Freeport is a city in northern Illinois and the county seat of Stephenson County. It is about 110 miles west of Chicago and 25 miles northwest of Rockford. Known as the Pretzel City, Freeport has a long agricultural and industrial history, with historic downtown buildings, Krape Park, and the Jane Addams Trail among its notable local features.
Location Map of Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois
About Map: The map shows the location of Freeport in Stephenson County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Freeport Map, Illinois
About Freeport Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Freeport in Stephenson County, Illinois. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.
Where is Freeport Located?
Freeport is a city located in Stephenson County, Illinois, the United States. It lies in northern Illinois, about 25 miles northwest of Rockford, 40 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and roughly 110 miles west of Chicago. Freeport is positioned at approximately 42.296° North latitude and 89.621° West longitude. The city covers about 11.89 square miles, or 30.80 square kilometers, including land and water. The 2020 Census recorded 22,277 residents, while recent estimates place the population at about 21,500. Freeport stands at an elevation of roughly 760 feet above sea level. The community was founded in 1835 and developed as a regional center for agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and transportation. Freeport became known as the Pretzel City because of its strong connection to German-American pretzel makers and its long-running pretzel tradition. The city is also known for its role in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate, which took place at the Stephenson County Courthouse. Krape Park is one of the city's main recreation areas, with trails, gardens, waterfalls, and a lake. The Jane Addams Trail provides a scenic route through the surrounding countryside. U.S. Route 20 and Illinois Route 26 provide convenient connections to Rockford, Galena, and other northern Illinois communities.
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Freeport City Facts
| City | Freeport |
|---|---|
| State | Illinois |
| County | Stephenson County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Northern Illinois |
| Incorporated | 1855 |
| Founded | 1835 |
| Total Area | 11.89 sq mi (30.80 sq km) |
| Land Area | 11.85 sq mi (30.69 sq km) |
| Water Area | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 sq km) |
| Elevation | 760 ft (232 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | About 21,500 |
| Population (2020 Census) | 22,277 |
| Population Density | 1,880.3 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CST/CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 61032 |
| Area Code | 815, 779 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 20, Illinois Route 26, Illinois Route 75 |
| Public Transit | Freeport Transit System |
| Major Attractions | Krape Park, Stephenson County Historical Museum, Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square, Jane Addams Trail, Freeport Art Museum |
| Official Website | https://cityoffreeport.org/ |
Distance from Freeport, IL to Nearby Cities
- Orangeville, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
- German Valley, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
- Lena, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
- Rockford, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
- Monroe, WI – 30 miles (48 km)
- Galena, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
- Dubuque, IA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Belvidere, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Oregon, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Byron, IL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Dixon, IL – 40 miles (64 km)
- DeKalb, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
- Janesville, WI – 50 miles (80 km)
- Madison, WI – 65 miles (105 km)
- Elgin, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
- Chicago, IL – 110 miles (177 km)
- Naperville, IL – 100 miles (161 km)
- Peoria, IL – 120 miles (193 km)
Top Attractions in Freeport
- Krape Park – A large city park featuring a lake, waterfalls, gardens, walking trails, playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
- Stephenson County Historical Museum – A local museum preserving artifacts, documents, and exhibits about Freeport and Stephenson County history.
- Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square – A historic site marking the location of the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debate held in Freeport.
- Freeport Art Museum – A community art museum featuring rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, educational programs, and local artists.
- Jane Addams Trail – A scenic multi-use trail following a former railroad corridor through the countryside west of Freeport.
- Freeport Pretzel Festival – An annual community celebration reflecting the city's long association with German-American pretzel making.
- Stephenson County Courthouse – A historic civic landmark connected to the city's government and the famous 1858 debate.
- Oakdale Nature Preserve – A nearby natural area with prairie, woodland, wetlands, walking trails, and wildlife habitat.
- Rock Cut State Park – A large state park near Rockford with lakes, trails, camping, boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
- Apple River Canyon State Park – A scenic state park northwest of Freeport featuring limestone canyons, wooded trails, streams, and camping.
Airports Near Freeport
- Albertus Airport (FEP) – 5 miles
- Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 35 miles
- Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ) – 45 miles
- Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) – 70 miles
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 100 miles
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official City of Freeport website and local government records.
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