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
UTILITIES
Water: Village of German Valley
Sewer: Village of German Valley
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
