Go West daytrip: A field of dreams in northwestern Illinois

It has the ivy, it has the red bricks, it has the iconic scoreboard. It even has an odd statue of Harry Caray seemingly emerging from a block of fans. It is Little Cubs Field, a miniature replica of the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field. Located in the northwestern Illinois town of Freeport, Little Cubs Field would make a fun, whimsical daytrip for any family of die-hard Cubs fans.

 

Little Cubs Field. Photo by Tara Burghart.The field (27 W. Stephenson St., 815-233-1350) was built over the last several years by volunteers, and the Cubs donated cuttings of ivy, dirt, grass, seats and flags from “the friendly confines.” Ron Santo and Caray’s widow Dutchie have both been big supporters of the project.

 

Admission is free to the ballpark, which is about 1/4th the size of the real thing and is used for T-ball, Little League, wiffleball and kickball games. It can also be rented for events, at a price ($45 per hour) that is extremely cheap by Chicago-area standards!

 

For your family’s visit, make sure to bring your camera, a bat, ball and gloves in order to take some kitschy shots of your kids making game-saving catches at the brick wall, resting in the dugouts or powering a hit out to right field. Make sure to check the website or make a call to the field once your trip is planned to make sure it isn’t reserved for a private event.

 

A gift shop is open during the warmer months, selling items like t-shirts, caps and glsases emblazoned with “Little Cubs Field,” plus offering a memorabilia-packed bathroom for visitors. 

If you do arrive at the field while a private event is going on and want to wait your turn someplace scenic,Krape Park (1799 S. Park Blvd.) is located nearby and really is a gem. It features a small waterfall, a functioning carousel, several playgrounds, a disc golf course and my favorite, paddle boats shaped like swans. 

Arguably the best restaurant in Freeport happens to be located across the street from Little Cubs Field. Open since 1921, Cannova’s (1101 W. Empire, 815-233-0032) features delicious traditional Italian food and pizza, but it only serves dinner, starting at 5 p.m. Other good options for food in town include Cimino’s Little Italy Pizzeria (421 Challenge St., 815-235-3545) and Imperial Palace Chinese Restaurant (1735 S. Ihm Ave., 815-235-5944.)

 

Union Dairy. Photos by Tara Burghart.Finally, before you head home, make sure to schedule a stop at an authentic, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Alber Ice Cream Parlor in the old Union Dairy building (126 E. Douglas St., 815-232-7099.) You can order a cone at the walk-up register, but the real fun is sitting down on one of the red spinning stools at the horseshoe-shaped counter. (The “orange pudding” flavor was invented by dairy employees decades ago.)

 

Alber also offers a food menu featuring deliciously greasy, smallish burgers made from beef ground fresh daily at a local butcher shop, local cheese and potato chips made in you guessed it, Freeport. The ice cream parlor’s only drawback is its somewhat confusing hours: It is closed entirely from November through February, but open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, only ice cream -- no grilled food -- is available on Sundays. So it’s a good idea to call ahead before your trip. You do not want to miss this place.

 

For history buffs, a small park across from Alber’s parking lot marks the spot where Abraham Lincoln debated Stephen Douglas in one of seven debates during their 1858 U.S. Senate race. A life-sized statue there makes it clear why Douglas was nicknamed “The Little Giant.” Another great spot for some fun family photos.

 

Where: Freeport, Illinois

Why: This blue-collar town of about 20,000 people is home to Little Cubs Field, a miniature replica of the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field. After a long day at the (mini) ballpark, you can stop for a cone at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

When: While the field is free and open year-round, you’ll likely enjoy your time there most if it’s warm enough to at least run the bases and play a game of catch. Just check the website or make a call to make sure the field isn’t reserve for a private event when you plan to visit.

Distance from the Fox Valley: About 90 miles

For more info on the area: Check out the Freeport/Stephenson County Convention & Visitors Bureau (4596 US Highway 20 East, 815-233-1357).

 

Insider’s Hint: Freeport is located about 45 miles east of the charming resort town of Galena and about 25 miles west of Rockford, home to one of the most complete juvenile  T-Rex fossils ever found. So a trip to Little Cubs Field could be combined with an overnight trip to either Galena or Rockford. And lucky for you, Go West Young Mom will soon have travel guides for both of those towns. Just keep an eye out on our Good Times section.

 

Comments

[bizzybeemom]

We visited Freeport for Father's Day weekend and enjoyed a fun train ride on the antique steam train of The Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad. http://www.thefreeportshow.com/scs.htm It was a blast and my little guys loved exploring and riding in IL's oldest working caboose. We also visited Krape Park to ride on the antique carousel (3 rides for $1!), feed the ducks, ride the swan paddle boats, and play on the huge wooden playground, Kids Kastle. We had a great time in Freeport!

[Sara]

I grew up in Freeport and my parents still live there. I have a 4 yr old and 2 yrd old. I just wanted to let you know that I think you did a great job on creating a fun filled day to my hometown. You really covered it all! :) We visit often and frequent all the places you mentioned above.