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Since 1948, the Indian Trail Archers have been aiming to teach young and old the ancient sport of archery — right here in Freeport’s own back yard.
Indian Trail Archers is a private club with doors open to everyone interested in archery. Founded in 1948, it’s been a part of Freeport and the surrounding region for a couple of generations and is always looking for ways to introduce archery to both children and adults. It is not necessary to join the club in order to participate, although membership does have its privileges. For example, established members have unlimited access to the indoor shooting range. The club is located in downtown Freeport, which is particularly popular during the winter months, but it also maintains an outdoor facility on AYP Rd in Freeport.
According to Indian Trail treasurer, Mark Rust, the club was formed in 1948, when a small group of archers began getting together in Krape Park to practice their sport. They got permission from Maize Steril of Ridott to use 20 acres of his wooded land, and in 1952 joined the National Field Archer’s Association. At that time, the Indian Trail Archers had about eight to 10 members. The club maintained a small shooting range next to Hoffman Furs on Main St., then moved to the Old State Theater on Stephenson St. in 1979. Since 1984, Indian Trail Archers has maintained its facility on E. Spring St. and has kept its outdoor shooting range on the original Steril property in Ridott until 2023. The new outdoor location is just outside of Freeport located on AYP Rd.
Children and teens should sign up for lessons and youth league competition with the Freeport Park District, which offers the archery program in cooperation with the Northwest Illinois Chapter of White Tail Deer. Lessons are provided by certified National Field Archer Association instructors.
Target shooting, bow hunting, and traditional long bow skills are available.
Adults can arrange for lessons with a club member, and with practice will be able to compete in a league within several months to a year, depending on the time put into the sport.
This year, Indian Trail Archers is hosting the Midwest Archery Championship Series, which rotates between archery clubs in the region.
“The great thing about archery is that you don’t have to be the biggest or the fastest. It’s all about discipline and mental focus,” said club treasurer, Mark Rust. “Archery really is for everybody. We have taught all kinds of kids, from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, 4-H members, church youth groups and special needs kids. We always get a good response from the kids. And adults are welcome too, even beginners.”
Indian Trail Archers’ indoor range on Spring St. is 20 yards long and 60 feet wide. Archers may practice spot target shooting, shoot at three dimensional animals made of foam, or at two dimensional figures of animals printed on burlap.
Adult non-members pay $8 per visit and may shoot as long as they like. The fee for kids is $4 per visit, and they are also welcome to unlimited practice time.
The club’s outdoor range in Freeport on AYP Rd also provides spot targets and holds 3-D tournaments throughout the summer. During hunting season, club bow hunters hunt deer, and according to Rust, a clean shot from a skillful bow hunter will kill a deer immediately and humanely.
Where: 107 E. Spring St., Freeport, IL 61032
3665 AYP Rd, Freeport, IL 61032
Why you should visit: To learn about the archery classes and league competition available to youth at Indian Trail, as well as opportunities for adults, which may be arranged with the club sign up or contact us.
What you will find: An indoor shooting range, targets, access to an outdoor range, and an adjacent independent store, Stateline Archery, selling all necessary equipment.
For more information regarding kid’s lessons, please contact us at indiantrailarchers@yahoo.com.