STEPHENSON COUNTY — Tourism continues to be a significant economic driver for Stephenson County, with visitors generating $56 million in direct spending in 2025—a 9.3 percent increase over 2024.
The growth in visitor spending supported more than 350 direct hospitality jobs throughout Stephenson County, benefiting local restaurants, retailers, lodging properties, attractions and other tourism-related businesses.
The strong performance follows continued investment in destination marketing and visitor experiences, including the Greater Freeport Partnership’s 2025 Choose Your Adventure campaign. The campaign encouraged visitors to spend more time exploring the region by highlighting multi-day itineraries and showcasing the variety of destinations, outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, events and experiences available throughout Stephenson County.
“Tourism creates an opportunity to tell our story to new audiences while generating meaningful economic activity for the businesses and communities that make Stephenson County special,” said Nicole Haas, marketing & tourism director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. “Our Choose Your Adventure campaign was designed to encourage visitors to look beyond a single stop and discover everything Stephenson County has to offer over multiple days. When visitors stay longer, explore more destinations and support more local businesses, the economic impact reaches throughout our entire community.”
Stephenson County’s growth outpaced the statewide tourism spending increase, reflecting growing interest in authentic, accessible destinations that offer unique experiences and opportunities to explore.
Tourism across Illinois also reached historic levels in 2025. According to data provided by Tourism Economics, visitor spending grew 3.5 percent to $50.2 billion, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time in Illinois history. As a result of tourist spending and visits in 2025, the total economic impact amounted to $88 billion and produced $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue, reinforcing tourism’s role as a key driver of economic growth in communities across Illinois.
“Illinois continues to attract visitors from across the country and around the world, delivering economic benefits that reach communities in every corner of our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The growth of our tourism industry supports local businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our economy while showcasing the incredible people, places and experiences that make Illinois a world-class destination.”
The Greater Freeport Partnership serves as the tourism organization for Freeport and Stephenson County and continues to promote the region through its destination marketing initiatives, including the Simply Stephenson County tourism brand.
The Greater Freeport Partnership is a catalyst for dynamic economic growth fostering an inclusive environment where businesses thrive, and our community prospers. We are dedicated to nurturing new opportunities while enriching the fabric of Freeport and Stephenson County.
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For more information: Nicole Haas, Brand Director Greater Freeport Partnership 815-801-3676 nhaas@greaterfreeport.com
