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Two members talking at a local Galesburg coffee shop.

Living in Galesburg

Knox students live on campus, but they also live in Galesburg (pop. 30,000). You’re going to like it here.

Visitor Information

There’s no Knox without Galesburg. And there’s no Galesburg without Knox.

Literally: George Washington Gale helped to found both the College and the city of Galesburg in 1837. And figuratively–some of the most important experiences you’ll have as a Knox student happen off campus, from community service opportunities to internships to dinner at what just may be the best pizza place in Illinois (fight us, Chicago).

A group of Knox College students cross a street in Downtown Galesburg.

Galesburg Fun Facts

From familar stores and restaurants like Target and Qdoba to one-of-a-kind vintage shops and three—yes three—coffee shops within walking distance from campus, Galesburg offers the benefits of a larger town and all the benefits of a small town on the Illinois prairie.

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Antique Stories

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Trains to & from Chicago Daily

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Restaurants in Galesburg

Things to Do in Galesburg, Illinois

Galesburg isn’t one of those college towns where there’s a big fancy gate to separate the campus from the city beyond. You can dash to one of the city’s many excellent indie coffee shops between one class and the next. Participate in community theatre productions. Make a difference.

A group of Knox students eat at a local pizza restaurant.

Dining Out

Within a 5-minute walk of campus, you can enjoy bibimbap at Koreana, crepes at Landmark Cafe, or the constantly changing pizza menu featuring local veggies and meats at Baked. From ice cream to chili dogs to sushi, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.

A Knox Student plays a banjo in a local music shop.

Shopping

Two Knox students take a selfie by Galesburg's Lake Storey.

Sports & Recreation

Surprise! There’s a beach less than 15 minutes away where you can also rent paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes (greetings from beautiful Lake Storey.) Of course, you’re also welcome to hike, camp, fish, and canoe at Green Oaks.

Green Oaks Lake Storey
A man playing a trumpet.

Arts & Music

Love live music? You’ll find it here, from the sprawling and well-attended Rootabaga Jazz Festival to Thursday Night Jazz at the Smokin' Willies BBQ. Catch a classic movie, live theatre, and big-name performers at the Orpheum Theatre.

Rootabaga Jazz Festival Orpheum Theatre

Performing at the Orpheum

Here’s one of those only-in-Galesburg experiences: Knox students auditioned, practiced, and performed with Aerial Dance Chicago at the Orpheum Theatre.

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Knox students perform with Aerial Dance Chicago at the Orpheum Theatre.
A student walks across a snow-covered campus in a hoodie and parka.

There’s no such thing as bad weather when you have the right clothes.

A student waits on the Galesburg train platform as an arriving train comes to s sto.

FYI: Chicago is less than 3 hours away.

Train travel is a bigger part of life here than in most American cities. Thanks to a major local railyard, you can catch an Amtrak to Chicago and back three times a day.

Galesburg mayor and Knox professor Peter Schwartzman standing in Galesburg's City Hall.

Meet the Mayor (and maybe take a class with him).

Since 2021, Peter Schwartzman has served as mayor of Galesburg–but he has also kept his day job as a professor of environmental studies at Knox. Before taking office, he spent a decade as a member of the Galesburg City Council and has been involved with community organizations focused on everything from eliminating hunger to youth athletics.

Meet the Professor Schwartzman Meet Mayor Schwartzman

Experience Galesburg

Get a head start on discovering all that Galesburg has to offer. Plan your next visit, take a self-guided walking tour, and find out what’s happening around town while you’re here.

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