Admire The Victorian Gothic Architecture Of Lake Peterson House
Last pic of the #VictorianGothic Lake Peterson House in #Rockford, #Illinois. It keeps going and going…—–#archi_ologie #oldhouselove #casasecasarios #beautifulhouseoldandnew
Posted by on Tuesday, 24 May 2016
Constructed in the late 19th century, Lake-Peterson House belonged to a prominent Rockford businessman, John Lake. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival style of architecture, and this is reflected in its decorative exterior trim details, yellow brick facade, steep slate roof, bay windows, tall chimneys, and other such extraordinary details. It is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and is now owned and maintained by Swedish American Hospital. Though you may not be able to enter the beautiful Lake Peterson House, you can certainly admire it from the outside.
Lake Peterson House
A post shared by Nicholas Conservatory on May 14, 2019 at 10:02am PDT
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
A post shared by Neal Kessler on Jun 9, 2019 at 6:10pm PDT
Rock Cut State Park
Opening hours: 6am – 10pm
Sports And Outdoor Activities In Rockfordview All
Rockford has an active community and vibrant ecosystem. Unleash your adventurous side for activities like wakeboarding, ziplining, kayaking, plus more. And if hiking is your thing, youll probably never hike the same trail twice if you dont want too.
Active things to see in Rockford include:
- Head to Alpine Hills Adventure Park for ziplining and a five-hole golf course
- Spend a day biking and enjoying great views of the river at Sinnissippi Park
- Hike one of the several trails at Severson Dells
- Wakeboard on Levings Lake at West Rock Wake Park
- Whether youre a novice or expert on the waters, join the Adventure Club at Rocktown Adventures
Visit The Discovery Center Museum
Discovery Center Museum is a kid’s science museum that consists of workshops, crafts, exhibits, and experiments for the little ones to dive in. The museum features more than 250 exhibits to educate the younger explorers about science and art fascinatingly and intriguingly. The Discovery Center also has the country’s first outdoor science park built by the community with about 8,000 square feet of area with dinosaur fossil dig pit, two-story maze, Secret Garden, and water play area. Visit the award-winning Discovery Center Museum to enjoy and educate yourself or your little ones with an interactive experience.
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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford
Calming museums and nature parks arent for everyone. Thats why Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is on of the best things to do in Rockford IL, especially if youre feeling more adventurous. Once called Magic Waters, this exciting water park is now owned by Six Flags, who also has a big park in Gurnee IL. A waterpark is a perfect way to get a break from the summer heat and ride some waterslides. There are attractions for all ages, including a small pool for children and a slide with a massive drop for teens and adults. Food, drinks, lockers, and cabana rentals are located throughout the park. Its the perfect adventure for the whole family, especially if you want to stay busy during your trip.
Learn The History Of Erlander Home Museum
Posted by Swedish Historical Society on Friday, 14 June 2019
Situated within an 1871 home built by John Erlander, Erlander Home Museum is a pretty museum housing artifacts that belonged to the Swedish immigrant families of that time. It is an essential representation of Swedish immigration to Rockford and other parts of northern Illinois. The museum has many collections of traditional Swedish artifacts along with custom Rockford-made furniture, and many other unique contents that visitors can admire during their visit. Now the home of Swedish Historical Society of Rockford, Erlander Home Museum also hosts events and activities that visitors can participate in.
Erlander Home Museum
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Buy A Souvenir At Kegel Harley
A post shared by Kegel Harley-Davidson on May 2, 2019 at 3:52pm PDT
An American classic, Harley-Davidson, is a legendary motorcycle brand known for their top-notch motorcycle models with high-performance standards and impressive looks. The famous brand has various dealerships across Illinois and at Rockford, the Kegel Harley-Davidson dealership is the perfect place to check out their signature motorcycles alongside Harley-Davidson branded apparel, footwear, motorcycle accessories, home gear, jewelry, glassware, etc. Browse through their in-store collection and pick up a souvenir for that Harley-Davidson fan in your life or go ahead and treat yourself to sumptuous leather jackets, trendy biker-style boots, souvenir mugs, t-shirts, caps, helmets, camping chairs, and more such unique souvenirs at Kegel Harley-Davidson.
