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Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor Recreation

We value the outdoor experience. Stephenson County has endless adventures for everyone from the vast acreage of Krape Park to the rolling hills of our beautiful golf courses to the famous tribute of Little Cubs Field. Hiking, biking, whatever your liking – it’s right here in Freeport and Stephenson County.

Freeport

describe Krape Park

Krape Park

Krape Park is more than just grand playgrounds, picturesque scenery and outdoor recreation that initially meets the eye. Hidden within these woodsy acres is a wealth of entertainment and beauty with a miniature golf course, antique carousel, illuminated waterfall, walking paths and more! The park is named for Dr. W.W Krape, who built a mass following that breathed the original life into this land. Take a paddleboat along the Yellow Creek river, play with your children in the intricate playground system of Kid’s Kastle, explore the numerous paths that trail the hills and more at Krape Park in Freeport, IL.
ADDRESS:
1799 S Park Blvd.
Freeport, IL 61032

Knowlton Park

Located at the southeast corner of Broadway and Locust in Freeport, the park is named after Dexter A. Knowlton, a pioneer merchant and Freeport landowner who donated the land and development of the park to the community. Today, the neighborhood park features tall Black Maple trees that shade benches and play equipment installed in 1992.
ADDRESS:
Locust St. at Broadway St.
Freeport, IL 61032

Bidwell Park

This neighborhood park located across from the Freeport Memorial Hospital, features a small shelter (built in 1948), a backstop and play equipment installed in 1996. The park is often used for small group sporting events.
ADDRESS:
1124 W Pleasant St.
Freeport, IL 61032

Read Park Sports & Pool

Centrally located in Freeport, Read Park offers acres of recreational area and many activities to do. The park is home to the Read Park Family Aquatic Center, complete with a zero-depth swimming pool, water slides, spray features and sand volleyball area. Its newest amenity is an 11,000 square foot concrete skate park that features obstacles, ramps, rails, bowls and ledges. Located near the Read Park Pavilion are basketball courts, softball fields and a children’s playground. Experience all that Read Park has to offer in Freeport, IL!
ADDRESS:
1200 Park Ln. Dr.
Freeport, IL 61032

Taylor Park

Taylor Park was originally a trotting-horse race track, which gives the park its oval shape and flat terrain. Available amenities include picnic areas, shelters, playground areas, a three-diamond lighted softball complex, a tennis court, a basketball court and a sand volleyball court.
ADDRESS:
900 E Stephenson St.
Freeport, IL 61032

Wilbur Park

Developed as a result of activism from a community action group to bring a park to their northwest neighborhood, the land was purchased on their behalf by local industrial W.T. Rawleigh and deeded over to an openly receptive Park District in 1948. Today, Wilbur Park features pleasantly landscaped terrain and play equipment for children and families.
ADDRESS:
Warren Ave.
Freeport, IL 61032

Winter Park

Originally constructed by local builder James Winter, the seven-acre park was gifted to the Freeport Park District in 1995. The park now offers neighbors a 1/3 mile asphalt-surfaced path, a small shelter, a playground, a backstop and an open space landscape for group activities.
ADDRESS:
2023 Bedford Rd.
Freeport, IL 61032

 

Little Cubs Field

Experience big league fun at Little Cubs Field! This faithful replica of Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field pays tribute to a great American team and the great American game. Notice the brick walls, model scoreboard, marquee and left field bleachers when you visit this miniature reproduction. Little Cubs Field opened in 2008 after the community came together to build a place “where grown-ups can be kids and kids can be grown-ups.” Reserve the field for your events on the website.
ADDRESS:
1160 W Empire St
Freeport, IL 61032

Lena

Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park

Located in Lena, Illinois just west of Route 73, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area is highlighted by a 40-acre lake, multi-use trails, picnic areas and RV, tent, equestrian and youth group campgrounds. The park’s name is a combination of the town of Lena and the Latin word for water, “aqua.”
ADDRESS:
8542 N Lake Rd.
Lena, IL 61048

Lena Park District

Enjoy Lena Park District’s many parks and playgrounds.
Lions Park
Lions Park, Lena’s largest and most popular park, contains playground equipment, a large shelter house and a baseball diamond. It is also the home to the Splash Land Pool, Splash Land Food Court and a mini-golf facility.
ADDRESS:
609 N. Schuyler Street (Highway 73)
Lena, IL 61048

Dodds Park

Dodds Park is home to playground equipment, two baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a shelter house, concession stand, horseshoe pits and a shuffleboard court.
ADDRESS:
404 Walnut Street
Lena, IL 61048

Jaycees Park

Jaycees Park offers playground equipment, a volleyball court and a soccer field.
ADDRESS:
615 Country Lane Drive (Fairway Hills)
Lena, IL 61048

Schudt Park

Schudt Park is located in Waddam’s Grove and has playground equipment, a baseball diamond, a basketball court, picnic area and bird watching on 3 acres.
ADDRESS:
212 Schudt Street
Waddams Grove, Illinois 61048

Polhill Park

Polhill Park is Lena’s newest park, providing playground equipment, a shelter house with restrooms, a beautiful waterfall and horseshoe pits.  ADDRESS:
110 E. Provost Street
Lena, IL 61048

GOLF COURSES

Explore Stephenson County’s vast rolling hills with a game of golf on any number of the courses that span the area. Enjoy scenic Northwest Illinois at Park Hills or the Freeport Club, or venture outside Freeport to Stage Coach and Wolf Hollow in Lena or Brush Creek in Orangeville. Each course is different from the last with new scenery, people and challenges with each hole.

