FAQs

What is a Proximity Card?

Proximity Cards are used by property owners and their guests to access GTA facilities and amenities. These cards contain smart chip technology that electronically opens doors at the Owners' Club Complex, both refuse facilities and tracks usage by property.
 

What if I don't have enough proximity cards for all my guests?

A temporary daily guest pass for guests of a member (and who do not have a proximity card) may be purchased for $5 per person per day. Please present one proximity card when purchasing a daily pass.

GTA temporary daily guest passes are available at the Owners' Club Administrative office from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday (excluding New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day) and also can be obtained from the Access Control Officer at the Pool/Recreation complex entrance. 
 

How do I get a vehicle decal or temporary parking pass?

All vehicles are required to display a vechilce decal or temporary parking pass at all amenities. Vehicle decals are provided by the GTA Administrative office in the Owners' Club to property owners who have registered their vehicles after paying their annual assessments. Temporary parking passes also are available through the Administrative office, Access Control Officer and at the Marina.

What amenities are found in The Galena Territory?

The following amenities are owned by the Galena Territory Association (GTA):

• The Owners' Club & Recreation Complex is a private facility,
  • It is open to GTA property owners and their guests.
• Lake Galena & the Marina/Park Complex and the Greenspace/Trail System are managed by the GTA
  • The lake and trails are accessible by property owners, their guests, and guests of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.
• The Shenandoah Riding Center is owned and managed by the GTA
  • Shenandoah is open to the general public.
• A golf resort, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa also is located in The Territory.
  • It is privately owned and open to the general public.
  • GTA owners receive discounts at resort facilities by acquiring an Owners ID card from the resort.

Are there any GTA facilities I can rent for special events?

The Galena Territory is a beautiful place to have a celebration whether planning a family get together, wedding reception, birthday party, holiday party or corporate meeting.

The GTA's beautiful location will certainly make wonderful memories. Choose from a range of locations:

• Owners' Club Social Hall
• Owners' Club Lounge 
• Marina Lounge
• Marina Pavilion
• Shenandoah Riding Center Lounge

With so many locations your event will be remembered for years to come.

For meetings, you may want to ask about:

• The Branigar Boardroom
• The Jensen Conference Room
• The lower level conference room 

Property owners are welcome to reserve GTA rental facilities.

How was Lake Galena formed?

Construction on the man-made lake began in 1974 and was completed in 1976. Lake Galena is fed by Smallpox Creek as well as natural springs. To capture the water, a class I dam was built between two existing hills about 1,100 feet apart; a spillway and waterfall also were created with construction of the dam on the lake's west end. The lake is 225 acres; average depth is 20 feet, but there are several spots that are 60 feet deep. The bays and the Marina are shallower, ranging from one to 15 feet deep.

Who can boat or fish on the lake?

Property owners, guests of property owners, or guests of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa may use the lake. Of course, a fishing license is required to fish the lake. Licenses are available at the Marina or online CLICK HERE. Only boats owned and registered to a property owner, the association, or the resort are permitted on Lake Galena.

What kinds of boats are allowed on the lake?

Any type of manually powered boat, including canoes, kayaks and rowboats, are allowed. There is a 10 hp limit on all motorized boats. Motorized boats are restricted to an 8-foot beam and 18 feet in length. Only boats owned and registered to a property owner, the association, or the resort are permitted on Lake Galena.

Is the lake good for fishing?

Lake Galena boasts some of the best fishing in the area, with an abundance of smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, bluegills, crappie, channel catfish, perch, and hybrid (tiger) muskie. The GTA's Lake Management and Ecology Advisory Group, comprised of property owners in The Galena Territory, monitors fish populations and makes recommendations for annual fish stocking in the lake.

What is the creel census?

A creel census is the tabulation of fish species, by size, that are caught in the lake. The GTA's Lake Management and Ecology Advisory Group asks anglers to fill out the forms that are found in the boxes on the dock ramps. They are tabulated at the end of the season and reported in the Territory Times and to the lake biologist. This information helps to decide what actions should be taken to keep Lake Galena's fish healthy and plentiful.

How many fish, and at what lengths, am I allowed to keep?

Fishermen may keep:

5 largemouth bass per day at lengths of 11 to 13 inches only (release other lengths)
Smallmouth bass – all catch and release
Tiger muskie – all catch and release
3 walleye per day of lengths 18 inches or longer (release shorter walleye)
10 yellow perch per day of lengths 9 inches or longer (release shorter perch)
20 crappie per day of lengths 10 inches or longer (release shorter crappie)
3 catfish per day of lengths 16 inches or longer (release shorter catfish)
Bluegill/sunfish - Over 8 inches, 5 per day; total of 20 per day
3 Trout per day of 10 inches or longer (release shorter trout)
 

Where can I fish from shore?

There are fishing and diversionary piers at the Marina, as well as benches and trash cans along the shore for anglers' convenience. Other good shore fishing spots are at the North Cove (accessible off Guilford Road) and Plum Cove (accessible from Wachter Drive). Fishermen also have had good luck fishing at Thunder Bay Falls Park (accessible from Thunder Bay Road). Fishing is not allowed from the docks at the Marina.
 

