As we head full steam into 2022, it’s time we re-examine all of the incredibly fun things to do in Galena IL so you can start planning your upcoming adventures. The charming and historic town of Galena offers a surprising range of things to do. It is, after all, rated as one of the best weekend getaways near Chicago for a reason!
Of course, while you’re enjoying all of the wonderful things to do in Galena, IL this year, you should also plan in some time to spend at our #1-rated Galena Bed and Breakfast. Over our six years in business, we’ve been named Galena’s Business of the Year, we earned a near-perfect score from Select Registry, and perhaps better yet, TripAdvisor named us the #1 Bed and Breakfast in the United States, and the #2 Bed and Breakfast in the world.
Those are some incredible accolades for a small six-room Inn in Galena, but it’s backed up by our 500+ 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. All of these wonderful accolades add up to one thing – we’re incredibly busy! So if you have your heart set on enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and fun things to do in Galena IL in 2022, you better hop over to our booking calendar and make your plans. The best getaways deserve nothing but the best places to stay in Galena IL, right?
10 of the BEST Things to do in Galena IL in 2022!
For years, the charming town of Galena has been winning awards for being one of the best small towns in America. To us, this comes as no surprise. Â Galena is known for its gorgeous rolling hills and is a town that has a rich sense of history and plenty of land and water trails to explore.
Not only is it beautiful here, but there really are some incredibly fun things to do in Galena IL! Located just a few short hours from many major metropolitan areas, Galena is a great place to getaway.
Whether you plan to stay in the cozy confines of our Galena Bed and Breakfast the entire weekend (we wouldn’t blame you), or you want to get outside for some adventure, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Galena IL. Here are some of our favorites, updated for 2022!
- Walk or bike down the Galena River Trail, which can be easily accessed from our Bed and Breakfast. It’s open year-round, and it can be easily accessed from our Galena Bed and Breakfast.
- Go wine tasting. You’ll find great-tasting opportunities at Galena Cellars Winery, Massbach Ridge Winery, Rocky Waters Winery, Fergedaboutit Winery, Jamie’s Wine Studio, The Grape Escape, and the newest addition, Champagne on Main.
- Wine isn’t the only great spirit to enjoy here. Don’t miss the Galena Brewing Company and tours and tastings at Blaum Bros. Distillery.
- Go shopping at the 100+ independent boutiques on Main Street in Downtown Galena. It’s within easy walking distance of Jail Hill Inn, and as you shop you’re welcome to bring your goodies back here for safekeeping!
- Galena is also quickly becoming one of the Midwest’s premier golfing destinations.  Each of Galena’s 10 golf courses offers something different. Top courses include Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, the Galena Golf Club, Woodbine Bend Golf Course, and the Lacoma Golf Course.
- See Galena from an entirely different vantage point, and go hot air ballooning.
- Get adventurous at Chestnut Mountain Resort, where you can cruise the Mississippi River, soar high above the valley on their zipline, or race down their alpine coaster. In the winter is a great place to go skiing!
- Visit the historic Ulysses S. Grant home or other historic attractions such as the Belvedere Mansion and Gardens.
- Take in the views and the incredible beauty from the many parks in the area, including Mississippi Palisades State Park, Apple Canyon River State Park, Horseshoe Mound Preserve, or one of the other incredible Jo Daviess County Conservation properties.
- Take a trek and play with the goats! Our friends at Hoof It Galena offer a wonderful escape from the ordinary, and it’s quickly become one of the top things to do in Galena IL!
The Best Place to Stay in Galena
No matter what it is that piques your interest, there are more than enough things to do in Galena IL to keep you busy for days. Add staying at our luxury Bed and Breakfast to your list of great things to do in Galena IL! A few days here will leave you feeling pampered, refreshed, and ready to tackle everything life throws your way.
Our Galena Bed and Breakfast offers six luxurious guest rooms, each uniquely decorated and well-appointed with luxurious amenities. Standard amenities include 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, not to mention some of the best food you’ll enjoy on your trip.
Though one of our favorite things to do in Galena IL is to enjoy local restaurants, the best food you’ll have on your trip will be right here at our Galena Bed and Breakfast. Each morning here will start with a delicious breakfast, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your room or in our communal dining room. It’s the perfect fuel for whatever adventure lies ahead. You definitely won’t go hungry here, because we also treat you to a delectable wine, charcuterie, and appetizer tray each afternoon.
In fact, we think you’re going to enjoy your time with us so much that you’ll want to keep coming back to our Galena Bed and Breakfast time and time again – and we hope you do! 2022 is looking busy already, so if you have your heart set on enjoying all of the best things to do in Galena IL, and more importantly staying at Jail Hill Inn, then don’t delay. Book your room at our #1 Galena Bed and Breakfast today.
