Things to Do
What do you feel like doing today? Hiking? Horseback riding? Fishing? Swimming?
Explore all there is to do in The Galena Territory! And, remember, you'll need an amenity card while visiting any of these common areas except for Shenandoah Riding Center.
Greenspace & Trails
With more than 32 miles of trails that traverse hills, ravines, ridge tops, woodlands, and meadows, you will surely encounter a range of flora and fauna. Pick up a trail map at the Owners' Club to plan what trail you'd like to explore or use the button below!
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Questions? Contact Natural Resources Coordinator Emily Lubcke.
Shenandoah Riding Center
Ride a horse. Discover a new trail. Sign up for camp. Attend a special event. There is so much to choose from!
Hours: May 1 - Dec. 1 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 - April 30 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Address: 200 N. Brodrecht Rd., Galena, IL 61036
Phone: 815-777-9550
Questions? Contact Barn Manager Kristin Cisek.
Members of The Galena Territory Association can receive a 20% discount on Discovery trail rides and private trail rides on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, excluding holidays. The discount does not apply to guests and cannot be used for specialty rides, wagon rides, lead lines or events. You must call Shenandoah to receive the discount at 815-777-9550.
Take a dip in the pool. Lift some weights. Eat at the Owners’ Club Snack Bar. Check your email in our Business Center. Visit the Administrative Office with questions. Get involved in an activity.
Outside, you’ll find ample parking, two tennis courts and a basketball court.
Owners' Club Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Administrative Office: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday
Snack Bar Hours (seasonal): 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Indoor Pool Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. lap swim/water aerobics and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. family swim/lap swim
Outdoor Pool Hours (seasonal): 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
When using the pool, please remember:
- 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.
- Please bring your own towels.
Game Room: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fitness Center: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Business Center: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Questions? Contact Recreation & Lifestyle Coordinator Jason Wiegard.
Lounge on a pontoon. Fish to your heart’s content. Gaze out over the beauty of Lake Galena. Let the kids play at the playground.
Sorry, swimming is not allowed. Guest boats are not allowed.
Boat rental
Boats available for rent include pontoons, fishing boats and single and tandem kayaks. Reservations are suggested to ensure availability. All motorized rental boat operators must be 18 years old and must watch a short instructional video at rentalboatsafety.com. A valid driver's license and a GTA proximity card, GTA guest pass or guest identification from Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is also required. Reserve your boat by calling the Bait Shop at 815-777-2012 during our normal operating hours.
| Rates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon* | Fishing Boat | Kayak | Fishing Pole |
| $70/hr | $30/hr | $20/hr | $10/day |
*One-hour minimum required.
Hours
- March 29 - Apr. 20, weekends only, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Apr 26 - May. 23, daily, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- May 24 - Sept. 1, daily, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Sept. 2 - Oct. 5, daily, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Oct. 11 - Nov. 2, weekends only, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Regulations
Even though Lake Galena is a private lake, it is still governed by the state of Illinois and a fishing license is required for all anglers with the following exceptions: persons under 16 years of age, persons declared legally disabled or blind or persons from Illinois on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. These requirements are strictly enforced by GTA Security and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Where can I get a fishing license?
Fishing licenses can be obtained from any approved Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) vendor, including Walmart in Galena. IDNR has contracted with exploremoreil.com to assist with all your licensing needs. Anyone without access to a computer may purchase a license online using one of the guest computers at the Owners’ Club or the Marina internet café.
Fill out a Creel Census Form to help us track our fish population.
Shoreline fishing
Adjacent to the Marina is an area for shoreline fishing, an ADA-compliant fishing pier. Please note that fishing is not permitted from the docks or from docked boats.
Fill out a Creel Census Form to help us track our fish population.
Live bait
What’s a Marina without bait? The Bait & Tackle Shop sells night crawlers, wax worms, leeches and minnows. Anglers are asked to purchase bait only from certified suppliers or at the GTA Marina to reduce the threat of introducing invasive species into Lake Galena. This action has been recognized as a necessary inconvenience to ensure the protection of one of The Galena Territory’s most magnificent and cherished amenities.
North Cove
North Cove is a perfect setting for a family outing. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day fishing from the shoreline. The picnic area is complete with picnic tables and a small pavilion. Want to ride your horse to North Cove? Hitching posts are available for your convenience. Please note that boat docking and boat launching are prohibited at North Cove. North Cove is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Thunder Bay Falls Park
Thunder Bay Falls Park is located opposite Lake Galena’s spillway and dam. Hiking trails are available and fishing is allowed in the stream below the spillway. Two paths traverse the top and the base of the 17-foot-tall by 400-foot-long limestone retaining wall that leads to a popular observation point.
Questions? Contact Lake Galena & Marina Coordinator Zach Ornatek.