Is swimming allowed in the lake?

The GTA does not allow swimming in Lake Galena. There are swimming facilities at the Owners' Club for property owners and their guests.

What services are available at the Marina?

The Marina has many items available for sale, including fishing equipment, bait, and boating equipment, such as floats, rope, anchors, and batteries. Snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, sunscreen, 9-volt batteries, and other miscellaneous items also are available. Fishing licenses also can be purchased at the Marina. The Marina has a screened pavilion, grills, playground, picnic tables, a fishing pier and a shore fishing area.

How is the water quality?

The water quality is good. The GTA works in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to test for clarity, phosphorous, nitrogen, pH, temperature, and other parameters. Each year the results of the water testing are reported to the lake biologist as another piece of information to help make recommendations for maintaining the quality of the lake.

What types of wildlife will I see around Lake Galena?

On any given day, you may see many types of birds such as eagles, owls, osprey, blue herons, and wild turkeys, and a variety of animals including white tail deer, red fox, coyotes and beavers.

What activities are available at the Owners' Club?

The Owners' Club has numerous activities suitable for the entire family. For swimmers, there are indoor, outdoor, and wading pools and ample space for sunbathing. The facility has a beautiful fitness center featuring a panoramic view of The Galena Territory valley. The game room has ping pong, pool, bumper pool, foosball, board games, and an arcade. Owners and guests can play basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other indoor activities in the gym. The GTA's Recreation Department coordinates a calendar of adult and children's activities throughout the year.

For those with work to do, there is a business center with desks, computers, and internet connection, as well as a convenient computer bar with outlets. The entire Owners' Club Complex has free wireless internet service. And the cafe serves delicious picnic-style food, drink, and alcohol during the summer season. (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend).

Is the Owners' Club ADA compliant?

Yes, all facilities in the Owners' Club are handicapped-accessible.

Is alcohol allowed at the Owner's Club?

Carry-in alcohol is not permitted during the warmer months when the Café is open.

What is the schedule for the outdoor pool?

The outdoor pool is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• An adult must accompany all swimmers under the age of 12.
• No glass is permitted in the Pool Complex.
• Only small pool toys will be allowed.

What about infant and toddler swimming?

The outdoor wading pool has a depth of zero entry to 13 inches. There is a frog slide, and bubblers and fountains. Swim diapers are required.

What is the schedule for the indoor pool?

The indoor pool is open for Aquatic fitness ONLY Daily, 5-10 a.m., and Open Swim (Half pool) (2 lanes for lap swimming) Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• An adult must accompany all swimmers under the age of 12.
• No glass is permitted in the Pool Complex.
• Only small pool toys will be allowed.
• Lap Swimming requires reservations.

What are the dimensions of the indoor pool?

The natatorium is 75 feet by 30 feet with depths ranging from 3 1/2 feet to 5 1/2 feet. The pool is ADA-compliant with an access ramp and a powered handicap lift. There are four lap lanes, a basketball hoop and a volleyball net. The indoor pool is open year-round.

What is offered in the Fitness Center?

There are treadmills, elliptical machines, fitness bike machines, Nautilus weight equipment, free weights, and more. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the outdoor pool and The Territory valley.

What is the schedule of the Owners' Club Café?

The Café is typically open for Food Services from Memorial Day to Labor Day 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Bar Services from Noon - 7 p.m.


 

Who operates the Shenandoah Riding Center?

The Shenandoah Riding Center is owned by the Galena Territory Association and operates the riding center for the enjoyment of property owners, their guests AND the general public.

What activities are available for families at the riding center?

In addition to traditional boarding services, activities at the Shenandoah Riding Center include trail rides of different lengths and for different experience levels; lessons in numerous riding disciplines; riding camps for kids; customized birthday parties; and wagon and special events. Visit theshenandoahridingcenter.com to learn more about the riding center's many activities.

Will the riding center host the July 4th rodeo and fireworks?

As always! We look forward to seeing you at Shenandoah Riding Center's Freedom Reins Pro Rodeo and fireworks spectacular! For more information and tickets, visit freedomreinsprorodeo.com or call 815-777-9550.

Can I board my horse at the riding center?

Absolutely! Stop by the Shenandoah Riding Center or visit theshenandoahridingcenter.com, or call 815-777-9550 to learn more.

Where can horses be ridden in The Galena Territory?

Horses can be ridden on any trails within The Territory and along Territory roads (although we advise extreme caution near motorized vehicles).

What is The Territory Greenspace?

The Greenspace consists of about 1,900 acres distributed throughout The Territory that are maintained to protect the natural character of the area. The Greenspace environment includes many habitats: Lake Galena, rolling prairies to woodlands, vistas to valleys, all focused on heightening the sense of nature that takes us away from everyday worries, at least for a short time. 

