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Welcome to

The DeSoto Dispatch

October 2025

From

The DeSoto House Hotel

"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"

Since 1855

Stay with us at The DeSoto House Hotel and enjoy all the fun of fall in Galena!

What Our Guests are Saying:

Thank you so much for an amazing stay! We loved staying at The DeSoto House and look forward to coming back! We will definitely recommend The DeSoto House to friends and family!

Check out this video Travel the Tri-State put together about the DeSoto House Hotel!

Tickets on Sale Now!

Join the DeSoto House Hotel and the Galena Generals at the annual General's Ball!

Dinner in the Grand Ballroom followed by dancing in the Courtyard Atrium.

This event will sell out - don't miss your chance!

For tickets, Call Now!

Thanksgiving

October Packages:

Midweek Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$279.00

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through October 30, 2025

Midweek Breakfast Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$259.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through October 30, 2025

Midweek Breakfast & Dinner Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

$50.00 Dinner coupon

$304.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through October 30, 2025

History Museum Package

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Breakfast for two

Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum

$279.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through October 30, 2025

The Galena Ghost Walk Package

Available: Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights

Subject to Availability

One Night Stay

Breakfast for Two

Price good through October 30, 2025

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.

$274.00

*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.

For more information on the tour, please click here!

Trolley Package

Sunday - Thursday

One Night Stay

Breakfast for Two

Tickets for a ride on the Galena Trolley

$279.00

Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu

Subject to availability

Prices good through October 30, 2025

Best Available Rate

Sunday - Thursday

One-night stay

Starting at $139.00

Subject to availability

Everyone loves a cocktail or two...

Stay with us Sundays through Thursdays and

enjoy a cocktail in one of our fabulous restaurants.

Then join us for dinner!

Upcoming Events:

Haunted Glow in the Dark Mini Golf

Lil' General Mini Golf

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Cost: ages 5 and up, $12

October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18

Haunted Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf at Lil' General Miniature Golf in Galena, Illinois, offers a unique and spooky experience for thrill-seekers and golf enthusiasts alike.

This special event features an 18-hole championship course adorned with eerie glow-in-the-dark decorations, haunted attractions, and chilling special effects.

Perfect for night out with friends or family, Haunted Glow in the Dark Miniature Golf is an unforgettable experience that combines haunted fun with the excitement of miniature golf.

Oktoberfest

October 4

11:00 AM-10:00 PM

The 18thThe 18th Annual Galena Oktoberfest is a German heritage festival nestled in historic Galena, Illinois.

Grab an Ice-Cold Beer and a Bratwurst and make your way to the

famous Wiener Dog Races. After that, sit back and listen

to the gentle sound of the Alpen Horns softly playing,

or throw on your lederhosen and dance to some Polka Music.

Bring the whole family, and head over to the Kinder Area

where children can try their luck with The Great Pumpkin Lift and win free Potosi Root Beer. Grab some

Apple Cider Donuts and paint some pumpkins or play Big Jenga or Big Connect 4 in the shade a while.

Tired of relaxing? Accomplish a feat of strength in the

Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition.

For more information and event schedules, please click here!

General Grant's Walking Tour

Galena Main Street

Saturdays

10:00 AM

October 4, October 11,

October 18, October 25

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 10am and begin at the DeSoto House Hotel at 230 S. Main Street.

No reservations are necessary. Tours run rain or shine!

Bee Serenity: Apiary Relaxation & Honey Bar

Dry Creek Beekeeping

October 4, October 11, October 18, October 25

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

$35

Unplug, unwind, and immerse yourself in the soothing world of nature and honeybees.

Experience the calming effects as you relax among the gentle hum of the buzzing friends for a blissful hour of "you time". Your adventure begins with an introduction from the beekeeper, who will share the incredible benefits of being in nature and among bees.

Did you know that bees buzz in the key of C, a sound proven to promote relaxation and reduce stress? (Of course, we make no medical claims here - just the wisdom of nature at work!)

Then, suit up into a protective beekeeping suit and step into the serene apiary, where bright yellow Adirondack chairs and await you. Sit back, breathe in the fresh country air, and simply BE among the bees. Observe their fascinating work as they go in and out of the hive, listen to their soothing buzz, and if you'd like, record their sounds to take a piece of the experience home with you. With the provided smartphone-friendly gloves, you can easily capture photos and videos of this one-of-a-kind moment.

