouveau style showcases French architecture and Italian detail. Some of the early stars of stage and screen appeared at the Orpheum, including Jack Benny, George Burns, Houdini, Al Jolson, Edgar Bergen, Fanny Brice and Blackstone the Magician.