This summer, vacations and relaxing getaways are looking quite a bit different in most places around the country. Even so, our Galena Bed and Breakfast is proving to be a wonderful place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the very best of this small town. But when it comes to travel this summer, do you find yourself wondering what to do in Galena IL? The town of Galena has been working hard to put various protections and protocols in place to ensure the safety of visitors who choose to come here, while at the same time making it the same fun and romantic destination you’ve come to know and love.
Our Galena Bed and Breakfast has made many changes to our daily service as well, including changing up the way we serve breakfast and our afternoon happy hour. We’ve been busy since reopening in June and have been receiving plenty of positive feedback from the guests who’ve stayed with us, both about how smoothly their experience with us went, and how much they enjoyed their time in the area as well. As a small town, Galena is uniquely situated to be a great travel destination for people around the Midwest this summer.
There’s only one Bed and Breakfast that’s been named the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the country, and that’s Jail Hill Inn. We’re booking up quickly this summer, so make your reservations to enjoy the best of Galena with us this summer!
What to do in Galena IL This Summer
When it comes to deciding what to do in Galena IL this summer, there really are plenty of options. In fact, many of the same things that were enjoyed in summer’s past are still a wonderful part of the overall Galena experience today. Whether your preference is to enjoy the downtown at our Inn, relaxing at one of our many beautiful common areas (both inside and out), or venturing into downtown Galena and the surrounding countryside, you can stay as busy as you want to be.
Downtown Galena has pulled out all the stops to bring tourists back to the area by closing down Main Street to traffic and turning it into a pedestrian-only zone. You’re free to visit the many shops in downtown Galena while wearing masks and enjoying social distancing. Your purchased goodies can even be delivered back to Jail Hill Inn for you, so you can stay in downtown and continue to enjoy the historic vibe of this charming place!
Local restaurants are offering outdoor dining on Main Street itself, too, which is allowing for plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the feel of dining out, while still maintaining adequate distance between others. It’s truly been a win, win for those visiting the area! It’s all available within walking distance from Jail Hill Inn, too!
History buffs will want to explore the many different historical buildings and museums in Galena. The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum and the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site are wonderful places to start. They offer a rare glimpse into the life of this famed Civil War General and U.S. President. Other great historic sites to check out include Apple River Fort State Historic Site, Dowling House, and The Belvedere. Many of these attractions remain closed due to COVID-19, but you can see them aboard Galena Trolley Tours for the time being.
While this all sounds great, you may be wondering what to do in Galena IL that doesn’t involve the potential crowds downtown. Galena’s top outdoor attractions are all still open, which includes places like Chesnut Mountain Resort, Horseshoe Mound Preserve and the other Jo Daviess County Conservation Foundation properties, and the Galena River Trail.
One day, you can take a walk or bike ride through the beautiful countryside, while the next you can be paddling down the beautiful Galena River. Enjoy a romantic picnic at Thunder Bay Falls, or head out Chestnut Mountain Resort, where they offer an alpine Slide and the Soaring Eagle zipline. Their Mississippi Explorer Cruises are back open again, too!
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Galena, there’s plenty of that, too! Perhaps you want to enjoy a little goat therapy? Hoof It Galena offers delightful hikes with goats that are just as fun as they sound. You can also head over to Shenandoah Riding Center for a guided horseback ride through the area. Or, perhaps you really want to get away from it all? Take in the views from an entirely new vantage point, and enjoy a relaxing hot air balloon ride over the area with Galena on the Fly.
When you’re deciding what to do in Galena IL, don’t forget the wonderful nearby communities, including Elizabeth, Dubuque, Stockton, and Hanover. They each have their own character and charms and offer something unique to each visitor.
Where to Stay in Galena, IL
As you can see, answering the question of what to do in Galena IL this summer is pretty easy. There are plenty of options, no matter the type of traveler you are. Deciding what to do in Galena is almost as important as where to stay, and when it comes to where to stay in Galena, IL, there’s nowhere better than our Galena Bed and Breakfast! We’re located just off Main Street in the heart of downtown Galena, offering you easy access to the top restaurants, shops, and attractions in the area.
Our 6 luxurious and spacious suites will be your own private retreat during your time in Galena, complete with comfortable seating areas, stunning Kohler Bathrooms, a Bluetooth sound system, and other luxury amenities. We’re taking every precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure your comfort and safety, which includes altering our cleaning protocols, serving our wine and appetizer delicacies to your room nightly, and changing the way we serve breakfast to now give you the choice to enjoy in our socially distanced dining room or enjoy in the privacy of your own suite.
We’ve even earned Select Safe, Stay Select status, an industry-leading set of health and safety guidelines based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other industry leaders. View more details both on our website and from Select Registry. Book a room at our Galena Bed and Breakfast with confidence this summer, and enjoy the getaway you deserve!
