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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
June, 2024
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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!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
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Join us for these two special events! | |
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Join us for our Annual 4th of July Rooftop Party!
Tickets are $30 per person and includes admission, a complimentary non-alcoholic drink, party favors, and a premier spot to watch the 2024 Galena Fireworks!
Kids under 10 are free! The doors open at 6pm.
The DJ starts playing at 7pm and continues on until immediately after the fireworks.
On the rooftop there will be food available for purchase, including chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers.
There will also be a cash bar featuring beer and wine.
Outside food and drink will not be permitted.
All children 18 and under must have an adult present with them at all times.
To purchase tickets and more information click here.
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$254.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through June 30, 2024
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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 June 30, 2024
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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 June 30, 2024
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Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Two tickets for the Galena Trolley
$254.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through June 30, 2024
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Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $139.00
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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Galena Farmers Market
Every Saturday, 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
May 18, 2024 - October 26, 2024
City Hall Parking Lot
(Behind the DeSoto House Hotel)
101 Green St.
Galena, IL 61036
Experience the bounty of local agriculture and artisanal crafts at the Galena Farmers Market.
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.
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.
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Monday - Saturday
May - October, 2024
11:00 AM - !2:30 PM
Berning Acres
8850 N Menominee Rd.
East Dubuque, IL 61025
Get a unique behind-the scenes experience of real life on a 21st century dairy farm lead by a farmer!
We love to welcome people to our farm, and cannot wait to share the wonderful hands-on experience of farm life with you!
On our 60-90 minute FARM TOUR, we'll lead you through our working dairy farm, where you’ll get the opportunity to milk a cow, feed a calf (calf selfies encouraged!) and learn about innovative technologies used on our farm. Of course, you’ll enjoy a tasty ice cream treat at the end of your tour, too!
For more information, tickets and other events click here.
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Saturday, June 1, 2024
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
870 South Pilot Knob Road
Galena, IL 61036
This guided tour around scenic Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve will focus on the the captivating life cycle of periodical cicadas.
The tour will tell the story of the historic 2024 emergence convergence of both a 17 year Cicada Brood and a 13 year Cicada brood. Something that hasn’t happened since Thomas Jefferson was president 221 years ago.
Free and RSVPs not needed.
For more information click here.
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Cicada Scientists Youth & Family Event
Sunday, June 2, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:30 pm
870 South Pilot Knob Road
Galena, IL 61036
Bring the whole family to explore all of the ways that you can see signs of cicadas at Casper Bluff Land and Water Reserve.
We will be joined by Jim Louderman, Entomologist from the Field Museum, who will have interesting insect displays and lots of insect knowledge to share with us.
Peak cicada emergence in NW IL of 17-year brood is between May 15 and June 15, so we will see what we can find and learn about the cicada’s life above and below ground.
Free and RSVPs not needed.
For more information click here.
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Belden School Open House
The Return of the 1800s Organ
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Saturday July 6, 2024
Saturday July 20, 2024
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
52 Heatherdowns Lane
Galena, IL 61036
Come out and witness the return of the original restored 1800s organ to Belden School!
Built in 1859, the one-room, limestone 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 charming 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 and to see other events click here.
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Planted: Trees
Reception
with live music and refreshments
Thursday, June 6, 2024
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Exhibit
Thursdays through Sundays
June 6, 2024 - July 28, 2024
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, Illinois 61036
From roots to leaves, the walls of the Special Exhibit Space will feature trees in all their glory.
Some ‘tree’ art may veer in abstract, political, or metaphorical interpretations of the theme. We welcome variety and creativity!
Whether you love trees for their carbon-eating capacity, for providing shade, or for their inspiration, you are sure to find plenty to love in this show.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Free exhibits. Donations appreciated.
For more information and other events click here.
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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
(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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Beekeeping Bootcamp
Friday, June 7, 2024
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Dry Creek Beekeeping
489 South Clark Lane
Elizabeth, IL, 61028
Join our beekeeping bootcamp tour and learn everything you need to know to become a successful beekeeper.
Our experienced instructor will guide you through the basics of beekeeping, including hive management, honey extraction, and more.
Don't miss this opportunity to discover the fascinating world of bees and start your own beekeeping journey!
