Peoria Magazine's article, Jan. 2023, excerpt: "History, Tourism And Industry Keep This Resilient City Moving Forward. Galesburg is a railroad town. Evidence of the city's proud railroading heritage is everywhere. School sports teams have names like the Silver Streaks and Zephyrs, the children's museum is The Discovery Depot, and local businesses such as The Iron Spike, Sidetrax Bar and Grill and Lieber's Boxcar Express evoke the glory days of steel rails and steam engines. It's true that the only steam engine left in town is a stationary, albeit impressive, museum piece at the Galesburg Railroad Museum. And yet every June for 44 years, Galesburg Railroad Days has attracted thousands to celebrate and remember the past...The massive railyard on the southwest side of town is the city's largest employer. Even Lake Storey, the city's recreational gem on the north side of town, was originally constructed to supply water for thirsty steam engines. 'We need to make sure that doesn't go away,' said Randy Newcomb, executive director of the Galesburg Tourism and Visitors Bureau, about the city's rich past. 'It's part of our history and we need to remember it.'" (full article, Link)
"[I love] the festivals, the restaurants and food trucks, Lake Storey, Lincoln park, the kindness of the people, the brick streets, the Victorian houses, and of course, its fabulous public transit system staffed by some of the nicest people you'd ever wanna meet." (D.O., Jan. 2023)
"My grandkids and I love the fact we have a big lake and we love how we can load up the car and be fishing in a matter of minutes." (Ginny Rogers, Jan. 2023)
"[I love] the people...there are people in this town that have a drive and passion for change!!! They want to leave our community a better place for future generations!!!" (Leann Courson, Jan. 2023)
"[I love] the history, the wonderful people, and the progress we are making!" (T.A.B., Jan. 2023)
"Galesburg parks are beautiful, and the variety of recreation programs offered by the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation! Lakeside Water Park! The people!!!" (Anonymous, Jan. 2023)
"[I love] the art scene driven by the Galesburg Community Arts Center and many local artists, the wonderful staff at the public library and the programs they put on, the farmers' market and other downtown events, being able to take a train to Chicago or make an easy drive to the Quad Cities and Peoria, downtown food and shopping options like Cornucopia and our various lovely coffee shops." (Adrienne H., Jan. 2023)
"There's A LOT of good things happening! Business owners renovating old [buildings], bringing new life to them is very exciting, such as Reserve Artisan Ales, Java Orange Cup, Side Hustle, the new location for [Galesburg] Civic Art Center, Cedar Creek [Banquet & Reception] Hall & so many others! I LUV the statue of Carl Sandburg & goat in the center of our city 'square'! We're building on an awesome legacy, and everyone can contribute something, even if it's 'only' goodwill." (Anonymous, Jan. 2023)
"[I love] the restaurants, the parks, Discovery Depot, the history, the architecture, so much to love. Being able to get a decent education after high-school without having to move away was a definite plus for my professional development. Gotta love having an affordable Community College [Carl Sandburg] and Knox college in one town!" (Rebecca Lytle, Jan. 2023)
"[I love that] so many great leaders...care about the community. I can name quite a few. They actually have made a difference. Also non-profit organizations that help, too." (James Sully Sullivan, Jan. 2023)
"Galesburg is a wonderful place to raise a family. Safe, engaging, arsty, neighborly, convenient, inspired!" (Peter S., Jan. 2023)
"The people and the events that happen in Galesburg and in Knox County in general." (Crissy Boone, Jan. 2023)