When it comes to travel, I’m of the mindset that the more unique the accommodations, the better. Luckily, Garrett and I are on the same page with that (which is one of the many reasons we make such great travel companions!). We spend a lot of time scrolling through Airbnb finding the coolest places to add to our wishlists.
When we were planning our day trip to Galena, I started scrolling through Airbnb and found an old school house from the 1850’s. It caught my eye, so I pitched the idea of staying overnight to Garrett.
Garrett was instantly on board so we booked the Airbnb and started planning our trip.
Our trip to Galena
We explored Bellevue State Park and a few small shops around Bellevue, Iowa (where I got a few patches, I collect them on my trips!). Afterwards, Garrett and I headed to pick up some groceries and check into the Airbnb.
Technically, the Airbnb was outside of Galena, about 15 miles. The location itself was just off the interstate (the thick stone walls blocked out any street noise, though!) and near Dubuque, where we went for dinner on Saturday night.
Quick GPS tip…
If you end up booking this Airbnb, too, here’s a quick tip: Our GPS didn’t take us right to the Airbnb. Instead it told us that we’d reached our destination about 750 feet past the cabin. Instead of relying solely on your GPS, make sure to keep an eye out, too. If you’re driving towards Galena from Dubuque, it’ll be on your left.
The Airbnb’s layout
Now, if you’re someone who likes to feel pampered and luxurious on vacation, this spot probably isn’t for you; but if you get excited about rustic cabins and a cozy atmospheres, you’ll feel right at home.
It truly is a minimalistic accommodation, despite being a two floor structure, it feels tiny on the inside. Walking in the front door, the first thing you see is a kitchen, then the stairs are to the left, a bathroom to the right. Other than a few spare closets, there isn’t much more to the first story.
Heading upstairs you’ll find an open floor plan with a living room and bed nook. This area has an electric fireplace (that we loved!) and a large flatscreen TV mounted across from the couch.
Just to the right of the couch is a full-sized bed with a rocking chair at the foot of it.
The rope swing
Saving best for last, my very favorite part of the Airbnb was the rope swing across the yard. It might not sound too exciting, but even as two full-grown 23/24 year olds, Garrett and I had a blast swinging around on the DIY’d swing set.
Whether you’re traveling with kids or you’re still a kid at heart, the rope swing was just the cherry on top when it came to staying at the renovated schoolhouse.
The haunting
OK, so I’m sure you’re all wondering, “What’s this about ghosts?!”
Now, before I make any big claims or spooky allegations, let me say this:
All ghost sightings on my behalf were had after having twice the recommended dose of cough syrup. No cold was going to get in the way of a fun weekend!
With that said, my cough syrup knocked me out around 8:15 pm. In the meantime Garrett was around doing Garrett things. Some hours later, I woke up and saw Garrett rocking in the chair at the foot of the bed.
On one hand, I thought it was weird that Garrett was just sitting there rocking in the dark. I figured he must just be playing on his phone or something (I could only see the back of his head) so I rolled over and went to sleep.
The next morning I made an offhanded comment, mentioning how he must like the rocking chair, only to get a stare in return. Turns out, Garrett hadn’t been in the chair at all the night before. And he certainly hadn’t been sitting there rocking in the dark.
Now, keep in mind that I’m easily spooked. My mind tends to jump to the paranormal and unlikely far before it uses logic. With that said, I was positive Garrett was lying to scare me because I was so sure he was on that chair.
The thing is, he swore up and down he wasn’t, and I am good at catching his fibs, so either I had the most realistic (and boring) dream ever or the Airbnb is haunted (she says wishfully…)
Galena’s haunted history
It’s not too outlandish to say the Airbnb was inhabited by a ghost or two, if you’re a believer of the paranormal. After all, staying overnight in an old school house from the 1850’s just sounds like the plot of a low budget horror film. Beyond that, many people believe that Galena is haunted and the haunted history dates back over 200 years. And the hauntings expand further than just Galena, spanning Jo Daviess County.
If you’re an amateur ghost buster, you can even book a ghost hunting tour so you can catch a glimpse of a spooky soul on your weekend getaway,
What’s the coolest Airbnb you’ve ever stayed in? Any ghost sightings? Let us know in the comments!