Parks & Recreation

When you need a place to get away from it all, beautiful parks and tucked-away treasures await your recreational pursuits. Biking, fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and disc golf are just a few of the activities available just outside your door.

If your idea of recharging includes sweat on your brow, fresh air in your lungs and sunshine on your face, Stephenson County has a great selection of outdoor activities to offer the serenity you crave.

With over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails across the county, pick your path and enjoy the views! The Jane Addams Trail, Lake Le0Aqua-Na State Park, Oakdale Nature Preserve, Krape Park, Hideaway Park, Taylor Park, Evangeline Forest Walk and Tutty’s Crossing are remarkable space to walk, bike and unwind.

Bring your kayak or canoe and put in for a day of beautiful paddling. Pick the shaded scenery of Yellow Creek from Krape Park or the long, winding waters of “Illinois’ Friendliest Paddle” on the Pecatonica River from Winslow to Tutty’s Crossing for up to 30 miles of water trail.

OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

Jane Addams Trail

17-mile recreational trail with beautiful scenery passing through prairie, wetlands and geologic formations. Bike all the way to Wisconsin!

Oakdale Nature Preserve

133 acres of forests, restored prairies and more than four miles of trails.

Little Cubs Field

A miniature replica of Wrigley Field for baseball fans of all ages.

Championship Golf

Five 18-hole golf courses featuring challenging terrain and remarkable features.

Krape Park

Located on the west edge of Freeport, Krape Park includes a wonderfully restored antique carousel, 18-hole mini golf course, paddle boat rental as well as miles of hiking trails.

Read Park

A quad-plex baseball complex is the center of Read Park along with a skate park, swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts.

Key Industries

Healthcare

Construction, Plumbing, Heating, & Service

Private Label Food Manufacturing

Stephenson County Major Employers

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Looking Ahead September 4, 2024 As we step into a new quarter, we are excited to share the impactful initiatives that are shaping the economic landscape of Freeport and Stephenson County. Our commitment to fostering a thriving community through economic growth, business development, and workforce enhancement continues to drive our efforts. The Greater Freeport Partnership remains dedicated to cultivating a dynamic economic ecosystem which ensures […]

A Picture’s Worth Thousands of Impressions August 20, 2024 We are in the thick of the tourism promotion season and nothing speaks to our potential visitors more than great photos and videos. The Partnership has gone to great lengths this season to capitalize on the beautiful spaces and friendly faces in Freeport and Stephenson County to showcase all there is to see and do. In July, visual images from […]

Enterprise Zone is Key to Spurring New Residential Development August 15, 2024 Residential development is a key component of Freeport’s revitalization strategy, and the enterprise zone is an important tool to drive that development. The Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone, which includes parts of Freeport, offers significant incentives such as: Sales tax exemptions on building materials Property tax abatement Waivers on certain permits These benefits are designed to attract new businesses and encourage […]

Conversations August 9, 2024 What a member is looking for from an organization like the Greater Freeport Partnership is as varied as the businesses who are our members. Start-ups and retail businesses may be looking for promotion, new or emerging leaders are often looking to build a network, a manufacturer may be looking for assistance with expansion, recruiting and developing their workforce, or more. […]