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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
August, 2023
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from
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
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Come and stay at the DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy summer in beautiful Galena!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
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Welcome to the DeSoto House Hotel
Click here to watch a video to learn about The DeSoto House Hotel “Illinois’ Oldest Operating Hotel.”
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DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
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Plan now to join The Galena Generals for a night of dinner, dancing, music and fun with Galena's nine Civil War Generals at the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Downtown Galena.
Help support one of Galena's most unique and celebrated organizations.
Request to be seated with your favorite General!
Period Dress encouraged but not required.
Tickets available by calling the Desoto House Hotel at:
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
This Event Will Sell Out!
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$239.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through August 31, 2023
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$219.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through August 31, 2023
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History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$239.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through August 31, 2023
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Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Two tickets for the Galena Trolley
$239.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through August 31, 2023
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Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $135.00
Subject to availability
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Everyone loves a cocktail or two... | |
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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!
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Jo Daviess County Fair - Since 1860
Thursday, August 3, 2023 - Sunday, August 6, 2023
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Jo Daviess County Fairgrounds
101 High Street
Warren, Il 61087
Celebrate at the longest running consecutive fair in Illinois!
Enjoy Livestock Shows, Exhibits, Badger State Tractor Pull, Rodeo, Demolition Derby, Live Entertainment, Delicious Fair Foods, Carnival Rides, and more!
For more information click here.
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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, August 4, 2023 - Sunday, August 6, 2023
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Various Artist Galleries
Galena, IL 61036
Drive the hills and valleys of the Driftless Region’s most scenic counties. Take a laid back self-guided tour experiencing art from inception to fulfillment.
Visit talented artists’ in their studios & galleries, while enjoying artisan libations such as food, wine craft brews, and spirits, and discover the region’s hidden talent. Interact and enjoy with unique individuals along your personal tour.
Each month our artists come together to host the Scenic Art Loop by ARRT’s Monthly Art Drive.
Join us on the first full weekend of each month for a new experience. A new map is created monthly to ensure artists’ availability.
For a downloadable map and more information click here.
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Guided Tour of Casper Bluff
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
870 S Pilot Knob Road
Galena, IL 61036
Back by popular demand, tours of Casper Bluff by trained volunteers are up and running.
We invite you to learn about the unique ecosystems of the Driftless Area on display at Casper Bluff, as well as the presence of Indigenous cultures going back thousands of years.
Cost is $10/person and tour space is limited.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Galena Main Street Walking Tours with General Grant
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
10:30 AM
DeSoto House Hotel
230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join General Ulysses S. Grant (portrayed by Bob Buman) for a one-hour walking tour of Galena's Historic Main Street.
Enjoy fascinating factual stories of early Galena, lead mining, steamboating, and General Grant in the Civil War. He'll share the stories associated with the many buildings on the National Historic Registry and his experiences when his family owned a leather and saddlery shop more than 150 years ago.
Regularly scheduled walking tours with General Grant are available every Saturday from May through October.
Tours operate at 10:30 a.m. and begin at the DeSoto House Hotel. Meet at the hotel lobby.
No reservations are necessary. $20.00 per person.
Tours run rain or shine.
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Belden School Open House
Saturday, August 5, 2023
Saturday, August 19, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
52 Heatherdowns Lane
Galena, IL 61036
Built in 1859, the one-room schoolhouse served the area’s school children until 1943. From then it sat silent in the woods until 2009 when it was restored and reopened.
Located in the Galena Territory, today the Belden School offers a historic and lively look into schooldays of yesteryear. Students of all ages can experience the schoolhouse and its programs on chosen Saturdays and at special events through October.
Docents are available to explain the past, present and future of this historically restored one-room limestone schoolhouse.
The school was named after Thomas Belden, an early settler and a school trustee. The structure is located on a thickly wooded hillside flanked by a steep gully on the downhill side.
For more information click here.
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Wildflower Walk at Wapello
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wapello Land & Water Reserve
8642 IL RT 84 South
Hanover, IL 61041
The Friends of Wapello volunteer group will host a free wildflower walk in the prairie at the Wapello Land and Water Reserve.
Along with JDCF staff, the walk will be led by an area wildflower expert from the Northwest Illinois Prairie Enthusiasts.
This restored prairie is the best of its kind in the area, and the blooms will be at their peak for you to view.
