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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
July, 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 your summer in beautiful Galena!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
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Visit the historic DeSoto House Hotel and travel back in time to see Mr. Abraham Lincoln address the people of Galena!
Tickets sell out quickly so purchase yours now by calling our front desk associates at:
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
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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 July 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 July 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 July 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 July 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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Tactile Exhibit
Saturday, June 3, 2023 to Sunday July 23, 2023
Thursdays through Sundays
11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
The Galena Center for the Arts offers a fully tactile exhibit, for the first time, in the Special Exhibit space.
Exhibit-goers will be encouraged to experience the art as much with their hands as their eyes.
Audio descriptions and other adaptive features will be added to make the exhibit enjoyable for all.
For more information about this event and others, click here.
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Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo
Friday, June 30, 2023 - Saturday, July 1, 2023
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
Fun for the whole family!
Witness edge-of-your-seat action as cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events including tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding, and more at the PRCA-sanctioned Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo at Shenandoah Riding Center in the beautiful Galena Territory!
The fun doesn’t stop there - dance along as the band Ten Gallon Hat plays classic and contemporary country and Southern rock, grab some food from your favorite food truck, and quench your thirst with a nice cold drink (adult or otherwise).
Make sure you stick around for a sensational fireworks display!
There are some bleachers, however, most people enjoy sitting on their blankets on the hillside.
For times, information and tickets click here.
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Guided Tour of Casper Bluff
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Saturday July 22, 2023
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.
“Our guide did a wonderful job, very informative!”
“I can imagine the Native American experience.”
“Please do this again!”
These were just some of the comments made by participants last year.
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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Belden School Open House
Saturday July 1, 2023
Saturday July 15, 2023
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 June 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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Elizabeth Freedom Fest
Saturday, July 1, 2023
12:00 pm
Park Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Enjoy army displays, live music, tasty food and drinks, while the kids have their faces painted and have endless fun on the bounce houses.
7:00 PM: The highlight of the event is when the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute jump right into Terrapin Park.
The night ends with a spectacular firework display!
For more information click here.
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Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Saturday, August 12, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 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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Galena 4th of July Celebration, Parade & Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Celebration: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Parade: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Fireworks will launch from Grant Park at dusk
Historic Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Head on down to the Green Street Plaza to enjoy live entertainment, food, and beverages while waiting for the fireworks display to begin.
Fireworks are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Galena.
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Join Us on July 4th!
DeSoto House Hotel Rooftop BBQ
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
DeSoto House Hotel
230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Enjoy burgers, brats, hot dogs, chicken breast, beer, wine & more!
See Galena's fireworks from our rooftop!
Sing and dance to your favorite music with Excel Entertainment!
Tickets sell out quickly so purchase yours now by calling our front desk associates at:
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
For more information please click here.
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Day at the Farm: Cows, Kids & Curds
Friday, July 7, 2023
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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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Night at the Farm: Cows, Beer & Cheese Curds
Friday, July 7, 2023
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
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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Live at the Plaza
Thursday, July 13, 2023 - Bike to the Plaza theme & giveaways
Thursday, July 27, 2023 - No theme but still fun
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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Weird & Wonderful Insects of Illinois
Friday, July 14, 2023
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Casper Bluff Land & Water Reserve
870 South Pilot Knob Road
Galena, IL 61036
Join Entomologist (Bug Scientist) Jim Louderman from the Chicago Field Museum to learn about insects of the night.
The free event will be co-led by insect enthusiasts who are excited to share their knowledge of moths with you and your entire family.
Please bring a lawn chair. We will set up drop sheets, black lights, and sugar-bait insects to our viewing party. You will be amazed by what we will see.
This is a trap and release event. Open house style - come when you’d like and stay as long as you’d like to discover the weird and wonderful insects of Illinois!
Join us 0.25 miles NW of the parking lot at the Rotary pavilion. Look for event signs. Please bring headlamps or flashlights.
Subject to weather-related cancellation.
Please check back here for updates.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Elizabeth's 102nd Community Fair
Friday, July 21, 2023 - Sunday, July 23, 2023
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
402 West Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
For 102 years, the Elizabeth fair has been a tradition not only in Elizabeth, but in the entire region. It's the oldest community fair in Illinois!
Experience small town life at its best!
Throughout the weekend great food, vendors, antique tractors and farm demonstrations, music, beer tent and more!
Also, dairy and sheep show, dairy goat show, inflatable rides, fantasy truck pullers, Elizabeth's BEST BBQ, local pro wrestling enthusiasts, parade, games, contests and kids activities.
For more information, other events and fair book click here.
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Friday, July 21, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:15 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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Star Gazing
Saturday, July 22, 2023
8:30 PM
Saturday, August 19, 2023
8:00 PM
Saturday, September 23, 2023
7:00 PM
Saturday, October 14, 2023
6:30 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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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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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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