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

Rockford featuring a city and general coastal views

Downtown Rockford

While visiting Downtown Rockford, you might make a stop by sights like BMO Harris Bank Center and Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Downtown Rockford
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
3 out of 5
662 N Lyford Rd, Rockford, IL
The price is ¥9,777 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥9,777
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"Nice, newly renovated."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Baymont by Wyndham Rockford
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rockford
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rockford
2.5 out of 5
7401 Walton St, Rockford, IL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥9,905 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥9,905
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
OK
"Loved being on the first floor. Bathroom needed cleaning and updating. Long black hair in the tub."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rockford
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
3.5 out of 5
416 S Main Street, Rockford, IL
The price is ¥19,167 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥19,167
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Rockford. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and WiFi. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (460 reviews)
"Everybody was very friendly"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
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.
Hot Tub - Gym - Sauna - Theater - Arcade Games
Hot Tub - Gym - Sauna - Theater - Arcade Games
Rockford
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Rockford. Enjoy WiFi, a fitness center, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Midway Village & Museum Center ...
Hot Tub - Gym - Sauna - Theater - Arcade Games
Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem SLEEPS 10+!
Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem SLEEPS 10+!
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! (116 reviews)
Yes!!
"Better than expected. The home and outdoor areas are fantastic"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Sedona of Rockford- Rockford's Hidden Gem SLEEPS 10+!
Tranquil Escape Indoor Pool Spa Arcade
Tranquil Escape Indoor Pool Spa Arcade
Rockford
Stay at this vacation home in Rockford. Enjoy private pools, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Anderson Japanese Gardens and Burpee Museum of Natural ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
Bachelor Party
"This place had it all! Between the arcade room, pool, massage chairs, and table that had every game imaginable, everyone had something they enjoyed and we had a blast enjoying all the house had to offer!"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2023

Tranquil Escape Indoor Pool Spa Arcade
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do