from
The DeSoto House Hotel
"Illinois' Oldest Operating Hotel"
Since 1855
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Now is a great time to stay at
the DeSoto House Hotel!
Check out our midweek
September and October packages!
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September and October Packages:
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$219.00
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$199.00
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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Midweek Breakfast & Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$239.00
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$219.00
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
Breakfast for two
Two tickets for the Galena Trolley
$219.00
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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Best Available Rate
One-night stay
Starting at $109.00
Subject to availability
Prices good through October 31, 2021
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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, plan to dine with us.
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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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Galena Goat Yoga
Enjoy 45 min of relaxing yoga & 45 min of goat play at Silver Linings Farm, one of the original red brick stagecoach stops on the trail from Galena to Chicago.
They have everything you'll need to have an amazing experience.
Pre-registration is required.
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The Spoon Carver Cottage
Located just steps from Galena's Main Street, The Spoon Carver Cottage is a full-time artist residence, artist studio & workshop, and venue for the Galena Spoon Company classes and events.
For more information about spoon carving classes, or to visit The Cottage (by appointment only), visit their website or call in advance.
Using only an axe, straight knife, hook knife, and all-natural food-safe oil and wax; Paul’s mission is to create simple, authentic hand-made, and beautiful functional art.
Pre-registration is required.
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Local roaster, Earl Thompson, will guide you through a sensory exploration of three delicious Galena Roasters single origin coffees, roasted to custom profiles right here in Galena, Illinois.
In addition, all participants will walk away with samples of Galena Roasters coffee to take home.
A coffee cupping is the industry standard method for tasting and evaluating coffee. It is also a great way to taste a number of different coffees in a short period of time!
Cupping Events are held on weekends at 10:00 AM.
Pre-registration is required.
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Long Hollow Canopy Tours
Enjoy approximately 2 1/2 hours of thrilling fun on this completely guided canopy tour!
- UTV Ride
- 6 Ziplines
- Rappel
- Sky Bridge
- Hike
- Quick Jump
Every tour is given an orientation on safety and braking before beginning on the first zip line.
Each guest wears a waist and shoulder harness with lanyards that are attached to steel cables at all times while up at height.
Pre-registration is required.
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Fever River Outfitters
Fever River Outfitters is an outdoor sport and recreation company that offers year round equipment rentals.
They provide awesome paddle, bike and hike adventure packages to explore the area via land or water, or you can explore on your own!
Reservations are recommended.
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Hoof It Goat Treks
Experience the pure joy of frolicking goats while walking through native prairie and forest as the goats follow along and play.
The trek explores the wooded property and prairies that have been in our family for four generations. The goats follow us along the way and enjoy hand-fed treats. The hike lasts an hour and is 1.25 miles long. The trail is suitable for all ages and abilities.
All of our guides have an inherent knowledge of the land and the animals. We have grown up on this property, raised our families here, and are excited to share it with you.
Pre-registration is required.
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The Galena River Trail offers 8.0 miles (one way) of scenic hiking and biking.
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Enjoy scenic outlooks with views across three states at the Horseshoe Mound Preserve.
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Enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River from Casper Bluff Land and Water Preserve.
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Other great places to visit in addition to our local historic attractions and museums are:
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Hosted by the Haunted Galena Tour Compay
September 4, 2021 - December 30, 2021
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Saturdays only)
Are you looking for something to do after a day of shopping Galena’s Main Street, but it’s not yet time for dinner?
Join in on the Spirits and Spirits Tour where the "Bootlegger" guide will take you into three truly haunted Galena Establishments: The DeSoto Hotel, Galena Cellars Winery, and The Galena Brewing Company.
You will learn about the ghosts who haunt these fine establishments, other famous Galena ghosts, and a bit about the area’s haunted 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 of the haunted locations! It’s the perfect before dinner activity.
Reservations required.
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Saturday, September 18, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 2, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Saturday, October 16, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
870 S Pilot Knob Rd
Galena, IL 61036
One of Jo Daviess County’s most cherished sites just got better.
The public is invited to join trained volunteer guides for an experiential tour of this magical place where nature’s treasurers meet with history’s secrets.
Casper Bluff commands some of the best views of the Mississippi River and its backwater sloughs and is home to many rare and wondrous birds, making it a popular spot for bird watching year-round.
A system of mowed trails takes visitors to part of the Aiken Mound group, a series of Native America mounds that were built in approximately 700-900 A.D. as part of the Effigy Mound culture and includes a rare, intact effigy mound in the shape of a Thunderbird.
Trails also wind through acres of restored native prairie and oak savanna habitat.
Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to discover all that Casper Bluff has to offer.
Reservations required.
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Friday, September 10, 2021 - Sunday, September 12, 2021
Downtown Galena, IL
Enjoy the many stores and restaurants that will be hosting special events, in-store specials and more throughout the weekend.
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Saturday, September 11, 2021
8:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Downtown Galena - including the Green Street Stairs
Galena, IL 61036
The Heroes for History Stair Challenge Tribute 5k is an annual, competitive race and fun walk event. For athletes, the competitive race is professionally timed. For casual participants, the length of the run is the participant’s choice, with encouragement to dress as their favorite hero. A fun run/walk event begins the festivities for those who wish to participate at their own level.
