Freeport Attractions

The Fever River Railroad is a scale model of railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. The scenery represents the local geography and miniature industries typical to the area are featured.

The Freeport Arts Center features nearly 4,000 artifacts in six permanent galleries from all continents and all time periods. Exhibits include antiquities; ethnographic objects from Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea; 15th to 19th century European paintings, prints and sculpture; a collection of textiles from around the world; and a large collection of contemporary American prints, paintings, and sculpture.

On this site, in 1827, that the Freeport Doctrine was established. It was an important statement regarding slavery and state rights. The debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A Douglas is commemorated with life-size statues, a boulder and a plaque.

The Old River Historic District is bounded by Pecatonica River, Brick Avenue, Galena Avenue and Clark Street. Many old and architecturally significant structures are located within the district including Freeport's oldest house, built 1838. The Wisconsin Road Bridge, built in 1885 of cast iron is also located within the district.

The Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad offers a 4 mile ride through farmland and across a bridge that sits 30 feet above Yellow Creek is available on an antique steam train. The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club acquired the old County Home building and opened the Silvercreek Museum in the spring of 1989.

The Soldiers Memorials are dedicated to soldiers who fought in the Civil War and in Vietnam. The Civil War monument was dedicated in 1871 and the Vietnam Era Veterans memorial was dedicated in 1987.

The Stephenson County Historical Society Museum is housed in the Oscar Taylor Home, a two-story 1857 stone house. The home is decorated in Victorian era style with 19th-century furnishings. The arboretum contains 60 types of trees and heritage gardens.

This monument honors the founder of Freeport, William "Tutty" Baker. He built a trading post and offered free ferry rides, meals and lodging.