Freeport is the county seat and largest city of Stephenson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 23,973 at the 2020 census, and the mayor of Freeport is Jodi Miller, elected in 2017. Freeport is known for hosting the second Lincoln-Douglas debate of 1858, and as "Pretzel City, USA", due to a popular local German bakery that became well known for its prolific pretzel production after it opened in 1869. Freeport High School's mascot is the Pretzel to honor its heritage.
Aerial view of Freeport, IL
Paint the Port is an annual festival in Downtown Freeport held in September and hosted by the Freeport Art Museum.
Enjoying a night at Union Dairy in Downtown Freeport
Freeport is home to the mini-Wrigley replica, Little Cubs Field. The field is open or can be reserved for private gatherings such as tournaments, family reunions, or other events.
Stephenson County, Illinois
Stephenson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2020 United States Census, it had a population of 44,630. Its county seat is Freeport.
Stephenson County Courthouse
Marker marking Waddams' first settlement in Stephenson County
A northerly look across Stephenson County's western edge from an overlook near Kent
