IMMERSE
Rockford is nicknamed “The Forest City” because of its 10,000 acres of parks, forest preserves, and award-winning gardens. Visit Anderson Japanese Gardens—a beautiful 12-acre landscape of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways, and koi-filled ponds—consistently ranked as one of the best Japanese gardens in the country. In the summer, head to West Rock Wake Park, where your group can participate in water sports in a thrilling, sustainable way.
ENJOY
Rockford is also known to be a vibrant city with spectacular food, art, culture, and more. Throughout the county, more than 50 original mural installations enhance the area’s beauty. Additionally, festivals and events are held throughout the year, celebrating artistic expression and the importance of community. Visit the BMO Center, Rockford’s premier multipurpose arena, where your group can experience sporting events, comedy shows, and music concerts. Or, take your group to see the Coronado Theatre, an ornate building crafted in the 1920s, home to the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Here, your group can see performances from world-renowned artists and Broadway shows.
LEARN
Visit the Severson Dells Nature Center to connect your group with nature, education, and research in the northern Illinois area. Explore over 5 miles of hiking trails across a 369-acre county preserve and participate in educational programs throughout the year. This center—a converted deer lodge—is home to a library, bookstore, and exhibit, plus designated areas for bird-watching. Take a glimpse into life in the Victorian era by booking a guided tour at the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens. The museum complex includes one of the only Swiss-style homes remaining in the U.S., as well as a pre-Columbian Native American conical mound.
Learn More
Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
gorockford.com
Main Image: Coronado Theatre; Credit: Go Rockford