Le Fevre Inn & Resort Might Be Galena’s Best Kept Secret

If you're headed down Highway 20 East and venture just a few miles off the main artery, you'll be acquainted with a paradise you might have never known existed in the already beatific community that is Galena.

The Le Fevre Inn & Resort (pronounced like "fever") is a gorgeous resort nestled on 10 acres of idyllic countryside. Still, it's merely minutes from downtown Galena, making it ideal for easy access to shops while still being removed from the bustle.

My mother and father vacationed here more than a half dozen times from 2012 to 2021. This year, however, it was my turn to experience Le Fevre. In the past, I was admittedly listening with only one ear when my father would wax poetic about the views, the sunset, and the romantic nature of the resort. It's the kind of thing that doesn't resonate unless you see some great photos or are there to experience them for yourself.

Make no mistake, the rooms are phenomenal. Le Fevre offers eight traditional rooms, complete with wood-burning fireplaces; a spacious Galena View Suite; two bedroom cottages and a three-bedroom apartment. Dad and I took the Suite — quite possibly the nicest hotel at which I ever stayed.

But it's the views that sell Le Fevre. The back-patio and adjacent swimming pool are perched on a large hill that overlooks the west. On a day like the Fourth of July, you can see firework displays from nearby Dubuque, Bellevue, Hazel Green, WI, and of course, Galena.

At dusk, the sun begins to set on the horizon before it disappears over the hills like a flicker — as evasive as it is beautiful.

Sunday was the only night my company and I could view the sunset due to the clear skies. However, it wasn't a loss. Even on otherwise dreary, overcast nights, Le Fevre Inn offers beauty in seeing the clouds wash over the acres of gorgeous land.

For hours on Tuesday, we watched ominous clouds make their presence known over Galena and the larger Tri-State area. In the above picture, you'll also note the quaint lake, pavilion, and paddleboats that exist on the property as an added bonus for vacationers.

Like a true Midwesterner, my father loves watching the cows graze in the pasture. They do provide for some added entertainment, especially when they're gathered underneath a tree during a storm.

Normally, rain would deter the fun of a vacation. Unless of course you have these views to complement your stay.

In advance of my vacation, I inquired about Le Fevre Inn with some of my coworkers, many of whom hadn't heard of it nor experienced it. It's understandable; people don't tend to look into resort nor hotel properties near their homes.

But given the expensiveness of traveling these days, Le Fevre Inn just might be an affordable option for you and yours. It's tailormade for a romantic getaway, but its amenities can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.

I probably should've taken more pictures of the suite itself, but I couldn't resist not snapping one of this shower — which is about as big as my apartment!

Lastly, a special thanks to Ramona, the General Manager of Le Fevre Inn, Alfredo, Tammy, and the tireless staff and grounds crew, who keep this property looking magnificent year-round.

For more information on booking a stay at Le Fevre Inn, visit their website here.