The Steamboat House Bed & Breakfast

My husband and I are just leaving town and before we get any further, just wanted to say we had a phenomenal experience at The Steamboat House. It is a short walk to all the activities of the historic downtown Galena District. But, it was a also a perfect and relaxing place to stay for a weekend of fun. It’s a beautiful, restored period home, decorated for the season. We played pool in the game room (I lost terribly), my husband read in their library, while I slept in, we had two incredibly delicious breakfasts with fun fellow travelers in the large dining room. The wine hour was lovely, but the bedtime lemon squares and teas and hot chocolate we’re decadently delicious! (I was gifted the recipe and several to make the ride home sweeter!). Carol, the innkeeper, is very knowledgeable about the area and a perfect hostess. Stay here for an enjoyable trip to Galena!!

My wife and I stayed over the weekend for our anniversary. The house is beautiful, and the décor very fitting. I loved the little touches like the cookies on the dresser at night, the wine in the parlor, and overall atmosphere. I really wanted to check out the old root cellar in back, but my wife forbade it. Cannot say enough nice things about this place.

Very nice home. Great hosts. Very clean comfortable rooms, great wine and cheese get together, and very unique breakfast. These hosts "get it" and I would highly recommend. We stayed in "Bess room" and loved it!

The Steamboat House is one of several historic homes in Galena, Illinois, that is on the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society's 51st annual tour. Located at 605 South Prospect Street, overlooking downtown Galena and the Galena River, it also is known as the Captain Daniel Smith Harris House. A Gothic Revival style home, it was constructed in 1855 by Harris, who settled in Galena in 1823. A miner and a lieutenant in the army who commanded a company in the Blackhawk War, Harris was best known as a steamboat captain during Galena's boom years in the 1850s. He captained the Grey Eagle, the Smelter and the Relief, among others. Steamboat captains built their fine homes on Prospect Street on one side of the river or on Park Avenue on the other side, high on the hills overlooking the city. Harris' brick home features a cross gable roof, many original windows, decorative Gothic Revival wood details and and arched entrance topped with a bay window and turret. Famed landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing helped to design the home, which is now a bed and breakfast, as are several of the other homes once owned by steamboat captains.

My wife and I stayed here over the 4th of July to do some shopping and see the fireworks. It was easy walking distance to downtown and had a nice wine reception in the afternoon where we enjoyed talking with other guests. Carol did a wonderful sit-down breakfast in the morning. We stayed in Lene which was quaint but a firmer bed than we are used to, would definitely stay there again!

My wife and I were fortunate enough to stay in this historic bed and breakfast on a recent Wednesday and Thursday. The building, built in 1855, has been restored after many years of decay. The first floor, in addition to beautiful rooms, has a billiard (or is it pool) room and table available for guest use. There is also a library which has board games, a large selection of DVDs and of course books for those who are so inclined. There is available parking for guests on the property and Main Street Galena is only a few minute walk away. While this was our first stay, the other guests were all repeat customers. The breakfast on each day were as unique as delicious, and each evening Carol, the Innkeeper, provided wine and cheese. I would advise that all of the bedrooms are on the second floor and are accessed via staircase which may make it difficult for some. Our thanks to Carol for making this a memorable stay.

I highly recommend The Steamboat House. A beautiful home! It was clean, warm and inviting with a gracious host. The food and service was excellent. There are many rooms to explore and inviting activities to partake in if you desire. Within walking distance of town and other historic attractions. Be sure to notify the owner when booking if you are going to need a late check in, they will accommodate you!

If you are looking for comfort, cleanliness and wonderful service in an historic home, this is it! This was our first visit to Galena and staying at The Steamboat House really enhanced the experience. It is a short walk to town from the house, which we did twice a day. It was very relaxing to return to the house and sit on the porch before venturing out again. Carol is a gracious host who will answer your questions and serve a hearty, delicious breakfast in the formal dining room every morning. The coffee available from 7:30 AM in the sitting room outside the bedrooms was much appreciated too. It really was a unique experience. Thank you, Carol. We hope to return.

We specifically stayed here because the house was designed by Andrew Jackson Downing, the mid-19th century architect famous for his architectural plan books. The room was great, and the breakfast was delicious. Galena is amazing - a wealthy town that faded into obscurity in the late 19th century. Time has stood still - and it's architecturally amazing!