Park Hills Golf Course

3240 W Stephenson St.
Freeport, IL 61032

The Freeport Club

1614 Park Blvd.
Freeport, IL 61032

Wolf Hollow Golf Course

6546 N Shippee Rd.
Lena, IL 61048

Stage Coach Golf Course

623 Robin Ct.
Lena, IL 61048

Brush Creek Golf Course

2001 W St. James Rd.
Orangeville, IL 61060

Trails

Tutty's Crossing

Pecatonica River + Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead

Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead, located along the Pecatonica River in historic downtown Freeport, has been revitalized through community initiatives. Originally the location of the Burgess Battery Company (better known now as Duracell), Tutty’s Crossing has become the central spot for many biking and walking paths since connecting the Jane Addams Trail and Pecatonica Prairie Trail in 2015. Walk, bike, fish or paddle – this recreational area is perfect for experiencing the great outdoors in Freeport, Illinois
ADDRESS:
250 E Stephenson St.
Freeport, IL 61032

Oakdale Nature Preserve

Oakdale Nature Preserve

Three miles south of Freeport, nestled in the beautiful country in Northern Illinois, is Oakdale Nature Preserve offers 133 acres of forests, streams and restored prairies. Venture through over four miles of trails wind, as well as a 1/3-mile hard-packed accessible trail. The preserve is open daily from dawn to 10:30 PM.
ADDRESS:
4433 S Cranes Grove Rd.
Freeport, IL 61032

Jane Addams Trail

Jane Addams Trail

With the ever-changing seasonal plant life and varied wildlife, each journey on the Jane Addams Trail is a new experience. The rock layers and topographic features exposed along the path tell the story of an environment gradually changing from an ancient shallow sea to the rushing glacial stream that carved our valleys. The trail also tells the story of man’s history, from the Native Americans like the Winnebago Tribe to the pioneer families who prospered from this fertile land. Starting at Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead in downtown Freeport and traveling 17 miles to the Wisconsin state line where it connects to the Badger Trail (40 more miles North) you will see some of the most beautiful natural sights our area has to offer. This trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels as it is mostly flat and smooth and has multiple places to park along the path.

River Adventures

 

Pec-n-Paddle

Kayaking is a great way to disconnect from your electronic world and relax. You are in charge of your own boat and where you want to go. Rent a kayak for a 2-, 4-, or 8-hour tour or ask about overnight camping trips. Bring your own kayak and we will shuttle you up river and you can paddle your way back! Also ask about 6-hour fishing tours as we supply everything you need for a good time. Open seven days a week 6 am – 6 pm. Call (815) 990-2307 or (815) 275-2064 for reservations, or check out their web site pecnpaddle.com.

Port Tubing

This new recreational experience offers a relaxing float experience down the Pecatonica River. Port Tubing takes care of the transportation from dock to dock along with special offers to local food establishments. Cooler tubes also available.  Call (815) 233-9555 for reservations, or check out their Facebook page. 

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Spring Break Staycation in Stephenson County March 18, 2024 Whether you have just a few days or a whole week to enjoy, why not turn your spring break into an unforgettable staycation right her in Stephenson County? The perfect break from ordinary can be found without straying too far from home. Krape Park: Nature’s Playground Start your staycation at Krape Park, with a fantastic variety of activities and a […]
Women’s History Month 2024 March 13, 2024 Ashley Huffines, freeport public library, greater freeport partnership, Women's History Month 2024 The Greater Freeport Partnership honors the commemoration of Women’s History Month with a special feature from Ashley Huffines, executive director of the Freeport Public Library. When I think about Women’s History Month in 2024, and this year’s theme, “Women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion,” I can’t help but think about advocacy in the library world. Throughout the ten […]
Celebrating Important Things! March 6, 2024 Freeport, greater freeport partnership, Stephenson County On February 22, the Greater Freeport Partnership hosted its annual dinner with over 200 in attendance. We made several changes to our traditional annual dinner format this year, not least of which was adding three awards for a total of nine awards presented during the evening. While many organizations are paring down the number of awards they are presenting, we […]
Guest Column: Black History Month a Reminder to Remain Vigilant February 27, 2024 The Greater Freeport Partnership honors the commemoration of Black History Month with a special feature from James Rhyne, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Freeport & Stephenson County. Although it may finally seem that covid-19 is on the retreat, we must remain vigilant and watchful of the trends that are taking place in our nation, region, and […]