welcome to galena!
On behalf of the Mayor, Council Members, and Staff of the Town of Galena, we want to welcome you to our small town, and we look forward to the opportunity to meet you. We have included information below that we hope you find beneficial, and you are always welcome your call, email, or visit any time you have questions.
We are located in Kent County, with a population of approximately 600 residents. We have a Mayor, 4 council members, and 3 full-time staff members.
In order to maintain the integrity of the homes within our tiny town, we have a Charter and a set of Planning & Zoning Ordinances. When considering making changes to your home or property, property owners should contact the Town Hall to see if the project is allowed. All plans must be reviewed by the Planning Commission/Zoning Coordinator and if your request is not in the ordinance, the Board of Appeals will review the plans to ensure the project is in line with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Please contact the Zoning Clerk if you have a remodeling or addition project that you might be interested in making. Here are examples of Accessory Permits that are required: fence, shed, signs, and pools. It is best to contact the Town Hall to see if a permit is required.
Utility billing is done on a quarterly basis, and includes charges for standard rates of water, sewer, trash, and Bay Restoration Fund. The bills come out on the 15th of the month after the quarter ends, and are due within thirty days. Please be advised that if you have trash pickup, pickup days for trash are every Wednesday, and recycling is every other Wednesday,
Mayor & Council Meetings are the first Monday of every month, and the public is welcome and invited to attend. Please feel free to stop in the Town Hall from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday, as we always love to meet our new residents! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office. Again, welcome to the Town of Galena!
The Great Outdoors
Galena offers a scenic rural setting perfect for outdoor activities, with quiet streets, a walkable town, and cozy wooded areas. The town is developing a shared-use path, funded by the MDOT Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant, extending from the town center to Toal Park and Olivet Hill Road, with future plans to reach the Georgetown Yacht Basin.
Families can enjoy two playgrounds—Toal Park and Galena Community Park—and nature lovers can explore trails at Toal Park, fish along the river, or visit the nearby Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area for hiking, biking, and birding.
Galena’s parks are open from dawn to dusk. Gateway Park offers a dog-friendly spot, and Galena Community Park features a large pavilion, playground, restrooms, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and solar power. The pavilion is available for rental. Please help keep our town clean by disposing of litter properly and cleaning up after pets.
The Sassafras River
Just a three-minute drive from downtown Galena, the Georgetown waterfront offers a wealth of activities like sailing, kayaking, fishing, and more! With numerous marinas and plenty of boat slips, it’s the perfect spot for water lovers. Looking for a change of scenery? Skip the Bay Bridge and take a scenic shortcut by water—sail from Baltimore and enjoy a quicker, more picturesque route along the Sassafras River. Galena’s waterfront restaurants also serve up the best of local seafood, offering Eastern Shore cuisine just as it should be—fresh, flavorful, and with a stunning view.
Food & Shopping
Not a fan of boating? No worries—Galena has plenty of other attractions to enjoy! Weekends bring live music festivals, while parks, walking trails, and historic landmarks await exploration. Take a day trip to Galena and stroll down Main Street, where you can admire the dogwoods in bloom, indulge in a scoop of fresh homemade ice cream, browse charming antique shops, or explore the downtown plaza. With nearly everything within walking distance, it’s the perfect place to get your steps in while enjoying the sights. Plus, Galena’s close proximity to the Chesapeake Wine Trail makes it a great base for wine enthusiasts looking to discover the unique wineries of the Eastern Shore.
Thinking of a Visit?
Nestled along the picturesque Sassafras River, Galena is not only a stunning place to call home but also a delightful destination to visit! With deep roots dating back to America’s early years, the town is brimming with captivating stories and legends that history enthusiasts will love, all just minutes from the water. Offering easy access to the river for sailors, kayakers, and fishermen, Galena also boasts charming antique shops and inviting restaurants—making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip. For more details, visit Kent County