About Galena Country
Galena Country Tourism® is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organization for Galena Country®.
Our mission is to promote, develop, and expand the visitor industry to benefit the local economy and community, including the City of Galena and Jo Daviess County, Illinois. We promote Galena Country as the Midwest’s premier destination for overnight visitors. Galena Country Tourism is supported by a board of 11 directors, representatives from the travel and tourism industry, local government, and experienced businesspersons.
Forever Original
Encompassing the City of Galena and Jo Daviess County, nestled along the Mississippi River in the upper northwest corner of Illinois.
It’s true; you can’t change time. But if you spend it right, it can change you. So, if you want to make the most of your time, come to a place that’s frozen in it. In Galena Country, we’ve never been like anywhere else, and we’re proud of it. To us, history isn’t about endings; it’s where stories begin. We know one good story always leads to another.
Founded in 1826, we have a history of seeing things others don’t. When you’re here, you’ll see and do things you won’t see anywhere else. We call it being original because we may be old, but we’re never the same old thing.
The best thing about being where time is forgotten is that you can lose all track of it. Join us, in another time, in a completely different place.
Full-Time Staff Members
Emily Tepper, Content Marketing Manager
etepper@visitgalena.org
Ekaterina Roberts, Community Engagement Manager
eroberts@visitgalena.org
Lori Kinnaman, Operations Director
lkinnaman@visitgalena.org
Terry Mattson, CEO/President
tmattson@visitgalena.org
Tom Rynott, Communications Director
trynott@visitgalena.org
Board of Directors - Fiscal Year 2024
Colin Sanderson
Board Chair
Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa
444 Eagle Ridge Dr,
Galena IL 61036
Betsy Rose Achett
Vice Board Chair
Wyndham Garden Galena Hotel & Day Spa
11383 US-20
Galena IL 61036
Merri Sevey
Treasurer / Personnel Chair
Jo Carroll Energy
793 US Hwy 20 W
Elizabeth IL 61028
Jack Deiter
Secretary
Big Bill’s Coffee & Sandwich Shop
301 N. Main St.
Galena IL 61036
Stewart Stoffregen
Chestnut Mountain Resort
8700 W. Chestnut Rd.
Galena IL 61036
Christina Eisbach
Hoof It Goat Treks
616 S Devils Ladder Rd.
Galena, IL 61036
Zeke Winders
First Community Bank
101 Exchange Street
Galena IL 61036
Lyndsi Scharpf
Otto's Restaurant
100 Bouthillier St.
Galena, IL 61036
Steve McIntyre
Jo Daviess County Board
330 N. Bench St.
Galena IL 61036
