Books To Read In Rockford
East of Eden One of Steinbecks masterpieces, considered his magnum opus by many. Explores the relationship between two families in the Salinas Valley in the early 20th Century.
To Have and To Have Not A family man gets involved with the drug smuggling business in the Key West and ends up in a strange affair. Written by the great Ernest Hemingway.
Walden The transcendental masterpiece by Henry David Thoreau that helped modern Americans rediscover nature and her beauty.
Norwegian Artist Lofts Open House
What: Attend an open house party at the Norwegian Artist Lofts is hosted by Moon Lab Rockford, Three Ravens Studio and Calm Yoga Studio, a collective of small, independent businesses located just above The Norwegian Restaurant in Rockfordâs North End neighborhood. Special guests include local makers and artists.
When: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday
Where: 1401 N. Main St.
For more: Visit Moon Lab Rockford on Instagram
Let The Kids Explore The Discovery Center Museum
Recognized as one of the best childrens museums in the US, the Discovery Center Museum is one of the top fun things to do in Rockford, especially for the kids. This museum houses more than 300 science and art exhibits, and most of them are hands-on.
The kids can be educated on simple machines, color, electricity, transportation, light, air, and flight. The museum planetarium gives them an opportunity to take an exploration of the universe, while the adjacent Rock River Discovery Park playground offers a good play area.
The museum provides many special events like summer camps, teacher workshops, and classes and is also available for rental for group events and parties. Visit the Discovery Center any day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Address: 711 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61103,
Don’t Miss: Kid Friendly Things To Do In Tennessee
Veterans Memorial Hall Memorial Day Program
What: Area dignitaries will gather on North Wyman Street between Mulberry Street and Jefferson Street for the Veterans Memorial Hall Memorial Day program. This years program will include comments from Rear Admiral Nathan E. Jones, State Sen. Steve Stadelman and Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli, followed by a Memorial Day Rose ceremony and the playing of Taps.
When: Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day parade in downtown Rockford, about 10 a.m. Monday
For more: Visit the .
You May Like: What To Do With Kids In Cleveland Ohio
Celebrate 15 Years With Culture Shock
Culture Shock Clothing & Records will celebrate 15 years in business from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday. The shop, 2239 Charles St., will have a food truck, pop-up coffee shop, DJs and more to mark the occasion.
Before you go, learn the background on how record sales ended up a part of Culture Shocks business plan. That story is here.
Read Also: Family Things To Do In Sioux Falls Sd
Play With The Animals At A Horse Farm
Keep a lookout for a giant brown cow while in the Rockford Park District, and youll be close to the Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and a Childrens Farm. There are so many animals at the farm, youre not likely to see them all in one go!
Besides the horses, there are sheep, llamas, donkeys, ducks, rabbits, and goats, making it an animal lovers paradise. One of the things to do in Rockford off-the-beaten-path is to explore trails on horseback or to hike them. Alternatively, just hang out with the animals. Theres a positive atmosphere around the farm, with an emphasis on interaction and learning.
vxla
The tall curtains that adorn the Coronado Performing Arts Center archway frame a huge stage and offer a truly elevated sense of occasion to any performance here. The glorious old Coronado opened in 1927 and has played host to many legends of stage and screen through the years. It was refurbished in 1999 and reopened soon after.
Today it still plays host to major performers, events and rallies. Its attraction lies in the majestic feel of the auditorium. This area recalls the glamour and spectacle of attending a theatrical evening in its glory years.
Get Your Feet Wet At A Wake Park
Get out on the water at West Rock Wake Park for some guided wakeboarding or water skiing. This is a cable-based wake park, so no speedboats. Instead, riders of all skill levels can choose the level of cable they would like to attempt. All under close supervision, of course.
For advanced riders, there are a number of obstacles placed in the water to test their skills. For first-timers, theres no added pressure of having a crowd of riders in the water. The System 2.0 approach means its you and only you at any given time, so you can really get to grips with the skill.
But it isnt just about being a thrill-junkie. Additional facilities at West Rock include picnic and BBQ areas, basketball, and even some relaxing fishing theres really something for everyone in terms of what to do in Rockford, Il.
My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags: dont be like my missus. UP YOUR PACKING GAME!
Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags.
Read Also: Things To Do In Stockton This Weekend
Best Things To Do Rockford Il
History, industry, agriculture, and the arts all converge in Rockford, Illinois. Rockford is a beautiful historic city located on both sides of the Rock River in Northern Illinois. Though Rockfords history is primarily industrial, the city has a reputation for preserving and promoting the arts. Visitors to the Forest City, as it is sometimes called, will find many museums, preserved homes, and gardens as well as shopping, restaurants, parks, and more. The following list contains some cant-miss destinations for those travelling to Rockford. Be sure to call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
Frank Lloyd Wrights Laurent House
History buffs and fans of architecture wont want to miss touring the Laurent House while visiting Rockford. The home is the only building architect Frank Lloyd Wright ever designed specifically for a physically disabled person.
With a glance, the Chicago Common Brick and Red Tidewater Cypress structure appears to be a nondescript mid-century modern home.