Originally, the area consisted of prairie grasslands, open savannas, and oak/hickory woodlands. The environment was extremely rich with more than 900 species of plants, 270 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and over 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. Before The Territory was formed, much of the land was farmed, causing some environmental degradation. Today the GTA is actively restoring several sites to their original appearance. 

The trail system is incorporated within the Greenspace, with more than 25 miles of trails so everyone can enjoy exploring and hiking the area. The ongoing effort to protect the Greenspace includes:
• Restoration and Preservation. Protect the remaining prairie remnants and restore other prairie areas by burning, pruning, and reseeding. Woodland areas also are protected by removing invasive plant species, selective pruning to save shade intolerant trees, e.g. oaks, and woodland burns.
• Site surveys. Plant and animal inventories are taken to identify all the species present and to determine when and if some species are exceeding sustainable numbers.
• Trail maintenance. This includes improving the trail beds, mowing, weed control, and posting signs. A trail map brochure is available at the GTA Owners’ Club, the Shenandoah Riding Center and the Marina. 
• Education. Several events, open to all property owners, are conducted every year to provide information about the area and to help people actively manage their own land. Monthly, guided trail walks are scheduled from May through October. 
• Site stewardship program. Individual property owners can become site stewards of Greenspace sites near their own property. The GTA will help establish a site plan and the steward implements it. 

Who manages the trails in The Galena Territory?
The GTA, under the leadership of the Natural Resources coordinator, oversees the maintenance of the trail system working in concert with a Greenspace Committee consisting of volunteer property owners.     

How can I help maintain the Greenspace?
Many Greenspace programs are supported by the Greenspace Committee, which meets the second Saturday of most months at 8:30 a.m. at the Owners’ Club. Additionally, owners can participate in the Stewardship Program, in which a volunteer force of property owners serve as site stewards for individual areas of The Galena Territory Greenspace. Stewards contribute to: 1) the protection of Greenspace sites, trees, and special plants; 2) restoration, where practical, of Greenspace areas; and 3) enhancement of neighborhood environments.
 
Where can I find the trails?
The trails are very easy to find with easy-to-read signage. With more than 25 miles of trails winding through Greenspace, hikers can spend a day enjoying the serenity and solitude that only nature can provide. The trails closest to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa are paved and suitable for jogging, power walking, and other activities that require sure footing. Some of these trails also have lookout platforms for beautiful panoramas of Lake Galena and the countryside.

The majority of the trails are natural and not paved. They are rugged and sometimes wet and slippery. However, that just adds to their charm! Hiking and horseback riding are two of the most popular pastimes here and can be enjoyed year-round. Trails also can be enjoyed for cross-country skiing although they are not groomed.

Do you have a trail map?
Yes, it is available at the GTA Administrative office in the Owners’ Club, at the Marina or at the Shenandoah Riding Center. Download the Trail Map.
 

Individual property owners own 61%

The majority of The Galena Territory (over 4,000 acres) is owned by individuals who have purchased property in the low-density, planned residential development.

The Galena Territory Association, Inc. owns 28%

Property owners collectively own 1,900 acres of semi-private properties and amenities through their membership in the GTA.

Eagle Ridge Resort & Space owns 11%

The remaining acres are owned by Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and are open to the general public.

Individuals who have purchased property in the development automatically become members of The Galena Territory Association, Inc. and are required to maintain their property in accordance with applicable state statutes and the Association’s governing documents, including:

Applicable State Statutes
  • The Common Interest Community Association Act of Illinois
  • Illinois Not For Profit Corporation Act of 1986
  • Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act
  • County zoning statutes and ordinances
  • Illinois Condominium Property Act

GTA Governing Documents
  • GTA General Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions (including 70 Supplemental Declarations)
  • GTA Bylaws
  • GTA Architectural Guidelines
  • GTA Rules and Regulations
 

Guilford and East Galena townships are responsible for maintaining the 76 miles of public roads within The Galena Territory, including approximately 10 feet on both sides of the roads (where property owner mailboxes and 9-1-1 County Ordinance posts sit) and all road signage.

Guilford Township owns 62 miles, including 136 cul-de-sacs, and East Galena Township owns 14 miles, including 42 cul-de-sacs. The GTA and Eagle Ridge own 8 miles of private roads, including Marina Drive and various maintenance roads. Visit the Owners’ Club to view oversized maps that delineate the responsibilities for both townships.

Questions should be directed to:
• Guilford Township road commissioner: 815-777-3577
• East Galena Township road commissioner: 815-777-3978

Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is the resort located within The Galena Territory. Resort amenities include the 80-room Eagle Ridge Inn, including 15,000 feet of conference and banquet space, and the Stonedrift Spa; a variety of dining options from casual to formal; 63 holes of championship golf; tennis courts; The Country Store; and outdoor event grounds. Eagle Ridge is open to the general public. Fore more information visit eagleridge.com.

The Galena Territory is the complete 6,800-acre development that includes the resort, residential homes and lots, and semi-private recreational amenities managed by The Galena Territory Association, Inc.

Property owners in The Galena Territory have the luxury of having an award-winning resort in their own backyards, and have the opportunity to participate in events and activities provided by Eagle Ridge.