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Honey Tasting 101
Friday, June 7, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Galena ARC
11084 W US Hwy 20
Galena, IL 61036
Did you know that there are over 300 flavors of honey in the United States? Yet, many people have only tasted clover honey from the grocery store!
Come and explore the fascinating world of honey!
At this one-hour guided honey tasting, your "bee-rista" will start out with some fun and engaging honey and bee trivia to start the "buzz."
Next, you will hear from the beekeeper to learn a bit about the magic of how bees make honey, and then you will move to the sweet stuff - the honey tasting! You will taste a variety of honeys ranging from light to medium to dark color profiles. You will use a honey flavor wheel and a honey color chart to explore the wide variety of aromas, colors and flavors of honeys, as you try to put words to what you see, smell, and taste.
Each attendee will track their impressions of each honey on a scorecard, and we will compare and discuss these. You will also get to experience a variety of textures, including creamed and crystalized honeys, and honey direct from the comb.
This is a fun and engaging experience to enjoy with friends, as couples, or with your whole family!
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
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Saturday, June 8, 2024
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Thomas Jefferson Clark and Jane Josephine Murdock—a real couple who fell in love and married in the original Fort at the end of the war.
See a full frontier wedding ceremony, complete with dancing, games, and all sorts of romantic revelry!
*The ceremony isn't actually legally binding, just a demonstration!
For more information click here.
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Galena Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 8, 2024
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Grant Park
625 Park Avenue
Galena, IL 61036
Celebrate diversity, love, and unity at Galena's annual Pride Picnic, organized by the Galena Public Library!
This family-friendly event takes place in the picturesque Grant Park and offers an array of activities, performances, and vendors for all ages.
Enjoy live music, engaging performances, and a variety of food and drink options as you join the community in celebrating Pride.
Keep an eye out for more information and a detailed schedule of events as the picnic approaches.
Don't miss this opportunity to show your support and create lasting memories with family and friends at this inclusive and joyous gathering.
For more information click here.
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Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Saturday, August 17,2024
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Sunday, September 1, 2024
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Lil' Generals Mini Golf Course
11357 US Hwy 20 W.
Galena, IL 61036
Play at The Lil' General 18 Hole Championship Miniature Golf Course, featuring cascading waterfall, rapids, streams, water fountains and beautiful landscaping. Participate in their special “Glow in the Dark Golf” events throughout the summer season.
For more information click here.
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Star Gazing
Saturday, June 8, 2024
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday, July 6, 2024
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday, August 3, 2024
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday, September 7, 2024
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
The Galena Territory Association Owners’ Club
2000 Territory Drive
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Territory Association and 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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Sunday, June 9, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Sunday, August 4, 2024
Sunday, August 18, 2024
10:30 AM - 11:30 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 and to register click here.
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Live at the Plaza
Thursday, June 13, 2024 - Amazing for All
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Red, White, & Brews
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - Scoops + Tunes
Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Bike to the Plaza
Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Shamrock 'n' Swing
Thursday, August 22, 2024 - Summer Finale
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Green Street Plaza
101 Green Street
Galena, IL 61036
Enjoy this family-friendly, free-to-attend event!
There will be live music, food trucks, and community.
Music provided by the Danny Parker Project.
May's event will celebrate the educators in our area. All educators are encouraged to come for a chance to enter special giveaways and receive a free "thank you" gift from our partners.
All dates will have fun giveaways to enter. Mark your calendar.
For more information click here.
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Friday, June 14, 2024
Friday, June 28, 2024
Friday, July 12, 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024
Friday, August 9, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
Silver Saddles is an interactive horse experience for individuals ages 55+.
The program contains many elements to allow a relaxing bonding experience between the horses and the seniors.
Seniors are invited to brush the horses, groom them, feed them treats, and lead them around the property!
For more information and to register click here.
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Saturday, June 15, 2024
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
Our parking lot will turn into a giant canvas for our 2024 Chalkfest!
Plan to bring the family, to chalk or to watch the chalkers in action, enjoy live music, and create in the kid’s drawing zone!
Food and drink will be available for purchase.
We welcome featured artist, Dan Leick!
Prizes awarded in multiple categories. Entry fee for those who want to chalk is $20 per block (individuals or teams of up to four people.)
