One of our favorite local events of the year is the Great Galena Balloon Race and Festival, a lively weekend that brings the whole area together. Expect a full lineup of entertainment, from live music and thrilling balloon races to a classic car show, local art, and an impressive selection of food and drinks. The real showstopper of the Great Galena Balloon Race is the evening balloon glow, when vibrant balloons illuminate the night sky in a way that feels almost surreal.

The Galena Balloon Festival takes place every year on the third full weekend in June at Eagle Ridge Resort, just a short 15-minute drive from our Bed and Breakfast Galena IL. As fun as this balloon festival is, it’s not the only time of year you can enjoy a Galena hot air balloon ride. Beyond soaring through the skies, there are so many more great things to do in Galena IL, including shopping, stepping back in time at places like the U.S. Grant Home, wine tasting, and more.

Galena is one of the most enduring getaways near Chicago, bringing in upwards of one million visitors each year. As wonderful as the town is, it’s nothing compared to Jail Hill Inn, the most luxurious Bed and Breakfast in Galena Illinois. We’ve thought of everything, from beautifully decorated and equipped guest rooms, gourmet breakfast in the morning, to an afternoon of wine and snacks, and the warmest, most welcoming service at any lodging in town.

You’ll quickly see why we’ve been voted as the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the country on TripAdvisor, where you’ll also notice that each review (nearly 800!) is 5 stars (plus almost 500 more on Google!). Not every Galena B&B can make that claim. Join us in one of the most charming towns in Illinois, and book your next stay today!

Start Planning for the Great Galena Balloon Race

The Great Galena Balloon Race is a celebrated event by locals and visitors alike each year. There’s nothing quite like the sight of a colorful rainbow of balloons soaring through the sky. Here’s the itinerary for the upcoming Galena Balloon Festival.

Friday:

• The gates of the Great Galena Balloon Race Festival open at 5 PM, with live music starting at 5:30 PM. The balloons hit the sky at 6 PM, followed by the Night Sky Extravaganza at 8:30 PM. Watch as the colorful globes float away throughout the evening. Be sure to pop by one of the food stalls for burgers, hot dogs, and tacos.

Saturday & Sunday:

• Days two and three of the Galena Balloon Festival are for the early birds, as the fires are lit as early as 5 AM! It’s a peaceful morning watching the hot air balloons head out as the sun rises. Saturday evening features live music, a classic car show, another hot air balloon launch, and night two of the Night Glow Extravaganza, while Sunday winds up the Great Galena Balloon Race Festival with the early morning balloon launch.

Plan Your Own Hot Air Balloon Ride:

• If you can’t make it to Galena for this exciting balloon festival in Illinois, you can still enjoy a majestic hot air balloon ride over the area. The experienced pilots of Galena on the Fly will take you over the rolling landscape of Jo Daviess County for some of the most spectacular views of the area. Upon landing, you’ll be treated to a Champagne toast! It’s truly an unforgettable experience, and easily one of the best hot air balloon rides near Chicago.

The Most Elegant Lodging at our Galena Bed and Breakfast

As exciting as the Great Galena Balloon Race is, it’s nothing compared to the lodging experience at our #1 rated Bed and Breakfast Galena IL. As you arrive at the front steps of the Jail Hill Inn, you’ll know right away that our Bed and Breakfast isn’t your average lodging choice. As a fully remodeled and refurbished 1878 county jail, the building’s character is remarkable and unique. We’ve kept architectural details that call back to the olden days, but every inch of our Bed and Breakfast exudes luxury with high-end, modern touches, impeccable decor, and elegant details.

We take great care to serve our guests beautiful, seasonal morning meals, packed with fresh ingredients and prepared with love (always paired with piping hot coffee, fresh juices, and fruit). The afternoon calls for happy hour, delivered to your door with wine and house-made appetizers. Warm and welcoming hospitality is our goal for each and every guest who spends their precious time with us! Start planning your next trip to the Galena Balloon Festival and book your stay today!