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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
August, 2026
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From
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
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Stay with us at the DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy all the fun of summer in Galena!
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What our Guests are Saying:
"We came here for our 29th anniversary. We were served by Lizzy who was absolutely amazing. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was very cozy and welcoming. Thank you to all who we came in contact with--each person was so warm and inviting."
| | Sunday Brunch is offered every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. | | |
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 31, 2026
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$224.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through August 31, 2026
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Best Available Rate
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Starting at $119.00
Subject to availability
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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 31, 2026
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The Galena Ghost Walk Package
Available: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights
Subject to Availability
One Night Stay
Breakfast for Two
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.
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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 31, 2026
| | Everyone loves a cocktail or two... | | |
Stay with us Sundays through Thursdays and enjoy a complimentary cocktail in one of our fabulous restaurants.
Then, join us for dinner!
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General's Ball
November 14, 2026
Step back in time! Join us for the General's Ball!
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Green Street Tavern Open Mic
August 18
6:00-8:00 p.m.
We are thrilled to be hosting Robyn Davis, Theodore T. Williams and Lenny Wayne as they bring their Open Mic right here to the DeSoto House Hotel! Whether you're a local legend or a hidden poet, or just someone who enjoys a great martini and live talent, this is where you want to be!
Come for the music, and stay for the drinks
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Galena's Farmers Market
August 15, 22 and 29
7:00 AM-12:00 PM
Purchase Home Grown produce, Fresh baked Goods and Crafts made by Local Participants. Located right behind the DeSoto House Hotel - enjoy breakfast before or after!
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East Dubuque's Cruisin Thursdays
August 13, 20 and 27
5:00-9:00 PM
Located On Sinsinawa Avenue in East Dubuque
East Dubuque invites you to enjoy Cruisin' Thursdays' all summer long, every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm.
The event is open to all years, makes, and models of vehicles. Enjoy the ambiance of closed streets and open containers while mingling with other car enthusiasts. In addition to the array of vehicles, live music will entertain attendees with a schedule featuring various bands and artists each week!
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Glow In the Dark Miniature Golf
August 15, 22 and 29
6:00-10:00 PM
Stop by Lil' General Miniature Golf for their Glow in the Dark event on Saturday, May 9th. Mom's golf free!
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!
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Goats and Floats
12:30-2:00 PM
August 16, 23, 26 and 30
Join us for a unique outdoor adventure combining the best of nature, flavor, and fun! Begin the day with an exciting root beer tasting experience, where you’ll sample a variety of craft root beers, from Root Beer Revelry in Galena, each with its own distinct flavor profile. After savoring your favorites, we’ll take to the trails for a scenic hike through the forest—accompanied by friendly goats who will be your furry hiking companions, adding a bit of whimsy to the journey.
As you trek through the trees, breathe in the fresh forest air, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, you’ll get to sip on a refreshing root beer float, the perfect treat to cool you off. This is an adventure for all the senses—taste the bubbly sweetness, feel the tranquility of the woods, and connect with these charming goats as they explore alongside you.
Whether you're a root beer enthusiast, a nature lover, or just looking for a fun and unusual outing, this outdoor experience promises to be one to remember!
*Private events are available. Please call (563) 663-6944 for details and availability.
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Bicentennial Corn Boil
August 29
11:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Join the Galena community for the highly anticipated Bicentennial Corn Boil at Recreation Park on August 29, 2026!
This exciting event celebrates Galena's rich history with a variety of activities and entertainment perfect for all ages. Enjoy delicious sweet corn, a mouthwatering staple of the celebration, while taking part in games and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
With live music, a range of food and beverages, and plenty of camaraderie, the Bicentennial Corn Boil promises to be an unforgettable experience as we come together to honor Galena's past, present, and future.
Parking Info.: There will be a shuttle running from 11 AM to 9 PM from the Signcraft parking lot to downtown Galena.
Shuttle pick-up address: 11309 W Chetlain Ln, Galena, IL 61036
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Annual Honey Harvest
September 5 and 6
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Experience the most exciting time of the year at Dry Creek Beekeeping apiary - the annual Honey Harvest! At this bee-free event (held indoors in the classroom), attendees will learn about various methods for extracting and bottling honey and will get hands-on experience completing the entire process.
First, attendees will be given a frame of honey to uncap the wax. Next, you will place your frame into the extractor and will turn the hand crank to extract the honey from the frame. The liquid goodness will collect in the bottom of the extractor, and you will double-strain the honey and collect it into a bucket. Then, you will move on to the bottling machine and will fill a one-pound bottle that you can label and take home with you to proudly tell your friends and family that you harvested that beautiful bottle of honey!
One pound bottle of raw local wildflower honey is included in the Honey Harvest admission cost of $65 per person for the two-hour experience.
Multiple sessions are available each day for the two-day (Saturday and Sunday) Honey Harvest Event:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Honey Harvest Session - option 1 ($65 per person)
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM - Add-on Option - Beekeeping Experience - learn about how bees make honey and suit up and enter the apiary for a view inside the hive, plus enjoy a mini honey tasting - $55 per adult / $39 per child. (By doing this session along with a honey harvest session, you will get to see the entire process from hive to bottle!)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Honey Harvest Session - option 2 ($65 per person)
For the add-on Beekeeping Experience Option: Bring along a pair of boots that cover your ankles for this experience (suits, hoods, and gloves provided - some boots available, if you forget yours). Ages 6+. View available times and register online in advance on our website.
Registration is required in advance. Tickets go on sale on June 1, 2026. This event sells out each year, so register early!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.visitgalena.org/event/annual-honey-harvest-bottle-your-own-event/6779/www.drycreekbeekeeping.com
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19th Annual Galena Oktober Fest
October 3
11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Celebrate German heritage during this activity-filled festival. From famous Wiener Dog Races to Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition to New Glarus Alphorns softly playing to throwing on your lederhosen and dancing to some polka music. Bring the whole family, and head over to the Kinder Area where children can try their luck with The Great Pumpkin Lift and win free Potosi Root Beer. Grab some apple cider donuts and paint some pumpkins or play Big Jenga or Big Connect4 in the shade for a while.
This year, celebrity singer Wayne Messmer will sing the national anthem, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will visit, and a hot air balloon glow by Galena On The Fly will take place!
Hosted by the Galena Lions Club, all proceeds from this event will benefit the community, serving those in need. Adults and teens are $10 while kids 12 and under are free!
Pre-registration is required for Wiener Dog Races and the Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition.
For more information visit https://galenalions.org/home
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46th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival
October 31
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
The largest, longest, and spookiest Parade and Festival in the Tri-State Area!
This extraordinary display features spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed participants, prizes, and treats for guys and 'ghouls' of all ages.
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Winter Events Forecast:
Rooms are booking fast, so be sure to call 815.777.0090 ASAP! For more event details, visit our Facebook/Instagram or desotohouse.com and visitgalena.org/events
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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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The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking, biking or cross-country skiing.
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.
| | 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
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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 by following us on Facebook and Instagram! | | |
DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
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Michael Steinhoff
General Manager
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230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
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