German Valley

A close-knit community on the east edge of the county, German Valley’s agriculture was a strong asset and reason for the establishment of a Great Western Railroad which established the village. Today, the village is still rooted in its rich history but with a refreshed perspective.

Population: 449 President: Mark Jewell, 815-807-7741
School: Forrestville Valley School District #221
View: ESRI Summary Report

German Valley Community Data

UTILITIES

Water: Village of German Valley

Sewer: Village of German Valley

Electric: ComEd

Gas: Nicor

Telecommunications: Mediacom, Frontier,T6

Sanitation/Recycling: Moring Disposal

COMMUNITY DETAILS

German Valley is a quiet well-kept rural village with a population approaching 500 residents. It is located southeast of Freeport — four miles south of Highway 20. Settled in 1848, it was the first colony in America originating from Ostfriesland located in northwest Germany.

The German-American State Bank stands out as the village’s enduring commercial endeavor. Established in 1907, it is one of the few banks in the state that remained open during the Great Depression. It has expanded with branches in Seward, Pecatonica, and Winnebago. The village’s other businesses include a gas station/mini mart, bar & grill, grain storage facility, car repair shop and other small businesses.

The village is located in Forrestville Valley School District and is noted for its academic excellence and parental support. The local grade school serves students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

PARKS AND RECREATION

Ben Miller Park provides facilities for softball, basketball, volleyball and shelters for family gatherings and community activities.
Van Raden Memorial Park has a veterans memorial, a shelter house and a man-made, two-acre fishing spot.
Each year, the community celebrates during its three-day German Valley Days festival, which began in 1973.

CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

German Valley Methodist
Silver Creek Reformed
Grace Valley Christian Reformed
Historical Society, highlights the village’s Ostfriesland and rural history
Active recreational programs
- 4-H club
- Girl Scouts
- Summer recreational baseball
Strong civic volunteer organizations
- Volunteer fire department, EMS
- Lions Club

BUSINESSES AND INDUSTRIES

Key Industries

Healthcare

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

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2024 Restaurant Week Participants April 13, 2024 We are excited to share the great featured dishes from Freeport & Stephenson County restaurants during Stephenson County Restaurant Week! Check back as we get more information added as the event draws closer! Featured restaurants include: Big O’s on the Hollow The Freeprot Club Higher Grounds Hilldale Deli Journey’s Cafe Jumpin’ Joes La Patrona Landmark Restaurant Lena Mercantile […]

New People Mean Business April 10, 2024 advocate program, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County The real estate market may not be as active as it was this time last year, but there is constant movement of new people and families into Freeport and Stephenson County. The Partnership connects with newcomers to provide information on things to do in the area that may interest them, services they need to make Freeport and Stephenson County home, […]

Springtime Spruce-Up April 5, 2024 As the vibrant colors of spring emerge in Stephenson County, it’s the perfect time to embark on home and yard improvement projects that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your living spaces. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to spruce up your property or a resident eager to contribute to the vitality of our community, there are plenty of opportunities […]

Showcasing Local Businesses April 2, 2024 BASE Camp, Freeport, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County Later this month we will be hosting two very different events that highlight what this area’s rich tapestry of businesses have to offer. On Saturday, April 20 from 10 am to 4 pm we will be hosting the Stephenson County Home Show at the Stephenson County Fairgrounds. The home show, hosted for the second year by the Greater Freeport Partnership, […]