Afterward, continue your journey inside with an exclusive honey tasting at the Honey Bar. Sample up to 20 varieties of honey from around the world, each with its own unique flavor and story.

Escape the noise, embrace the buzz, and savor the sweetness of nature.

Limited spots available. Register in advance online. Welcome to anyone ages 6+.

For more information, tickets, and other events, please click here!

Galena Farmers Market

City Hall Parking Lot

Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel

Saturdays

October 4, October 11,

October 19, October 25

Experience the bounty of local agriculture and artisanal crafts at the Galena Farmers Market, conveniently located at the Galena City Hall parking lot in the heart of downtown.

Every mid-May through late-October, from 7 AM to noon, 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.

Admission to the market is free, so you can explore the many stalls and stands at your leisure, sampling the offerings and chatting with the friendly vendors. 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.

Goats & Floats

October 5, and October 12

12:00-2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a Goat trek partnered with root beer at Hoof It in Galena County. Delight in a one hour root beer tasting followed by an hour-long goat trek with a a root beer float in hand. This experience welcomes all ages.

For more information, tickets and other events please click here!

Galena Country Fair

October 11 - October 12

Grant Park

10 AM - 4 PM

$3 suggested donation

Immerse yourself in the charm of the Galena Country Fair, a delightful two-day event featuring over 100 hand-selected artisans showcasing unique, high-quality handmade items. Discover an array of home decor, seasonal decorations, clothing, toys, jewelry, photography, and more. Indulge in a delectable selection of food and beverages, including domestic and local craft beer, cocktails, and a Gazebo Wine Garden serving Galena Cellars red and white wine, sangria, and other treats.

Bring the whole family to enjoy a fun-filled weekend complete with live music, a children's games area, a silent auction, raffle, playground, and more. The Galena Country Fair offers something for everyone, creating lasting memories for all who attend.

For more information, click here!

Horse Play at Shenandoah Riding Center

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Cost: $25

Dates: 10/12/25, 10/26/25

What do horses eat? Do they have special diets? What do we do if a horse needs to see a vet? These are just a few examples of what you'll discuss during your visit to Shenandoah Riding Center!

Shenandoah's horses absolutely love attention, making them the perfect introduction to interacting with equines for younger or more apprehensive humans, families or groups!

Over the course of your visit, you will engage in several different horse-related activities. You will groom, tack, and lead the horses around the property. There will also be a tour of the barn, showing visitors the functions of a farm and what it takes to care for these amazing animals.

All children under 12 will need to be accompanied by a paying adult.

For more information, to register, and for other events, click here!

For more information, click here!

Twenty Dirty Hands

October 17,

10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

October 18

10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

October 19

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Twenty Dirty Hands Pottery Tour will feature 24 artists across 7 stops at studios in Dubuque, Asbury, Maquoketa (Iowa), Elizabeth and Galena (Illinois) and Hazel Green (Wisconsin)

Other Side of the Anvil

Nelson Stillman House

October 18 - October 19

10 AM - 4 PM

Two-day blacksmithing event that features forging and historic demonstrations, located on the lawn adjacent to the Stillman House. 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. Persons of any age can participate, but those under 18 must have the signed permission of an adult and may, in some cases, need to be accompanied by an adult parent while they work. Safety glasses and gloves will be provided. Participants will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.

Create a unique, hand-forged keepsake in this engaging workshop, open to participants aged 11 and older for just $10 per item. Children aged 10 and under are welcome to join the fun and create their own special memento at no cost.

For more information, click here!

Hat & Honey Bar

DeSoto House Hotel

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Cost: $80

Date: October 24

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!

Galena's 45th Annual Halloween Parade

Saturday, October 25

6:30 PM - 8 PM

Join Galena's 45th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival! The largest, longest, and spookiest Parade and Festival in the Tri-State Area!

This extraordinary display features spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed participants, prizes, and treats for guys and 'ghouls' of all ages. Take the kids to the Kids Fest and grab a bite to eat before the parade at the Food Festival.

Shuttles will be provided from parking areas to Main Street. Shuttles will run beginning at 3 PM, with last shuttle at 5:30 PM from the Walmart parking lot located off of US 20, to Downtown Galena. The return shuttles after the parade will be running until 9:15 PM. The cost of a round trip ticket on the shuttle is $5.00 per person for ages 6 and up. You will be given a wrist band to ride the shuttle. If you do not wish to ride the shuttle you can access the public parking areas for free or paid parking.

For more information, click here!