We will be honoring our local first responders and all Heroes who work for the common good. The funds raised from this event are split equally between local first responders (Fire Department, EMTs, Police, Sheriff) and the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society.
The Galena Fire Department will be sponsoring a Street Dance following the 5k challenge. All are welcome to participate!!
See website for more information.
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Saturday, September 11, 2021
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Schurmeier Teaching Forest
147 E Reusch Rd
Elizabeth, IL 61028
The skill of tree ID is useful when learning about the history of the land. The tree species that dominate a forest will have an effect on the wildlife food sources, insect populations, soil composition, and everything else in the ecosystem.
Come learn how to identify the tree species of our local area with tree enthusiasts Pam Johnson (JDCF volunteer) and Ken Beach (Northern Illinois Forestry Association).
This is a hands-on workshop that involves a 1.5 hour hike over rough terrain. Wear long pants and bring your drinking water.
Free admission.
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Saturday, September 18, 2021 - Sunday, September 19, 2021
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Greenwood Cemetery
US 20 and Gear Street
Galena, IL 61036
Performers of the Cemetery Walk will be exploring the rugged lives of early settlers, sharing stories of prosperity and the challenges of intersecting cultures, politics, war and slavery.
The Cemetery Walk is one of the Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society’s major fundraising events. A team of researchers, actors and supporters put countless hours of preparation into each year’s walk to create a remarkable experience.
Admission fee.
See website for more information.
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Galena ARC Art Studio - Lower Level Entrance
11084 W US HWY 20
Galena, IL 61036
Get creative together!
Learn from one another and
create unique works of art as a family!
These free events are for the entire family to spend time together creating art.
Make a Kite
September 18, 2021
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Decorate and build a kite or two or three! There will be instructions for a couple of different type of kites you can build and customize.
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Picasso Portraits
October 16, 2021
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Create a fun and wacky portrait of one of your family members in the cubist style like Picasso. Or create an image by playing the "Roll a Picasso" game.
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Comic Strips
November 13, 2021
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Work as a family to write and illustrate a comic strip. Bind your book together when it is complete.
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Tour of Galena's Historic Churches
September 24, 2021
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Galena History Museum
211 S. Bench St.
Galena, IL 61036
Join us for a tour of some of Galena’s beautiful Historic Churches! Learn the history of the buildings, congregations and the parts they have played in the History of the town of Galena.
Our tour includes:
- St. Michael’s Catholic Church, built in a Romanesque Revival style of architecture dating back to 1856
- Galena United Methodist Church, originally constructed in 1833 and was the church Ulysses S. Grant family attended after arriving in Galena in 1860
- First Presbyterian Church, built in 1838, it is the oldest church building of any Protestant denomination in continuous service in the Old Northwest Territory
- Grace Episcopal Church, the oldest Episcopal Church in continuous use in the Diocese of Chicago, where you can view the irreplaceable Belgian glass windows
- and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, established to serve Galena’s growing German Catholic population, where the 1878 painting of the Assumption can be seen
Admission fee.
See website for more information.
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Saturday, October 2, 2021
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Depot Park
91 Bouthillier St.
Galena, Il 61036
The 14th Annual Galena Oktoberfest will feature:
- The Ceremonial Tapping of the Keg
- Non-stop Live Music
- Famous Wiener Dog Races
- Polka Lessons and Dancing
- A Bean Bag Tournament
- The Beer Stein Endurance Contest
- A Bounce House and Pumpkin Decorating for kids
- GREAT FOOD AND BEER
Also, remember to bring any eyeglasses or sunglasses that you would like to donate as we will have our donation drop box on-site. No beer goggles please.
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Saturday, October 9, 2021 - Sunday, October 10, 2021
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Grant Park
625 Park Avenue
Galena, Il 61036
Enjoy one of Galena's most popular events featuring more than 150 vendors selling a variety of high-quality, original handmade arts, crafts and fine arts.
In addition there are many delicious food and beverage vendors, and plenty of family fun!
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Saturday, October 30, 2021
6:30 PM - 10:00 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.
Take the kids to the Kids Fest and grab a bite to eat before the parade at the Food Festival
Limited edition T-shirts and 50/50 raffle tickets can be purchased and food vendors will be serving good eats.
Free shuttles will be provided from parking areas to Main Street.
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Friday, November 19, 2021
2:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Galena Cellars
111 N. Main St.
Galena, IL 61036
Galena Cellars celebrates the release of the 2021 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 37th 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.
Free admission.
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Take a break and stop by our Quiet Room on the lobby 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.
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You can learn more about the history of the DeSoto House Hotel here.
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There's always plenty to do in scenic,
historic Galena!
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Create your dream wedding...
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Call to make your dreams come true!
815.777.6812
Sales Department
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Reserve your getaway now!
Make your reservations by calling
815.777.0090 or 800.343.6562.
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Consider us your home away from home!
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Keep more informed and become a Facebook Friend of the DeSoto House Hotel.
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DeSoto House Hotel Gift Certificates
make perfect gifts!
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Michael Steinhoff
General Manager
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