The Native Americans who once inhabited Jo Daviess County named this area Manitoomie, which means "God's Country." With its unglaciated topography, lush flora, abundant fauna and boundless water, the Galena area reveals a bounty of recreational possibilities that reflect the sentiment echoed by the area's original name.

Variety is the name of the game for both residents and visitors. Numerous golf courses unfold like green blankets over the rolling landscape. Lakes and rivers provide boating and fishing opportunities. Horse liveries appeal to equestrians of all ages. A ski resort offers winter and summer activities. Hot air balloon rides are available for the high-spirited. Whether you are young or old, on a trip with friends or with the whole family, the great outdoors of Galena have something to offer.

The Galena area has been described as a veritable golfer's paradise. Five courses within a few miles of town provide a spectrum of golfing opportunities to challenge enthusiasts at all skill levels. Two public clubs provide affordable golfing just minutes from the city. Premier golfing is also available in the area, including two courses ranked among the top 75 in the nation and among the top 10 in Illinois. For family outings, miniature golf, complete with landscaping, is also located nearby.

Water lovers will find an abundance of recreational opportunities in the area. In the summer of 2003, the city of Galena opened the Galena Boat Landing. Located along the downtown banks of the Galena River, this new landing was constructed to serve canoes and kayaks. Schubert's Landing, located downstream on the Galena River, serves small pleasure craft that travel upstream from the Mississippi. Canoe and kayak rentals are now available for paddling explorations on the Galena. In fact, one local outfitter even provides guide services for a scenic three-mile float from the Galena Boat Landing to the Mississippi. Several other public marinas are located in the Illinois cities of East Dubuque and Hanover. Anglers enjoy fishing in the summer and also the winter, when several docks permit ice fishing. Bass (large- and small-mouth), walleye, crappie, bluegill and tiger muskie top the list. Guided services are available for fishing the Mississippi, and trout fishing is possible in Apple River Canyon State Park during the late spring and early summer months.

Along the smooth hilltops and long valleys of northwestern Illinois, an abundance of oak, hickory, birch, honey locust, black cherry, poplar and crabapple converge to create pristine wildlife and game habitats. Hunters will enjoy plentiful whitetail deer and wild turkey populations. Wildlife enthusiasts will find the opportunity to view endangered species within the Savanna District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Bald eagles, river otters, double-breasted cormorants and yellow-headed blackbirds have all been spotted in this area.

Avid campers will find several different campgrounds in the Galena area. From the banks of the Mississippi to Apple River Canyon State Park, options ranging from primitive tent sites to fully modern RV sites are available. Whether all you need is a fire ring or if you prefer the luxury of utility hookups, showers and swimming facilities, the scenic campgrounds in Jo Daviess County will provide the amenities you seek.

Another popular recreational attraction in the Galena area is snow skiing. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are just minutes from downtown Galena on slopes overlooking the Mississippi. Snowmaking equipment is used to supplement natural snowfall, creating 50 to 60 inches of the best ski snow in the Midwest. With slopes open from November through mid-March, a full array of winter activities are made possible. Northern Illinois' luxurious winters also support cold-weather sports, including cross-country skiing, sledding, snowboarding, snowblading, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Local slopes are also open through the summer months. Once the snow melts, thrill seekers ride the chairlift up the mountain to descend on the Alpine Slide. Adventurers rush down the slope on a wheeled sled that is safely contained within a paved course. Riders get the ultimate rush as their sleds stop just short of a swim in the mighty Mississippi.

Bicycling is also emerging as a popular local activity that is especially well suited to the terrain of Jo Daviess County. Currently, a local cycling shop sponsors a bike club that meets each Sunday morning to ride. Averaging between 12 and 20 miles per week, these rides feature a refreshment break at mid-point and are meant to attract riders of all ages and skill levels. Furthermore, the city of Galena is exploring the construction of a bike trail that would follow the winding banks of the Galena River out to its mouth at the Mississippi and back.

Aside from all these recreational activities in the surrounding area, a vibrant recreational culture thrives right in Galena. Parks feature softball, volleyball, horseshoes, playgrounds, picnic areas and shelters tucked into plenty of shade. The Recreation Park and Alice T. Virture Memorial Pool and Water Park are located on the north side of Galena. The water park features a "zero depth" swimming pool, water slide and wading pool. The Recreation Park recently received $1 million in upgrades and renovations that include new pavilions and picnic areas as well as the region's only skateboard park and BMX track. The Grant Park is just across a footbridge from Galena's Main Street and features a picnic area, playground and flower garden.

Indoor recreational facilities in Galena are housed in the Arts and Recreation Center, a nonprofit charity and educational organization. Founded by the family of former mayor Robert Beuhler in the late 1960s and located on historic Bench Street, the facility includes a full-size gymnasium, dance and karate studios, an art room, and a preschool room. A playground and a basketball court are available outside the center. Several sports programs are offered here, including fitness, volleyball, yoga, aerobics and flag football, as well as softball leagues and youth baseball programs. Fostering the arts and education in the community is another function of the center, which offers programs for adults. Youth enjoy a variety of programs, including art classes, kids' choir, family concerts, dance and a summer day camp.

The recreational spirit of the Galena community is most completely embodied by the annual Galena Triathlon and Duathlon. Held each May, these competitive events draw approximately 1,400 athletes from across the region. Swimming, biking and running events are staged at Apple Canyon Lake, Stagecoach Trail and Recreation Park.

There are always plans to expand the recreational horizons in Galena. Through responsible use of resources and sustainable economic development, even more options are expected to emerge in the future. The most immediate plans will attempt to integrate preventive health measures into the local recreational culture. For instance, resorts are proposing the development of spa accommodations to nourish the body and the soul. Along with plans like the one to develop a Galena River bike trail, these holistic recreational initiatives help to ensure a vibrant recreational future in Galena.