LAKE GALENA
About
The Galena Territory
The Galena Territory is a semi-private, 6,800-acre private recreational and residential lake community located six miles outside the historic city of Galena in Northwest Illinois.
Property owners in the low-density planned residential community collectively own 1,900 acres of recreational amenities in addition to their own properties. These include 31 miles of walking/hiking trails, Lake Galena for boating and outstanding fishing, a marina complex, an equestrian center, and a state-of-the-art pool/recreation complex.
The Galena Territory boasts spectacular vistas, valleys, prairies, and woodlands, and harbors rare plant and bird species found nowhere else in Illinois. With a commitment to protecting and preserving this natural environment, The Galena Territory was designated a Community Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation in 2010. MORE
The Galena Territory and Jo Daviess County are found in a unique geographical region called the Driftless Area, referring to the ridges and valleys the glaciers of the Pleistocene Epoch avoided.
The Galena Territory is easily reachable from anywhere in the Midwest without traveling far. Thanks to its beautiful setting and proximity to historic Galena, Illinois, and its boutiques and art galleries, The Territory is both rural and urban at the same time.
Guests
We are glad you are here
Welcome to some of the most beautiful land in Illinois. Nestled near the center of The Territory is Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, known for its 63 holes of championship golf and open to the general public.
For the benefit of our property owners, their friends, family members, and rental guests, The Galena Territory Association, Inc. (GTA) has set aside 1,900 acres of protected recreational land, providing facilities and amenities that include hiking trails, Lake Galena, a marina complex, an equestrian center, and a clubhouse complex.
Together, The Galena Territory and Eagle Ridge offer elegant accommodations, excellent food, tennis, horseback riding, swimming pools, boating, and fishing on 225-acre Lake Galena, and hiking and biking through over 31 miles of wooded trails.
Property owners and their guests are welcome at Lake Galena, the Owners' Club, and Greenspace and Trails in The Galena Territory. They are also invited to participate in GTA activities and events.
Our History
How did The Galena Territory grow from
a few farms to what it is today?
In 1970 the land we know and love as The Galena Territory was farmland. When The Branigar Organization, Inc. began development, they envisioned a lake where there was only a creek. In all, 22 farms were combined to become The Galena Territory which was incorporated on July 26, 1973.The first amenity built was the Shenandoah Riding Center, in 1974, because it was on an existing road so it could be started without waiting for road construction. The first annual rodeo was held in 1975.
Lake Galena, dam, and spillway were constructed in 1974. During the summer of 1976 the lake was stocked with fish - 800 pounds of brown and rainbow trout, 500 largemouth bass, 4,000 blue gills, 2,100 channel cats, 2,000 perch, 50,000 northern pike and 50,000 walleyes were added.
Initially, Eagle Ridge Inn and the golf courses were constructed as a part of the development. In 1992, Eagle Ridge became a separate organization The Galena Territory Association is proud to partner with for many events.
The Owners’ Club was built in 1974 and expanded several times. Eventually adding a game room, office space the locker rooms and Social Halls. In 2012, the new Outdoor Pool Complex was opened with a activity pool, double slide, seating area, zero-entry pool with bubblers and a frog slide.
A combination of amenities with horses, tennis and Lake Galena, and a mix of housing; single-family, multi-unit or cluster housing, townhouses with a resort area;. This was all part of the "master plan of development" which is The Galena Territory today.
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Clarifying the difference
The Galena Territory: Come for a Visit. Stay for a Lifestyle.
What is The Galena Territory? We thought you’d never ask! The Galena Territory is the complete 6,800-acre development that is comprised of residential homes and lots, semi-private recreational amenities and Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. Property owners in The Galena Territory are members of The Galena Territory Association (GTA) and have the luxury of having Lake Galena and Marina, Greenspace and Trails, the Owners’ Club and Shenandoah Riding Center in their backyards.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa: A World Away. Today.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is located within The Galena Territory, is open to the public, and is owned by a separate company. Resort amenities include the 80-room inn, including 15,000 feet of conference and banquet space, and the Stonedriƒ Spa; a variety of dining options from casual to formal; 63 holes of championship golf; tennis courts; the Country Store; and outdoor event grounds.
