Living Here
Work remotely? Work, live and play here!
Looking for a community and culture that is “Midwest nice?” Outdoor recreation? A comfortable lifestyle at an affordable cost? Or what about a place where you can grow? Or perhaps, a place to downsize?
Come and explore the lifestyle and the stunning landscape The Galena Territory offers, located just outside the historic, picturesque town of Galena.
High-speed fiber internet? Check.
Local hospitals and clinics? Check.
Great schools? Check.
So, what’s stopping you? We’d love for you to be here!
The Galena Territory Association distributes a monthly newsletter, the Territory Times, to keep members informed about Association business, activities and events. See what we're about!
This is Home
Home is where the heart is, and we take “home” very seriously. Whether protecting our night skies from light pollution or ensuring wildlife habitat is preserved, we take our natural surroundings to heart and have rules in place to help us do so. Properties are available for different lifestyles at different price points, including:
- Single-family homes
- Satellites (townhouses, condominiums and golf villas)
- Undeveloped lots
Connected to the Local Community and Beyond
High-speed fiber internet
Local Hospitals
Great Schools
Look to the Stars
As Albert Einstein once said, “Look to the stars and from them learn.” There is no better place than The Territory to take in the splendor of the night.
The indulgent black skies showcase stars shimmering like little fireflies – reason enough to take in the breathtaking sight.
We are committed to protecting the night sky from light pollution and have been recognized for our efforts by DarkSky International as a Dark Sky Friendly Development of Distinction.
Protecting the Land & Wildlife
The Galena Territory is an official National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat, the first in the tri-state area. The honor is unique and requires several components, including habitat certification, education and community projects.
A volunteer-based stewardship program focuses on preserving and enhancing natural areas. Habitat restoration involves invasive plant management, native plant and seed installation, seed harvesting and prescribed burning.
Things to Do
Greenspace & Trails
It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. We couldn’t agree more.
Dramatic landscapes, endless trails, and biodiverse flora and fauna are some of the things that make The Territory special. From dark skies to the native species found here, we are committed to preserving and enhancing our natural areas.
Located in the Driftless Area, The Galena Territory boasts more than 32 miles of trails that traverse hills, ravines, ridge tops, woodlands, and meadows. Find your favorite!
Lake Galena & Marina
Nothing compares to a day on the lake, whether it’s simply gazing out over the water, fishing, boating or witnessing the many different wildlife species that frequent Lake Galena.
No matter the season, Lake Galena boasts some of the best fishing in the Midwest. Here you will find smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, bluegill, channel catfish, perch, crappie, trout and tiger muskie.
It’s not just fishermen lured by the lake – many wildlife species, including eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, white-tailed deer, turkeys, red foxes, and otters, are drawn to Lake Galena.
Owners’ Club Complex
You'll find the Owners' Club Complex atop a hill overlooking a wide valley in the heart of The Territory. Whether you want to work or play, we have what you need!
The Owners’ Club includes a fitness center with exercise machines, weights, locker rooms, a seasonal Snack Bar with indoor and outdoor seating, an indoor pool, an outdoor pool with a double slide and an in-pool seating area, plus a zero-entry wading pool with bubblers and a frog slide for children to enjoy. You’ll also find a business center, a gym, a game room and free wireless internet. Outside, you’ll find two tennis courts and a basketball court.
Recreation and Social events
Our Recreation Department offers entertaining, educational and exciting programs throughout the year. Membership has its privileges!
Shenandoah Riding Center
Life is better on a horse. Unplug, reconnect with nature, relax and enjoy a breathtaking, peaceful setting. From trail rides to non-riding events, we have something for everyone!
- Boarding
- Camps
- Horse Owner Events
- Lead Line Rides
- Non-riding Horse Activities
- Riding lessons
- Special events
- Trail rides
- Wagon rides
Explore the Area
Belden School
At 52 Heatherdowns Lane, there is a charming one-room schoolhouse that was built in 1859. It’s one of the last 116 one-room schoolhouses that once dotted Jo Daviess County.
Over the years, the little limestone school was sheltered by the woods and forgotten in time. That changed when it was rescued by the Belden School Preservation Commission in 2004 and restored over the next several years. The restoration depicts the schoolhouse as it appeared in 1936. Open houses are held on the first and third Saturdays from June through October, typically from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thunder Bay Falls
Majestic and grand. That’s what most people say when they see Thunder Bay Falls.
Lake Galena is primarily spring-fed and has a spillway at one end, creating a beautiful 40-foot waterfall. Thunder Bay Falls is not open to the public but may be seen from the road, as the roads in The Territory are public. Thunder Bay Falls is located on Thunder Bay Road near Mount Hope Road.
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is a separate, public entity that resides within The Territory and is not part of The Galena Territory Association (GTA).
Think of it this way:
- The Galena Territory is the complete 6,800-acre development.
- The GTA is the property owners association that manages the common properties in The Territory.
- Eagle Ridge is a public entity, in and of itself, that sits in The Territory.
Eagle Ridge’s amenities include 80 guest rooms and 115 rental homes, including 15,000 square feet of conference and banquet space; 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.
Selfie Stations
While you’re traveling throughout The Territory, be on the lookout for selfie stations at the 10 most popular locations. Snap a photo of yourself (with family, friends or pets) without having to look for someone to take it for you or prop your smartphone on a nearby rock or branch.
The numbered signs have directions for how to use the stand. Use your imagination and use the hashtags suggested on the signs to see what others have created.
Locations:
- Thunder Bay Falls Park
- Shenandoah entrance
- Shenandoah pastures
- Belden School
- Lake Galena Marina
- Lake Galena
- Stony Point Lookout west platform
- Stony Point Lookout east platform
- Owners' Club
- North Cove Park
Taylor Cemetery
Who would have thought there was a cemetery in The Territory that dates to the early settlers? Take a stroll through Taylor Cemetery, located near the end of Cemetery Ridge Road. This was a local cemetery for families living in Guilford, Illinois. The earliest dated headstone belongs to Andrew Jelly, the infant son of John S. and Mariah Jane Jelly, who died at one month and 13 days on Dec. 20, 1837. Want to know who else is buried here?
Find out more
Taylor House
The Taylor House, located on Marina Drive, was built in the mid-1800s. The limestone house was built by John Taylor, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1798. Mr. Taylor was married to Temperance Stringfield in 1825. In 1827 he moved to Galena, settling first at Pilot Knob, but lived afterwards in Old Town. In 1828, he purchased 800 acres in Guilford from the General Land Office and moved to that property in 1829, where he resided until 1870. Mr. Taylor was one of the first Supervisors ever elected from the Town of Guilford, and was eight times re-elected, filling the office until he refused to hold it any longer. John died in 1877, and Temperance in 1849.The Taylors had five sons and four daughters, two of whom died during childhood. One of the sons, Henry, received the Medal of Honor for his service during the Battle of Vicksburg in the Civil War and was born in the house. Both John and Temperance are buried at Taylor Cemetery, here in The Territory. Today, the house is privately owned.
Galena Country
Looking for more to do in the Jo Daviess County area?Whether it's shopping, dining, visiting breweries or exploring the beautiful Driftless region, you can find more to do in the 2025 Galena Country Tourism Visitor Guide.
Explore Galena Country
We know you may have questions, and we have answers!
The GTA is governed by applicable state and county statutes, four controlling documents, and other governing documents. Why? To ensure that everyone is welcome, and that The Territory continues to be a great place to live, work, visit and play. See the Buyer Library below.
If you are interested in purchasing a unit in any of the eight satellite associations, then that association has its own governing documents.
