Location: Rockford
Top Things to do in Rockford
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Rockford, Illinois (IL)
Boasting 20,000 acres of green space, numerous golf courses, four rivers and the verdant Rock Cut State Park, Rockford is a haven for the outdoor adventurist. Tee off at the Aldeen Golf Club or relax in the splendor of the Anderson Japanese Gardens. In cooler weather, warm up at the vaudevillian Coronado Theater or visit Jane the T-Rex at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Learn of the history of the area at Midway Village and Museum Center, a living museum with pioneer village and exhibits.
Restaurants in Rockford
1. Anderson Japanese Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 823 reviews
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
Reviewed By JulieC5202 - Rockford, United States
It is always a pleasure to walk through the gardens and gift shop, You always recognize something different. In addition you always meet some of the nicest people. It’s always been one of my favorite places to relax and renew, it must be the beauty of everything.
2. Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
The Laurent House in Rockford, IL is the only building ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for a person with a disability. Wright considered the home one of the best 35 works of his career. This single-story Usonian home is both functional and beautiful, decades ahead of ADA requirements. The home features a solar hemicycle footprint, patio, fishpond, carport, and outdoor connectivity to nature.
Reviewed By valstewart557 - Chicago, United States
Beautifully restored Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 1950s. Woodworking and use of space at its best! A newly acquired visitor center makes parking easy in this lovely residential neighborhood. Highly recommended for Wright aficionados.
3. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
This year-round garden, which started as a commercial nursery, includes 155 acres of trees and 300 woody plant species mapped and labeled. The gardens include: a Rhododendron and Azalea dell, Hosta Garden, Nancy Olsen's Children's Garden, Fountain Garden, Demonstration Garden, Peony Garden, Grasses Garden,Woodland Wildflower Garden and Plant-a-Row garden. There are several signature events hosted each year also. Botanica luncheon,Garden Fair, Plant Sale, Woodsong Concert Series, Autumn in the Arboretum and Twilight in the Garden are all popular annual events.
Reviewed By Reynrap
Really beautiful gardens & paths. They've added a huge permanent tent area, which would be a perfect spot for a wedding reception, company party, or family reunion.
4. Sinnissippi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
On the banks of the Rock River, this park includes beautiful gardens and a popular jogging, walking and nature path.
Reviewed By pitpat3 - Loves Park, United States
I love to come to the snow sculpture contest and see what people have created. And also during Christmas to see the light displays. Its free to drive through but they suggest for a small donation as you drive out. It does get congested so be prepared to drive slowly or if allowed, park your car and walk to see everything.
5. Midway Village & Museum Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
➢ Midway Village Museum is situated on 13 acres of the beautiful grounds which offers visitors the opportunities to learn about life as it was in the late 1890s-1910s. The grounds include 26 structures which create the Village and heritage gardens, all representing a rural community. During the months of May through August, interpreters in authentic period clothing lead tours and depict life and customs of the times. ➢ Permanent exhibits highlight local Rockford and regional Illinois history. The construction continues on one of the largest museum expansions to date entitled, "Many Faces, One Community," an exhibit featuring immigrant stories. Gallery," "Old Dolls' House Museum," and signature "Millhouse," standing at the front entrance to the museum's property. ➢ Hours Vary Seasonally ➢ Visitors Enjoy . Seasonal Victorian Village Tours with year-round Exhibits in the Main Museum Center Year-round special events and programs
Reviewed By 168stewartd
It is a beautiful place for a long and very slow walk, which is all I can do these days. It is also scooter friendly most of the time. The Grandkids enjoyed the old military vehicles and paraphernalia. I knew more than the attendant on duty on that day, but it was mid-week and at the start of the season. Now that I think about it, this last bit may be unfair as I am a Military Historian. Go there, I think you will like it.
6. Burpee Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By juliegU5013ID - Chicago, United States
Wow! Great museum on the river in Rockford. We loved all the exhibits and videos. Very informative, hands on and fun for kids and adults. Big rooms with beautiful dino collections, fish, bats, and reptiles. Many coloring stations and activities for kids. The live reptile and amphibian area is very clean and well cared for. Also a good bug and insect area. And even a nice couple rooms, devoted to Native Americans. They have a gift shop and meeting rooms- even rent out for weddings and events.
7. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Tinker Swiss Cottage is a historic house museum located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois. The museum complex contains the historic house museum, barn, and carriage house from the Tinker family. In addition, the property is the home of the founding site of Rockford and contains a Pre-Columbian Native American conical mound.
8. Discovery Center Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By beth9878 - Minneapolis, United States
Great hands on museum, plenty to do for several hours. Kids and 1-13 would have a lot to do here for hours on end.
9. Coronado Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Reviewed By dragonfly_0704 - Dixon, United States
We went to see Joe Bonamassa with friends. The Theater is absolutely gorgeous. The music was clear, great lighting, and Joe was outstanding. It was a packed crowd, we were in the very upper balcony and our seats were terrific. What a wonderful time!!! The people who work there were super nice. Clean bathrooms too!
10. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting.The beauty continues outdoors with the Eclipse Lagoon, complete with two fountains, waterfalls, pedestrian bridge, patio areas, and walkway connecting the Conservatory to the historic Sinnissippi Rose Garden. Featuring Bruce Munro: LIGHT June 3 - November 5!
Reviewed By 709rital - Cambridge, United States
Friends traveling thru Rockford ask “what is there to do in Rockford. I had to think a minute and of course Nicholas Conservatory came to mind. If you don’t have a specific event to come to, I was at a loss having lived here all my life. But Nicholas and Sinnissippi Gardens are spectacular to see any time of the year. Always something going on and displays and lights, butterflies, birds, the indoor gardens and outdoor gardens and it is right along the Rock River with a path that goes for miles.
