DeSoto House Hotel

The majestic DeSoto House Hotel is the oldest operating hotel in the state of Illinois, recognized as a true architectural and historical treasure. Located in the heart of Galena, it opened in 1855 and was named after the famous explorer Hernando de Soto. During its heyday, the building was considered the epicenter of social life and the "largest hotel in the West."

This USA landmark attracts travelers with its authentic Victorian atmosphere. Inside, guests are greeted by an impressive spiral staircase, marble tables, and velvet curtains, creating the feeling of a journey back in time. The hotel preserves the spirit of the mid-19th century, when Galena was a thriving center for trade and lead mining.

Today, DeSoto House offers a unique combination of museum-like aesthetics and modern comfort. The red brick building is an integral part of the historic landscape, offering visitors more than just a place to stay—it is an opportunity to touch the pages of great leaders' biographies and experience the luxury of a bygone era.

For booking inquiries or event planning, you can contact the administration of this historic establishment directly. We recommend checking restaurant availability in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.

A visit to the DeSoto House Hotel offers guests many ways to immerse themselves in history. Be sure to climb the famous spiral staircase in the lobby and peek into the rooms that once served as the campaign headquarters for President Ulysses S. Grant. For those who enjoy atmospheric dining, several venues are available: the Generals’ restaurant with its authentic brick walls, the bright Courtyard atrium, and the cozy Green Street tavern, which is a great spot to watch the activity on the city's main street.

In addition to gastronomic experiences, you can take historical tours where guides share mystical stories and significant events that occurred within these walls. The hotel often hosts themed balls and theatrical performances, such as "Murder and Mayhem in a Mining Town." Even a simple walk through the corridors, adorned with antique furniture and paintings, turns into a fascinating excursion through the Victorian era.

Don't forget to step out onto the balcony to see the city's main street exactly as Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas once saw it. The hotel's atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely retreat, and its proximity to Galena's museums and art galleries makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the entire historic district.

Finding the DeSoto House Hotel is easy, as it occupies a place of honor in the heart of the historic district at 230 S Main St. Most travelers prefer to arrive by car, following the scenic US-20 highway. If you are driving from Chicago, the trip takes about 3 hours, and the nearest airport in Dubuque (DBQ) is just a 45-minute drive away.

For those already in the city center, the hotel is within pleasant walking distance. It is located in close proximity to the main shopping streets and just a few minutes' walk across the river from the Ulysses S. Grant Home. Hotel guests can take advantage of convenient free parking, which is a major advantage for this area.

Since public transport in this part of the state is not very frequent, taxis or rental cars remain the most reliable ways to get around. GPS coordinates: 42.41466, -90.4296417. Look for the distinctive red brick building, which is impossible to miss while walking down Main Street.

The history of the DeSoto House Hotel began on April 9, 1855, when a group of local investors opened it as a symbol of Galena's prosperity. At that time, the city was the largest river port on the Upper Mississippi and a major supplier of lead for the country. The hotel was strikingly luxurious: $15,000 was spent on its interior alone, allowing for the purchase of velvet carpets, rosewood furniture, and marble tables, earning it the title of the "largest hotel in the West."

This building has witnessed pivotal political events in the USA. Abraham Lincoln spoke from its balcony in 1856, followed by his opponent Stephen Douglas in 1858. In 1860, the hotel became the center of a rally in support of Lincoln that drew 15,000 people. Later, the city celebrated the homecoming of General Ulysses S. Grant here, and his presidential campaign headquarters were located right in rooms 209 and 211.

Despite a devastating fire in 1859 and the region's gradual economic decline as railroads replaced steamboats, the hotel managed to maintain its status. It hosted celebrities such as General Tom Thumb and aeronaut S.M. Brooks. Today, after meticulous restoration, the building serves as a living monument to Galena's Golden Age, combining historical significance with authentic mid-19th-century architecture.

For a quick tour of the interiors, the famous spiral staircase, and the building's facade, you will need about 1 hour. This is enough time to soak in the atmosphere of the past and take a few photos on the legendary balcony where great politicians once stood.

If you decide to have lunch at the historic Generals’ restaurant or stop by the Green Street tavern, you should plan for a 2–3 hour visit. For those who want to truly immerse themselves in history and participate in one of the themed tours or events, the hotel can easily become a full-day destination.

As a fully operational hotel, DeSoto House welcomes guests 24 hours a day. You can admire the facade and enter the lobby at any time; however, to view specific halls or join a tour, it is best to visit during daytime hours.

The restaurants and tavern have individual schedules for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is recommended to check the official hotel website for current operating hours, as they may change depending on the season or private special events.

The hotel's convenient location allows tourists to easily explore the most interesting corners of the historic center. A stroll through the neighborhood will reveal many Civil War-era monuments and unique architectural landmarks.

Below are attractions within a few minutes' walking distance: