|
Having trouble viewing this email? Click here. | |
Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
May, 2023
| |
from
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
| |
Come and stay at the DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy the beauty of spring in Galena!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
| |
|
Visit the historic DeSoto House Hotel for these two awesome events!
Tickets sell out quickly so purchase yours now by calling our front desk associates at:
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
| |
|
Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$224.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 31, 2023
| |
|
Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$189.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 31, 2023
| |
|
History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$224.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 31, 2023
| |
|
Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Two tickets for the Galena Trolley
$224.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 31, 2023
| |
|
Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $119.00
Subject to availability
| |
Everyone loves a cocktail or two... | |
|
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!
| |
|
A Tom Cunningham Retrospective & An Eclectic Mix
March 31, 2023 - May 28, 2023
Thursdays through Sundays
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Center for the Arts announces the opening of exhibits in both their main Regional Artists Gallery and newly opened special exhibit space.
The main gallery will hold An Eclectic Mix of artwork, inspired by anything and everything; while the special exhibit space will display a Tom Cunningham Retrospective. Tom was an artist and conservationist whose works feature many colorful landscapes of Jo Daviess County.
Proceeds of the sale of Tom’s works will be donated to the Galena Center for the Arts.
For more information and other events click here.
| |
|
2023 Ride the Ups and Downs
Saturday, May 6, 2023
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
CTE Academy
950 US Hwy 20 W.
Elizabeth, IL 61028
The G.O.A.T.S. Cycling Club of Galena is hosting the annual "Ride the Ups & Downs" Event.
This self-paced, bicycle ride is a one-day tour of beautiful Jo Daviess County, Illinois that features hilly terrain, spectacular ridge top panoramas and long valley views.
The registration and start are at the CTE Academy.
Choose one of three clearly marked routes on rolling, low traffic, paved roads throughout our rural setting.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Friday, May 12, 2023
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Elizabeth Community Center Building
402 West Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
(Located by the Elizabeth Grand Antique Co.)
On August 27, 1832, Black Hawk and his remaining allies surrendered, bringing the brief but bloody war to a close. Only a few years later, Black Hawk's name and likeness began appearing on drink bottles, cigars, military units and equipment, sports teams, and more.
So how did America's Most Wanted turn into America's Advertising Darling?
Join Clifford Krainik as he explores Black Hawk's media transformation, including examples from his extensive collection of original Black Hawk memorabilia.
This event is free to attend, although donations to the Apple River Fort Foundation help support future programming and exhibits.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Galena Center for the Arts
971 Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
Barbara Mathews, a talented watercolorist from Janesville, WI, will be teaching a beginning watercolor class.
Students can look forward to learning a variety of techniques and will have finished paintings to take home.
Barbara has been teaching at various locations for over 20 years. The class can accommodate up to 15 students.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Friday, May 19, 2023
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Road
Galena, IL 61036
This is Illinois Toughest Mile - ultra short and ultra tough!
The approximately 1.5 mile course takes you all the way to the bottom of Chestnut Mountain ski hills, alongside the mighty Mississippi River, and then back up to the TOP of Chestnut Mountain!
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Saturday, May 20, 2023
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 W. Chestnut Mountain Road
Galena, IL 61036
Think of yourself as a Nordic Warrior conquering these challenging, yet runnable trails! The course is set on the trails of Chestnut Mountain Resort - the same hills you ski in the winter!
Majestic views across the mighty Mississippi River. You will see Iowa and Wisconsin across the river!
Look forward to the evening, eating a delicious finisher meal, while watching the grand sunset on the Mississippi horizon.
8 & 4 hour timed-looped course that brings you back to a jammin' party every time. Music, and FUN after party!
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Cast Iron Chef at Apple River Fort
Saturday, May 20, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E. Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Stoke the fire and get your cast iron out!
Join us for a day full of cooking demonstrations, including real 1830's recipes and historical kitchen tools, tips, and techniques.
For health and safety, visitors will not be allowed to taste anything we make on site. However, copies of all recipes will be available for free. Allez cuisine!