The hike will take place on mowed trails.
This event is free and open to all.
For more information and other events click here.
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Main Street Sidewalk Sale
Friday, August 11, 2023 - Sunday, August 13, 2023
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Main Street
Galena IL 61036
Shop downtown Galena for big savings and great bargains for the Annual Sidewalk Sale Days, always held on the second full weekend of August.
Many merchants offer great sales inside and outside. Also a great preview weekend for new fall merchandise including apparel, shoes, outerwear, gifts, florals, furniture, collectibles, jewelry and a whole lot more.
Shop til you drop and then drop into one of Main Street’s great restaurants for a bite to eat!
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17th Annual Market House Square Arts Festival
Saturday, August 12, 2023
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 13 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
123 N Commerce Street
Galena, IL 61036
Take a piece of Galena Country with you!
You never know what you'll find when you browse the many exhibits at this annual outdoor art festival. Local and regional artists showcase their paintings, woodwork, jewelry, pottery, baskets, and more.
Local musicians will perform throughout the day and plenty of food and beverages available for purchase.
A great outing for the whole family!
For more information click here.
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Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hoof It Goat Treks
616 S Devils Ladder Road
Galena, IL 61036
Star-filled skies, a roaring bonfire, gooey s’mores, live music, and goats! Life is good!
Join us on an evening trek as the sun sets and the light fades from the forest. Return from the trek to a roaring bonfire, s’more baskets, and live music.
Book now to ensure you are part of this experience. Space is limited.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Meteors on the Mound
Saturday, August 12, 2023
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Horseshoe Mound Preserve
1679 N Blackjack Road
Galena, IL 61036
The Friends of Horseshoe Mound volunteer group will host our annual Meteors on the Mound.
Join us for a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower from atop Horseshoe Mound Preserve, which is one of the highest points in Jo Daviess County and offers spectacular views of the tri-state area from several different outlooks.
This is the only time of the year that the preserve is open to the public after dark so it is a special occasion.
There will be a presentation by an expert astronomer and amateur astronomers will have telescopes on site so that participants can view various heavenly bodies. If you have a telescope, bring it along. A chair and flashlight are also recommended.
There is a suggested donation of $10/person and RSVPs are not required.
For more information and other events click here.
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Live at the Plaza
Thursday, August 17, 2023 - No theme but still fun
Thursday, August 31, 2023 - Bark at the Plaza - bring fido!
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - Celebrating Hispanic Heritage
*All dates will have fun giveaways!
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Green Street Plaza
110 Green Street
Galena, IL 61036
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.
And a few extra dates have been added!
This family-friendly, free-to-attend event will feature regional musicians, performers, food, and drink.
For more information click here.
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Elizabeth Harvest Festival
Saturday, August 19, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Terrapin Park
350 West Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Come celebrate local farmers, producers, businesses, and organizations who provide us with fresh food, crafted products, entertainment, and more. Local patrons and visitors are invited to experience “harvest in the heart of Jo Daviess County".
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Star Gazing
Saturday, August 19, 2023
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, September 23, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 14, 2023
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
The Galena Territory Association Owners’ Club
2000 Territory Drive
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Astronomical Society holds its public observation sessions in the parking lot of The Galena Territory Association Owners’ Club.
Share your knowledge or start your star-gazing adventure.
Check out the stars and night objects with a telescope.
A clear sky with no prominent moon, once properly dark-adapted, is a beautiful thing.
Depending on the time of year, a subtle band of smoky light constitutes the outline of our galaxy, and away from bright town and city lights is a showy splendor with bright spots, voids, and intricate rivers of light.
Dress warmly and bring a blanket or comfortable chair as you enjoy the beauty of The Territory’s night skies.
Bring your telescope or share one of ours.
This event is weather dependent.
People of all ages are invited to attend.
For more information click here.
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Tour of Elihu B. Washburne House
Sunday, August 20, 2023
(August 27 as a rain date)
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Elihu B. Washburne House State Historic Site
908 3rd Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join the Questers!
Members of the Quester organization are people who care about the preservation of history.
The Galena Belles Questers is part of an international Quester organization, and they volunteer docent at the Elihu Washburne House in order to keep that house open for tours.
The Questers are holding a Sunday Social that will include welcoming by Elihu and Adele, a visit by the Generals, music by the Divas, and tours of the house.
