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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
June, 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 spring in Galena!
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What our Guests are Saying:
"Everything was fabulous! This hotel is a gem! Wonderfully restored. We loved the history everywhere. Staircase is amazing!. Friendly and Helpful staff."
| | To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/desoto-house-hotel-4th-of-july-rooftop-party-tickets-1989757896431?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=&utm-share-source=category-browse | | |
General's Ball
November 14, 2026
Step back in time! Join us for the General's Ball
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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, 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 June 30, 2026
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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, 2026
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Best Available Rate
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Starting at $140.00
Subject to availability
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The Galena Ghost Walk Package
Available: Sunday, 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 June 30, 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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Green Street Tavern Open Mic
June 2 and June 16
7:00-9:00 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 drin
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East Dubuque's Cruisin Thursdays
June 4, 11, 18 and 25
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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Hat & Honey Bar
DeSoto House Hotel
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $80
Date: June 5, July 10, September 25, October 9, November 13 and December 4
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!
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Glow In the Dark Miniature Golf
June 6 and June 20
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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Tour of Homes
June 6
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Explore these historic Galena landmarks on the east side of the river!
Sites include the home of a former congressman, a stunning Queen Anne turned bed & breakfast, a home that started its life as a brewery, and the former drill field for Galena's own Miners Regiment.
Discover the architecture, stories, and local legacy that make these spaces unforgettable!
Participants may begin the tour at any location and complete it in any order. Maps will be provided as a guide.
$25 per person. Children under 10 are free with a paid adult.
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Goats and Floats
12:30-2:00 PM
June 7, 17 and 24
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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Galena's Farmers Market
June 6, 13, 20 and 27
7:00 AM-12:00 PM
Purchase Home Grown produce, Fresh baked Goods and Crafts made by Local Participants.
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Murder and Mayhem
June 12
8:00 PM
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 1 hour and 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission, and features complimentary desserts and a cash bar. Just $32 per person. We offer a Friday date once every month through October of 2025. The show occurs in the Ely Parker Room on the ground floor of the hotel, just off the Courtyard atrium.
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Hunter Fuerste Concert
June 20
4:45 PM
Get ready for
an unforgettable evening of swing, rhythm, and timeless big-band energy at the historic Turner Hall in downtown Galena, Illinois. The annual concert hosted by The Galena Foundation will feature Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra, capturing the vibrant spirit of the swing era.
With balcony seating available free of charge, this event is a perfect opportunity to experience live music in a beloved historic setting. Bring your friends and plan to be part of a lively Galena night.
Whether you’re a longtime visitor or discovering Galena Country for the first time, this concert makes for a memorable summer outing.
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Corkless In Galena
June 20
11:00 AM-6:00 PM
Celebrate the wines and food of Northern Illinois and beyond at this awesome outdoor event!
Sample selections of unique wines produced by family-owned Northern Illinois Wineries. Bring your chairs and spend the day outside, under the trees. Dance barefoot on the grass to the live music on stage, browse through the various art and craft exhibits by talented local artists, grab some delicious treats from food vendors, and, of course, enjoy the wine!
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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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