DeSoto Dispatch - August, 2025

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here.

Welcome to

The DeSoto Dispatch

August 2025

From

The DeSoto House Hotel

"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"

Since 1855

Stay with us at the DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy all the fun of spring in Galena!

What Our Guests are Saying:

"Thank you so very much for everything you did to make my son and daughter-in-law's rehearsal dinner SO fabulous!! The Ballroom was beautiful and exactly the right size for our guests, the food absolutely delicious, and the bartender and all staff were so kind and helpful! I couldn't have dreamed for a better experience and hope to return soon for a relaxing dinner!"

"The room was very clean and comfortable The staff was friendly and always helpful. We love coming here and always enjoy our stay!"

Check out this video Travel the Tri-State put together about the DeSoto House Hotel!

Tickets on Sale Now!

Join the DeSoto House Hotel and the Galena Generals at the annual General's Ball!

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom followed by dancing in the Courtyard Atrium.

This event will sell out - don't miss your chance!

For tickets, Call Now!

August Packages:

Midweek Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$254.00

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through August 28, 2025

Midweek Breakfast Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$234.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through August 28, 2025

Midweek Breakfast & Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$279.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through August 28, 2025

History Museum Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum

$254.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through August 28, 2025

The Galena Ghost Walk Package

Available: Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights

Subject to Availability

One Night Stay

Breakfast for Two

Price good through August 28, 2025

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Experience genuine street theater featuring ghost storytelling

and dark history as you stroll haunted Galena by candlelight.

Performed in a true story telling format with costumed guides, our Ghost Walk is spooky fun for all. The 90 minute walking tour begins at the Dowling House and ends at the DeSoto House Hotel.

Come ready to hear all about Galena's dark history, local folklore, and infamous hauntings.

$254.00

*Tours begin at 8 pm sharp at the Dowling House (220 Diagonal Street). When arriving, please leave enough time to check in at the Front Desk and receive your tickets before heading to the show. Tickets are only valid for the night that you book - if you book a Sunday night room, your tickets will be for the Sunday night tour.

For more information on the tour, please click here!

Trolley Package

Sunday - Thursday

One Night Stay

Breakfast for Two

Tickets for a ride on the Galena Trolley

$254.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through August 28, 2025

Best Available Rate

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Starting at $119.00

Subject to availability

Everyone loves a cocktail or two...

Stay with us Sundays through Thursdays and

enjoy a cocktail in one of our fabulous restaurants.

Then join us for dinner!

