Freeport Area

International

Visitors Council

About Us

FAIVC is an organization of volunteers dedicated to providing each visitor with programming tailored to meet their specific personal and professional needs.

Over the past 64 years, host families have continued to graciously open their homes and hearts to visitors in the Freeport area.

We are a small all-volunteer council based in a relatively small community, yet we take pride in bridging cultures and connecting the world with Freeport. Our international visitors consistently rank us among their favorite parts of their visit to the United States. 

We believe that Freeport's founder, William "Tutty" Baker, would appreciate and recognize our warmth and generosity as reminiscent of the hospitality he offered to visitors when Freeport was first founded. 

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Our Impact By the Numbers
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Partners

The Freeport Experience

Freeport is the largest city in Stephenson County, Illinois, with a population of about 24, 000 people.

Known as "Pretzel City, USA," it earned this title to a popular German bakery that gained fame for its prolific pretzel production starting in 1881. The high school mascot pays homage to this history with the representation of a pretzel.

The largest industries in Stephenson County include Manufacturing (3,826 people), Health Care and Social Assistance (3,281 people), and Retail Trade (2,196 people). 

As of 2017, there are 965 farms covering approximately 305,000 acres of land in Stephenson County. Crops dominate the landscape, constituting 91% of land use, while the remaining 9% is allocated for dairy, beef, pork, poultry, and other farm products. The prevalent crops grown in the area include corn, soybeans, hay, and wheat.

Services

Home Hospitality

Enjoy a home hospitality that includes inclusive conversations with community members and regional foods.

Hometown Tour

Explore the Freeport Area with a local guide and learn about the community's history.

Network

We take pride in our network of professionals and future leaders that connect with our visitors.

Customized Trips

Appreciate tailored programs ensuring a holistic visitor experience with structured agendas.

Professional Agendas

Professional meetings, Internships, training seminars, and site visits.

Special Events

Participate in special community events that are taking place at the time of visit. 

City Resources

Utilize local resources to support and fully immerse yourself in rural America. 

Contact Us

Phone

815-541-5660

Email

FAIVC61032@yahoo.com

Get in Touch

If interested in getting in touch for any questions or volunteer and network opportunitie, please leave your information below and one of our board members will be in touch.