Top Historic Attractions Near Downtown Galena IL
Without a doubt, one of the number 1 reasons to visit downtown Galena IL is to see the historic architecture and well-preserved 19th-century buildings that line Main Street and the surrounding area. As the home of the former president U.S. Grant, Galena is no stranger to interesting history and, accordingly, historic attractions. From touring these homes to taking Trolley tours around town, and even taking ghost tours, there are a number of ways to enjoy the top historic attractions near downtown Galena IL.
Add even more history to your stay by staying with us at Jail Hill Inn, Galena’s #1 historic Bed and Breakfast – and the only one we know of that is housed in a historic jail! Over the past several years, we have lovingly restored and cared for this stunning building, which once housed an important piece of Galena’s history. We kept many of the original features of the building n tact, including the 9-foot tall windows, original arched ceilings and beams, and even carvings in various window sills.
It’s been an honor to care for this building and to ensure the historical legacy of Galena stays intact, all while offering our guests a luxury experience that is second to none. We’re located just steps away from downtown Galena IL, too, which means you’re close to all the things you want to see and do. Let us show you just how special this incredible town is – book your room at our historic Galena Bed and Breakfast today! Continue reading
Downtown Galena is a wonderful place to spend a bit of time this summer! The charming, historic Main Street is lined with incredible shops, restaurants, historic attractions, and more. Our shop and restaurant owners have been working hard over the last year, too, to make the experience a safe and enjoyable one in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes part of downtown Galena being closed down to cars to make room for outside dining, too!
There really are a lot of things to do in Galena this fall! It’s hard to choose a favorite, but enjoying the splendor of fall in the great outdoors is an absolute must. One of our favorite places to get outside in these crisp fall months is the Apple River Canyon State Park. It’s actually beautiful any time of the year, but the juxtaposition of fall colors against the park’s landscape in the fall really is breathtaking. Apple River Canyon State Park encompasses an area of just under 300 acres here in this scenic portion of Illinois, and it is the perfect place for nature loves to get outside and away from the crowds of downtown Galena.
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.
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.
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!
Have you taken a Galena Winery Tour yet? This spring might just be the perfect opportunity! If you’ve never visited Galena before, it might come as a surprise to learn that the Galena area is actually home to some of the top award-winning wineries in the state of Illinois. There are a number of wineries in the area, each of which offers something unique and is worth visiting.