REDEFINING A REGION

Freeport and Stephenson County provide a unique and desirable place to live, work, and play. Since its founding by German settlers in 1838, Stephenson County has represented an enviable intersection of hard work and entrepreneurial drive located in a beautiful small-city setting that allows for a healthy focus on family, community, and recreation.

Small Towns, Big Lives!

Freeport and Stephenson County offers residents an affordable place to build a quality life.

Outdoors

With world-class local and state park systems and natural areas, miles of trails for runners, hikers, bikers, canoers and kayakers, and several excellent golf courses and public sports fields, Stephenson County offers a wealth of opportunities for the active family and outdoor enthusiast.

Arts And History

Freeport and Stephenson County are also steeped in history and the arts. From the site of the historic second Lincoln Douglas Debate (where the famous Freeport Doctrine was first presented) and the historic birthplace of Jane Addams to the birthplace of many world-class companies and recognizable brands and so much more, Freeport and Stephenson County embraces its story and the beautiful buildings which represent so much of that history!

There is a commitment to public art in many of our communities, from statues and monuments to murals adorning the sides of buildings. A commitment to the performing arts can be seen in the numerous theaters and music venues located within the county, including Winneshiek Playhouse, one of the oldest, continuously operating volunteer theaters in the country and the classic Lindo Theatre, which shows first-run and revival movies seven days a week. Music can be heard in numerous bars and restaurants every weekend, as well as from our music venues including the Masonic Events Center, the Freeport Arts Plaza, and the theaters at our community college and numerous high schools.

Farmers Markets And Festivals

Small town life is often equated with community focused events such as farmer’s markets, fairs, and festivals. Again, Stephenson County does not disappoint. Farmer’s markets and roadside farmstands can be found throughout the county, a testament to the strength of agriculture in our local economy. Festivals and fairs fill up much of the schedule from late spring through the fall! From Music on Chicago and the award-winning Pretzel City Brewfest, to the famous Tutty Baker Fest being brought back in 2023, to Lena Fall Fest, the Northwest Illinois Air Show and the Stephenson County Fair, there are family-friendly events and activities throughout the year. You can find a list of events in the county on page 46 of this community guide.

Commerce and Entrepreneurship

The values of those early settlers and those who followed have persisted in the residents who have made this area their home. In the business-friendly environments found in Freeport, Lena, and throughout Stephenson County, entrepreneurs find a fertile environment to turn their ideas and dreams into viable businesses. In 2021 and 2022, the Greater Freeport Partnership held more than 50 ribbon cuttings for new or expanding businesses, as testament to our active entrepreneurial environment!

Operating a business is expensive, but your money goes further in Stephenson County. With a lower cost of living, and business operations, and easy access to major markets, Stephenson County is an ideal place to explore your entrepreneurial dreams. Add to that the ecosystem of education and support we are building to support new and growing small businesses and you have a fertile landscape for business success.

People love living in Stephenson County because it is affordable and offers the benefits of small town living without sacrificing the amenities of larger metropolitan areas.

If you live in Stephenson County, you are within one or two-hours drive of six major metro areas: Rockford, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Dubuque, and the Quad Cities. This means businesses located in Freeport and Stephenson County have many significant markets they can easily reach and market to. It also means that residents have access to all that those areas have to offer, while enjoying the quieter, more affordable lifestyle available in Stephenson County.

Building a life in Freeport and Stephenson County encompasses opportunities to succeed in a professional capacity as well as personal development. Residents who volunteer, embrace neighbors as friends, and help one another is what creates the hometown feel of each community. Spending time in the area, it is clear to see that the prosperity and progress live here – and you should, too.

There are many reasons why a person might choose to move back to their hometown after living elsewhere. One possible reason is the desire to be closer to family and friends. Many people have strong emotional connections to their hometowns and the people who live there, and they may miss being near their loved ones.

Another reason a person might move back to their hometown is the sense of familiarity and comfort that it offers. For some people, the idea of returning to a place where they have spent a significant portion of their life can be appealing, especially if they have fond memories of growing up there.

A third reason for moving back to one’s hometown could be the opportunity to be part of a tight-knit community. Some people enjoy the sense of belonging and connection that comes from living in a small town or neighborhood where everyone knows each other.

Overall, the decision to move back to a hometown is a personal one that is driven by a variety of factors, including emotional, practical, and social considerations.

Aquin Catholic Schools 1419 S. Galena Avenue, Freeport 815-235-3154 aquinschools.org

CareerTEC 2037 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport 815-232-0709 careertec-il.org

Columbia College of Missouri 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport 815-599-3583 ccis.edu/freeport

Dakota School District 400 Campus Drive, Dakota 844-632-5682 dakota201.org

Mr Jason Grey, Superintendent Enrollment 771

Freeport Community Public School Fund PO Box 778, Freeport 815-235-6114