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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
January 2025
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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 winter in Galena!
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$159.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through January 30, 2025
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$134.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through January 30, 2025
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History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$159.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through January 30, 2025
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Best Available Rate
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Starting at $99.00
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 in one of our fabulous restaurants.
Then join us for dinner!
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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, January 3, 2025 - Sunday, January 5, 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.
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Horse Play at Shenandoah Riding Center
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: $25
Dates: 1/5/25, 1/19/25, 2/2/25, 2/16/25, 3/2/25, 3/16/25
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!
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Galena LitFest: Midwest Bedrock
Galena Center for the Arts
2 pm - 3 pm
Free admission
1/11/25
Dr. Kevin Koch will take participants on a photographic journey through natural spaces across each of the twelve Midwestern states, including short excerpts from his newest book, Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland (Indiana University Press, 2024). Koch’s writing style blends narrative and informative techniques to invoke Sense of Place.
This is an hybrid program presented at the The Galena Center for the Arts and simultaneously on Zoom. To register, please visit, www.galenalibrary.org.
Galena LitFest 2025 is the eleventh annual literary festival organized and funded by the Galena Public Library with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library and in partnership with the Galena Center for the Arts, Miss Kitty's Grape Escape, and Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages. Events will take place throughout January in-person and virtually.
For more information, to register, and a complete list of LitFest activities, please click here!
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Hosted at the DeSoto House Hotel
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Join us inside the haunted DeSoto House Hotel for an evening of dark Galena history, eerie folklore, and true ghost stories, with a touch of music.
Hear of infamous murders, tragedies, and hauntings that have lingered throughout our darkest history.
Our 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 $30 per person. We offer a few select Saturdays through March.
Come ready to hear all about Galena's dark history, local folklore, and infamous hauntings.
For more information and to book tickets, click here!
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Chocolate Lovers Stroll
Downtown Galena
12 pm - 4 pm
Cost: $35
2/15/2025
Unlock the sweetest side of Galena with the Annual Chocolate Lovers Stroll!
Satisfy your sweet tooth with chocolate treats while strolling picturesque Galena's Main Street, loaded with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Your ticket will get you a punch card good for 10 treats ($50 value) and a custom Galena Stroll canvas bag ($10 value). And of course the memories you create are priceless! You choose how to mix and match between our chocolate treat options & drink options.
All ticket holders must check in between 11am and 1pm at Galena Cellars at 111 N Main St. to get their punch card and embark on chocolate filled adventure. It's a true chocolate lover's dream come true! Ticket's sell fast, so don't delay!
For more information and to register, click here!
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Galena Goes 50s Sock Hop and Workshops
Turner Hall
10 AM - 10:30 PM
March 1, 2025
Step back in time and experience a nostalgic 50s-themed weekend in historic Turner Hall, Galena!
Show off your dance moves at the Sock Hop, participate in dance workshops led by professional instructors, and enjoy live music from 7PM - 10PM by a featured band. Compete in contests, win prizes, and try your luck in the 50/50 raffle. Indulge in delicious food and drinks as you dance the night away and celebrate the golden era of the 50s.
For more information, click here!
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Save the Date!
Whiskey Lovers Weekend
March 8, 2025
Experience the warmth and richness of winter with an extensive collection of bourbons and whiskeys at this historic establishment! With over 200 varieties to choose from, you'll be able to explore the world of whiskey and find your new favorite.
Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of spirits, this is the perfect place to discover new flavors and appreciate the subtle nuances of each pour. So come in, and let the whiskey tasting begin!
Tickets for 2025 have not gone on sale yet. Click here! to find out when tickets go on sale.
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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.
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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 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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