Rockford Travel Guide

The third largest city in Illinois, Rockford is a hub for family entertainment, wholesome values, and both medical and financial prosperity. The city, home to roughly 147,000 people and numerous vacation rentals, is rich in a outdoor activities, shopping, and art. With so much to do, it’s no wonder that visitors from all over the country -- and the world -- flock to Rockford each year.

Things to Do in Rockford

Those with a thirst for knowledge won’t be disappointed in Rockford, as the city is home to a number of museums and historical centers, including the Burpee Museum of Natural History which features life-sized dinosaurs, the Discovery Center Museum which features hundreds of hands-on children’s exhibits, and the Rockford Art Museum, featuring a collection of Chicago’s most significant art. A few historical centers worth a visit include but aren’t limited to the Ethnic Heritage Museum, Macktown Living History Education Center, and Tinker Swiss Cottage -- all of which offer guided tours.

Rockford also offers an abundant supply of outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing in Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, playing baseball at Searls Park, wake boarding on Levings Lake, bird watching in Rock Cut State Park, and golfing at the ever-popular Elliot Golf Course. Visitors can also enjoy a live play or musical at the Starlight Theatre, or enjoy a drink at Octane.

Best Time to Visit Rockford

If you’re hoping to visit during the hottest months of the year, the best time to visit is in July and August. When September rolls around, the weather starts to cool off.

Best Events in Rockford

The annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is a creative winter event that has residents from all over Illinois brushing up on their sculpting skills. The Glow in the Garden Festival, on the other hand, encourages flower lovers to enjoy nature through participating in a 5K run, listening to live music, and engaging in a number of other fun activities that are set up throughout the expanse of the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.

Things to Do for Families in Rockford

The Anderson Japanese Gardens will enchant family members of all ages with their lush flower gardens, authentic Japanese foot bridges, and cascading waterfalls. Many families choose to take photos here, as the gardens provide a beautiful background.

Apple picking at Curran’s Orchard is another fun, family-friendly activity that is not only exciting, but tasty too. Visitors can pick their own apples, purchase homemade apple-based goods, marvel over the glass-sided beehive, pet the farm animals, and get lost in the corn tunnel. Volcano Falls is every kid’s dream, offering laser tag, go-karts, and mini-golf; while spending the day at Magic Waters -- a 1 million gallon water park -- is the best way for family and friends to cool off during the summer.