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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
September 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 all the fun of fall in Galena!
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Our Annual Halloween Dinner! | |
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Murder and Mayhem: In a Mining Town
Back by Popular Demand with a few new Twists
Friday, October 25, 2024
For all details and to book your tickets through
Eventbrite click here.
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Join us for this special event! | |
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Plan now to join The Galena Generals for a night of dinner, dancing, music and fun with Galena's nine Civil War Generals at the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Downtown Galena.
Help support one of Galena's most unique and celebrated organizations.
Request to be seated with your favorite General!
Period Dress encouraged but not required.
Tickets available by calling the Desoto House Hotel at:
815.777.0090
This Event Will Sell Out!
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$254.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2024
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$234.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2024
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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 September 30, 2024
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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 September 30, 2024
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Best Available Rate
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Starting at $139.00
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 in one of our fabulous restaurants.
Then join us for dinner!
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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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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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Belden School Open House
The Return of the 1800s Organ
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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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, September 6, 2024 - Sunday, September 8, 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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Honey Tasting & Mixology Class
Friday, September 6, 2024
2 Hour Classes
Time and Location Varies
Learn from Dry Creek Beekeeping about how bees make honey and get to sample unique honeys with a variety of colors, flavors, aromas, and textures. Then learn from the mixology experts at Champagne on Main how to craft 3 custom cocktails and one mocktail using the honeys from the tasting. Samples will be
provided of each drink.
Age 21+
A fun event for friends, couples, or groups
$50 per person
Honey tasting kits will be available for purchase
For more events and to register, click here.
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Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
Sunday, September 1, 2024
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Lil' Generals Mini Golf Course
11357 US Hwy 20 W.
Galena, IL 61036
Play at The Lil' General 18 Hole Championship Miniature Golf Course, featuring cascading waterfall, rapids, streams, water fountains and beautiful landscaping. Participate in their special “Glow in the Dark Golf” events throughout the summer season.
For more information click here.
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Star Gazing
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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Live Music + Bonfire + Goat Trek
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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Ladies Getaway Weekend!
Ladies Getaway Weekend is back September 6, 2024 - September 8, 2024. Galena businesses are offering special deals and sales.
Quartermania will be held on Saturday September 7 in our Courtyard Restaurant - you won't want to miss this awesome event with amazing winnings possible.
For more information and to register, click here.
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The 3rd Annual Romantic Galena Reads
Calling all book readers! This book fair is one you won't want to miss - here at the DeSoto House Hotel for the 3rd year in a row.
For the entire list of authors attending and more information, click here.
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Cemetery Walk
Saturday, September 14 - Sunday, September 15
1 PM - 4:30 PM Old City Cemetery
*75 minute tours, starting every 20 minutes
Friday, September 20
7 PM (Doors open 6:30 PM) Galena Center for the Arts
The Galena-Jo Daviess County Historical Society is putting on their annual Cemetery Walk. Hundreds of volunteer hours go into research, script writing, costumes, and rehearsals. You'll learn about key figures in Galena's long and rich history.
For more information, visit the Historical Society's website here.
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17th Annual Galena Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11 AM - 10 PM
Galena's Oktoberfest features live music all day long, German-style Food and Beer, family fun, and wiener dog races. This day long event will have you entertained from start to finish.
This event is hosted by the Lions Club - all proceeds go back into the community.
For a full list of entertainers and activities, click here.
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20th Annual Midwest Health & Fitness 5K Fun Run/Walk
Saturday, October 5, 2024
To benefit the United Churches of Galena Food Pantry.
Open to all ages, pets and strollers are welcome. Registration fee is $30 with a shirt or $20 without a shirt. There will be great door prizes that will be raffled off (must be present to win), refreshments and snacks will be served following the event.
Registration includes admission to the Galena Oktoberfest Celebration following the 5K.
Day of Registration:
Check in starts at 8:00AM at the Galena River Trail. 5K begins at 9:00AM. A Kid’s Race starts at 8:30AM, registration for children is free.
Enjoy a beautiful scenic run/walk on the Galena River Trail!
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The Other Side of the Anvil
Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20, 2024
Stillman Mansion, Galena
Over two days, experience hands-on blacksmithing with historic demonstrations. Learn the techniques by using traditional methods at the hands of experienced teachers. Get a chance to make a one of a kind item you get to keep, including a bottle opener or S hook.
All ages welcome. Food trucks available on site each day.
For more information, click here.
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44th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Parade Starts at 6:30 PM
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.
Free shuttles will be provided from parking areas to Main Street.
Make your Generals' Restaurant Reservation Now!
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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 by following us on Facebook and Instagram! | | |
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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