FAQ & Policies

A $50 non-refundable deposit is taken when you make your reservation.  Payments are processed 10 days prior to check-in or on the date of reservation, whichever is closest to the date of check-in.  In the unlikely event that you must cancel within the 10 days, shorten your stay or check out early, no refund will be issued unless your room(s) is re-booked, at which time a full or partial refund will be made, less the cancellation fee of $50.

Farmers Guest House Gift Cards are the only gift card we accept, however, IF PAYING WITH A GIFT CARD YOU MUST CALL US 15 days or more prior to check-in to avoid total room charges on the credit card on file.

Rates/policies are subject to change and vary during high impact periods and for special requests.  A 30 day cancellation notice is required on multiple room bookings, whole house bookings, and for some holidays and special events.

Our check-in time is 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. After 6 p.m., the door is locked, so please call or e-mail to make arrangements for self-check-in.

Check-out time is 11:00 AM.  A late check-out time is not available due to housekeeping schedules.

Yes, we have high-speed, password-protected, wireless internet throughout the entire property.

There is a large lot that provides free, off-street parking, directly across the street from the inn.

We are a 100% non-smoking property indoors.  An outdoor area is designated for smoking.  Smoking in the buildings will result in cleaning fees with a minimum charge of $250.00.

Pets are not permitted in the guest rooms and common rooms at Farmers Guest House.

The Farmers Guest House is not suited for children under 13. Please call for a referral to a more appropriate lodging facility if you are travelling with children.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and cash but you must call 15 days in advance to arrange for a cash payment.  Even with cash, your credit card will be charged the $50 non-refundable deposit when you make your reservation.  We do not accept travelers checks or personal checks. Farmers Guest House gift cards are always welcome and considered same as cash, however, you must call us 15 days or more prior to check in to avoid total room charges on the credit card on file.

Here at Farmers Guest House we provide our guests with the best furnishings & amenities to enhance every stay.  Replacement cost for property of the inn that is damaged, removed, stained or otherwise rendered unusable beyond normal wear and tear, as well as additional cleaning charges where applicable, will be charged to the guest’s credit card on file and the property disposed of by the innkeepers.

Galena is known for its historic downtown, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Visitors often explore the Galena Historic District, which includes hundreds of preserved 19th-century buildings and shops along Main Street. Popular attractions include touring the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, visiting local wineries and golf courses, hiking nearby trails, and attending seasonal festivals and events throughout the year.
View More Things to Do in Galena

Galena is located in northwestern Illinois in Jo Daviess County, near the Mississippi River and close to the borders of Wisconsin and Iowa, almost midway between Madison and Cedar Rapids. It serves as the county seat and sits in the hills of the Driftless Region, a landscape known for its scenic bluffs and valleys.

Galena, Illinois, is 163 miles from Chicago. With minimal traffic, the drive takes about 2.5 hours via Highway 20 and I-90. If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away from the city, check out our guide for Chicagoans.

Galena is best known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, lead mining history, and ties to U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. During the early 1800s, the city became a major center for lead mining and river commerce and was once one of the busiest ports on the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. Today, it is a popular historic tourism destination.
 

Galena offers a variety of lodging options, including historic bed-and-breakfasts like Farmer’s Guest House, boutique inns, vacation rentals, and hotels. Many visitors choose to stay in bed-and-breakfasts near downtown to be close to the best restaurants, shops, and historic attractions.

Farmer’s Guest House has been named Best B&B Breakfast in North America! Our on-site restaurant serves delicious favorites like fluffy French toast, fresh-baked scones, eggs Benedict, and more. Pair your breakfast with a mimosa or enjoy fresh juice and coffee for the perfect start to the day on your Galena vacation.

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a Civil War general, lived in Galena before the war. His former residence, the Ulysses S. Grant Home, is preserved as a historic site and open to the public for tours.

The town of Galena was officially laid out in 1826, though Native American tribes had mined the region’s natural lead deposits long before European settlement.

In Galena, summers are generally warm, with average highs in the 80s°F, while winters are cold and snowy, often dropping below freezing. Annually, the area receives upwards of 45 inches of snowfall.
 
Spring and fall are mild and colorful, with new flowers or changing leaves popping up throughout the valley. If you’re planning a fall getaway, our guide to the best foliage is a must-read.

Yes. The Galena area is located near several Amish communities in northwestern Illinois and neighboring Wisconsin, and visitors sometimes see Amish farms, markets, or horse-drawn buggies in the surrounding countryside. The twice-weekly Galena Farmers Market often features Amish-made items. Check it on Wednesdays and Saturdays from mid-May through October.