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2924
Saturday, November 2, 2024 (weather permitting)
Saturday, November 9, 2024 (weather permitting)
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Hoof It Goat Treks
616 S Devils Ladder Rd
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.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs (picnic tables provided) to stretch out under the stars and enjoy the music. BYOB, snacks, or order pizza delivery from Cannova’s or take out from your favorite location.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
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Saturday, June 15, 2024
6:00 PM
Turner Hall
115 S. Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
The 18th Annual Galena Foundation Concert featuring Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra will be held at Turner Hall.
Main floor, back row and balcony seating is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis the evening of the event.
Premier sponsorship tables are available for a $500 donation per table. Guests may make arrangements to have dinner catered or bring in their own snacks and beverages.
Please join us for an evening of big band music.
For more information about the event, reserve a shuttle seat, and to sponsor a table or buy seats, click here.
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Woodland Fairy Garden Walk
Saturday, June 17, 2024
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Belden School
52 Heatherdowns Lane
Galena, IL 61036
Located in the Galena Territory, the Woodland Fairy Garden Walk features handcrafted fairy garden houses created from the surrounding woodland materials on the trails of Belden School. Don’t miss the special tent for children to create their own fairy wands!
Participants will have to walk moderately uneven and mulch-covered trails. Please wear appropriate shoes.
Volunteer docents are onsite and share stories of the school during the open house.
For more information click here.
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Corkless in Galena
Saturday, June 22, 2024
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Depot Park Parking Lot
91 Bouthillier Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join us along the Galena River for a relaxing afternoon of music, food and art with our lineup of great family-owned Illinois wineries.
Celebrate the wines and food of Northern Illinois and beyond at this wonderful outdoor event.
For more information and tickets, click here.
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Thursday, June 22, 2024
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Galena ARC
11084 US Hwy 20 W
Galena, IL 61036
Experience the joy of wood carving in this beginner-friendly class!
Marie McDonough's teaching method is about taking your time, having fun and not expecting perfection. You will be amazed at your finished hummingbird!
This is a great class for first time carvers, youth or adult. You will be surprised and thrilled with the little bird you create.
This beginner’s wood carving class will teach you the basics of power carving (with small rotary tool) and the techniques on how to break a subject down to make it simple. Student will have the option of leaving it plain, or decorate with wood burning tools.
Class size is limited.
For more information, other classes and to register click here.
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192nd Anniversary of the Battle of the Apple River Fort
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Sunday, June 30, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Commemorate the 192nd anniversary of the Battle of the Apple River Fort.
Living history interpreters will bring the Fort to life all weekend.
Learn about the daily lives of the Fort inhabitants, including hearth cooking, musket firing demonstrations, and more.
For more information click here.
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MSDA Galena Country Stamp Show
Saturday, June 29, 2024
10:00 AM - 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 30, 2024
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Turner Hall
115 S. Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
The Midwest Stamp Dealer Association invites you to attend the Galena Country Stamp Show!
The knowledgeable, experienced, and professional stamp dealers of the MSDA are ready to help you build your collection. Whether you have been collecting for years, or are completely new to the hobby, our member dealers are ready to assist you on your journey!
No matter what you collect, we have a wide variety of dealers who handle stamps and covers from all over the world. Whatever the specialty or topic, there is always something new to discover.
Dealers at the show will be Buying and Selling U.S. and Worldwide Stamps, First Day Covers, Postal History, Revenues, Ephemera, Collecting Supplies and much more!
9 dealers from Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan,
Iowa, and Oregon.
Free admission and parking.
For more information click here.
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Elizabeth Freedom Fest
Monday, July 1, 2024
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
350 West Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Join the community for an action-packed evening of family fun!
There will be 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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Photo courtesy of visitgalena.org
Galena Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Celebration: 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Green Street Plaza
101 Green Street
Galena, IL 61036
Parade: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
The parade begins on Green Street in front of the Post Office and proceeds down Historic Main Street
Fireworks will launch from Grant Park at dusk
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.
For more information click here.
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Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo
Friday, July 5, 2024 - Saturday, July 6, 2024
4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
Fun for the whole family!
Since 1975, the Shenandoah Riding Center has provided a pro rodeo in conjunction with Independence Day celebrations.
Witness edge-of-your-seat action as cowboys and cowgirls compete in eight fiercely competitive and exhilarating competitions 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 & 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.
Gates open at 4:30 PM
Rodeo begins at 7:00 PPM
For information and tickets 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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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 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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230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
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