Living in Galesburg - Campus Life - Knox College
Source: https://www.knox.edu/campus-life/living-in-galesburg
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Living in Galesburg - Campus Life - Knox College
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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
Living at Knox
Living in Galesburg
Area Attractions
Map of Galesburg
Transportation
Knox Traditions
First-Year Experience
Living Learning Communities
Campus Safety
Student Organizations
Health & Wellness
Student Resources & Support
Airport Shuttle Information
Explore Campus
Important Dates
101 Fun Things to Do as a Knox Student
Take a Virtual Tour
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).
Galesburg Fun Facts
From familiar 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.
6
Antique Stories
4
Trains to & from Chicago Daily
100+
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.
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.
Shopping
Browse bestsellers and rare finds at the Wordsmith Bookshoppe, hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in downtown boutiques, or stock up on everyday essentials at big box retailers. From locally owned storefronts to familiar national brands, Galesburg makes it easy to find what you need—and discover something unexpected along the way.
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
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.
Watch Now
There’s no such thing as bad weather when you have the right clothes.
If you’re new to Midwestern winters, think of it as a season to experience, not endure. Fresh snow transforms campus into a postcard and crisp mornings make coffee taste better.
Cold days are an excuse for your warmest hoodie, a real winter coat, and boots you can stomp around in. It’s a chance to slow down, bundle up, and see the community at its coziest.
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.
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.
Start Exploring
Skip to Main Content
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
Living at Knox
Living in Galesburg
Area Attractions
Map of Galesburg
Transportation
Knox Traditions
First-Year Experience
Living Learning Communities
Campus Safety
Student Organizations
Health & Wellness
Student Resources & Support
Airport Shuttle Information
Explore Campus
Important Dates
101 Fun Things to Do as a Knox Student
Take a Virtual Tour
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).
Galesburg Fun Facts
From familiar 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.
6
Antique Stories
4
Trains to & from Chicago Daily
100+
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.
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.
Shopping
Browse bestsellers and rare finds at the Wordsmith Bookshoppe, hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces in downtown boutiques, or stock up on everyday essentials at big box retailers. From locally owned storefronts to familiar national brands, Galesburg makes it easy to find what you need—and discover something unexpected along the way.
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
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.
Watch Now
There’s no such thing as bad weather when you have the right clothes.
If you’re new to Midwestern winters, think of it as a season to experience, not endure. Fresh snow transforms campus into a postcard and crisp mornings make coffee taste better.
Cold days are an excuse for your warmest hoodie, a real winter coat, and boots you can stomp around in. It’s a chance to slow down, bundle up, and see the community at its coziest.
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.
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.
Start Exploring