From Our Blog

The Best of the Best in Galena

Discover Romantic Places to Stay in Galena, IL

Galena is a fantastic destination year-round, but where you stay can make all the difference. If you’re searching for one of the most romantic places to stay in Galena, IL, you’re in the right spot. Jail Hill Inn has earned its reputation as the #1 rated Bed and Breakfast in the country and the #2 rated Bed and Breakfast worldwide. With thoughtful hospitality and luxurious accommodations, it’s no wonder we’re considered one of the top choices for places to stay in Galena, IL -not to mention the Midwest as a whole. 

This historic and charming town should absolutely be on your travel list. Galena offers a perfect mix of small-town charm with outstanding restaurants, unique shops, and engaging attractions. It’s a place where you can enjoy the best of relaxation and adventure, making it one of the most popular escapes outside Chicago. There are plenty of things to do in Galena, IL, of course. But beyond exploring the town’s highlights, your experience wouldn’t be complete without a stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Galena. 

Conveniently located just steps from downtown Galena, our Bed and Breakfast gives you easy access to all the best this town has to offer—no need to stress about driving or parking. We offer everything you need in a fantastic getaway: cozy, spacious accommodations, thoughtful amenities, a delicious daily breakfast, an in-room happy hour, dedicated EV charging, and even an onsite spa for individual and couple’s massages. Our Bed and Breakfast in Galena isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a destination all its own. Isn’t it time to treat yourself? Book your room today! 

Luxurious guest spaces at our Bed and Breakfast, one of the best places to stay in Galena, IL

The Most Romantic Places to Stay in Galena, IL

There’s no single feature that makes Jail Hill Inn the standout choice when it comes to romantic places to stay in Galena, IL. Rather, it’s the combination of thoughtful details that sets us apart. From rich history and refined elegance to genuine hospitality and a host of premium amenities, everything comes together to create a truly exceptional stay—not just in Galena but across the country.

Nearly ten years ago, we took on the ambitious task of transforming Galena’s historic jail into a top-tier Bed and Breakfast. Today, after years of meticulous restoration and dedication, Bed and Breakfast in Galena, IL, has become synonymous with luxury and comfort. While the beautifully preserved historic details add character to the space, staying here is about much more than revisiting this building’s interesting past. 

Our prime location is one of the many reasons we’re considered among the best places to stay in Galena, IL. Situated on a hill overlooking downtown Galena, we’re just a short walk from Main Street. Within minutes, you can explore local boutiques, indulge in incredible dining, sample local wines, take in the beauty of the Galena River Trail, and soak up the charm of this picturesque town. But location is just the beginning.

You’ll discover six spacious, thoughtfully designed suites inside our historic inn. Each room offers 800 square feet of luxurious comfort, complete with a cozy seating area, spa-inspired bathrooms, and indulgent amenities. Our rooms feature plush beds with custom linens, Frette robes and towels, Aveda products, Samsung Smart TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, and more. Property amenities include a dedicated Tesla/EV charging station and an onsite massage room, perfect for individual and couple’s massages. Every detail has been chosen to ensure your stay is as comfortable and indulgent as possible.

Then there’s breakfast—a standout amenity that consistently earns rave reviews. Each morning, we serve a delicious three-course breakfast that’s as satisfying as it is memorable. And the indulgence doesn’t stop there. In the afternoons, we treat our guests to a delightful wine, charcuterie, and appetizer tray, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. You’re free to enjoy our housemade appetizers, treats, and local charcuterie in the comfort of your room or, when the weather is nice enough, on our back deck or side patio. 

From the elevated location to the thoughtful amenities and unforgettable dining, it’s easy to see why Jail Hill Inn continues to be celebrated as one of the best places to stay in Galena, IL. A new year is on the horizon – isn’t it time you came to see what all the buzz is about?

Beautiful historic streets of downtown Galena, just steps from our Bed and Breakfast in Galena, IL

How to Enjoy Time in Downtown Galena

Downtown Galena offers an incredible mix of activities, making it easy to craft the perfect day while staying at our Bed and Breakfast in Galena. History buffs can explore fascinating sites or take a trolley tour to learn more about the area’s storied past. Shopping enthusiasts will love strolling along Main Street, discovering unique boutiques and charming stores, while wine lovers can enjoy tastings at local wineries and downtown tasting rooms.

There are truly plenty of things to do in Galena, which is part of what makes this historic town one of Illinois’ most beloved destinations. Combine that with the stunning backdrop of rolling hills and historic architecture, and it’s no wonder visitors keep coming back. When you stay at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Galena, you’ll have everything at your doorstep. Main Street and all its attractions are just a short walk away. To help you plan your time in downtown Galena, we’ve put together some of our favorite things to do in downtown Galena during your visit.

  1. Get to know a bit of Galena’s history via a walking tour through downtown Galena. Plan in approximately one hour for this tour.
  2. If you don’t want to walk, ride the trolley! Galena’s Trolley Tour is a hop-on/hop-off tour that navigates around Galena’s most popular historic attractions.
  3. Visit one of downtown Galena’s many fantastic historical attractions, including the U.S. Grant Home, the Belvedere Mansion, and The Dowling House.
  4. If you’re interested in Galena’s haunted history, try a ghost tour with Amelia’s Ghost Tours or The Haunted Galena Tour Company.
  5. Enjoy a bit of foodie fun in downtown Galena. Some fantastic local shops specialize in food gifts, such as Galena River Wine & CheeseGalena Canning Company, Galena Garlic Company, Spice & Tea Merchants, Great American Popcorn Co., and Stam Chocolates.
  6. Shop for unique home decor and home goods, too! A few of our favorite spots include Galena Spoons Co., Vignettes of Galena, Simply Elegant Home, The Towne Rebel, At Home in Galena, and Galena Apothecary.
  7. How about a break from all the shopping with a delicious glass of wine? There are some great wineries in downtown Galena, including Galena Cellars, Massbach Ridge Winery, and Champagne on Main. If you prefer a pint of beer, we can’t recommend the Galena Brewing Company enough.
  8. For delicious cocktails, it’s worth the (very) short drive out of downtown Galena to Blaum Bros. Distilling, where you can tour their distillery, sample their spirits, and enjoy some delicious hand-crafted cocktails.
  9. Take in a performance or check out the fantastic local exhibits at the Galena Center for the Arts.
  10. Enjoy a romantic meal or two at the fantastic assortment of Galena restaurants. Our favorites include Little Tokyo, Fritz and Frites, and Fried Green Tomatoes.

While there may be plenty of fun things to do in Downtown Galena, the real reason to visit this charming town is to treat yourself to some pampering at our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Galena. There’s a reason so many guests have rated us among the best places to stay in Galena, IL. We’d love to show you just how memorable a stay here can be. Book your stay today!

Scroll to Top

Give The Gift of Jail Hill Inn This Christmas

Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at Jail Hill Inn .  We offer gift certificates in many amounts.