It’s safe to say the most unique places to stay in Galena Il are top-notch when it comes to breakfasts and hospitality — and in this article, you’ll see why! Tucked away in the hills of Illinois is this historic gem of a town, and we’ve rounded up the best fun places to stay in Galena Il for an unforgettable trip.
The town’s history starts in the 1800s, and today over 85 percent of the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it an ideal location for history buffs. In addition to history, the town is full of natural destinations, including the Mississippi River and rolling hills, incredible for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Unique Places to Stay in Galena Il
From historic mansions to exciting (and romantic) resorts, these unique places to stay in Galena Il are the best stays in this small but fun destination, whether traveling solo, with a lover, or with family and friends. But here are our quick picks:
Best Unique Place to Stay in Galena Il for Couples: Goldmoor Inn & Resort
Best Unique Place to Stay in Galena Il for Groups: FiveTen Federal House Rental
Best Unique Place to Stay in Galena Il for Nature + Adventure: Chestnut Mountains Resort (Budget) or Galena Inn Victorian Mansion (Splurge)
If you are traveling in the midwest, check out more unique stays:
Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast: Romantic & Quiet Getaway Just Outside of Galena
The Cloran Mansion Bed & Breakfast caters to every kind of traveler — from new couples and retirees to families with children and solo venturers. Here, whatever your purpose, the Innkeepers aim to make your experience unforgettable. The spacious rooms feature electric or gas fireplaces, and some even include luxurious Jacuzzi tubs to relax after a long day.
On top of the charming rooms and gardens perfect for wandering about, another reason to choose here is the daily full breakfast. The Bed and Breakfast also offers add-ons to complement any romantic escape, including couples massages, chocolate-covered strawberries, and fresh rose delivery.
Irish Cottage Inn & Suites: Unique Place to Stay in Galena Il With Lots of Onsite Amenities
The Irish Cottage Inn & Suites is one of the most unique hotels to stay in Galena Il for those who want it all at their fingertips, but a bit of space from the hustle and bustle. Located a short drive outside of the downtown, you’ll have everything you need to relax, including an on-site pool, hot tub, and pub and grill. Oh yeah, and did we mention daily complimentary breakfast?
There’s a variety of rooms to choose from, so you can max out your experience and book a room with a jacuzzi and hiking trail views, or keep it more simple with a room featuring the street view — but hey, you can always go on the hiking trail itself to enjoy views!
Galena Inn (formerly Victorian Mansion): Cool Place in Galena with Charming Design in a Historic Building
The Galena Inn brings a new perspective on cool places to stay in Galena Il with how they capture modern and luxurious design inside historic Victorian architecture. Located within walking distance of downtown, this is the perfect place to stay if you want somewhere quiet yet accessible to the best of Galena. Plus, a full breakfast is included daily, ideal for fueling up before a day of exploring.
But if you want to take a rest day, the Inn boasts three porches, English gardens, and even a hot tub — inviting you to unwind. Aside from the beautiful grounds, the rooms of the Inn are a real treat, each featuring its own individual decor and color palettes, showing off a chic yet historical design overall. If you want a dash of extra luxury, book a room with a tub or a jacuzzi.
Goldmoor Inn & Resort: One of the Best Places to Stay in Galena for a Romantic Retreat
Of all the unique and cool places to stay in Galena Il on this list, the Goldmoor Inn might be one of the most luxurious (& romantic) places to visit. Located outside downtown Galena and along the banks of the Mississippi River, the inn provides a relaxing escape where you can sip on a glass of wine (or drink of your choice) and watch the sunset over the beautiful natural scenery.
In fact, as each room contains a jacuzzi tub, you can have a glass of wine and watch the sunset (provided your room is in the right location) from the comfort of your tub!
In addition to the large suites, the Goldmoor Inn & Resort offers cabins and cottages for extra privacy and space. With a reputation for being one of the most romantic getaways in Galena, Il, if you’re looking for a romantic escape, add this to your list! They offer on-site dining and romance packages to make your trip together a truly memorable (& easy) one!
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa: Luxury Resort in Galena Perfect for Outdoors Adventure and Golfing
The Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is a gem among the many fun places to stay in Galena Il because it’s located on 6,800 acres outside of town and provides a luxurious getaway. A stay at this resort means enjoying top-of-the-line golfing, luxury spa services, fine dining, and many beautiful outdoor activities in Galena.
There are 80 guest rooms and over 150 homes and villas available, meaning you can find the right fit for you and your loved ones. Each room in the main lodge features plush bedding and seating areas, but if you want more privacy and space, check out their homes and villas. There’s a vast selection, so check out their website for more information.
Chestnut Mountain Resort: Best Fun Place to Stay in Galena Il For Outdoors Enthusiasts
The Chestnut Mountain Resort is one of the most fun hotels to stay in Galena Il for friends, families, couples, and individuals that want to experience the best of Galena’s outdoors. Stay here, and you’ll have the best outdoor activities at your fingertips, such as mountain biking and river cruises in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
While the rooms at the resort aren’t as luxurious as others listed in this article, the rooms offer mountain views and are spacious (some can host up to 12 people!). Plus, you have access to all the onsite amenities such as the sauna, pool, and on-site restaurant and sports bar. So if you’re coming to Galena for nature and a little adventure, consider the Chestnut Mountain Resort as your perfect base!
Inn at Irish Hollow: Cute Private Cottages & Suites in Rural Illinois
While located a 20-minute drive from downtown Galena, the Inn at Irish Hollow offers a quaint escape into the area’s natural scenery. The Inn provides various suites and cottages, each featuring unique decor that embraces rustic and country design. Many of the accommodations include fireplaces and tubs, perfect for romantic getaways.
