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- An Expanded List Of Things To Do In Rockford, Illinois
Located to the north of the state of Illinois, the Midwestern city of Rockford offers a less crowded holiday destination compared to Chicago. Rockford is the seat of Winnebago County and is perched on the banks of Rockford River. This geographic advantage further elevates the touristic quality of the city, providing scenic waterfront attractions to explore. In addition, the city is renowned for its forests, symbolic and scenic gardens, arboretums, parks, as well as museums that preserve fascinating history.
For visitors with a love for unique or vintage architecture, Rockford offers a number of interesting attractions, among them the Tinker Swiss Cottage. The growth of the city’s tourism sector is impacted by its proximity to Chicago, particularly as travelers consistently seek more non-traditional tourism locations.
Gradually stamping its profile as a worthy, non-traditional travel destination in Illinois like Chesterfield, Rockford offers diverse attractions and activities ideal for both solo travelers and family groups.
UPDATE: 2023/08/03 08:56 EST BY BARRY JUMA
An Expanded List Of Things To Do In Rockford, Illinois
Although Rockford may not elicit as much excitement as its larger Illinois counterpart Chicago, it certainly has a number of attractions that are bound to keep visitors busy. This expanded list includes some options within a short drive from the city, including the scenic White Pines Forest State Park and Rock Cut State Park, with the latter located just 10 miles from Rockford.
Top Things To Do
From discovering and savoring diverse nature to getting in touch with Rockford’s history and heritage, there is no shortage of things to do in the city.
1 Visit The Klehm Arboretum And Botanic Garden
The garden and arboretum offer 155 acres of unique gardens and fountains with sculptures, creating picturesque and tranquil spots for sightseeing and outdoor relaxation. One may also opt to hike along the cleared hiking trails or try out the forest routes.
The arboretum has some rare, unique trees including a variety of maple, oak, pine, elm, spruce, and fir species from Europe, Asia, and North America. One of its highlights is a bur oak grove with trees as old as 300 years.
One has several gardens to explore, with popular ones including the daylily, children’s, pre-historic, and butterfly gardens.
- Address: 2715 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61102
- Hours: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
The last batch of visitors is allowed entry at 3:30 pm
2 Head To The Famed Anderson Japanese Gardens And Laurent House
This is among the most visited attractions in Rockford, and it features numerous, diverse species of flora and fauna. Aside from plant species like magnolias and azaleas, the gardens also have ponds, cascading waterfalls, streams, rocks, and a Japanese-style teahouse.
The 12-acre park showcases nature, but there are a number of wellness services offered within the gardens including yoga classes, gong baths, tai chi, and meditation. Visitors can also opt to sample the fascinating cultural and educational events hosted at the gardens.
To grab a bite, head to Fresco, which is within the gardens. There is also a gift shop onsite.
For a more in-depth exploration of the gardens, visitors have the option of private or public tours. These tours include a stop at the Sukiya-style guest house with its marvelous post and beam construction style and Laurent House, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is about 3 miles from the gardens.
- Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
- Hours: Open daily
Reserve a tour at least two weeks in advance. The tour cost is $60 per person.
3 Check Out Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Sinnissippi Gardens, And Sinnissippi Park
The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens features a wide variety of exotic plants including tropical flowers conserved mostly in a beautiful indoor setting. The 11,000-square-foot conservatory routinely hosts intriguing plant exhibits, among them the annual orchid display.
The butterfly house is another fascinating exhibition that showcases the lifecycles of butterflies and moths, including when they emerge from their chrysalises.
Outdoors, the environment is even more stunning with more plant and tree species, a scenic Eclipse Lagoon, a waterfall, and fountains. There are also patio areas to take a break at, and a riverfront path that offers scenic views of Rock River while directly leading to the adjacent Sinnissippi Rose Gardens.
At the rose gardens, there are thousands of rose flower plants of different varieties which create a truly magnificent scene when they bloom. Just across the road (east of N 2nd Street) is Sinnissippi Park which is a public park. It offers a tranquil ambiance with its lush greenery and is a good spot for leisurely strolls.
The park typically hosts concerts in summer, including at the open-air Sinnissippi Park Music Shell which is a uniquely-designed amphitheater.
The Festival of Lights is another popular event typically hosted at the park in the winter months.
4 Induce An Adrenalin Rush At Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Rockford
The spot packs numerous adventure and activity-packed attractions ideal for a family day out and was formerly known as Magic Waters Park.
