The mid-sized city of Rockford is situated in the very north of Illinois on the banks of the Rock River. Also known as the ‘Forest City’, the state’s third largest municipality is now obtaining status as the ‘City of Gardens’ due to it being home to some of the most gorgeous gardens and parks in Illinois. Rockford offers visitors and residents a number of attractions whether you like culture and arts or outdoor recreation.
Famous for its lovely parks and gardens, Rockford boasts the Anderson Japanese Gardens and Klehm Arboretum as well as numerous others. Culture buffs will be attracted by various museums including the Burpee Museum of Natural History and Midway Village and Museum Center, a fascinating Victorian village containing 26 historic buildings.
If costumed actors are not your thing, Rockford provides several facilities for the family entertainment such as Magic Waters, Illinois’ biggest water theme park, and Volcano Falls Adventure Park. The city is enthusiastic about golf and was rated the nation’s best mid-sized golf city for 3 years. Furthermore, Rockford offers perennial events and festivals, above all On the Waterfront, the state’s largest music festival.
Highlights
Anderson Japanese Gardens: categorized as North America’s top Japanese gardens, these gardens are also home to many species of duck, fish and even mink.
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden: established in 1910, the gardens include butterfly, fountain, grass, children’s and prehistoric gardens.** **
Burpee Museum of Natural History: among the exhibits are Jane the Rockford T Rex, a prehistoric coal forest, 450-million-year-old fossils, and live animals in the Children’s Gallery.
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum: a preserved cottage dating from 1865 imparts visitors the impression of 19th century life in Rockford.
Midway Village and Museum Center: a charming turn-of-the-century Victorian village featuring 26 historic buildings and heritage gardens.
Rockford Park district: over 4,500 acres are encircled by 176 parks that are ideal for all sorts of recreational activities.
Coronado Theater: this richly ornamented vaudeville movie theater was completely renovated in 1999.