A Taste of Triplanz: Freeport, IL

Freeport, Illinois offers the ambiance of a small town with the amenities of a larger community. It was founded by William "Tutty" Baker who established a trading post and offered travelers free ferry rides, meals and lodging. When a name was discussed for the growing community, Mrs. Baker who was no doubt kept busy cooking and cleaning suggested that it be called a "free port". This tradition of hospitality continues today as the community welcomes you to explore its many attractions and businesses.


Freeport Art Museum
121 N. Harlem Avenue, Freeport
815-235-9755
www.freeportartscenter.org
Open: Tuesday thru Friday: 10 am to 5 pm; Saturday: Noon to 5 pm; closed major holidays
Free, but donations appreciated.
Explore five permanent galleries: European (19th century paintings, sculpture), Art of the Near and Far East (Egyptian, Chinese, and Southeast Asia), Native American (pots, baskets and Kachina dolls), Ethnographic (masks, ceremonial pieces and textiles), and Contemporary (prints and paintings). Two galleries are devoted to regional art or national exhibitions, and a student gallery features aspiring young artists. The Museum also offers educational programs, performances and special events.



Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square
114 E. Douglas Street, Freeport
www.lincoln-douglas.org
Open: Daily
Experience the history of the second of the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas held at this site on August 27, 1858, and at which the Freeport Doctrine, an important statement regarding slavery and state's rights, was proclaimed by Douglas. Although Douglas won the Senatorial campaign for which the debate was held, he lost the support of the South and split the Democratic Party which enabled Lincoln to win the Presidency in 1860, thus precipitating the Civil War. The site is self-interpretative through a series of waysides that tell about the events and ideas which led to the debates, and also includes a boulder and plaque dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and the life-size statues, "Lincoln and Douglas in Debate" by artist Lily Tolpo, dedicated in 1992. The park-like setting features benches, lighting and spacious walks.


Krape Park
1799 S. Park Boulevard, Freeport
815-235-6114
www.freeportparkdistrict.org
Open: Dawn to 10:30 pm
This beautiful park offers an antique carousel, waterfall, duck pond, miniature golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a quarter mile nature trail, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, hiking, biking, a performance amphitheater (the Koenig Theatre), gardens, picnic areas, shelters, and playgrounds including "Kid's Kastle". Winter activities include ice skating and sledding. Park attractions are open seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions.


Oakdale Nature Preserve
4433 S. Cranes Grove Road, Freeport
815-235-6114
www.freeportparkdistrict.org
Open: Dawn to 10:30 pm
This Preserve offers 133 acres of oak and hickory woods, restored prairies, two shallow streams, over four miles of winding trails for hiking, running and cross-country skiing, and picnic areas. Facilities, available for rental, include a learning center with meeting space, a lodge with a dining hall and dormitory, and a large auditorium. The Bill Gelwicks Nature Center is open during special events and programs or by request.


Park Hills Golf Course
3240 W. Stephenson, Freeport
815-235-3611
www.golfparkhills.com
This public facility offers two 18-hole, 72 par courses on gently rolling terrain. The West Course is 6600 yards, and the East Course is 6400 yards. Watered fairways,
three sets of tees, a 300 yard driving range, clubhouse and pro shop are offered.