Just off Interstate 90/39, Hurricane Harbor located in Cherry Valley offers water slides, a lazy river for some water-based fun and relaxation, and several play areas.
The Typhoon Terror, a tube water slide, is one of the hot favorites in the park. It has exhilarating twists and turns, which are experienced on a 4-person raft taken through the whooshing waters and wind action.
For adrenaline junkies, the Riptide Rush is just the right stop, with its near-vertical speed slide of 75 feet. On its part, the Abyss takes sliders on a descent of five stories in darkness, treating them to unpredictable twists and turns before they land in the pool below.
If visiting with young swimmers, the Caribbean Cove with its small water slide and spraying waterfalls will keep them actively entertained as they explore. Little Lagoon is another option for kids, with floating replicas of ocean animals and colorful water sprinklers to soak in as much fun as possible.
- Address: 7820 N Cherryvale Blvd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016
- Hours: Vary frequently; check the calendar before visiting
- Cost: Single-day tickets start at $30
Purchase passes for unlimited entry into the park for pre-determined durations and numerous other benefits.
5 Learn At The Burpee Museum Of Natural History
The Burpee Museum offers an appreciation of natural history in different aspects, and its exhibits and programs are curated for both adults and minors.
Classes suitable for adults include natural history art classes which offer fun ways to explore topics of the evolution of plant and animal species. To make learning interesting and interactive, art is thrown into the works with supplies provided for some exploration.
In terms of displays and exhibitions, there is enough to peak one’s imagination and curiosity. Dinosaur fossils, replicated forests, and re-enacted living environments of indigenous communities are some of the displays in the museum.
For travelers fascinated by topics of dinosaurs and evolution from the pre-ice ages, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is a place to visit.
- Address: 737 N. Main Street Rockford IL, 61103
- Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Closed over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Easter
6 Sample More History At The Historical Discovery Center Museum
The museum definitely deserves a spot in the list of the most family-friendly museums in the US. It is an ideal spot for a fun-laden family outing where children get to learn a lot of scientific concepts from hundreds of interactive exhibits. It is a place to raise the interest of children in Science Technology Engineering and Math concepts in a hands-on, but entertaining way.
Visitors are able to discover fascinating exhibits showing human anatomies, space travel devices, a broad range of machinery, intricate electricity and lighting concepts, and other diverse scientific creations. This makes the museum a great spot for student visits.
Located on the banks of Rock River, the museum also features the Rock River Discovery Park which has a water play area, a fascinating maze, and dinosaur pits for some playful exploration.
The museum is housed at the Riverfront Museum Park complex which is a humanities and arts complex in downtown Rockford. The complex also houses the Rockford Art Museum and is connected to the Burpee Museum of Natural History by a walkway tunnel.
7 Visit The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum And Gardens
Like the other attractions in Rockford, this museum also offers a reason to skip Chicago and try other Illinois destinations. It features the famed house museum, carriage house, and barn which belonged to the Tinker family. The attraction bears remarkable history relating to the foundation of the city and stores thousands of items documenting the life of the famous family.
The vintage Swiss architectural style which captivated Robert Tinker in his tour of Europe in the 1860s is among the few remaining in the US. The family also planted immaculate gardens around the cottage, creating a quaint and serene environment outside.
The museum depicts what the Victorian lifestyle was like in Rockford. Appreciate the cottage’s original furnishings, clothing used by the family in that era, diverse pieces of art, and general household items which are splendidly preserved.
The museum grounds also hold a pre-Columbian conical mound which is associated with the burial rites of Native American communities.
In addition to guided tours, visitors can explore the museum and gardens through open-house events, family game days, lectures, and members-only days.
- Address: 411 Kent St, Rockford, IL 61102
- Hours: Tours are offered between Tuesday and Sunday at 1 pm and 3 pm
- Cost: $9 for adults; $8 for seniors aged 65+; $5 for children aged between 6–17 years; free for children aged 5 years and below.
Visitors need to book guided tours to be allowed entry into the museum. The walking tours may take anything from 60 to 90 minutes.
8 Ethnic Heritage Museum And Graham-Ginestra House Museum
With its shared campus, the Heritage Museum Park connects the two fascinating museums, making it a convenient location to immerse oneself in a history-themed exploration.
The Ethnic Heritage Museum offers six galleries stashed with remarkable artifacts documenting the lives of the immigrant groups that primarily settled to the south of Rockford. It takes visitors through some of the important aspects of African-American, Lithuanian, Polish, Italian, Hispanic, and Irish immigration.