Please come and learn about the history and legacy of Elihu Washburne and his family and learn how to become a Quester.
Free Admission. Suggested Donation.
To learn more about this historic site, click here.
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Sunday, August 27, 2023
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sunday, September 10, 2023
10:30 AM - 11:30 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, other events and to register click here.
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85th Anniversary of the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum
Sunday, August 27, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Galena & U.S. Grant Museum
211 South Bench Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
(Located 1 block from Main Street)
The 85th anniversary of the Galena & U.S. Grant Museum's public opening is being celebrated!
Explore the secrets of the museum with complimentary behind-the-scenes tours for curious minds.
Free admission - everyone is welcome!
For more information and other events click here.
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Ladies Getaway Weekend & Quartermania 2023!
Friday, September 8, 2023 - Sunday, September 10, 2023
Begins Friday at 11:00 AM
Ends Sunday at 2:00 PM
Galena, IL 60136
Get ready for shopping deals, drinks & laughs!!
Many stores and restaurants will be hosting special events, in-store specials and more throughout the weekend!
Details on specials being offered will be posted on the Ladies Getaway Facebook page closer to the event weekend.
Entering into the Big Giveaway? No need to collect your receipts this year! Participants will have the opportunity to buy a chance to win the big giveaway (and if you attend Quartermania, you can buy an additional chance!) The drawing will take place at the Quartermania event. Top prize will be valued at over $500!!
Quartermania - Saturday, Sept 9, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location:
Galena ARC
11084 US Hwy 20 W
Galena, IL 61036
Register when you arrive in town to get your list of specials and your Ladies Getaway Bracelet!
For tickets and more information click here.
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Night at the Farm: Cows, Beer & Cheese Curds
Friday, September 8, 2023
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
*For Ages 21+
Berning Acres
8850 N Menominee Road
East Dubuque, IL 61025
You will experience all the fun of camp while enjoying cold beverages*.
You can expect something like this:
We will begin in the Shop with beverages and our farm intro.
Then, we'll head out and about to tour the farm and interact with the animals. So many new opportunities or experiences to be had — milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, help with farm chores by feeding a farm friend (goat, sheep, pig, or pony). Lots of opportunities for photo ops along the way, and playtime with the goats and other animals if you'd like!
Finally, we’ll wrap it up back in the shop for a view of the sunset over the farm while sampling a variety of locally-sourced cheese curds alongside some flavored meats as well of course, like our favorite Italian summer sausage. Choose to enjoy some good conversation & curds in the shop or maybe a little more playtime with the animals ~ your choice.
*We will feature cold beer (probably Spotted Cow, because duh), bottled water and soda are available as well!
Each paid admission includes your tour and cheese curds. Complimentary beverages as listed will be available.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Day at the Farm: Cows, Kids & Curds
Saturday, September 9, 2023
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Berning Acres
8850 N Menominee Road
East Dubuque, IL 61025
A family-friendly event and VIP Farm experience for all ages, round up everybody’s western wear and saddle up for a good time!
We'll have beverages, a farm tour and lots of chances to interact with the animals!
So many new experiences and photo ops - playtime with the animals, milk a cow, give a calf her bottle, and help with farm chores by feeding a farm friend (goat, sheep, pig, or pony.)
We’ll wrap it up back in the shop to enjoy some locally-sourced cheese curds alongside some of our favorite meat sticks. Oh, and for this event, ICE CREAM too!
Choose to enjoy some good conversation and curds in the shop, or maybe a little more playtime with the animals.
The Berning kids will be happy to escort your little ones around Little Kingdom some more.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Photo courtesy of Galena Gazette | |
Heroes for History 5K Stair Challenge
Saturday, September 9, 2023
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Green Street Plaza
110 Green Street
Galena, IL 61036
(Behind the DeSoto House Hotel)
Presented by the Galena & US Grant Museum, the Heroes for History 5K Stair Challenge is an annual, competitive race and fun walk event.
For athletes, the competitive race is professionally timed. For casual participants, the length of the run is the participant’s choice, with encouragement to dress as their favorite hero. A fun run/walk event begins the festivities for those who wish to participate at their own level.
We will be honoring all Heroes who work for the common good. The funds raised from this event are split equally between local first responders (Fire Department, EMTs) and the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society.
