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Welcome to
The DeSoto Dispatch
September 2025
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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 spring in Galena!
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What Our Guests are Saying:
"We love the DeSoto! Our stay is not complete until we have spent the night here. Everyone is so nice! It is very clean and food is excellent. Everything is so nice here! Love that we can park here, too!"
| 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!
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Midweek Dinner Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
$50.00 Dinner coupon
$259.00
Generals' Restaurant Dinner Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2025
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Midweek Breakfast Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
$239.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2025
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History Museum Package
Sunday - Thursday
One-night stay
Breakfast for two
Tickets to the Galena Grant History Museum
$259.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2025
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The Galena Ghost Walk Package
Available: Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights
Subject to Availability
One Night Stay
Breakfast for Two
Price good through September 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.
$259.00
*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!
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Trolley Package
Sunday - Thursday
One Night Stay
Breakfast for Two
Tickets for a ride on the Galena Trolley
$259.00
Courtyard Restaurant Breakfast Menu
Subject to availability
Prices good through September 30, 2025
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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!
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Scenic Art Loop's Monthly Art Drive
Friday, September 4, 2025 -
Sunday, September 6, 2025
(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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General Grant's Walking Tour
Galena Main Street
Saturdays
10:00 AM
September 6, September 13,
September 20, September 27
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!
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Bee Serenity: Apiary Relaxation & Honey Bar
Dry Creek Beekeeping
September 6, September 13, September 20
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!
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Hat & Honey Bar
DeSoto House Hotel
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Cost: $80
Date: September 12
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!
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Horse Play at Shenandoah Riding Center
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Cost: $25
Dates: 9/14/25, 9/28/25, 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!
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Haunted Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
Lil' General Mini Golf
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: ages 5 and up, $12
Every Friday and Saturday in September
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.
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Galena Farmers Market
City Hall Parking Lot
Directly Behind DeSoto House Hotel
Saturdays
September 6, September 13,
September 20, September 27
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.
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Foraging Hike and Salve Making
Hoof It Goat Treks
September 3 and September 17
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$70
Foraging in the forest with goats is a peaceful and rewarding activity. It connects you with the rhythms of nature as you gather plants that have long been valued for their healing properties.
As you wander among the trees, the earthy scent of the forest fills the air, and you begin to search for two powerful plants: dandelion and plantain.
Explore the wonders of the forest on this two-hour journey while learning about the edible and medicinal plants and fungi. Participants will gather dandelion and/or plantain to then take part in a medicinal salve-making class.
For more information and other events, click here!
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Picnic in the Fields
Clara Joyce Flowers, Stockton
September 1 and September 12
6 PM
$55
Experience a delightful Picnic in the Fields with Clara Joyce Flowers, featuring an enchanting farm tour and an intimate conversation with Drew and fellow guests.
Wander through the picturesque Clara Joyce farm on foot, learning about its rich history and lush flora, before indulging in a charming boxed picnic dinner tailored to your dietary preferences. Please note during the ticket purchasing process if you would prefer a meat or vegetarian option. The rustic farm picnic will include a cold cut sandwich or salad, chips, sweet treat and a bottle of water.
Embrace the farm-to-table spirit and create cherished memories at this unique event that celebrates nature, community, and the simple pleasures of life.
For tickets and more information, click here.
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Ladies Getaway Weekend
September 5 - September 7
Downtown Galena
Quartermania - Saturday September 6
Courtyard Restaurant - DeSoto House Hotel
7 PM
$15
After strolling Galena's Historic Main Street, shopping and dining, join the Annual Quartermania!
Get ready for shopping deals, drinks & laughs! Many stores and restaurants will be hosting special events, in-store specials and more throughout the weekend!
A fun bidding game (using quarters) on items donated from Great Galena Businesses. The items up for auction always have a minimum value of $15 and many items have a much higher value, usually $15-40 values. Tickets are $15, which is your entry fee with paddle and includes snacks. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase! Limited quarters will be available for purchase at the event, and you are welcome to bring your own!
Participating at Quartermania gives you the opportunity to purchase more ticket entries for the Great Galena Giveaway - $300 - $600, with the winner announced at the end of Quartermania on September 6th.
For tickets and more information, click here.
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Romantic Galena Reads
September 6
Grand Ballroom - DeSoto House Hotel
10 AM - 3 PM
Free Admission
Love to read? Come to the 4th Annual Romantic Galena Reads book fair at the historic DeSoto House Hotel!
In attendance will be around 30 romance authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every romance genre – Contemporary, Historical, Suspense, Western, Paranormal and more – everything from sweet to steamy. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Attending authors include bestselling authors Tess Summers, Measha Stone, Lori Matthews, Terri Reid, Jessa Aarons, PJ Fiala, Shannyn Schroeder, Aubrey Wynne, and many more. Cover models, Robert Kelly and Tony Brettman, will also be in attendance.
Bring your friends and find your new favorite books and authors!
For tickets and more information, click here.
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31st Annual Cemetery Walk
September 13 and September 14
Greenwood Cemetery
1 PM - 4 PM
$20
Indoor Performance - September 19
Galena Center for the Arts
7 PM
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.
For more information, click here.
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Galena Cellars Annual Fall Harvest Festival
Galena Cellars Vineyard
September 27
11 AM - 6 PM
Join Galena Cellars as they celebrate the 2025 Harvest! The 15th Annual Fall Harvest & Art Festival will take place at the Galena Cellars Vineyard.
The day will be filled with family friendly activities - the beloved grape stomp, live music, pumpkin painting for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides, local artists wares, and more! Local artists will be selling their wares throughout the day. Live entertainment all afternoon! There will be food trucks, so you will be able to enjoy delicious eats during your visit. All wines will be available for purchase.
Kids Stomp – Free for kids 12 & under, at 2pm
Adult Stomp – $10, at 2:30pm
*Please pre-register 30 minutes early.
For more information, click here!
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Annual Galena Oktoberfest
October 4, 2025
Grant Park
11 AM - 10 PM
Adults and Teens ages 12+ - $10
The 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 Connect4 in the shade a while.
Tired of relaxing? Accomplish a feat of strength in the Samuel Adams Stein Hoisting Competition. Whatever you do, just remember, at Galena Oktoberfest, whether you win or lose, every dog is wiener!
Hosted by the Galena Lions Club, all proceeds from this event will go back to the community to serve those in need. Pre-registration is required for Wiener Dog Races and Bean Bag Tournament.
*Wagons, wheelchairs, walkers, and all leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
For more information and event schedules, please click here!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
| | 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
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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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