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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Playing Games July 17, 2024 It is summer. There is no question about it. We have the heat, festivals, golf outings, and summer storms to prove it. It is easy this time of year to go from meeting to event, seemingly ad infinitum. Our focus in the summer can become very short term: How do I get into air conditioning the fastest? How can I […]

Happy July 4th July 2, 2024 As we approach the 4th of July, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a very happy and safe Independence Day. This holiday is a time to celebrate the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy, and it’s also a perfect occasion to spend quality time with family and friends. At the Greater Freeport Partnership, we understand the […]

Know Your Audience June 19, 2024 Freeport, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County Other Partnership staff members and I often get asked to speak to local service organizations about what’s going on in Freeport and Stephenson County. We love these occasions to get out in the community, hear from great people, talk about positive progress, and learn from other perspectives. Before one such opportunity last week, I was able to join the group […]

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Businesses for Pride Month June 11, 2024 Freeport, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County