DeSoto Dispatch - October 2026

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Welcome to

The DeSoto Dispatch

October 2026

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:

We are so very glad that you made the major effort to keep this hotel open all these years! Wow!

Plus, all of downtown. We love it here! Keep History Alive!

Sunday Brunch is offered every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

"Murder and Mayhem In A Mining Town"

October 30, 2026

5:30 p.m.

Join the DeSoto House Hotel and The Haunted Galena Tour Company in the Grand Ballroom of the DeSoto House for an elegant dinner and an evening of 200 years of dark Galena history, eerie folklore, and true Galena ghost stories, with a special touch of music. Hear of infamous murders, tragedies and hauntings that have lingered throughout our darkest history.

Cash Bar will be available up until the performance starts.

$84.00 per person.

Tickets may be purchased on eventbrite MURDER AND MAYHEM In A Mining Town Tickets, Friday, October 30 • 5:30 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite

or by calling the Desoto House Hotel at 815-777-0090

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

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, $13 and 4 and under $5

October 2 , 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17

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.

Spirits and Spirits Tour

October 3, 10, and 16

A Perfect Cocktail of Dark History, Tales of Haunting and Tasty Concoctions!

Join the Haunted Galena Tour Co. at 4 pm on Saturdays for the Spirits and Spirits Tour. The "Bootlegger" guide will take you into three truly haunted Galena Establishments: The DeSoto House Hotel, Galena Cellars Winery, and The Goerdt's Brewhaus (Locations subject to change due to availability).

You will learn about the ghosts who haunt these fine establishments, other famous Galena ghosts, and a bit about the area’s dark history.

It's the Spirits who haunt and the Spirits we drink, shaken (but never stirred) into a spooky and fun 90-minute tour.

The best part? Your ticket price includes 3 specialty drinks, one at each haunted location! It’s the perfect before-dinner activity.

Oktoberfest

October 3

11:00 AM-10:00 PM

The 18thThe 19th 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!

Galena Farmers Market

City Hall Parking Lot

Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel

Saturdays

October 3, October 10,

October 17, October 24 and October 31

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 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, and 25.

12:30-2:00 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 10 - October 11

Grant Park

10 AM - 5 PM Saturday

10 AM-4 PM Sunday

$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!

Twenty Dirty Hands

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Twenty Dirty Hands!

You are invited to join in the 25th edition of the Tri-State region’s only self-guided pottery tour, October 16 - 18, 2026.

This year’s Twenty Dirty Hands pottery tour will feature 37 artists across 10 stops at studios in Dubuque, Asbury, and Maquoketa (Iowa), Elizabeth and Galena (Illinois), and Hazel Green (Wisconsin).

This annual self-guided pottery tour is free and open to the public. The tour offers art lovers, especially those interested in claywork and ceramic processes, a chance to visit multiple art studios in the area and purchase work directly from local artists. Tourgoers are responsible for getting from one stop to another, going at whatever pace fits their schedule.

The tour is a three-day event:

Friday, October 16: 10 am-6 pm

Saturday, October 17: 10 am-6 pm

Sunday, October 18: 10 am-4 pm

Galena History Walk

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Take a stroll down Park Avenue and experience Galena’s history brought to life! During this guided outdoor walk, small groups will visit several historic homes where interpreters dressed in period attire share stories about the early residents who once lived there.

Hosted by a local nonprofit dedicated to researching and preserving Galena’s historic homes, this first annual event offers a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the plaques and hear the stories that shaped our community.

Join us on the sidewalk where history happened, and take a stroll through time.

Other Side of the Anvil

Nelson Stillman House

October 17 - October 18

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!