For more information and to register for the event click here.
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Romantic Galena Reads Book Fair
Saturday, September 9, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
DeSoto House Hotel
230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Please join us for a gathering of book lovers, friends, and attendees of the second annual Romantic Galena Reads Book Signing in Galena, IL.
In attendance will be around 30 romance authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every romance genre—Contemporary, Historical, Suspense, Western, Paranormal and more – everything from sweet to steamy.
Also, cover models Tony Brettman, Robert Kelly, and Katie Marie will be in attendance.
There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
We will be part of the Ladies Getaway weekend.
For more information click here.
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Saturday, September 16, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday, September 17, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Old City Cemetery
Enter on Dodge Street, entrance by playground gate
Galena, IL 61036
*****
Special Indoor Performance
Friday, September 22, 2022
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
Performers of the Cemetery Walk will be exploring the rugged lives of early settlers, sharing stories of prosperity and the challenges of intersecting cultures, politics, war and slavery.
The Cemetery Walk is one of the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society’s major fundraising events.
A team of researchers, actors and supporters put countless hours of preparation into each year’s walk to create a remarkable experience.
For more ticket information click here.
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Saturday, September 30, 2023
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Depot Park
91 Bouthillier Street
Galena, Il 61036
Family Fun, Live Polka Music, Wiener Dog Racing, plus German-style Food and Beer, headline this years popular event.
This 16th annual event will begin at noon with a cannon blast, tapping of the keg, and polka music.
Main attractions will be the wiener dog races, polka music and dancing lessons, non-stop live music, and games for adults and children.
Hosted by the Galena Lions Club, all proceeds from this event will go back to the community to serve those in need.
Pre-registration is required for Wiener Dog Races and Bean Bag Tournament.
*Wagons, wheelchairs, walkers, and all leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
For more information click here.
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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:
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Long Hollow Canopy Tours
3247 W Longhollow Road
Galena, IL 61036
Welcome to Long Hollow Canopy Tours, the premier outdoor adventure experience near Galena, Illinois!
At Long Hollow Canopy Tours, every day is an adventure! We offer thrilling zipline tours and aerial adventure park experiences in the beautiful wooded hills of Galena, giving you a bird’s-eye view of our stunning home.
Our adventures are designed to be accessible for nearly all levels of fitness and experience, so whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time zipliner, we’ve got you covered.
So what are you waiting for?! Unforgettable, family-friendly fun is just one booking away.
We can’t wait for you to experience Long Hollow Canopy Tours with us!
For more information, dates and times click here.
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The Spoon Carver Cottage
306 South Prospect Street
Galena, IL 61036
Let the wood guide you! In this 3-hr workshop, you’ll learn basic spoon carving techniques including selecting the best trees for greenwood spoon carving, breaking-down logs into usable spoon blanks, along with practicing the basic axe and knife skills needed for safe and efficient carving.
Using only three tools (axe, straight knife, and hook knife), you'll begin carving your own wooden spoon; leaving with a few blisters on your hands, an appreciation for the therapeutic nature and addictive qualities of spoon carving, and the basic technique, confidence, and reference material needed to continue carving on your own.
Class fee includes greenwood spoon blanks for carving, a dedicated (socially distanced) work station (eg carving block/log & chair), use of carving tools, course materials, personalized instruction, coaching, and encouragement. This class is held in the heart of historic downtown Galena at The Spoon Carver Cottage.
For more information, dates and times click here.
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The Old Blacksmith Shop
245 N Commerce Street
Galena, IL 61036
Filled with tools and equipment from its 100 year history. While the shop is a museum, forges are totally operable and blacksmiths are on duty during the season.
Check out our well-stocked gift shop filled with things made by our blacksmiths and also our local foundry, and they do beautiful custom work i.e., beautiful fireplace sets to complement the style of your home.
Come watch the sparks fly at the Old Blacksmith Shop!
For more information, dates and times click here.
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The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking and biking.
Galena River Trail
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Enjoy scenic outlooks with views across three states at the Horseshoe Mound Preserve.
Horseshoe Mound Preserve
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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"
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Galena: Steamboat Capital of the Old Northwest
Both videos are about 15-20 minutes in length and run continuously.
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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... | |
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Call to make your dreams come true!
815.777.6818
Sales Department
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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!
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Michael Steinhoff
General Manager
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