Let the DeSoto House make your day a historic event. We are delighted that we are being considered to play a part in your special day. The DeSoto House Hotel opened its doors in 1855 and continues to welcome guests with hospitality, charm and history, awarding us the title of “Illinois’ Oldest Operating Hotel”. Since 1855 we have been the premier location for Galena’s most beautiful weddings. Nestled on Main Street in the heart of downtown Galena, we are surrounded by Galena’s architecture and history. Just walk out our front door and you are on Main Street amidst everything Galena has to offer, and just outside our back door is beautiful Grant Park. We offer the perfect enchanting setting for ceremonies and receptions from small intimate gatherings to large formal events. Room sizes vary from intimate rooms accommodating 2-25 to the spacious Victorian Ballroom which hosts 120 people for dinner followed by dancing in our four story Courtyard Atrium. Our banquet facilities offer the unique and perfect ambiance for beautiful memories. Our dedicated sales staff will work with you to make your day everything you dreamed it would be. We are delighted to host ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners. We offer a generous selection of delicious dining options and customize your package to fit your event. From the proposal to the “I do” we will work with you to make sure your planning process is easy and stress free. Once the principal river port of the Upper Mississippi Valley, Galena reached its economic peak during the 1850’s. With the coming of the Illinois Central Railroad, a group of local investors formed the “Galena Hotel Company” and built a grand hotel to reflect the growing prosperity of this “Metropolis of the Northwest”. Named for the discoverer of the Mississippi River, the DeSoto House opened on April 9, 1855 and was billed as the “Largest Hotel in the West.” Throughout the years we have welcomed such memorable guests as Abraham Lincoln, William Jennings Bryan, as well as serving as presidential campaign headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant just to name a few. The DeSoto House has come full circle. From its grand opening in Galena’s glory days, through economic change and misfortune to once again offering deluxe accommodations and superior service in a most historic setting. If one listens closely enough, one can hear the DeSoto’s rich heritage whispering of historic conversations and music from grand balls of days gone by. We invite you to enjoy your time with us and it is our honor to add your name to our list of notable guests. Located in the heart of downtown Galena we are within walking distance to shopping, dining, many historic sights, and our beautiful Grant Park and Galena River. Photo opportunities are endless and locals are more than willing to provide you with historic knowledge and little facts about the town that time forgot.