The Trek
Family
The goat trek in Galena, IL is an experience you’ll cherish and remember. If you’re looking for things to do in Galena we’d love to share our land and goats with you. The trek explores the wooded property and prairies that have been in our family for four generations. The goats follow us along the way and enjoy hand-fed treats. The hike lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is 1.25 miles long. The trail is suitable for all ages and most abilities. Join us in Galena Country, we look forward to meeting you.
Our guides have an inherent knowledge of the land and the animals. We have grown up on this property, raised our families here, and are excited to share it with you. Trek with us, for things to do in Galena, IL.
Sami Rury
Specializations
Goat Whisperer
Animal Advocate
Environmental Enthusiast
Bilingual (Spanish)
Favorite Goat: Dill
Samantha and her infectious laugh can be found nestled in the corner of the goat hut, on a warm spring day, with baby goats in tow. The scent of sweet, warm milk, dripping from the chins of hungry kids, fills the air and warms the heart. Nurturing the needs of the young and delicate is a trait to emulate. Samantha’s devotion to her animals and land shines through on every trek.
Credentials:
Working towards: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Tourism, Spanish Minor, Colorado State University
University of Wyoming: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management
Love the outdoors, but not sure how to protect it? A person trained in Leave No Trace is 5X more likely to protect nature.
Tread lightly! Keeps America’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy and accessible.
Sydney Rury
Specializations
Nutrition + Food Fanatic
Environmental Enthusiast
Dedicated Gourmet
Bilingual (Spanish)
Favorite Goat: Rascal
Sydney grew up on the foundation, literally, of building something you love from the ground up. As the family home went up stick-by-stick Sydney watched, played, and explored the site. That was many moons ago, and today she shares her love of this land and its offerings with you. With a killer sense of direction and common sense to the core, this young woman can take you to the woods and back.
Credentials:
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Spanish Minor, Saint Louis University
Masters of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics + Culinary Entrepreneurial Studies, Saint Louis University, RDN, (September 2024)
Christina Eisbach
Specializations
Land Steward
Nutrition + Food Fanatic
Animal Collector (don’t tell my husband)
Outdoor Recreation Advocate
Favorite Goat: Just one?
Christina’s childhood was spent in the clutches of nature on this very property. Endless days exploring every corner of the land, on foot + horseback, gave way to the desire to share that experience with others. A vision, where the land supports your every need, and in turn we support the needs of the land, through education, enjoyment, and exposure–enabling us to thrive and fulfill the vision.
David Rury
Specializations
Land Manager
Outdoor Enthusiast
Acceptor of Animal Collection
Chainsaw Wielder
Favorite Goat: Seriously?
David grew up in the city of Galena but soon became accustomed to the country life. His love of the outdoors and the land can be seen in the care he takes with the property. Whether in the forest, removing firewood for the next heating season, or on the mower, maintaining the trails, David is at home and in his element.
Family- Extended
The Hoof It team may grow and change year after year but we love them like family. We laugh together, we cry together, and we navigate each joy and struggle together. We get on each others’ nerves and in the next breath voice how much we appreciate each other. Family is the best.
Sue Young
Specializations
Animal Lover
Customer Experience Advocate
Local Area Expert
Giver of Hugs and Wisdom
Favorite Goat: Oli
Sue has been a part of our family for generations. Susie (as she has always been called by our family) was Christina’s babysitter back in the day and the godmother to the other Eisbach siblings. Sue comes to Hoof It with years of recreation management experience and credentials and a beaming smile. Her love of people and animals–not necessarily in that order–adds a level of love to each and every trek.
April Lewis
Specializations
Wildlife Forager
Environmental Enthusiast
Animal Lover
Air Force Veteran
Favorite Goat: Nelson
April joined Hoof It multiple years ago and now can never leave, lol. Priding herself on her customer service, her wit, her knowledge of the outdoors, and her inherent love of goats, April, her laugh and goat call can be heard for miles and warms our heart. Some days in the summer you may meet Piper, April’s mini-me. Piper loves to tell you about…EVERYTHING, lol. Ask Piper to share her story of Dill (we are still laughing).
Insight
When I, Christina, was a young girl I was surrounded by animals–horses, chickens, geese, cows, dogs, cats, and yes GOATS!
We’ve chosen to raise our daughters in the same fashion. Dust in our hair, mud and other things under our nails, and a hard day’s work has given us a life many only dream about.
Located in beautiful Galena and Jo Daviess County, Illinois. Our setting, our home, your adventure, will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your soul.
Spending time in nature has a way of relieving the stress and anxiety of our day-to-day life and offers peace and tranquility.
Come HOOF IT in Galena, IL!
Galena offers great opportunities to explore the outdoors. Choose your adventure today. Choose to Hoof It.