|
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here. | |
Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
April, 2023
| |
from
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
| |
Come and stay at the DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy the beauty of spring in Galena!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
| |
|
Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$179.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through April 27, 2023
| |
|
Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$154.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through April 27, 2023
| |
|
History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$179.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through April 27, 2023
| |
|
Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $89.00
Subject to availability
| |
Everyone loves a cocktail or two... | |
|
Stay with us Sundays through Thursdays and enjoy a complimentary cocktail from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, in one of our fabulous restaurants.
Then join us for dinner!
| |
|
A Tom Cunningham Retrospective & An Eclectic Mix
* Opening Reception *
Friday, March 31, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
* Artwork is Exhibited *
March 31, 2023 - May 28, 2023
Thursdays through Sundays
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Center for the Arts announces the opening of exhibits in both their main Regional Artists Gallery and newly opened special exhibit space.
The main gallery will hold An Eclectic Mix of artwork, inspired by anything and everything; while the special exhibit space will display a Tom Cunningham Retrospective. Tom was an artist and conservationist whose works feature many colorful landscapes of Jo Daviess County.
Proceeds of the sale of Tom’s works will be donated to the Galena Center for the Arts.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Friday, April 7, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
Silver Saddles is an interactive horse experience for individuals ages 55+.
The program contains many elements to allow a relaxing bonding experience between the horses and the seniors.
Seniors are invited to brush the horses, groom them, feed them treats, and lead them around the property!
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Sunday, April 9, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 East Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Celebrate Easter with a special sunrise service given at the reconstructed Apple River Fort.
On the 1830's frontier, many settlers, regardless of denomination, relied on traveling circuit clergy for their religious and spiritual needs.
The service is presented by the United Methodist Church of Elizabeth, IL. All are welcome, regardless of faith.
Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. In case of inclement weather, a change of venue or cancellation is possible.
For more information click here.
| |
Murder & Mayhem in a Mining Town
Saturday, April 15, 2023
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
The DeSoto House Hotel
230 S. Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
An evening of dark Galena history, eerie folklore and ghost stories performed at the haunted DeSoto House Hotel.
Hear of infamous murders, tragedies, and hauntings that have lingered throughout Galena's darkest history.
The intimate, indoor Salon style show runs for 90 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission, and features free hot & cold appetizers and a cash bar.
Just $28 per person.
Seating is limited so purchase your tickets early!
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
| |
|
Presented by Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
Friday, April 21, 2023
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Bring the whole family to JDCF’s annual frog walk beginning on the east side of the Meeker Street footbridge along the Galena River Trail in downtown Galena, IL.
A great event for kids, participants will learn about the difference between frogs and toads as well as how to identify them by their sound or “call”. This is a catch and release event.
Parking is available on Park Avenue and Jefferson Street in Galena.
Free to attend and RSVPs not needed.
The frog walk is subject to weather-related postponement or cancellation. Please check our website or our Facebook page for updates. Rain date is April 28, same time.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Saturday, April 22, 2023
11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
DeSoto House and Green Street Plaza
230 S Main St
Galena, IL 61036
The Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) will host a pre-event in Galena sponsored by the Galena Country Tourism.
Now entering it's 12th year, JDIFF is a 5-day film festival celebrating and showing independent films from around the world.
The main event is April 26th - 30th in Dubuque, but on Saturday, April 22nd, JDIFF will host a pre-event in Galena.
A selection of features, documentaries and short films will be shown throughout the day in the Parker Room in DeSoto House, ending the evening with an outdoor film in the Green Street Plaza.
Music and food vendors will also be included.
All screenings are free.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Grant's Home Front Reenactment & Encampment
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - Sunday, April 30, 2023
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Depot Park
91 Bouthillier St.
Galena, IL 61036
Learn about life in the 1860s through the Encampment and Civil War Battle.
Over 3,000 people visited this event last year!
Shop the Sanitary Fair (a Civil War Ladies Bazaar supporting our troops) with beautiful handmade items.
Battles: Saturday at 11:30 am, Sunday at 1:30 pm
This is a family friendly event with the chance to interact with reenactors portraying both military and civilians in the 1860's during the war.
Meet General Grant and his staff, see a medical demonstration, and have your child "drill" with the troops!
Watch history come alive in Galena Country.
For more information click here.
| |
Sergeant Henry H. Taylor Bronze Bust Unveiling
Saturday, April 29, 2023
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
625 Park Ave
Galena, IL 61036
Dedication of a new Bronze bust of Galena Civil War Hero, Sergeant Henry H. Taylor, Recipient of the Medal of Honor.
The event coincides with the US Grant Pilgrimage, Boy Scouts of America.
The Galena American Legion Fickbohm-Hissem Post 193 is the host Veterans Organization.
From Wikipedia:
Sergeant Henry H. Taylor (July 4, 1841 – May 3, 1909) was an American soldier who fought in the American Civil War. Clark received his country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Vicksburg in Mississippi on June 25, 1863. He was honored with the award on 1 September 1893.[1][2][3]
Taylor was born in Galena, Illinois on July 4, 1841. He enlisted into the 45th Illinois Infantry C Company, entering service in Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois. He died on May 3, 1909 and he is buried in Clay Center, Kansas.
