Galena is a charming tourist destination loved by many.  It is conveniently located not too far from some of the Midwest’s largest cities and is the perfect place to escape for a few quiet days in the country. Expect your days to be filled with exploring the beautiful outdoors, browsing the charming stores, and relaxing over a delicious meal at Galena’s best restaurants.  The charm of this small town has the makings of a spectacular fall getaway.  When searching for a place to stay, our newly renovated and award-winning Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located in downtown Galena, simply can’t be beat. Book your room today!

From Jail to Bed and Breakfast

Though housed in a historic building, Jail Hill Inn is one of Galena’s newest Bed and Breakfasts, and is quickly earning recognition as the top lodging destination in this charming getaway town.  The Bed and Breakfast is housed in what was once the Jo Daviess County Jail. Originally built in 1878, the Jail was in operation until 1977 and sat vacant for over two decades.  In 2015, current owner Matthew Carroll bought the Jail in hopes of restoring it and turning it into a luxury Inn.  Today, with the preservation of the Jail’s original historic character, including the original wood ceiling, sections of the original concrete floor, the second floor curved brick ceiling, and the 23 original 9 foot tall windows on the second floor, the six-suite Jail Hill Inn stands as a stunning glimpse into Galena’s past.

Historic Preservation Award

In light of the outstanding preservation work done on this beautiful four-story brick building, Jail Hill Inn was recently awarded the “Adaptive Use Award” by historic preservation group Landmarks Illinois.  Landmarks Illinois is a statewide non-profit that seeks to save important historic buildings.  Each year, this organization honors nine outstanding examples of excellence in Illinois historic preservation and seeks to inspire the preservation of other important and historic buildings.  The Adaptive Use Award is given to those projects or businesses, like Jail Hill Inn, that allow for the continued use of a historic structure.

In addition to saving a historic landmark, the rehabilitation of this building has increased property values, added a new and appealing aesthetic to the surrounding neighborhood, generated tax dollars and employment opportunities, and has added a new type of luxury lodging to Galena. To see the incredible restoration of this building firsthand, book a room at our boutique hotel today.  We look forward to sharing Galena’s special secrets with you this fall!