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Welcome to

The DeSoto Dispatch

January 2026

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 winter in Galena!


What our Guests are Saying:

"Beautiful Hotel and amazing staff. Everyone so friendly and goes above and beyond to make our stay special. Amazing food at all 3 restaurants and the environment at the Generals' was so relaxing, we ate there 2 nights in a row!"

January Packages:

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 29, 2026

Midweek Breakfast Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$134.00


Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu


Subject to availability

Prices good through January 29, 2026

Midweek Breakfast & Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$174.00


Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu


Subject to availability

Prices good through January 29, 2026

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 29, 2026

Best Available Rate

Sunday - Thursday

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 in one of our fabulous restaurants.


Then join us for dinner!

Upcoming Events:

Hat & Honey Bar

DeSoto House Hotel

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Cost: $80

Date: January 2, February 13, March 6, April 3 and May 8



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!


Galena Trivia

January 16

5:00 p.m.

The Galena Public Library's historical librarians have been busy curating five rounds of questions across two centuries from Galena's founding up to the present. You might even hear your own name! DJ Jeff Danna will emcee and play a variety of tunes on vinyl. Registrants will receive an exclusive Galena Bicentennial keepsake rocks glass only available at Trivia Night.

Bring your own decorations and costumes for your round table. Your theme must be tied to Galena's history in some way and be obvious to our panel of guest judges. Keep in mind that Galena has a history that covers two hundred years, any theme that fits within the range of 1826-2026 counts. All participants must be respectful and culturally responsible. Table cloths, center pieces, food/beverage, etc . . . are all great! Doors will open at 5 pm so teams can get a head start setting up their tables.

The first place team and the team with the most creative decor and costumes will win prizes!

Food and beverage are BYO. We'll have ice and plastic cups available. This is a 21+ event.



Hosted at the DeSoto House Hotel

Saturday, January 17, 2026

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Saturday, April 11, 2026


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!



Mini Pottery Workshop

Saturday, January 31

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.


Learn basic skills on the pottery wheel for beginners or those with some experience who would like to refresh their techniques. A fun foundation course in making small bowls and vessels on an electric pottery wheel. Learn how to prepare clay, center, throw, trim, alter, and decorate forms, and apply glaze!

Fee includes clay, glazes, and 2 instructor firings. $75 per person (ages 18 and up) $60 per person (ages 8-17)

This workshop consists of three classes: Jan 31 (throw pots), Feb 7 (trim pots), and Feb 21 (glaze pots).

Call for Tickets: 815-777-2248

 


Chocolate Lovers Stroll

Downtown Galena

12 pm - 4 pm

Cost: $35

2/14/2026


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!

Save the Date!

Whiskey Lovers Weekend

March 7, 2026


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 2026 have not gone on sale yet. Click here! to find out when tickets go on sale.

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 cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.


Galena River Trail

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:

National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium


The Shenandoah Riding Center


Dubuque Symphony Orchestra


Dubuque Museum of Art


Diamond Jo Casino

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 by following us on Facebook and Instagram!

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DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates

make perfect gifts!

Michael Steinhoff

General Manager

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230 South Main Street

Galena, IL 61036

815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562