Upcoming Events:

~~~

Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive

Friday, August 1, 2025 - Sunday, August 3, 2025

(See downloadable map below for specific times)

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.

General Grant's Walking Tour

Galena Main Street

Saturdays

10:00 AM

August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30

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 10am and begin at the DeSoto House Hotel at 230 S. Main Street.

No reservations are necessary. Tours run rain or shine!

Beekeeping Bootcamp

Dry Creek Beekeeping

August 3, 2025

Join Highland Community College and Dry Creek Beekeeping for a lifelong learning experience. During this 3-hour in-depth Beekeeping Bootcamp designed for people interested in “bee-coming” successful beekeepers or those that are just bee-curious and want to learn more and explore the fascinating world of honeybees.

An experienced Beekeeper will guide you through the basics of beekeeping with detailed information on beekeeping equipment, hive management, pest management, how to do a colony inspection, and more, to help you be successful in your first year of beekeeping.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover the exciting world of bees and start your own beekeeping journey!

Beekeeping suits, hats and gloves are provided and must be worn when working at the hives. Please bring along boots that cover your ankles to wear during the hive visit.

For ages 13+. Registration required in advance via our website.

For more information, tickets, and other events, please click here!

Hat & Honey Bar

DeSoto House Hotel

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Cost: $80

Date: August 8, September 12

Gather your friends and family for a one-of-a-kind experience at Dry Creek Beekeeping's Hat Bar & Honey Bar Event held at the DeSoto House Hotel in Galena!

Create Your Custom Hat: Choose from Western, Fedora, or Flat-Brimmed hats and try your hand at burning a gorgeous bee and sunflower design onto your hat using specialized tools. Your hat will be pre-stenciled with a custom-made bee and sunflower design, so you can easily burn in the design with the help from expert instructor, Marie McDonough from Marie’s Wood Carvings. Plus, you’ll add your personal touch by choosing a hat band, feathers, and other accessories to make your hat truly unique!

Honey Bar Tasting: Sip, savor, and sample up to 20 varieties of delicious honey from around the world! Learn about the distinct flavor notes of each variety and discover where they come from. Once you've found your favorite, you can purchase your top picks to take home!

All-Inclusive Fun: Your registration fee of $80 covers everything: instruction, tools, hat, band, accessories, and honey tasting. By the end of the event, you’ll be rocking a stylish, custom-burned hat that’s all your own—and you’ll be buzzing about your honey finds!

Don't miss out on this creative and sweet event. Space is limited—reserve your spot in advance!

Food and drinks are available to purchase through the DeSoto House Hotel. Maybe you'd like to order a charcuterie board or try a glass of honey mead wine as you enjoy this workshop.

Children ages 8+ are welcome. The felt burning of the hat requires the use of a hot tool, so please consider this when booking for children.

For tickets and more information, please click here!

Horse Play at Shenandoah Riding Center

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $25

Dates: 8/3/25, 8/17/25, 8/31/25

What do horses eat? Do they have special diets? What do we do if a horse needs to see a vet? These are just a few examples of what you'll discuss during your visit to Shenandoah Riding Center!

Shenandoah's horses absolutely love attention, making them the perfect introduction to interacting with equines for younger or more apprehensive humans, families or groups!

Over the course of your visit, you will engage in several different horse-related activities. You will groom, tack, and lead the horses around the property. There will also be a tour of the barn, showing visitors the functions of a farm and what it takes to care for these amazing animals.

All children under 12 will need to be accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information, to register, and for other events, click here!

Galena Sidewalk Sales

Downtown Galena

August 8 - August 9

9:30 AM to 4:30 AM

Main Street Boutiques are clearing out their inventory, and you're the lucky winner!

Browse through the various sales taking place both on the street and inside the stores.Whether you're in the market for new clothes, home decor, or just looking for a great deal, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.

With so many options to choose from, you'll definitely work up an appetite. Luckily, Main Street is home to some of the best restaurants around. Take a break from your shopping spree and refuel with a delicious meal before hitting the shops again.

So, mark your calendars and head to Main Street for a day of amazing deals and delectable cuisine. With summer in the air and bargains galore, you won't want to miss out on this exciting shopping event!

Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

Lil' General Mini Golf

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Cost: ages 5 and up, $12

August 9 and August 23

Stop by Lil' General Miniature Golf for their Glow in the Dark event.

Experience the excitement of golfing under the stars as the course comes alive with luminescent features and enchanting illuminations. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend quality time with loved ones while enjoying a unique and memorable adventure. With a glow-in-the-dark twist on traditional miniature golf, this event promises fun for all ages.

19th Annual Market House

Square Arts Festival

121 N. Commerce Street

10 AM - 4 PM

Free Admission

August 9 and August 10

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!

Galena Farmers Market

City Hall Parking Lot

Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel

Saturdays

August 2, August 9, August 16, August 23, August 30

Experience the bounty of local agriculture and artisanal crafts at the Galena Farmers Market, conveniently located at the Galena City Hall parking lot in the heart of downtown.

Every mid-May through late-October, from 7 AM to noon, the market comes alive with the vibrant colors and aromas of freshly harvested produce, fruits, and organic foods.

The market is a celebration of the region's agricultural richness, showcasing an assortment of specialties from local farmers and artisans. Whether you're looking for juicy heirloom tomatoes, freshly baked bread, or handmade artisanal crafts, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.

Admission to the market is free, so you can explore the many stalls and stands at your leisure, sampling the offerings and chatting with the friendly vendors. The Galena Farmers Market is the perfect destination for those seeking a taste of local flavor and a chance to support the community's farmers and artisans.

Foraging Hike and Salve Making

Hoof It Goat Treks

August 6 and August 20

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

$70

Foraging in the forest with goats is a peaceful and rewarding activity. It connects you with the rhythms of nature as you gather plants that have long been valued for their healing properties.

As you wander among the trees, the earthy scent of the forest fills the air, and you begin to search for two powerful plants: dandelion and plantain.

Explore the wonders of the forest on this two-hour journey while learning about the edible and medicinal plants and fungi. Participants will gather dandelion and/or plantain to then take part in a medicinal salve-making class.

For more information and other events, click here!

Picnic in the Fields

Clara Joyce Flowers, Stockton

August 29, September 1

6 PM

$55

Experience a delightful Picnic in the Fields with Clara Joyce Flowers, featuring an enchanting farm tour and an intimate conversation with Drew and fellow guests.

Wander through the picturesque Clara Joyce farm on foot, learning about its rich history and lush flora, before indulging in a charming boxed picnic dinner tailored to your dietary preferences. Please note during the ticket purchasing process if you would prefer a meat or vegetarian option. The rustic farm picnic will include a cold cut sandwich or salad, chips, sweet treat and a bottle of water.

Embrace the farm-to-table spirit and create cherished memories at this unique event that celebrates nature, community, and the simple pleasures of life.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Ladies Getaway Weekend

September 5 - September 7

Downtown Galena

Quartermania - Saturday September 6

Courtyard Restaurant - DeSoto House Hotel

7 PM

$15

After strolling Galena's Historic Main Street, shopping and dining, join the Annual Quartermania!

Get ready for shopping deals, drinks & laughs! Many stores and restaurants will be hosting special events, in-store specials and more throughout the weekend!

A fun bidding game (using quarters) on items donated from Great Galena Businesses. The items up for auction always have a minimum value of $15 and many items have a much higher value, usually $15-40 values. Tickets are $15, which is your entry fee with paddle and includes snacks. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase! Limited quarters will be available for purchase at the event, and you are welcome to bring your own!

Participating at Quartermania gives you the opportunity to purchase more ticket entries for the Great Galena Giveaway - $300 - $600, with the winner announced at the end of Quartermania on September 6th.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Romantic Galena Reads

September 6

Grand Ballroom - DeSoto House Hotel

10 AM - 3 PM

Free Admission

Love to read? Come to the 4th Annual Romantic Galena Reads book fair at the historic DeSoto House Hotel!

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. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Attending authors include bestselling authors Tess Summers, Measha Stone, Lori Matthews, Terri Reid, Jessa Aarons, PJ Fiala, Shannyn Schroeder, Aubrey Wynne, and many more. Cover models, Robert Kelly and Tony Brettman, will also be in attendance.

Bring your friends and find your new favorite books and authors!

For tickets and more information, click here.

31st Annual Cemetery Walk

September 13 and September 14

Greenwood Cemetery

1 PM - 4 PM

$20

Indoor Performance - September 19

Galena Center for the Arts

7 PM

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 information, click here.