Rated Things to Do in Rockford

Robert Hall Tinker, the 1875 mayor of Rockford, wore many hats in the development of the Rockford community. Today, one of the most tangible parts of his legacy is found at his Swiss Cottage overlooking Kent Creek.

For some great evening entertainment, the Coronado Performing Arts Center, or Coronado Theatre, features a wide variety of performances. Originally constructed in 1927 as an atmospheric theater and movie palace, the Coronado received a massive restoration at the turn of the century to revive its original glamour.

Encompassing more than 3,000 wooded acres and two massive lakes, Rock Cut State Park provides the city's largest natural playground. The state park is accessible from Rockford with less than a 10-mile drive from downtown.

The Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a living museum south of downtown, offering new displays each month of the year. It features a wide variety of outdoor garden space, as well as a wide-ranging collection of trees throughout the property.

Encompassing more than 11,000 square feet of botanical space, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third-largest conservatory in Illinois. Tropical and colorful plants are in bloom within the sunlit conservatory throughout the year, including an annual orchid exhibit in the winter. Walking through this verdant space is always a colorful and fun thing to do.

Sinnissippi Park is a sprawling natural space full of family attractions. It's a great setting to walk, picnic, or use some playground equipment, and is also home to the Sinnissippi Music Shell. Dedicated in 1950, this live-music venue can play to more than 3,000 people. The Music Shell has been home to the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series since 1970, among other shows.

The Burpee Museum of Natural History is part of the Riverfront Museum Park and has been attracting interest since 1942. Permanent showcases at the museum include fully restored dinosaur skeletons, an immersive Carboniferous Coal Forest, and displays relating to the native people and wildlife of the region.

Abutting the Rock River at the heart of the city, this century-old art collection focuses primarily on regional displays. With more than 1,900 pieces of art within their collection, the Rockford Art Museum highlights work from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. The collection ranges from Impressionist paintings to a wide mix of multi-media productions.

The Midway Village Museum is a 148-acre outdoor campus dedicated to the history of the Rockford region, located fifteen minutes east of downtown. A central attraction of this hands-on history museum is the Main Museum Center with more than 20,000 square feet of exhibition space.

For a beautiful walk on manicured grounds, the Anderson Japanese Gardens provides one of the most tranquil surroundings in Illinois. This non-profit garden space was designed by Hoichi Kurisu, the same landscape designer for the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon.