Galena’s Historic DeSoto House Takes Pride In The Hotel’s Ghost

If you do a quick search of haunted places in the state of Illinois, you'll find no shortage of spots that claim to have regular visits from ghosts, or spirits, or whatever you want to call them.

However, Galena's DeSoto House Hotel, the oldest operating hotel in Illinois (its doors opened in 1855), is probably the coolest and most inviting spot on any haunted Illinois list.

The DeSoto House Has Been Host To Presidents, Would-Be Presidents, Civil War Generals, And Many Other Notable Folks

Having been lucky enough to stay at the DeSoto House myself back in the 1980s, I can tell you that ghost or no ghost (I didn't encounter any spirits that weren't poured in a glass with some ice), it's a spot you should add to your Illinois bucket list.

I didn't even know about the famed "Lady in Black" ghost/spirit/specter until I recently happened upon a piece on the DeSoto House at OnlyInYourState.com:

This historic hotel has a past full of surprises. It caught fire on June 2, 1859, leaving the entire hotel damaged. In 1869, a steam boiler in its basement exploded. However, the identity of "The Lady In Black" is something of a mystery. Nonetheless, employees and visitors alike report seeing her walk down the stairs and disappear into a wall.

Don't Care About Ghosts? Don't Worry, The DeSoto House Has A Lot Of History, Beauty, And Great Accommodations To Offer

Like 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.

And the Green Street Tavern.

And this beautiful spot.