Admission is free, but donations are always appreciated.
For more information and other events click here.
| |
|
A Picnic with Nellie Bly:
Around the World in 72 Days
Sunday, May 21, 2023
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Grant Park
625 Park Ave
Galena, IL 61036
Back by popular demand, Debra Miller will perform as Nellie Bly while attendees enjoy a picnic brunch in picturesque Grant Park.
Born Elizabeth Jane Cochrane (1864-1922), a pioneer of investigative journalism who is better known by her nom de plume, ”Nellie Bly,” became famous for her exposé of the New York City Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
On November 14, 1889, Cochrane began a solo trip around the world in emulation of the fictional character Phileas Fogg from the 1873 Jules Verne novel “Around the World in Eighty Days” — completing her trip on January 25, 1890 in the record-breaking time of 72 days, six hours, 11 minutes, & 14 seconds.
Debra Ann Miller is a professional actress, vocalist and voice-over talent with over 40 years of experience as a performer for live audiences, television, and film.
Galena LitFest is an annual program with events in January and May planned by the Galena Public Library with generous support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library.
For more information and to register click here.
| |
|
Live at the Plaza
Thursday, May 25, 2023 (Educator Appreciation)
Thursday, June 15, 2023 (Amazing for All)
Thursday, June 29, 2023
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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!
This family-friendly, free-to-attend event will feature regional musicians, performers, food, and drink.
For more information click here.
| |
Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Saturday, June 24, 2023
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 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.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
| |
 | |
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Friday, June 16, 2023
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.
| |
Galena Pride Picnic
Saturday, June 10, 2023
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Grant Park
625 Park Avenue
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Public Library District is very excited to announce that plans are underway for Galena’s 3rd Annual Pride Picnic in historic Grant Park!
Guests are encouraged to bring their best picnic lunch, grab a bag of goodies from local businesses and enjoy live music, entertainment, and stunning views of Galena.
Be sure to enter the raffle for prizes and visit the local vendor tables.
All are welcome to attend!
For more information click here.
|  | |
Day at the Farm: Cows, Kids & Curds
Friday, June 16, 2023
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.
| |
The Great Galena Balloon Race
Friday, June 16, 2023 - Sunday, June 18, 2023
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
444 Eagle Ridge Dr.
Galena, IL 61036
Sky above, earth below, fire within... the life of a hot air balloon!
Explore these magical inventions at this spectacular three-day event. Get right up close to the balloons and learn all about them.
This event features more than 20 hot air balloons, three races, a night glow extravaganza, a car show, live music, an art show and activities for the whole family.
Burgers, hot dogs, walking-tacos and more will be available including drinks.
Free parking and a shuttle to the event field will be available.
For more information and all event times click here.
| |
Woodland Fairy Garden Walk
Saturday, June 17, 2023
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Belden School
52 Heatherdowns Ln.
Galena, IL 61036
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.
Belden School Preservation Commission will host an open house at Belden School during the walk. Volunteer docents will greet visitors with stories of the one-room schoolhouse.
For more information click here.
|
Hunter Fuerste & His American Vintage Orchestra
Saturday, June 17, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Turner Hall
115 S. Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
The Galena Foundation Concert featuring Hunter Fuerste and his American Vintage Orchestra will be held at Turner Hall.
Free seating for the show is available on the main floor and in the balcony.
Please join us for an evening of big band music.
There will be room for dancing!
| |
|
Corkless in Galena
Saturday, June 24, 2023
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Depot Park
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 IL wineries.
Celebrate the wines and food of Northern Illinois and beyond at this wonderful outdoor event.
For more information click here.
| |
|
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
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 hiking, biking or cross-country skiing.
Galena River Trail
| |
Enjoy scenic outlooks with views across three states at the Horseshoe Mound Preserve.
Horseshoe Mound Preserve
| |
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"
~~~
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 and become a Facebook Friend of the DeSoto House Hotel. | | |
DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
| |
|
Michael Steinhoff
General Manager
| | | | |