The galleries include some of the earliest maps of Rockford, vintage clothing, and diverse photography which tell the stories of the entry of these communities into Rockford.
On its part, the Graham-Ginestra House is symbolic of the industry of prominent families which established successful enterprises in Rockford in the 1800s. The architectural style of the house features both Greek and Italian influences and is on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois.
- Address: 1129 South Main Street in Rockford, IL 61101
- Tour Hours: Guided tours are offered on Sundays from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm. For private weekday tours, prior booking is required.
9 Check Out The Fascinating Midway Village Museum
This museum takes you back to life in the Midwest in the era between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours of the 13-acre Victorian-era village take visitors through historical interpretations of life in a typical village in northern Illinois. Self-guided tours of the village are also permitted, though access to the buildings may be limited without a guide.
At the main museum center, there are interactive exhibits further exploring the history of Rockford, and these too can be experienced by self-guided tours.
The “Many Faces One Community” exhibition is outstanding in its depiction of the earlier lives of immigrants from various backgrounds who settled in Rockford to create the thriving community that the city is today.
If interested in the technologies of the early 1900s, venture out to the Woodward Millhouse by Lake Severin to see the waterwheel.
- Address: 6799 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
- Hours: Vary with seasons. Confirm the hours online to avoid inconvenience
- Cost: Range from $9 to $13 depending on the age of visitors, the exhibits targeted, and whether the tours are guided or not. Special events are charged separately
10 Catch A Concert At Coronado Performing Arts Center
The 2,400-seat theater built in 1927 is a historic and significant entertainment hub in Rockford. Musical concerts, Broadway performances, comedic shows, and symphony orchestras are some of the events that revelers can catch here.
Another remarkable feature of the theater is its architecture. Its gilded interiors are reminiscent of the Spanish and Italian styles common in theater designs at the beginning of the 20th century.
To appreciate this style and ambiance, one may book a tour of the theater spaces and its stage.
- Address: 314 N. Main St. Rockford, IL 61101-0476
To enjoy a performance or show at the theater, browse the theater’s website for upcoming events and purchase tickets in advance.
11 Explore Rock Cut State Park
Nestled in the outskirts of Rockford about 10 miles away, Rock Cut State Park is a sprawling 3,092-acre park that offers an array of outdoor activities. The park is home to two lakes, perfect for fishing and boating, and over 40 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
Its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons.
- Address: 7223 West Lane Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111, United States
- Hours: Winter: 8 am - 5 pm (daily) Summer: 6 am - 10 pm (daily)
12 Visit The Rockford Art Museum
The Rockford Art Museum is located in the heart of the city, and it houses a remarkable collection of contemporary and modern art. The museum, established in 1913, features over 1,900 works, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of art through the museum's changing exhibits and educational programs.
- Address: 711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, United States
- Hours: Thu - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (closed From Mon - Wed)
- Admission: Free
13 Venture To White Pines Forest State Park
White Pines Forest State Park is a tranquil retreat known for its towering white pine trees. The park's scenic beauty is complemented by the Rock River that meanders through it, offering opportunities for fishing and canoeing.
The park also features cabins for those who want to extend their visit, making it a perfect weekend getaway.
White Pines Forest State Park is found about 34 miles from Rockford, about a 45-minute drive.
- Address: 6712 W Pines Rd, Mt Morris, IL 61054, United States
- Hours: 6 am to 6 pm (daily)
- Cost: Free
14 Visit Macktown Living History Education Center
The Macktown Living History Education Center is a historical gem that transports visitors back to the 1830s. This site was once the hub of Stephen Mack Jr., a fur trader, and his wife, Hononegah, a Native American woman from the region.
Today, the center is a living history museum that offers visitors an opportunity to experience life as it was in the 19th century. The center's grounds are home to several original and reconstructed buildings, including the Mack house, a trading post, and a blacksmith shop.
Tourists can stroll through these structures, absorbing the atmosphere of a bygone era.
- Address: 2221 Freeport Rd, Rockton, IL 61072, United States
Members get free admission to events and discounts at the museum shop. Those who often visit these parts may consider becoming members to enjoy these benefits.
15 Best Time To Go
With its location in the Midwest, Rockford has four distinct seasons. Winters in Rockford can be extremely cold with the possibility of snowstorms. January is the city’s coldest month, and temperatures can dip to just above freezing.
The period between March and June generally sees increased rainfall potential, often with the possibility of thunderstorms.