With 500 acres of land, the Inn at Irish Hollow is ideal for hiking and strolling rolling pastures when you’re not exploring downtown Galena (or enjoying a coffee from your private porch)! The Inn also takes pride in its meal services, including breakfast and dinners, where they source as many local ingredients as possible to bring you unforgettable tastes.
Stoney Inn Creek: Rustic & Fun Place to Stay in Galena Il with an Indoor Pool
Providing 24/7 hot coffee & tea, an onsite pool, and a daily hot breakfast, the Stoney Inn Creek on the edge of town is one of the fun places to stay in Galena Il. The Inn boasts a rustic design to immerse you into Galena’s historic and outdoorsy vibe. There are various rooms to select from that feature simple designs that capture rustic cabin aesthetic — plus some rooms featuring whirlpool tubs and fireplaces for an extra cozy touch.
While near town, the Inn is about a 30-minute walk from downtown, so if you want a quick and nearby escape from your room, check out the onsite saloon for a selection of craft beers and wine — plus, there’s an outdoor patio to enjoy them on!
Jail Hill Inn: Top Romantic & Unique Inn in Galena Il
They say everything is bigger in Texas, but in Galena, everything’s bigger in the Jail Hill Inn — well, at least the suites are! But in all seriousness, the Jail Hill Inn is one of the best unique places to stay in Galena Il due to its commitment to excellent service. They’re earned awards with Trip Advisor and are a member of the Select Registry, which features the best inns and B&Bs in North America.
This Inn only includes suites, so you can expect an extra luxurious experience regardless of which suite you stay in. Each 800 square foot suite features a seating area and a gas fireplace, plus chocolates and champagne will be awaiting you in the room when you arrive. All but one room include Kohler Bubble Massage tubs, perfect for soaking in and de-stressing after a long day of travel.
Abe’s Spring Street Guest House: Unique Place to stay in Galena Il With Artsy and Rustic Suites
If we asked you to guess the history of Abe’s Spring Street Guest House — you might only guess correctly if you’ve studied the history! But that’s okay because neither would we. The history of this place stands out from most of the other unique sites to stay in Galena Il, as the Abe’s Spring Street Guest House was originally an ice house. No, it wasn’t made of ice, haha, but it stored up to 800 tons of ice for a local brewery in the 1800s — fun facts, right?
But let us tell you about this place today as Abe’s Spring Street Guest House prides itself on being a creative and historic guest house in the center of Galena Il. With only four suites boasting historic and creative ambiences, the guest house provides a truly intimate experience steps away from downtown. Suites feature different amenities, including kitchenettes and seating areas, so you can choose what suits you best! There’s also a shared sauna onsite to indulge in.
Aldrich Guest House: Charming Cannabis Friendly Guest House in Downtown Galena
The Aldrich Guest House is one of the most unique places to stay in Galena Il because it is the only openly cannabis-friendly guest house in town. While the whole state of Illinois has legalized the use of cannabis, the Alrich Guest Hosue has a particular area for cannabis use, meaning you can easily use it here without having to sneak it. But don’t worry, whether you are a cannabis user or not, there are only designated areas to smoke so that the place does not smell or provide any contact highs.
With this, all guests must be at least 21 years of age, making this an excellent place for those who want a totally child-free place to stay. The small Bed and Breakfast has only five rooms, making for a cozy and intimate experience, each featuring a quaint and cute design. To top it off, breakfast made from scratch is served every day!
Belle Aire Mansion Guest House: Countryside Cute Guest House
Located just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Galena, staying at the Belle Aire Mansion means homemade cookies, a daily hot breakfast, and maybe even a jacuzzi tub in your room! In addition to their five rooms and suites, you can book their bungalow, a small cottage just outside the main house for extra privacy.
For a romantic retreat, add on their romance package and you’ll have a box of chocolates waiting in your room on arrival, and have dinner reservations booked for you at a restaurant of your choice (only available for Friday check-ins).
Lamberson Guest House: Charming Downtown Guest House With Top Notch Breakfast
Built-in 1870, the Lamberson Guest House provides an intimate experience in the heart of Galena. With only four suites and rooms overlooking the Historic District, you’ll feel at home (& have the best of Galena only steps away!). Each guest room exudes luxurious and historic design, featuring carved wooden bed frames, electric fireplaces, and simple yet tasteful artwork.
Plus, if you’re a breakfast lover, the Lamerson Guest House might be one of the best in town for its daily breakfasts. They serve three courses of freshly prepared delicacies such as fruit parfaits, eggs Benedict, and French toast.
Farmers Guest House: Fun Guest House in Downtown Galena Il
Just steps away from Galena’s historic downtown is the Farmer’s Guest House, one of the cool places to stay in Galena Il. With a heartful daily breakfast, private gardens, and a spacious living room, this bed and breakfast is the perfect place to relax when you’re not exploring Galena.
Each room and suite fuses together historic and modern design and decor, with a hint of country to pull it all together — with that said, each room and suite is unique, so no two are the same. If you’re seeking something extra spacious and private, there’s also two bedroom cottage in the back garden that features a whirlpool hot tub, two porches, and a fireplace.
The FiveTen Federal: Private Full House in Galena Perfect for Groups
The FiveTen Federal is one of the most fun places to stay in Galena Il when you and your family (or friends) need to escape! Unlike the other cool places to stay in Galena on this list, what makes the FiveTen Federal stand out is that it’s an entire house — meaning you get complete privacy from other guests and the property managers.
So while you might not be getting any award-winning breakfasts, you and your group have complete privacy and freedom to enjoy the space how you’d like.
The FiveTen Federal is located steps from downtown and includes three bedrooms, a full kitchen, two baths, a living room, and it can sleep up to six guests. The house design is simple, modern, and fun; plus, our favorite room in the whole house is the disco cave which features multi-colored lighting, a seating area, and board games.