Citation: Was the first to plant the Union colors upon the enemy's works.[1][2]
| |
|
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Friday, June 16, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
What do horses eat? Do they need special diets or vitamins? What do we do if a horse needs to see the vet? These are just a few examples of things we will discuss during your visit.
Come and join us and get a glimpse into what Shenandoah Riding Center is all about.
This is a perfect experience for families or groups that have kids too young for our trail rides. This is also a great choice for those who want to interact with horses without having to get into the saddle or ride in an outdoor environment.
Over the course of your visit, we will engage in several different horse-related activities, and meet with many horses both big and small. We will groom, tack, and lead the horses around the property.
Our horses absolutely love attention and are a great way to interact with equines for younger or more apprehensive humans.
We will also tour our barn and meet with whoever may be inside that day while learning about the functioning of the farm and what it takes to care for these amazing animals.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
2023 Ride the Ups and Downs
Saturday, May 6, 2023
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
CTE Academy
950 US Hwy 20 W.
Elizabeth, IL 61028
The G.O.A.T.S. Cycling Club of Galena is hosting the annual "Ride the Ups & Downs" Event.
This self-paced, bicycle ride is a one-day tour of beautiful Jo Daviess County, Illinois that features hilly terrain, spectacular ridge top panoramas and long valley views.
The registration and start are at the CTE Academy.
Choose one of three clearly marked routes on rolling, low traffic, paved roads throughout our rural setting.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Cast Iron Chef at Apple River Fort
Saturday, May 20, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E. Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Stoke the fire and get your cast iron out!
Join us for a day full of cooking demonstrations, including real 1830's recipes and historical kitchen tools, tips, and techniques.
For health and safety, visitors will not be allowed to taste anything we make on site. However, copies of all recipes will be available for free. Allez cuisine!
Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Live at the Plaza
Thursday, May 25, 2023 (Educator Appreciation)
Thursday, June 15, 2023 (Amazing for All)
Thursday, June 29, 2023
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Live at the Plaza will be held at Green Street Plaza every last Thursday of the month, starting on May 25 and ending on September 28!
This family-friendly, free-to-attend event will feature regional musicians, performers, food, and drink.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Galena Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 10, 2023
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Grant Park
625 Park Avenue
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Public Library District is very excited to announce that plans are underway for Galena’s 3rd Annual Pride Picnic in historic Grant Park!
Guests are encouraged to bring their best picnic lunch, grab a bag of goodies from local businesses and enjoy live music, entertainment, and stunning views of Galena.
Be sure to enter the raffle for prizes and visit the local vendor tables.
All are welcome to attend!
For more information click here.
|
Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra
Saturday, June 17, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Turner Hall
115 S. Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Foundation Concert featuring Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra will be held at Turner Hall.
Free seating for the show is available on the main floor and in the balcony.
Please join us for an evening of big band music.
There will be room for dancing!
| |
|
Corkless in Galena
Saturday, June 24, 2023
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Depot Park
91 Bouthillier Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join us along the Galena River for a relaxing afternoon of music, food and art with our lineup of great family owned IL wineries.
Celebrate the wines and food of Northern Illinois and beyond at this wonderful outdoor event.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo
Friday, June 30, 2023 - Saturday, July 1, 2023
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
Fun for the whole family!
Witness edge-of-your-seat action as cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events including tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and more at the PRCA-sanctioned Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo at Shenandoah Riding Center in the beautiful Galena Territory!
The fun doesn’t stop there - dance along as the band Ten Gallon Hat plays classic and contemporary country and Southern rock, grab some food from your favorite food truck, and quench your thirst with a nice cold drink (adult or otherwise).
Make sure you stick around for a sensational fireworks display!
There are some bleachers, however, most people enjoy sitting on their blankets on the hillside.
For times, information and tickets click here.
| |
|
In addition to browsing through Galena’s 19th-century downtown with more than 100
storefronts, here are some other ways to enjoy our beautiful area:
| |
|
The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Galena River Trail
| |
Enjoy scenic outlooks with views across three states at the Horseshoe Mound Preserve.
Horseshoe Mound Preserve
| |
Enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River from Casper Bluff Land and Water Preserve.
Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
| Be sure to visit the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation website for a list of more places to see under the "Visit Our Preserves" tab. | Other great places to visit in addition to our local historic attractions and museums are: | |
Take a break and stop by our Quiet Room on the Main Street level of the hotel to view these videos:
The DeSoto House Hotel
"The Largest Hotel in the West"
~~~
Galena: Steamboat Capital of the Old Northwest
Both videos are about 15-20 minutes in length and run continuously.
| |
You can learn more about the history of the DeSoto House Hotel here. | There's always plenty to do in scenic, historic Galena! | |
Create your dream wedding... | |
|
Call to make your dreams come true!
815.777.6818
Sales Department
| |
|
Reserve your getaway now!
Make your reservations by calling
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
Check out our website . . . DeSotoHouse.com
| Consider us your home away from home! | Keep more informed and become a Facebook Friend of the DeSoto House Hotel. | | |
DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
| |
|
Michael Steinhoff
General Manager
| | | | |
