German Valley is located twenty miles west of Rockford in Northern Illinois. It lies in a rural setting graced by lovely trees and flat productive farmland. The village has a population of 500.
For many years the village’s population remained stable, largely inhabited by retired farmers. But the addition of a city water and sewer system in the 1970’s sparked the development of two housing developments, which brought about more diversification and increased population. Through the years, though, the village has remained mindful of its German heritage.
The village has a modern fire department, paramedic level ambulance service, a historical society and museum, a Lions Club, a Lions Booster Committee, a 4-H Club, and Girl Scouts. The school has an active Parent-Teacher Organization.
Ben Miller Park has a softball diamond, volleyball court, two shelter houses, playground and nature preserve area. A summer recreation program is offered.
German Valley is located in the Forrestville Valley School District. Children in Pre-Kindergarten through Kindergarten attend German Valley Grade School. First through fifth graders attend Forreston Grade School in Forreston, Illinois, which is twelve miles away. Junior high and high school students also attend schools in Forreston. There are approximately 745 students in the district. Special education is offered through the Ogle County Educational Cooperative. The school system has an active Fellowship of Christian Athletes program, Parent-Teacher organization, and many other extra-curricular activities.
There are other school districts that border Forrestville Valley School District. Freeport School District, the largest bordering district, is located in Freeport, Illinois, approximately fifteen miles from German Valley. There is one high school, two middle schools, five elementary schools, and one alternative high school in the Freeport School District serving an enrollment of approximately 3500 students.
There are also other educational facilities in the area – Immanuel Lutheran (K-8), Tri-County Christian School (K-8), Aquin Catholic High School, and Highland Community College are all located in Freeport. Columbia College (also located in Freeport) offers bachelor’s degrees and beyond as do Rockford University and a branch of Northern Illinois University, both located approximately 30 miles from German Valley in Rockford, Illinois.
There are complete medical and hospital facilities, which can be reached in 20 minutes in Freeport, Illinois, and in 45 minutes at Monroe, Wisconsin. Rockford, Illinois, 45 minutes away, and The University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, two hours away, offer many medical specialties.
The German American State Bank, located in the village, is the fourth oldest in Stephenson County. It opened in 1907 and remained open during American’s financial Depression in the 1930’s. It has two branch locations, one in Pecatonica and one in Winnebago.
Other businesses located here include a restaurant, U.S. post office, auto repair, and veterinary clinic.
There are opportunities in Freeport and Rockford for shopping, dining and entertainment as well as in other area towns.