The peak times for visits to the city’s attractions are summer and the fall; as the weather is warm and fairly humid at this time. In particular, the period between July and October is an appropriate time to visit given the fall in rainfall intensity.
Nevertheless, the best time to visit is probably best determined by the attractions targeted. If interested in outdoor botanical gardens and parks, the period towards the end of spring may see the plants and flowers start to bloom beautifully. However, the high probability of rainfall may dampen outings, and visits to indoor attractions like museums are more appropriate.
In summer and towards the beginning of the fall, outdoor activities are generally more enjoyable, though charges may marginally increase because of higher demand.
16 What To Know When Visiting
- After the decline of its manufacturing industry starting in the 1950s, Rockford has sought to steadily diversify its economy. Service sectors such as tourism play a key role in this regard.
- The city’s rail system is largely dysfunctional. However, public bus transportation covers many routes and serves the city pretty well.
- Winters may be bitterly cold, and visitors ought to take sufficient precautions if they choose to travel through Rockford at this time. Take advantage of the winter visit to Rockford to venture further to the southeast for the fancy holiday attractions in Chicago.
17 Best Ways To Get Around
There are several options for getting to and from Rockford’s attractions. In terms of travel from locations outside the state of Illinois, the Chicago O’Hare International Airport is the most used option by passengers. It offers connections to and from various locations both in and outside the US.
Chicago's Midway International Airport is another popular option for travel to Illinois before proceeding to Rockford. There are bus shuttle services ferrying passengers into Rockford City from both Chicago airports.
Rockford also has an airport, the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, but it is mostly served by Allegiant Air which offers travel to limited destinations. One can also travel to or from the airport aboard chartered flights.
Once within the city, there are plenty of transportation options. The Rockford Mass Transit District provides public transportation, with the Downtown Transfer Center acting as the main stop, with connections to approximately 14 routes. The eastern parts of Rockford are served by the East Side Transfer Center.
The stops provide restrooms, vending machines, and waiting areas, and travelers can also catch Van Galder Buses to destinations like Chicago.
For more private travel, there are car rental services, and ride-hailing apps can also come in handy.
18 Where To Stay
There are plenty of both affordable and pricey accommodation options in Rockford. Some hotels to try out include:
Hilton Garden Inn Rockford
The accommodation is located just 2.1 miles away from the Midway Village Museum and less than 20 minutes away from downtown Rockford. It also offers direct access to the Anderson Japanese Gardens which is about 25 minutes away.
A number of restaurants, parks, golf clubs, and convenience stores are within a radius of 10 miles from the inn, with Rockford Casino less than a mile away.
- Address: 7675 Walton Street, Rockford, IL 61108
- Amenities: internet, indoor pool, meeting rooms, pet friendly, EV charging, parking, fitness center
- Cost: Rooms start at above $100
Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford
This is the ideal accommodation for both business travelers and vacationers seeking to explore Rockford’s attractions. Its rooms provide a relaxing feel, with sufficient amenities to plan one’s adventures or work.
- Address: 200 South Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61108
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, indoor pool, business center, on-site pub
- Cost: Rooms start at above $100
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Conference Center
A luxury hotel that puts guests right at the center of all the action in downtown Rockford, offering views of the Rock River. Moreover, it is close to attractions such as Rockford Theater, Rockford Art Museum, Discovery Center Museum, and Burpee Museum of Natural History all of which are less than 1 mile away. It is also right next to Davis Park which borders Rock River.
- Address: 416 S Main St, Rockford, IL 61101
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, fitness center, meeting rooms, golf simulator, indoor pool, hot tub, onsite restaurants
- Cost: Suites start at above $100
Red Roof Inn Rockford East-Casino District
The family-friendly establishment is strategically located to offer proximity to various comforts like restaurants. It is a walking distance away from Rockford Casino, and just 1.7 miles from Midway Village Museum.
- Address: 7434 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
- Amenities: pet friendly, Wi-Fi, free parking, snack center
- Cost: Rooms start at below $100
Alpine Inn and Suites
This affordable accommodation is located centrally to offer easy access to plenty of Rockford’s attractions. It is near downtown Rockford at the junction of E State St and N Alpine Road, and is within easy reach of a number of conveniences such as restaurants, stores, and medical facilities. It is also close to Alpine Park and Alpine Hills Golf Park.
- Address: 4404 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, parking
- Cost: Rooms start at below $100
19 Where To Eat In Rockford
Rockford has plenty of dining options for visitors to enjoy.
