Having trouble viewing this email? Click here. | |
Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
October, 2023
| |
from
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
| |
Fall is here!
Enjoy all the glorious colors of beautiful Galena!
| |
~ Check Out Our Midweek Packages ~ | |
|
Welcome to the DeSoto House Hotel
Click here to watch a video to learn about The DeSoto House Hotel “Illinois’ Oldest Operating Hotel.”
| |
|
DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
| |
|
Make plans now to join us for your
Thanksgiving Day Feast!
| |
|
Murder and Mayhem
in a Mining Town
Friday, October 27, 2023
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
DeSoto House Hotel
230 S Main St
Galena, IL 61036
Enjoy a fun filled evening of dinner and entertainment in the haunted DeSoto House Hotel.
Hear tales of Galena's dark history, eerie folklore and true ghost stories.
Presented by the Haunted Galena Tour Company.
Tickets are $75.00 and include dinner and entertainment.
To purchase tickets please call the DeSoto House Hotel at:
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562
| |
|
Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$254.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through October 31, 2023
| |
|
Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$234.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through October 31, 2023
| |
|
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 October 31, 2023
| |
|
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 October 31, 2023
| |
|
Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $149.00
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!
| |
|
Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, October 6, 2023 - Sunday, October 8, 2023
Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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.
| |
You-Pick Flowers
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Clara Joyce Flowers
13493 E. Blair Hill Rd.
Stockton, IL 61085
Join Clara Joyce Flowers in their flower fields to pick your own stems and take gorgeous photos in their fields!
$20.00 for twenty stems.
Bring your own clippers.
Please follow all signage. Drive slow.
No tickets required for this event.
For more information click here.
| |
Galena Country Fair
Saturday, October 7, 2023
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 8, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
$2.00 suggested donation at the gate
Grant Park
625 Park Ave
Galena, IL 61036
Enjoy one of Galena's most popular events featuring more than 100 vendors selling a variety of high-quality, original handmade arts, crafts and fine arts.
There will also be live entertainment, children's games, Irish dance performances, a silent auction and raffle.
In addition there are many delicious food and beverage vendors, and plenty of family fun!
Free parking at three remote lots. Complimentary shuttle service available from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM both days.
For detailed shuttle information, a printable parking map, and entertainment schedule click here.
| |
Galena Main Street Walking Tours with General Grant
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
10:30 AM
DeSoto House Hotel
230 South Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join General Ulysses S. Grant (portrayed by Bob Buman) for a one-hour walking tour of Galena's Historic Main Street.
Enjoy fascinating factual stories of early Galena, lead mining, steamboating, and General Grant in the Civil War. He'll share the stories associated with the many buildings on the National Historic Registry and his experiences when his family owned a leather and saddlery shop more than 150 years ago.
Regularly scheduled walking tours with General Grant are available every Saturday from May through October.
Tours operate at 10:30 a.m. and begin at the DeSoto House Hotel. Meet at the hotel lobby.
No reservations are necessary. $20.00 per person.
Tours run rain or shine.
| |
Belden School Open House
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 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.
| |
Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, November 4, 2023
Saturday, November 11, 2023
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
(weather dependent)
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.
| |
Twenty Dirty Hands - Self Guided Pottery Tour
Friday, October 13, 2023
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 14, 2023
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday, October 15, 2023
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Artful Exchange Gallery and Shoppe
704 Dewey Ave.
Galena, IL 61036
A Community of Makers celebrating our 22nd tour year!
Make it the perfect day and experience the entire tour!
Elizabeth, IL • Galena, IL • Hazel Green, WI • Dubuque, IA • Asbury, IA • Maquoketa, IA
For more information, downloadable map and brochure click here.
| |
|
The Other Side of the Anvil
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Sunday, October 15 2023
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Stillman Mansion
513 Bouthillier St
Galena, IL 61036
Discover the Art of Blacksmithing!
Join us for a two-day blacksmithing event that features forging and historic demonstrations!
Participants will have the opportunity to create functional objects like a bottle opener, S hook, etc. with one of the Old Blacksmith Shop’s artisans!
Located on the lawn adjacent to the Stillman Mansion, multiple forging stations - complete with forge, anvil, vise and tools—will be fired up and skilled regional blacksmiths will provide hands-on instruction for visitors of all ages.
This is a unique opportunity to work hands-on with a coal forge and gain insight into what it is like to work at a 3,000-year-old craft.
FREE admission to grounds, demonstrations, and games.
For more information about this event and creating an item of your own click here.
| |
|
Fright at the Fort
Saturday, October 14, 2023
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Apple River Fort State Historic Site
311 E Myrtle Street
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Come to the Fort for an evening of spooky fun!
Want to know how to keep a witch out of your house or how to cure a case of cholera?
Sit in on a frontier funeral and learn the 19th century origins of many of our modern mourning customs.
Meet the ghost of John Gray and hear from the ghost himself the story of his life—and death—during the Black Hawk War.
