By Rockford has a lot to offer visitors looking for things to do. While the city may lack the cultural hub of nearby Chicago, it makes up for it with more personal touches and a quaint, historic atmosphere. It’s also got plenty of green spaces, some family-friendly attractions, and a fair share of unique places to visit.
The city’s museums are a fun way to learn more about the history of the place, and some even offer hands-on activities to keep kids interested. The Midway Village Museum and Historical Park is a great example. With a variety of exhibits, including ‘Many Faces, One Community’, the museum explores immigration experiences. The grounds of the site include a Victorian village with 26 buildings to explore, and some of them are filled with artifacts and replicas.
Those with an eye for design places to go in Rockford, IL can take a look at the collections at the J.R. Kortman Center for Design, where you can see works by renowned local artists and designers. The center is home to a collection of sculptural pieces, as well as paintings, furniture, and other works.
If you are looking for something a bit more interactive, head over to the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. The third largest conservatory in the state, it’s a beautiful space to wander around and admire all the tropical foliage. The gardens are a sight to behold, but there are other activities to enjoy too, like playing golf, go-karting, laser tag, or hitting some balls at the batting cages.
There are also a number of other fun things to do in the vicinity of the conservatory, like taking a tour of the Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Center and Children’s Farm. With horses, sheep, pigs, goats, and ducks in residence, the place is an animal lover’s dream. If you want to get more active, there are a variety of trails to explore on horseback or on foot.
The tall curtains that adorn the Coronado Performing Arts Center add an air of grandeur to any performance, and are sure to give a memorable experience for visitors. Aside from theater and musical shows, the venue also hosts a range of other events throughout the year, from weddings to trade fairs.
When it comes to food, Rockford isn’t short on restaurants that can cater for all tastes. The burger chain Five Guys can be found on nearly every corner, but there’s also a handful of other options, from pizza to Greek cuisine.
There is also a good selection of coffee shops in the area, including Espresso Royale. The place is perfect for a quick coffee break, and they serve delicious pastries as well.
Antiquing is a popular pastime in Rockford, and you can find a great array of items when you go shopping around the main street. The area also has many specialist markets where you can get to know the local vendors and shop for one-of-a-kind items. Some of these events even feature live music, so you can enjoy a day out while picking up some treasures.
