DeSoto House Hotel

230 South Main Street, Galena, IL 61036

Hotels & Motels

Stay the night at the DeSoto House Hotel on Galena’s Main Street, which dates back to 1855 and is Illinois’ oldest operating hotel, featuring 55 Victorian-style guest rooms, three restaurants and boutiques and enclosed guest parking.

Plenty of dining opportunities are available on-site at DeSoto House Hotel. The hotel encompasses a four-story atrium for Courtyard dining serving breakfast, lunch and private banquets as well as the Generals’ Restaurant named in honor of Galena’s nine Civil War Generals which offers a lounge and dining rooms amidst the atmosphere of the original brick walls and beamed ceilings. Green Street Tavern, the third dining area, in its 1883 location is the perfect place to sit, watch historic Main Street.

Learn about the history of the hotel during your stay via self-guided historic walking tour and sit at the 'Quiet Room' and enjoy the historic video. The DeSoto House began its years as the center of Galena’s social and political activities. The most notable visitor was President Abraham Lincoln, who spoke from its Main Street balcony on July 23, 1856, in support of John Fremont’s bid for the presidency. Just two years later, on July 25, 1858, Senator Stephen A. Douglas spoke from the same balcony. On September 13, 1860, a crowd of over 15,000 rallied in front of the DeSoto in response to a “Grand Republican Mass Meeting” in support of Lincoln’s presidential bid. Ulysses S. Grant’s return to his hometown of Galena following the Civil War, brought 25,000 citizens to the streets to welcome him home. Bands, parades, and cannon salutes preceded a reception ball for 2,000 persons which was held at the DeSoto House. Grant later used rooms 209 and 211 of the hotel as his presidential campaign headquarters.

Planning a function at the DeSoto House Hotel puts you amidst everything Galena has to offer. Everything you need for a successful business meeting, family gathering, or banquet is available at the DeSoto House and the charm and history come at no extra cost.

Since 1855, the DeSoto House Hotel has been the premier location for Galena's most beautiful weddings. Nestled in the heart of downtown Galena, the hotel is surrounded by Galena's architecture and history. The perfect enchanting setting for ceremonies and receptions from intimate gatherings to large events.