Galena is a very popular tourist destination hosting well over one million visitors each year.26 Galena is also popular with Chicagoans, many of whom keep second homes in the area.2728
Cityscape
Eighty-five percent of the structures in Galena are listed on the National Register of Historic Places which greatly contributes to the city's popularity.1 The Old Market House State Historic Site, built in 1845, is a museum of local social history. Main Street in downtown Galena has a large number of specialty shops and restaurants and is home to the Galena Cellers winery. Galena's Saint Michael's Church was founded by the pioneer priest Father Samuel Mazzuchelli. The church is named after one of the three Archangels. Opened in 1855, the downtown Desoto House Hotel, is the oldest operating hotel in Illinois.29 There are also several resorts and golf courses located in and around Galena including the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and the Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort. Education
Galena is home to Galena High School (Illinois). From 2007, Highland Community College started to offer classes in the city. Galena High School football has experienced great success since the 1985. Galena has made the state 1A and 2A playoffs every year except four since 1985 and won the state 1A championship in 1997, 2003, and 2007.
Galena Territory
The Galena Territory is a private 6,800-acre (28 km²) development located several miles southeast of downtown Galena.30 The territory, which is managed by a homeowners association, has set aside 1,500 acres (6 km²) of protected recreational land.3233 The remainder is filled with low-density residential development and the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. The resort is best known for its 63 holes of championship golf.30
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