Top Reasons to Visit Stephenson County

Midwest towns may be easy to overlook, especially when you’re mindlessly driving past exits on the interstate and only paying attention to the GPS and notifications that pop up in your travel app. However, what unique stops are you missing along the way? When you take it slow and let your curiosity take over, there is so much to see!

Welcome to Stephenson County! This gorgeous area continues to be home to amazing people, memorable experiences, and wonderful places to visit. Whether you are traveling with your family or looking for a spontaneous adult adventure, pull off the highway to see what incredible experiences Stephenson County has to offer.

FAMILY ADVENTURE

A great way to bond with your family is to travel and create lasting memories frequently. A survey showed that 61% of children say their favorite way to spend quality time with their parents is on vacation! Even if the vacations are short day trips or weekend getaways, families have a chance to reconnect and explore new sights together.

In Stephenson County, outdoor activities are plentiful with more than two dozen parks in the area and attractions like Little Cubs Field, the Krape Park carousel, mini-golf and paddle boats. Families also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, playing court sports, and more in the spaces strewn across the county.

What happens when your family is looking forward to an outdoor getaway, but Mother Nature ruins the plan? Fret not - there are still a plethora of activities and places to keep your crew engaged! 4 Seasons Bowling and 11th Frame Arcade, nine-screens at the historic Lindo Theater, and the nostalgic atmosphere at Union Dairy will enthuse all ages.

What better way to keep your little ones learning than to slip some fun education into the vacation itinerary? Check out the Children’s Hands-On Museum (CHOM), which rounds out a wonderful variety of activities with the Freeport Art Museum exhibitions, and star-gazing at the Firebaugh Observatory.

Many visiting and living in Stephenson County appreciate the great historical significance. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate site, Stephenson County Historical Museum, and many other landmarks are worth exploring while in town. The Silver Creek steam train is unique to the region, and offers rides to visitors as they learn about the history of the rail.

Traveling with pets? Furry friends can take delight in running and meeting other furry companions at the Friends Forever Humane Society Dog Park. This dog park is open to visitors when traveling through Freeport. If you’re keen on exploring other animal adventures, visit the Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary to see a diverse mix of rescue animals.

FUN FACT

Cedarville is the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize Winner Jane Addams! Go back in time to learn about another local figure who led the way to civil rights and social improvement at the Cedarville Area Historical Society, which houses many of her childhood stories.

AVID OUTDOORS

Stephenson County offers a wonderful selection of outdoor activities to satiate the serenity you crave. Recharge with fresh air in your lungs and sunshine in your face!

With over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails across the country, pick your path and enjoy the views! Some fun places to walk, bike, and unwind include the Jane Addams Trail, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Oakdale Nature Preserve, Krape Park, Hideaway Park, Evangeline Forest Walk, and Tutty’s Crossing.

Do you enjoy kayaking, paddling, or canoeing? Yellow Creek from Krape Park offers shaded scenery, and the Pecatonica River from Winslow to Tutty’s Crossing presents winding waters for up to 30 miles. Avid golfers will enjoy swinging clubs on any of our challenging courses including Park Hills Golf Course, The Freeport Club, and Wolf Hollow Golf Course. Between these courses, you will surely enjoy the variety of stunning views that keep you busy all weekend long. If you’re short on time, try nine holes at Brush Creek Golf Course or Coach’s Golf and Grill.

While you’re here, don’t forget to bring the kids (or the kid in you!) for a trip to the big leagues. Our mini- Wrigley Field replica is a win for all ages, with authentic ivy, pennants, and a real grass infield. The venue is truly a hit for little league games, family reunions, corporate outings, and even weddings. Consider renting the field for yourself or your next event!

Finally, you can find many playgrounds, sport courts, picnic areas, fishing and skating parks in beautiful Stephenson County. Discover which park best suits the needs of your family or event, and settle in for a day of pure entertainment!

BOTTLES & BREWS

We know that for many, the idea of having a good time is depicted by having their favorite beverage in hand. The good news is, Stephenson County has you covered with glass, bottle, or brew - whichever you prefer! We are proud to be the home of three craft breweries and great selection of friendly and sophisticated establishments.

Generations Brewing Company was built in 2014 and resurrected the brewing industry once located in Freeport. Their selection features favorites like Hella Good and Pretzel City Amber, as well as artisan ales and lagers. This spot will surely hit the spot for you and your friends! Lena Brewing Company and Wishful Acres Farms & Brewery are situated just off the Highway 20 west of Freeport and offer special recipes and tasting opportunities with something new at each shop. See page 13 for more information on our breweries.

Whether you are in the mood for a cocktail lounge, wine bar, sports bar, or pub, you will find a fun spot to hang out in Stephenson County.

Events

With so much to do in Stephenson County, it can be hard to choose what activities to engage in! In the summer, larger music festivals like Music on Chicago, Eats & Beats, and Pretzel Fest make entertaining a breeze. Art festivals like Paint the Port and Art in the Park are also worth checking out! For those with specific interests, more niche events are available as well, such as Pretzel City Brewfest, Pretzel City Winefest, Cruise Night, and Silver Creek train rides and museum hours. If you live an active lifestyle, you’ll be pleased to find numerous running and biking races, bowling and golf tournaments, and many baseball and softball games to spectate during the season.

Regardless of what brings you into Stephenson County, you’ll be sure to find endless attractions and a warming atmosphere. Get your dose of relaxation with just the right amount of activity and fun. Come for the afternoon, or stay for the weekend… the people of Stephenson Countywelcome you and invite you to join us again in the near future!

Refer to page 48 for a list of annual events and details, or visit greaterfreeport.com/calendar for a list of what will be happening during the time of your visit.