Visitors of all ages can take part in our haunted history scavenger hunt and enjoy a historical selection of scary stories around the fire.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Star Gazing
Saturday, October 14, 2023
6:30 PM - 7:30 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.
| |
|
Friday, October 20, 2023
4:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Sunday, November 19, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Sunday, December 17, 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 & US Grant Museum Open House
Thursday, October 26, 2023
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 19, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Sunday, December 17, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Galena History Museum
211 South Bench Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join us at the Museum to celebrate our 85th Anniversary!
The Galena & U.S. Grant Museum is a treasure trove of captivating artifacts, inspiring artworks, and stories that span generations.
Discover the wonders of our community’s past and present as we proudly showcase the vibrant tapestry of our shared history.
Explore Galena’s history and meet the spirit of Ulysses Grant in a hologram that welcomes guests to the museum where true national treasures, such as the “Peace in Union” and “General Grant on the Battlefield” paintings, Flag from the Vicksburg Siege, a topographical map of Jo Daviess County, and the stories of mining and steamboating are presented.
The museum is located in a 1858 Italianate mansion built as a private residence by Galena merchant Daniel Barrows. The museum features over 6,000 square feet of exhibit space and presentations on lead mining in the northwest region, the Driftless Area, Grant’s leather store, the Port of Galena: 1858.
Discover souvenirs, gifts, and books of a historical nature in the museum gift and bookshop.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Saturday, October 28, 2023
8:00 AM
91 Bouthillier Street (Depot Park)
Galena, IL 61036
Join us for our 6th annual Galena River Fall Half Marathon & 8K!
This is a fast, flat half marathon along the scenic Galena River Trail.
An 8K race option is also offered.
Course: This is an out and back course, utilizing first the south end of the trail and turning around at the 5.50 mile marker and return to the start, which would be the equivalent of 11 miles, runners will then proceed around the start and head north on the trail for a short out and back for the remaining mileage, back to finish line for your 13.10 miles!
For the 8k distance, the course is also an out and back, and will begin the same as the half, with the turnaround marked at 2.50 miles and race back to the finish line!
Due to Galena Halloween festivities that day, the course will close at 11:00 AM. Because of this no walkers are allowed for the half marathon and runners must finish before course closes.
For more information, packet pickup and to register click here.
| |
|
44th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival
Saturday, October 28, 2023
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Main Street
Galena, IL
This extraordinary display features spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed participants, prizes and treats for guys and 'ghouls' of all ages.
The parade will begin at 6:30 PM.
Free shuttles will be provided from parking areas to Main Street.
For parking, shuttle pricing and information click here.
| |
|
39th Annual Nouveau Parade & Celebration
Friday, November 17, 2023
11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Galena Cellars
111 N. Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
Galena Cellars celebrates the release of the 2023 Nouveau wine!
The parade of revelers will assemble at 2:30 PM for a trek around Galena’s Main Street in assorted modes of transportation and merriment from horse-drawn wagons to trollies as the 39th Annual Nouveau wine is delivered to Galena merchants who sport the Nouveau posters in their shop windows.
Join in or watch the procession.
“Le Beaujolias Nouveau est arrivé!”
Local restaurants and Galena businesses continue the celebration all weekend with live music, wine tastings, dinner specials and receptions.
Call 815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562 to make a reservation for the Nouveau Luncheon at the DeSoto House Hotel.
For more information click here.
| |
|
Saturday, November 18, 2023
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Galena ARC Gymnasium
(Lower Entrance)
11084 US Hwy 20 W.
Galena, IL 61036
The 2nd Annual Fall into Winter Craft Show features local crafters and artists, raffle drawing, bake sale, breakfast and lunch stand, and kids only shopping area.
All proceeds help The Workshop provide services to adults with disabilities in Jo Daviess County.
For more information click here.
| |
Santa's Arrival to Kick Off Christmas
Saturday, November 25, 2023
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Main Street
Galena, IL 61036
Join us in welcoming Santa to town to kick off the holiday season here in Galena.
The fun begins at 5:00 PM with a fleet of Jeeps headed down Main Street to bring Mr. & Mrs. Claus to town.
Then follow the fleet to the Old Market House at 123 N Commerce Street to watch Santa light the town tree for the season.
From 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM kids can mingle with Santa, enjoy treats and activities and see many of the magical jeeps up close.
This is a free event and all are welcome.
The event goes on regardless of the weather.
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:
| |
|
ATV Farm Tours
Dittmar Farms & Orchard
256 South Grebner Road
Elizabeth, IL 61028
Experience our farm and our neighboring family farm the way we do via an ATV. This is a great way to see it all; breathtaking views of our area, flora and fauna.
90 minutes
$40.00
Up to 5 people.
For more information, other events and to register click here.
| |
|
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.
|  | |
The Spoon Carver Cottage
306 South Prospect Street
Galena, IL 61036
Let the wood guide you! In this 3 hour 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.
| |
|
The Old Blacksmith Shop
May - October
Friday-Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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.
| |
|
The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking and biking.
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
| | | | |