But there is no denying the art and design behind the built-in lightboxes at the entryway. And Wrights trademark red tile identifies the Laurent House as a building the famed architect considered one of his most significant designs. In fact, he called this Usonian design his Little Gem.
In 1948, at age 81, Frank Lloyd Wright accepted a commission from Kenneth Laurent to design a house for a disabled person, decades before the ADA.
In a letter to the famed architect, Mr. Laurent wrote: I am paralyzed from the waist down and by virtue of my condition, I am confined to a wheelchair. This explains my need for a home as practical and sensible as your style of architecture denotes.
Kenneths wife Phyllis had seen Wrights work in a magazine and thought the open style would fit her husbands needs.
A first look inside the home reveals the concrete floors and low cabinets Wright designed to accommodate Mr. Laurent and his wheelchair.
Wright approved a rural lot along Spring Creek, and construction began. The home was completed in 1952, but the requested budget of $20,000 ended up being more than $31,000.
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Philadelphia This Month
Best Things To Do In Rockford
Rockford in Illinois may not be well known as a tourism destination in the United States in its own right, but that doesnt mean that there is not a huge amount to do and see for those who make the trip here. The city of Rockford is blessed with an abundance of gorgeous outdoor areas, and if you like nature then you will not be bored here thanks to botanical gardens, nature centers, and hiking trails galore.
As well as the great outdoors, you can also enjoy some time inside by visiting the many museums in this city that will take you back through American history and fill you in on this part of the United States. As well as museums and parks, you will also find fun attractions here such as orchards where you can pick your own Illinois produce, or you can enjoy the gorgeous Rock River, the main waterway of the city, by embarking on a leisurely cruise.
Lets explore the best things to do in Rockford:
Best Things To Do In Rockford Il
When you think of Illinois, you probably dont consider things to do in Rockford IL first. In fact, most people probably think about Chicago, and thats it. But there are lots of excellent things to do in Illinois, whether its in a busy city or a suburb. So, if youre looking for a fun weekend getaway thats not in a big city, Rockford might be the place for you. What are some exciting things to do in Rockford IL?
You May Like: Things To Do In Danbury Ct
Thanks For Reading That Was Fun
We bring you epic FREE content!Find out how YOU can help support us.
Were a big site with a big team and this job isnt always easy. But we do it because we love it we love providing epic and free content. We love the knowledge that our content keeps you adventuring. We dont ask for money, but if youd like to find out how you can help the site in more organic ways, click the button below. Thank you for your support
Learn About Dinosaurs At The Burpee Museum Of Natural History
Located along the Rock River, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is the best place to explore and learn about Illinois’ fascinating geology.
The museum consists of award-winning exhibits and displays that have been attracting visitors since 1942.
The exhibition Diary of a Dinosaur will take you through the journey of Jane the T-rex and one of the most important dinosaur discoveries, the T-Rex skeleton, among other displays.
As it is a working museum, researchers and paleontologists work on newly discovered specimens.
The museum also has a rooftop garden that contains an exhibit dedicated to the Rock River’s flora and fauna.
Visit the Burpee Museum of Natural History to learn about the prehistoric reptiles while enjoying a magnificent view of the Rock River.
Recommended Reading: Fun Things To Do In Az This Weekend
Enjoy Golfing At Sinnissippi Park And Golf Course
Posted by Golf – Rockford Park District on Tuesday, 9 July 2019
Rockfords oldest golf course, Sinnissippi Golf Course is located in the picturesque Sinnissippi Park. This nine-hole golf course is well-maintained, but challenging due to its hilly terrain, and each hole is quite different from the other, making for an interesting round of golf. It is a relatively short course and suitable for beginners too. So, grab your golf clubs and head on down to the Sinnissippi Park and Golf Course to enjoy a round of golf.
Sinnissippi Park and Golf Course
Address: Rockford, IL 61107
Posted by Zip Rockford on Friday, 10 July 2015
Offering a variety of daring zipline tours to suit all levels of adventures, Zip Rockford is a world-class ziplining facility located in Alpine Hills Park of Rockford. Pick from their Intro Zip, Regular Zip, Night Zip or Zombie Zip tours to experience the adrenaline rush of ziplining. The ziplines are of variable lengths and speeds, but the friendly staff at Zip Rockford will patiently guide you through each step of the way. Whether you are a first-time zipliner or an experienced one, you must try out ziplining at Zip Rockford!
Zip Rockford
Opening hours: as per selected tour timings
Price: 29 USD onwards
Burpee Museum Of Natural History
As part of the Riverfront Museum Park, the Burpee Museum of Natural History 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.
The museum also dives deep into the Rock River Valley environment with their Windows to Wilderness permanent exhibit. The unique Jay and Barbara Brost PaleoLab at Burpee offers insight into the laboratories that prepare the museum’s fossil displays.
Programs and events at Burpee cater to every member of the family, including a massive Easter egg hunt in the spring and lecture series throughout the year. The museum also hosts the Music on The Rock summer concert series.
Guided tours are available to provide even more insight on the fascinating exhibits.
