Location: Rockford
Top Things to do in Rockford
- 1. Anderson Japanese Gardens
- 2. Magic Waters Waterpark
- 3. Discovery Center Museum
- 4. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
- 5. Burpee Museum of Natural History
- 6. Midway Village & Museum Center
- 7. Coronado Performing Arts Center
- 8. Sinnissippi Park
- 9. Hidden Treasures Mall and Antiques
- 10. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Countries
What to do and see in Rockford, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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 based on 672 reviews
OPEN SEASONALLY MAY 1 - OCTOBER 31: 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 Henry F - River Forest, Illoinois
One of the finest Japanese gardens in America - comparable to the famous one in Portland, Oregon - and more complete and varied than most outside of Japan. This is absolutely worth a visit.
2. Magic Waters Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4 based on 123 reviews
Magic Waters Waterpark is a family-friendly, outdoor water park with high standards for safety, cleanliness, and friendly customer service. Magic Waters is conveniently located just off Interstate 90/39 in Rockford, Illinois, near the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin border, not far from the Chicago area. The waterpark is home to Illinois' largest wave pool, a 75-foot tall speed slide, and much more!
Reviewed By kathyloveshotel
We went here as a couple but it is a great place for the family too. There are a lot of different things to do. I like the lazy river the best. I also like the wave pool. They have lockers that you can rent to keep items in. The gift shop has a lot of cool things for sale in it.
3. Discovery Center Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn W
We have visited numerous children's museums and this was one of the best! Can't wait to go back and check out the outside activities as we visited in winter. 2 boys 6 and 5 didn't lose interest after being there 3.5 hours and still didn't want to leave.
4. Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 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 Rand M - Cherry Valley
This is truly a star in the highlights of Rockford. It's peaceful, romantic, relaxing, just a beautiful place to be. Come discover all sorts of plants, look through the kalidescope, watch the fish. Get out of the cold and enjoy a winter's day.
5. Burpee Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Lacey C - Granbury, Texas
We were very impressed with this museum! Who would expect to see a complete teenaged T-Rex much less a full Triceratops in Rockford? We loved learning how they were found. The exhibits were very well done! We also enjoyed seeing native animals and the homing pigeon display as well. Very nice museum!
6. Midway Village & Museum Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 117 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 Kate D - Illinois
This was a great discovery! There is a very nice indoor museum with lots of interactive local history. Outside is a well maintained historical village. A very comprehensive tour is included in the admission. Our tour guide was amazing - very informative tour which took place over a majority of the buildings. Lots of special events throughout the year. We will definitely go back!
7. Coronado Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By jntraveler2017 - Iowa City, Iowa
We saw Wilco at this theatre in June 2017. The theatre is amazing - not exactly beautiful but very ornate and interesting. There are two problems with it - one they serve alcohol. That in itself isn't bad but they served some people too much and there were drunks staggering around. Plus patrons were continually getting up to use the bathrooms. This is disruptive to those of us trying to enjoy the concert. The second problem was that patrons at the front of the audience thought for some reason they could stand during the show and block the view of those behind them. We all paid to SEE and hear the band yet some didn't care if they ruined it for others. And when talking to the ushers - I found out that they were NOT ALLOWED to ask people to sit down. The theatre should then refund the money of anyone who can't see due to those inconsiderate people. Toward the end - everyone had to stand because of the people in front standing. I'm 5'3" - I couldn't see the last third of the concert at all. Theatres CAN and SHOULD expect their patrons to be respectful of other peoples' rights to see the show. It wasn't like an outdoor concert where everyone crowds the stage and dances along. It was a nice theatre with assigned seating. People should expect to be able to see and hear the show from the seat they paid for.
8. Sinnissippi Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
On the banks of the Rock River, this park includes beautiful gardens and a popular jogging, walking and nature path.
Reviewed By Julie C - Bloomington, Indiana
I was in Rockford specifically to hear a concert at this band shell. It was magnificent. Loads of seating and an almost futuristic modern-looking band shell. Acoustics were exceptional. The seating was plentiful but due to the popularity of the concert, the audience overflowed onto the side slopes where grassy expanses were perfect to hear the concert from.
9. Hidden Treasures Mall and Antiques
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Hidden Treasures Mall & Antiques is a Vendor-Based Mall that has over 300 booths & showcases. We carry a variety of items not found in traditional big box stores. From Vintage Pyrex, Milk Glass & Fenton to Comics, Vintage Hot Wheels & Albums, you will find something for the whole family!
Reviewed By Rhona R - Skokie, Illinois
I visit Antique Malls all over the country - while the quality of the items isn't very high, there are great bargains. Everything is in good condition and is attractively displayed. Over 150 booths.Thank you for your great review Rhonda. We are glad you found some great bargains! We hope you decide to visit us again in the future! Colleen
10. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 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 CJeannie - Decatur, Illinois
This is an arboretum with some gardens. If peaceful walking paths with splendid trees are your desire, this is the place to go. I'm suspicious that winter walks would also be delightful as there are many conifers in the collection. A beautiful outdoore setting!Thank you CJeannie. Yes, it is beautiful here in winter, too!
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