Greater Freeport Partnership

09/04/2026

NEW MANAGEMENT!
We are excited to celebrate with Athletico Physical Therapy in Freeport and new management! Shawn Gorseline and staff welcome you for a wide variety of therapy and recovery needs.
Check them out at 2725 IL-Rt 26, Suite D in Freeport.

09/04/2026

Yesterday morning’s Rise N Shine, hosted by the Freeport Park District, gave attendees a firsthand look at two exciting additions to our community. Guests gathered at the newly renovated Read Park Pavilion and had the opportunity to see the impressive new Warrior Obstacle Course in action.

The updates to Read Park are a fantastic investment in Freeport. Thank you to the Freeport Park District for hosting a great morning and for your continued commitment to enhancing our community. We encourage everyone to stop by, explore the improvements, and experience these great new amenities for themselves!

09/02/2026

A centennial of Pretzel Pride 🥨!!
💯 years of Freeport High School deserves a celebration for the ages. Whether you are a Pretzel Alum, new resident, or enamored with the Pretzel heritage, plan to stop out on September 12 for a full day of festivities!
Also check out the special feature in this year's Simply Stephenson County community guide that commemorates the occasion.
https://buff.ly/xLfqIU8

Freeport School District #145 FHS Pretzels

09/01/2026

Breakfast plans in Freeport? There are so many great options! Eggs Benedict and crispy hash browns or a hearty breakfast skillet at Family Affair Restaurant is a great start! Or try soothe your sweet tooth with great pancakes! Which plate are you ordering first? 🍳☕

Photos by rockfordandbeyond

08/31/2026

Meet a Member Monday
Formally know as Mill Furnishings, Black Iris Design Co. relocated to downtown Lena last year with an amazing new storefront! The locally owned furniture and décor store specializes in all things design. Stop in soon to check out a great selection of furniture, home decor, candles, notes, and so much more!

08/29/2026

Spend your Saturday in Downtown Freeport!

Take a walk-through downtown and check out the incredible artwork that was created during Paint-The-Port.

While you're downtown, be sure to visit the Stephenson County Farmers Market, where local vendors are offering fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more. It's a great opportunity to support local businesses and find something unique.

Don't forget to stop into our downtown shops and businesses. They are open and ready to welcome you.

And be sure to stick around for Freeport Area Eats & Beats later today. Enjoy great food, live music, and a fun day in the heart of Downtown Freeport.

There is no better place to be today than Downtown Freeport. We hope to see you there!

08/27/2026

The Partnership Ambassadors work to fundraise throughout the year to provide scholarships for CollegeNow students attending Highland Community College.
Congratulations to Hannah Salazar, Carl Duede, and Brody Kriebs who were awarded this year's scholarships. Have a wonderful year and we wish you all the best in your endeavors!
Thank you to the Partnership Ambassadors who prioritize their community and the education of our future generations!

08/27/2026

Paint-The-Port, Freeport Area Eats & Beats make downtown Freeport a great place to be this weekend!

All In Stephenson County is a weekly events and visitor publication highlighting the best to visit and do in Stephenson County in northwestern Illinois.

08/27/2026

Happy Anniversary to the Freeport Lincoln Doulgas Debate!
Lincoln-Douglas Society

THIS DAY IN LINCOLN HISTORY On August 27, 1858 in Freeport, Illinois, U.S. senatorial candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas meet in their second joint debate.

While Stephen Douglas kept his seat in the Senate after the debates, his reply that each state should be perfectly free to do as it pleased in regards to slavery, no matter the ruling of the Supreme Court, stirred a sentiment of betrayal among constituents that would come back to haunt him in his bid for President in the election of 1860.

Abraham Lincoln’s point that “a house divided could not stand,” his belief that Americans of every race were entitled to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” and his stance against Douglas’ advocacy for popular sovereignty were what ultimately led to his election later on.

Learn more about visiting the debate site in Freeport (and nearby ice cream!) at:
https://greaterfreeport.com/visit/history/

Info: Daily Illinois State Journal (Springfield), 30 August 1858, 2:3, 1 September 1858, 2:1-4, 2 September 1858, 2:1-4; Chicago (IL) Daily Press and Tribune, 30 August 1858, 1:4-6, 2:2-7; Second Debate with Stephen A. Douglas at Freeport, Illinois, 27 August 1858, CW, 3:38-76. https://thelincolnlog.org

08/27/2026

Oakdale Nature Preserve is made for an unhurried reset: arrive beneath the trees, follow the easy paved paths, and let the shade set the pace. Bring a water bottle, take the quiet route, and save a little time to simply enjoy the green.

Photos by rockfordandbeyond