Breakfast Options:
- Eggsclusive Café, Johnny Pamcakes, Fresco at the Gardens (at Anderson Japanese Gardens), The Norwegian, Lydia’s Café, Swedish Pancake House, Alpine View Restaurant, IHOP, Stockholm Inn
Lunch, Dinner and Drink Options
Lino’s Rockford
The eatery serves various Italian delicacies, including mouthwatering pizzas and delectable wines, as well as some varieties of seafood. Moreover, one can have their special event hosted at the restaurant, or get catering services brought to their destination.
- Address: 5611 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday
- Cost: Main dishes start at $16 per serving
Sister’s Thai Café
The café is a great spot to sample Thai food varieties like curries and fried rice or noodles. One can get combinations of dishes made from light, but delicious and healthy ingredients.
- Address: 514 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61104
- Hours: Open daily, except for Sunday
- Cost: Main dishes start at $15 per serving
Uncle Nick’s
The restaurant services Greek and American cuisines, with several fast food options for takeout. Their Gyros sandwiches are a favorite, and there are delicious appetizers on the menu too.
There are two Uncle Nick’s eateries in Rockford.
- Address: 918 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104; 5404 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61108
- Hours: Open daily
- Cost: Dishes start at $3
Irish Rose Saloon
The restaurant prepares delicious Irish and American dishes from fresh ingredients sourced in Chicago every week and prides itself on serving preservative-free delicacies. The downtown restaurant and saloon provides a cozy ambiance, plus a variety of cocktails, wines, and beers to choose from.
- Address: 519 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
- Hours: Open daily
- Cost: Dishes start at $11
Hai Quynh Restaurant
If seeking Asian delicacies, this is the restaurant to go to for some amazing Vietnamese dishes. One can choose from rice cuisines to various soups and noodles, and the prices are pretty affordable.
- Address: 324 7th St, Rockford, IL 61104
- Hours: Open daily
- Cost: Dishes start at $2.50
20 How To Spend A Perfect Day In Rockford
Start the day with a mid-morning visit to the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor for some adrenaline-packed water slide activities.
Head to the Typhoon Terror slide or the Abyss with its twists and turns. Submit to the whooshing water action before plunging into the pool below. After soaking in enough fun, head to the nearby Alvarez Restaurant for some Mexican bites and drinks to replenish the lost energy.
Once done with lunch, head to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens on the banks of Rock River to enjoy the tropical plants and flowers on display. Be sure to check out the butterfly and orchid exhibits.
When done with the conservatory, stroll outdoors and revel in the magnificent views. Walk along the riverfront path towards the adjacent Sinnissippi Rose Gardens.
Enjoy the variety of rose flowers and take pictures. If the weather and time permit, stroll along the riverfront path some more while enjoying the beauty of Rock River.
Afterward, head to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront & Conference Center where a suite had been reserved. Shower and freshen up then head to the hotel’s restaurant for dinner.
Once done, change into something chic and comfortable and walk to the Rockford Performance Arts Center to catch a performance.
After enjoying the concert or show, head back to the hotel to retire for the night.
FAQ
Q: What is Rockford IL famous for?
Rockford is the seat of Winnebago County and is located on the banks of Rock River. It is renowned for its beautiful gardens that rival Chicago's famous botanic garden, museums preserving its fascinating history, and cultural entertainment spots. Rockford was also given the nickname "Forest City" because of its greenery and parks.
Some of its top tourist attractions include Anderson Japanese Gardens, Coronado Performing Arts Center, Burpee Museum of Natural History, and the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum.
Q: Is Rockford IL worth visiting?
Rockford is one of the cities in the state of Illinois, and it is located to the northwest of Chicago. It is in Winnebago County and is largely out of Chicago metropolitan area.
Because of the proximity, however, the city's profile is significantly impacted by Chicago. For instance, many travelers into Rockford use the Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Q: What is there to do in Rockford, IL at night?
Nightlife in Rockford, IL is pretty vibrant, and there are a number of activities to try out. One can catch a concert, comedy, or Broadway show at the Coronado Theater. AMC Theaters also shows interesting movies of different genres and can be a nice spot to spend part of the night at.
If seeking a bit of rum and relaxation, head to the city's sports bars and nightclubs which routinely host musical events featuring various local talents.
Alternatively, one can head over to Hard Rock Rockford Casino or Mabel's Jackpot to try their luck at the slot machines and game tables available.