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The Best of the Best in Galena

Unbeatable Lodging Near Downtown Galena!

When it comes to finding the best place to stay in Galena, IL, nothing compares to our #1-rated Galena Bed and Breakfast, Jail Hill Inn. Not only are we conveniently located within walking distance of all the shops, restaurants, and fun in downtown Galena, but we offer an elevated lodging experience that can’t be matched by any other local properties. There’s a reason our Galena Bed and Breakfast has been rated as the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the country and the #2 Bed and Breakfast in the world – it’s just that good!

Every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully tended to, ensuring you come away refreshed and ready to dive back into your daily world. From our gourmet, three-course breakfasts and curated wine and appetizer trays to our spacious and luxuriously appointed guest suites, it won’t take long to see why our Inn is rated as the best place to stay in Galena, IL. Whether you spend the entire weekend in the quiet comfort of our Inn, which includes ample outdoor spaces, or you spend the weekend exploring the best of downtown Galena and beyond, we have no doubt you’ll love every second of your stay at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. 

We’re a quick sub-3-hour drive from downtown Chicago and an easy getaway for those in Dubuque, the Quad Cities, Des Moines, and more. With just a tank of gas and a little planning, you can enjoy one of the best getaways of the year. If you’re ready to experience the best place to stay in Galena, IL, it’s time to book your room at our top-rated Galena Bed and Breakfast! 

Relax and unwind in this bright an airy guest room, and discover why we're the best place to stay in Galena, IL!

The Best Place to Stay in Galena, IL

No singular “thing” makes Jail Hill Inn the best place to stay in Galena; rather, it’s a combination of things. Elegance, history, a strong sense of place, friendly hospitality, and plenty of high-value amenities are all included with your stay. These things all work together to produce a lodging experience like few others in the country, let alone right here in Galena.

Several years ago, we embarked on a journey to restore Galena’s historic jail into a luxurious Bed and Breakfast. Seven years later, we can happily say we’ve succeeded and are now considered the best place to stay in Galena. Even though you’ll find impeccably maintained and lovingly restored historic touches throughout the Inn, a stay here is about so much more than the history of this magnificent old building.

One of the many things that make us the best place to stay in Galena, IL, is our convenient location to downtown. From our perch on the hill, we overlook downtown Galena – just a short stroll away. Within minutes, you can be on Main Street browsing shops, dining at fantastic restaurants, enjoying wine and other tastings, walking on the scenic Galena River Trail, and generally soaking up the many charms of this historic town. Our location is just the start of what makes us one of the best places to stay in Galena.

Within the four walls of our Galena Bed and Breakfast, you’ll also find six well-appointed and luxurious guest rooms. With ample space to spread out in each suite, including a generous seating area and luxurious spa-like bathrooms, you’ll find all the creature comforts from home, plus many of the luxuries you’d expect at a world-class hotel. In addition to 800 square feet of space, guest rooms at our Galena Bed and Breakfast are outfitted with the most comfortable beds and plenty of high-end amenities to enjoy throughout your stay. This includes our custom-designed and super-plush Frette Spa Robes and towels, Aveda personal care products, a Tesla/EV Charging Station, a customizable Bluetooth sound system, and Samsung Smart TVs.

One of the best features of our Galena Bed and Breakfast is the breakfasts themselves – which certainly earn us the moniker “best place to stay in Galena, IL” all by themselves. We serve a rotating menu each morning of your stay, featuring three delectable courses that will fuel you up and satisfy every taste bud. You definitely won’t go hungry here – especially because we also serve a sumptuous snack in the afternoon in the form of our wine, charcuterie, and appetizer tray

With so many yummy treats and luxurious amenities, it’s easy to see why our guests continue to rave about staying here and continue to rate us as the best place to stay in Galena. What are you waiting for?

The historic Ulysses S. Grant Home is one of the top things to do in Galena, IL, and isn't too far from our Galena Bed and Breakfast, rated as the best place to stay in Galena, IL!

The Best Things to Do in Galena, IL

Given that you’ll be staying at the best place to stay in Galena, it would be perfectly understandable if you decided to stay “Inn” with us and take full advantage of our relaxing amenities. From our front patio or our tranquil back deck to our generous soaking tubs and in-suite massages, we can hardly blame you.

Even so, there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Galena, IL, too, and we’d love to share them with you. We’re lucky enough here to enjoy four seasons of fun events and historic charm. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things to do in Galena, IL, including those adventures beyond Main Street in downtown Galena. 

  1. If it’s your first time in Galena, we highly recommend getting oriented to the city with Galena Trolley Tours.
  2. Downtown Galena has fascinating historic attractions, including the popular Galena & U.S. Grant Museum and the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site. Other historic sites worth visiting include the Dowling House and The Belvedere Mansion.
  3. If you want to enjoy a bit of the scenic beauty around Galena, we recommend a few different places: Apple River Canyon State Park, the Galena River Trail or the Galena River itself (kayak rentals are available locally), or one of the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. Spending time in these beautiful areas is one of our favorite things to do in Galena, IL. 
  4. We mentioned that one reason we’re the best place to stay in Galena, IL is our location to downtown – so don’t miss the chance to enjoy the best shopping in downtown Galena. Between browsing the local shops, don’t miss some of the fun tastings in the downtown area. Stop in at Galena Cellars, Galena Brewing Company, Galena River Wine and Cheese, or Champagne on Main!
  5. Take a memorable (and adorable!) goat trek with our friends at Hoof It Galena.
  6. Relax, unwind, and enjoy a luxurious spa treatment at one of these Galena Day Spas.
  7. Whether visiting in the summer or winter, don’t miss your chance to soak up the views and have some fun at Chestnut Mountain Resort.
  8. Head out for a scenic drive around Galena, and make sure to include a stop at one of our local wineries and vineyards along the way. Alternatively, take a fantastic Galena Wine Tours – a great way to combine great wine and Galena’s scenic beauty! 

If you’re ready to experience the best part of this beautiful town, then it’s time to start planning. Book your room now, and see for yourself what makes us the best place to stay in Galena, IL!

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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.