The 10 BEST Things to do in Galena This Fall
Things often look different in Galena from year to year, with new attractions, events, shops, restaurants, and other things added to our list each year. This year, mostly thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic, things are definitely different in Galena. Even so, it’s still one of the best weekend getaways from Chicago, and there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Galena this fall. While many of our favorite fall events have been canceled in 2020, we have some ideas to ensure you have a fun and memorable getaway.
At the heart of your stay in Galena, you’ll still find the same exceptional accommodations offered by Jail Hill Inn, Galena’s #1 rated Bed and Breakfast. The experience of staying with us hasn’t changed too much, but there are a couple of notable adjustments. Breakfast does look a little different, in that we’re offering two choices: You can still enjoy us in the socially-distanced dining room downstairs, or you can request breakfast be brought directly to your suite. And, in the afternoon, rather than hosting an afternoon wine and cheese reception, we’re delivering hand-crafted trays with your own personalized selection of wine and a delicious assortment of charcuterie, appetizers, and cookies for you to munch on at your leisure.
One thing that hasn’t changed at Jail Hill Inn is our absolute dedication to hospitality, where every detail of your stay is carefully attended to. This fall, come celebrate the changing of the seasons with us. Discover new things to do in Galena this fall, and leave with unforgettable memories and plans to return again. Book your room at our Bed and Breakfast in Galena today! Continue reading
Fall is a breathtakingly beautiful time of year to be in Galena. One of our favorite ways to enjoy fall in Galena, IL is to take scenic drives, of which there are plenty near our Bed and Breakfast. The winding country roads are absolutely perfect for these scenic drives, too! Fall’s seasonal display of color paints the hills around Galena, bringing this area to life in new and exciting ways.
Since first opening our Galena Bed and Breakfast in 2015, Jail Hill Inn has enjoyed a number of awards and accolades, including our crowning achievement of being named the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the country, and the #2 Bed and Breakfast in the world, in 2019. Those awards from TripAdvisor led us to our best year on record, and we entered 2020 with a great sense of hope and purpose.
Downtown Galena, IL holds so many wonderful shops, businesses, and restaurants, and is certainly much more than meets the eye. At first glance, downtown Galena might appear to be a sleepy downtown cloaked in historic buildings. And, while that’s true, which quaint town is absolutely packed with character and ineffable charms sitting just behind the historic facades. We love walking up and down Main Street, exploring the many boutiques along the way. But what if we told you there was an even better way to enjoy downtown Galena?
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.
Romantic getaways are special. They offer you a time to slow down, reconnect, and focus on nothing but your relationship. If we’ve learned nothing else during this COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve learned that being surrounded by and connected to our loved ones is the single most important thing in our life, so much more so than material things.
There have been some big changes to downtown Galena IL this summer in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we think they’ve been pretty great changes for the most part. We recognize that travel feels a little different to all of us right now, but we hope you feel comforted knowing our entire town is working hard to create a safe and healthy environment for all who choose to visit! You can find what we’re doing, specifically, 
We know many of you are longing to get out of your house and put this global pandemic behind you, but you’re also probably unsure of just what your future travels are going to look like. We don’t have all of the answers, but we do have some ideas for things to do in Galena this summer that help us maintain social distancing as it’s needed. Tourism is one of the most important parts of Galena’s economy, and we’re anxious to open our doors and welcome guests back to Jail Hill Inn. It’s the same for all of the restaurants, shops, and small businesses that make up the fabric of everyday life here in Galena.
Travel probably isn’t at the forefront of your mind right now, with a global pandemic and all that is has brought with it impacting everyday life. However, we know that small businesses like ours and other local Galena Restaurants are going to need your support as we reopen. In fact, they will need your support like never before, and we think it’s important we talk about them and do whatever we can to support them.
Downtown Galena and our local restaurants and independently owned shops are no different than others around the country. They’ve been hit hard during the shutdown associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic. Just as much as we miss our guests at the Jail Hill Inn, we’re sure the shops and businesses that make Galena such a thriving tourist destination miss their customers!