Life in Galesburg

Galesburg is a small, vibrant city that embraces a rich arts and cultural life.

There is always something to do in Galesburg, and all parts of the city are accessible by bike or bus, and most are within walking distance. Shopping on Seminary Street, where the stores all have a unique, local flavor, including a two-story antique mall, and an independent bookstore. Taking a walk along the historic buildings and sites, such as poet Carl Sandburg’s birthplace, or Discovery Depot Children's Museum. Hikes and bike rides through picturesque Lake Storey. Browsing art at Art in the Park. Visiting the Public Library. Movies at the AMC Showplace. Bowling at the Lanes. Horseback riding. Thursday night jazz. And, of course, student clubs and activities on campus.

• The Orpheum Theatre - about two blocks from Knox - offers an ever-changing series of movie screenings, theatrical and musical performances. The 950-seat theatre regularly presents the Knox-Galesburg Symphony Orchestra, productions by the Prairie Players Community Theater, and many touring performers. The historic theatre was completely renovated in 1988 and celebrated its 95th birthday in 2011.
• The Galesburg Civic Art Center is a non-profit visual art gallery that has been a part of Galesburg since 1923. Each year, exhibits featuring new and established artists rotate through the gallery. Also, throughout the year, the GCAC offers exhibitions, a gift gallery, the summer Art in the Park, the Black Earth Film Festival, and the Studios Midwest Residency Program.
• The Box Studio is a dynamic studio and gallery in downtown Galesburg. Located in a refurbished industrial building, the Box also serves as a teaching gallery, where students gain experience planning and installing exhibits of their work. The Box provides individual studio spaces for advanced studio art students and visiting artists. Each fall, the Box houses an artist-in-residence who works individually with advanced students, while producing their own work for a culminating exhibit. The Box also hosts events, including history exhibits, dance and music performances, and readings.
• Nova Singers was founded in 1986 by Laura Lane (professor of music at Knox) and is a 20-voice ensemble with a nation-wide reputation for expressiveness, virtuosity and innovative programming. The ensemble has produced six professional recordings, and each year produces an eight-concert series in two locations - four in Galesburg and four in the Quad Cities.
• Knox-Galesburg Symphony (KGS) offered its first subscription series in 1951. The KGS is a three-time recipient of the Illinois Orchestra of the Year Award and Conductor of the Year Award (Bruce Polay, professor of music at Knox) among many other honors and awards.
• The Galesburg Community Chorus is an amateur singing group committed to sharing choral music with the community. The Chorus performs twice a year and hosts guest choirs and a biannual choral festival. The Chorus welcomes all voices.
• The Knox-Sandburg Community Concert Band (KSCCB) is open to students from Knox, students from Carl Sandburg College, and all members of the community. The band, founded in 1985 rehearses weekly and welcomes all musicians. They perform at the end of every term in Kresge Recital Hall.

Galesburg restaurants offer an assortment of delicious choices.

• Sip coffee at The Beanhive, Carriage House Bakery, Cornucopia, or Innkeepers - each with its own unique style and vibe.
• Head to Cherry Street for a hot dog at Coney Island, the oldest restaurant in Galesburg.
• Enjoy a special meal at Koreana - known for fresh BiBimBap in a hot stone bowl.
• Order a custom, freshly baked pizza from baked on Seminary Street.  
• Dive into a sandwich or sample handcrafted brews at Iron Spike. 
• Enjoy dinner al fresco at the Landmark - with dining inside or out. Their menu offers an array of crepes, fresh entrees, and rich desserts. 
• Or, drive out to Henderson Street for the usual fare of fast food and Mexican- or Asian-inspired offerings.