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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
May, 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 the beauty of spring in Galena!
~ Check out our Midweek Packages ~
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Join us for these two special events! | |
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$244.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 30, 2024
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$209.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 30, 2024
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History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$244.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 30, 2024
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Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Two tickets for the Galena Trolley
$244.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through May 30, 2024
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Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $119.00
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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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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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, May 3, 2024 - Sunday, May 5, 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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Friday, May 3, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024
Friday, May 31, 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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JDCF Annual Frog Walk
Friday, May 3, 2024
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Meeker Street Footbridge
Galena, IL 61036
One of the first signs of spring is the sound of frogs waking up and calling.
Bring the kids down to learn about what the frogs they are hearing. After a short walk down the Galena River Trail towards the Buehler Reserve, families will have a chance to try to find and catch the frogs themselves!
Will it be a Spring Peeper or a Leopard Frog?
JDCF staff will help you identify what you find, and have some tadpoles on hand to view the frog life cycle in progress.
This is a free event open to the public.
Please dress appropriately for the weather.
Photo (c) Rich Mattas.
For more information click here.
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Honey Tasting 101
Friday, May 3, 2024
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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2024 Ride the Ups & Downs
Saturday, May 4, 2024
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.
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Star Gazing
Saturday, May 4, 2024
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
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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Galena Main Street Sidewalk Sale
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - Sunday, May 12, 2024
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Main Street
Galena IL 61036
It's time to shake off the winter blues and welcome the warmth of spring with a shopping spree on Main Street! The merchants are clearing out their inventory, and you're the lucky winner!
Browse through the various sales taking place both on the street and inside the stores. Whether you're in the market for new clothes, home decor, or just looking for a great deal, you're sure to find something that catches your eye.
With so many options to choose from, you'll definitely work up an appetite. Luckily, Main Street is home to some of the best restaurants around. Take a break from your shopping spree and refuel with a delicious meal before hitting the shops again.
So, mark your calendars and head to Main Street for a day of amazing deals and delectable cuisine.
With spring in the air and bargains galore, you won't want to miss out on this exciting shopping event!
Presented by the Galena Downtown Business Association
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Sunday, May 12, 2024
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 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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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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Galena LitFest: Nobel Discontent:
A Picnic with Louisa May Alcott
Sunday, May 19, 2024
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Grant Park Pavilion
625 Park Avenue
Galena, IL 61036
In celebration of the tenth annual Galena LitFest, the Galena Public Library, is thrilled to announce the return of Debra Miller, who will portray Louisa May Alcott. Tickets include a box lunch.
Poet and author, abolitionist and nurse, patriot and suffragist; Louisa May Alcott was so much more than the author of Little Women. In this 45 minute performance, the audience meets with this prolific American author at the height of her health and success. We learn of the hopes, the heartbreaks, and the experiences of Louisa May Alcott’s life from which she drew inspiration for her novels, short stories, and poems. Through excerpts from her letters and journals and published works, Louisa May Alcott speaks to you in her own words; of her childhood, her experiences as a Civil War nurse, her struggles to support her family, and the equal rights of all.
A boxed lunch will be served before the performance.
Noble Discontent is a one-woman show researched, written, and performed by Debra Miller, a professional actress, vocalist and voice-over talent with over 30 years of experience as a performer for live audiences, television, and film.
Galena LitFest is organized and funded by the Galena Public Library with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased here.
When purchasing tickets please be prepared to choose an entrée, side, and dessert as well as indicate any food allergies/preferences for each member of your party.
Ticketing will close on May 8, 2024.
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Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, May 25, 2024
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, May 25, 2024
10:00 AM
10:45 AM
12:15 PM
1:00 PM
Shenandoah Riding Center
200 N. Brodrecht Road
Galena, IL 61036
We welcome Jim and Cindy Meldrum of TDR Carriages out of Aledo, IL to Shenandoah Riding Center.
Jim and Cindy and their driving team will take you and friends/family for a 30 minute horse-drawn wagon ride around Shenandoah Riding Center!
Cindy and Jim will share their wealth of knowledge and even play western music to keep you entertained on your ride.
Please note, spaces will be very limited.
For more information, tickets and other events click here.
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Live at the Plaza
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Educator Appreciation
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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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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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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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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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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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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