Outdoors - Village of Galena

Everything Starts In Nature

Nature lovers, cyclists, and explorers love visiting our Village. It’s the best place to Eat, Work, and Play!

Galena Has So Much To Do Outside!

Hit The Trails

Galena is a popular way point for trekkers following the Ohio to Erie Trail (OTET). The one-and-a-half miles of OTET that goes through Galena is on a former railroad line and passes by Miller Park and on a bridge over Little Walnut Creek. Downtown Galena, with its public square and restaurants, is just a quarter mile off the trail. Another paved trail is Kane’s Crossing trail, which includes scenic views from the bridge over Big Walnut Creek. New neighborhoods being built include pedestrian-friendly access to the trail system. Galena is also situated on US Bike Routes 21 and 50A.

Fishing

Anglers of all ages have success in the waters surrounding Galena, including Big and Little Walnut Creeks, as well as Hoover Reservoir. When the crappie are running in the spring, popular locations are the Hoover boardwalk and Big Walnut Creek. Catfish, carp, bass and panfish are also possibilities.

Canoe

Old Galena is situated on a peninsula between Big Walnut Creek and Little Walnut Creek, and is at the north end of Hoover Reservoir. Suitability for boating depends on the water levels of the creeks and of the reservoir. Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides useful information about Hoover Reservoir including a map.

Local History

Study Genealogy and Local History!

History buffs are intrigued by the story behind Galena’s origin, the businesses and industries that have been here, the people who spent their lives here, and the changes the town has undergone throughout time.

Loafing

Aside from all the active recreational opportunities, some folks just prefer to unwind at either Ruffner Park or Miller Park. Both parks have playgrounds for kids and plenty of open space for playing catch or catching the sun’s rays. The Hoover Mudflats Boardwalk is also a favorite place to take a stroll.

Galena Has So Much To See

The Galena area offers all sorts of opportunities for nature lovers, with a variety of habitats and viewing locations to see a variety of flora and fauna for birdwatchers, Galena is believed to have the largest population of Prothonotary Warblers in Ohio during the nesting season, mid-April to mid-August. When Hoover Reservoir’s water level is low, shorebirds find the Galena mudflats attractive during spring and fall migrations. There’s also a good chance of seeing Ospreys and Bald Eagles. In addition to being able to tally a decent bird checklist, the area also affords the opportunity to see a variety of wildflowers, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.