Rockford, IL

Travel Guide
Anderson Japanese Gardens showing a waterfall and fall colors
Science museums, an arboretum, historic concert halls and a Japanese garden make Rockford an interesting and fun-packed destination in northern Illinois.

Rockford is the “City of Gardens,” a destination of public parks, outdoor recreation, museums and live music venues. The city spreads across the Rock River in northern Illinois. Settled in 1834, Rockford became popular with 20th-century European immigrants, who left their mark on the city’s architecture.

Start your visit at the Riverfront Museum Park on the west bank of the river. This cultural center is home to a museum, galleries and performing arts venues. Have fun with over 250 interactive science exhibits at the Discovery Center Museum. Explore the night sky and the solar system at the museum’s planetarium. Spot North American art from the 1800s to the present day at the Rockford Art Museum.

Enjoy classical and contemporary musical performances at the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Watch ballet performances, such as the Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland, at the Rockford Dance Company. Visit the Burpee Museum of National History to see ancient fossils and indigenous artifacts such as canoes and wigwams. Don’t miss the skeleton of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, which lay buried for over 60 million years.

Spend time exploring the independent boutiques and galleries of downtown Rockford. Take a behind-the-scenes tour or watch live music and comedy shows at Coronado Performing Arts Center. Previous performers include Frank Sinatra and the Marx Brothers. Join a riverboat cruise to experience an alternative view of the city’s architecture.

Rockford is also famous for its parks and nature. Stroll around the manicured lawns, ornamental lagoon and greenhouses of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. Study the picturesque teahouses and gardens at Anderson Japanese Gardens. Go to Rock Cut State Park for year-round activities such as camping, fishing, sailing, hiking and cross-country skiing. Gaze up at tall trees and spot exotic plants at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Rockford is less than a 2-hour drive from Chicago, Madison and Milwaukee and connected by intercity bus services. Getting around downtown Rockford is possible on foot although driving a car is the best way to reach attractions outside the city center.

Where to stay in Rockford

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Rockford East
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Rockford East
2.5 out of 5
7712 Potawatomi Trail, Rockford, IL
The price is $62 per night from Oct 2 to Oct 3
$62
per night
Oct 2 - Oct 3
Stay at this hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the overall value in our reviews. Popular attractions CoCo ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (264 reviews)
"The hotel was clean and comfortable in a convenient location. We could hear the footsteps and tv from the room above ours, but just turned up the AC when we went to bed to drown out the noise."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Rockford East
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
The price is $71 per night from Oct 1 to Oct 2
$71
per night
Oct 1 - Oct 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Cleaned spacious room except the first two days I had jet lag city was cutting trees at nights guest above me was always walking even in the middle of the night. I guess they have pets. I requested room on the fourth floor it was granted immediately. The rest of my stay was pleasant breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on Sep 29, 2023

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
700 W Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL
The price is $90 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$90
per night
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Anderson Japanese Gardens and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (613 reviews)
"Everything was as expected. I will be returning!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Riverview Inn & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem!
Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem!
Rockford
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Rockford. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anderson Japanese Gardens and Skateland are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
A magical gem i was blessed to come across
"It was perfect. Cant say that about literally any other place weve stayed. We had a small wedding and it was beautiful. Could not have asked for anything better! The accommodations are wonderful and so is the property manager!"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem!
Riverfront cabin on Rock River
Riverfront cabin on Rock River
Rockford
Stay at this vacation home in Rockford. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Klehm Arboretum and Stillman's Defeat Memorial ...
10/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
Unwinding & relaxing
"We stay here every year & it never disappoints. Bill is such a great communicator. Its like home away from home...except I might prefer it to my home."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2023

Riverfront cabin on Rock River
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free parking, a golf course, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,114 reviews)
"Nice hotel and water park."

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2023

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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