Address: 737 North Main Street, Rockford, Illinois
Read Also: Things To Do In Greenville Nc With Kids
Check Out The Historic Exhibits At Midway Village And Museum Center
The space inside a pioneer wagon, about 40 square feet, didnât have much room. Families had to decide what to bring, and…
Posted by Midway Village Museum on Thursday, 30 May 2019
Learn about the history, culture and people of Rockford at the main museum of the Midway Village and Museum Center. The museum has a vast collection of exhibits that include rare photographs, documents, maps, historical artifacts, furniture, clothing, accessories, vehicles, household objects, and more. The museum is a 20,000-square-foot space with six exhibition galleries, an audio-visual room, a gift store, and a library. The museum is dedicated to educating the visitors about the history of immigration in Rockford by way of historic exhibits.
Midway Village and Museum Center
Address: 6799 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
Go Back In Time To A Victorian Village
Midway Village is a sort of living museum, in that throughout the Victorian village, costumed guides can be seen interacting with the exhibits and visitors. They can explain what village life was life, and talk about the various buildings that can be seen on a walk through the main street. This makes it one of the most popular things to do in Rockford for first-time visitors.
There are a number of sub-exhibits themed around specific historical aspects, like Many Faces, One Community, which documents various immigrant experiences. The village forms part of a picturesque bike loop, which encompasses the Museum, the Victorian village, and the LZ Peace Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to area servicemen who lost their lives in Vietnam.
AdamL212
This is one of the most fun things to do in Rockford, IL. The name of this private museum is deceiving. Historic Auto Attractions is an unmissable, wild and wonderful collection of seemingly random pop culture items. Including movie memorabilia and historical artifacts!
See a chariot used in the movie Ben Hur, Chief Sitting Bulls signature and even a limo that was part of JFKs motorcade that tragic day in Texas. There are guns and coats from the Wild West or mobster-era Chicago. There are displays of instruments and clothes owned by American music stars, NASA equipment from historic missions and a whole bunch of other pop-culture wonders.
You May Like: Things To Do In Jackson Nh
Here Is What Attendees Said About The Past Events:
“Thank you for sharing valuable knowledge. One of the best publishing workshops I have ever attended. Keep up the good work.”
Yun Maize
Before attending the workshop, I thought it is going to all about selling but I was amazed by the amount of knowledge Susmita shares about the different worlds of publishing and how it should be done, I am thrilled to have attended this workshop.
Sylvia Gomez
The best publishing workshop I have attended so far. The host teaches everything about book publishing. The amount of information I have received in these 90 minutes is invaluable. Thank you for doing this.
Marlene M.
Nicholas Conservatory And Gardens
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. This experience includes a 11,000 indoor plant display complete with water features, sculptures and seating areas. The beauty continues outdoors with Eclipse Lagoon and Sinissippi Rose Gardens.
Read More: Visiting Rockford in Spring? More Fun Things to Do!
The Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens is located along the banks of the Rock River, which is a lovely spot for walking and biking. Check out the Lime Bikes located in front of the Conservatory and other places around Rockfordthis is a great way for visitors to be able to explore the city on the back of a bike without having to lug your bicycle along.
Also Check: Family Things To Do In Milwaukee This Weekend
Stop By The Rockford Art Museum
Founded in 1913, the Rockford Art Museum is located in the heart of Rockford by the Rock River.
The museum features a diverse assortment of contemporary and modern art.
It has been an essential part of Rockford’s community for ages.
The museum features several permanent as well as temporary exhibitions and displays.
Their collection consists of more than 1,900 pieces of work that expand from ancient art to modern art and include sculptures, paintings, and photography.
The temporary exhibitions mainly showcase the works of local artists.
There is an outdoor sculpture garden where you can admire the sculptures while enjoying the river’s impressive view.
The museum also has a gift shop on the premises where you can purchase gifts and souvenirs to remind you of your visit to Rockford.
If you love modern art installations and local artists, the Rockford Art Museum is the place to go.
Outdoor Things To Do In Rockford
Rockford is famous for its smog-choked roads, overcast skies and murky river. But its also quite nice in places! In fact, being outside in Rockford is frequently enjoyable. Thecitys cosy pubs and hidden bars are all very well, but now were shedding the puffa jackets, donning our cool guy shades, and stepping outside.
Luckily for you, we know Rockford like the back of our hand, and we actually think that some of the best things to do in the city do actually take place outside. We promise. Heres our take on some of the best outdoor activities to do in Rockford right now
Read our guide for Outdoor Activities In Rockford and Find and Book experiences, courses, activities and tours! Browse through the list of experiences, either instantly book onto your dates or enquire to book. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy! If youve got any questions about any specific experience, send a message and the providers will aim to get back to you as soon as possible. Have a specific experience in mind that we dont have listed? No problem, drop us a message and well send your quote around to hundreds of the best experience providers nationwide and come back with you the best quote, making it easy for you to make the most of your spare time!
Donât Miss: Things To Do When Bored In The Summer
Don’t Miss: Things To Do In Minocqua This Weekend