Kegel Harley-Davidson
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm Sat: 9am – 4pm Sat: 10am – 3pm
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:
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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.
Buy Vintage And Antique Items At Main Street Antique Mall
Main Street Antique Mall is a perfect place for you to pick up unusual souvenirs to remember the lovely town of Rockford. It consists of over 15 antique shops specializing in vintage Hattie Carnegie jewellery, primitives, English antiques, flow blue china, sterling silver, furniture, and so much more. You will find something or the other that you will love. Spend a few hours at the Main Street Antique Mall to discover and buy cool antique and vintage items.
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Go Back In Time To A Victorian Village
Nejdet Duzen
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.
Things To Do With Kids In Rockford Il
- TripBuzz found 59 things to do with kids in or near Rockford, Illinois, including 39 fun activities for kids in nearby cities within 25 miles like , , and .
- From Discovery Center Museum to Skateland, the Rockford area offers 82 different types of family activities, including: Theaters, History Museums, Gardens and Parks.
- Located on the banks of the Rock River, the city of Rockford, Illinois is the states third largest city. Settled in the mid-1800’s, the area was once an industrial area and is now a thriving commercial and residential community that also offers many tourist attractions. The most popular attractions being those of cultural and historical importance such as the local museums and historic theatres.
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Tour Midway Village And Museum Center
The Midway Village and Museum Center brings history back to life and makes our list of top things to do in Rockford. The campus covers 146 acres and contains the 15,000-square-foot Museum Center, which displays exhibits relating to the history of Rockford and its surrounding area.
These exhibits are devoted to the sports, agricultural and industrial history of the city. The Victorian Village is also on this property. It contains 26 historic buildings that tell of the early 20th-century life in Rockford. Here, on-site interpreters dressed in period costumes take visitors on guided tours of this village.
The Midway Village and Museum Center is accessible all year round. Visiting hours vary by season, with guided tours mostly during the summer months.
Address: 6799 Guilford Road Rockford, IL 61107.
Buy Kinds Of Stuff At The Rockford City Market
The Rockford City Market is an open-air market that holds along Water Street in Rockfords downtown area. Usually holding on Friday afternoons in the summer, this market sees traders bring in locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs and locally produces eggs, cheeses and meat.
Thats not all. There are freshly baked snacks and goods. Youll still find arts and crafts made by local artisans. Under the pavilion, live music is played to the enjoyment of guests who drink local coffee and beer to match.
There is a part of the market for children as they would enjoy watching the demonstrations displayed. The market is at 3:30 pm on Fridays, starting from mid-May through September.
Address: Water Street between State and Jefferson Streets Rockford, IL.
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Take Photos At The Elegant Indian Hill Manor And Farm Historic District
Posted by Indian Hill Manor and Farm on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Indian Hill Manor and Farm Historic District is a majestic estate built in the early 1900s. It features a manor house, a coach house, a dairy farm, picturesque gardens and landscaped grounds. Once known as a country gentlemans farm, Indian Hill Manor and Farm is a fine example of early Colonial Revival architecture. Now one of Rockfords architectural icons, a visit to the elegant Indian Hill Manor and Farm Historic District is a must to snap photos of this magnificent structure.
Indian Hill Manor and Farm Historic District
Kayak Along The Scenic Rock River
A post shared by Rocktown Adventures on Apr 30, 2019 at 6:31pm PDT
Described as a majestic giant by Rockford locals, Rock River is an essential part of Rockford scenery. It provides for an endless supply of outdoor adventures for locals and visitors alike. And one of the most popular things to do on Rock River is to go kayaking on it. Kayaking along the scenic Rock River with a friend or by yourself is fun as you paddle and explore the bylanes of the river, dock by the banks to enjoy a picnic, stroll through the markets, watch the local wildlife or take in the citys skyline. You can rent kayaks at Rocktown Adventures or embark on one of their custom paddle adventures to make the most of all the adventures that Rock River has to offer.
Rock River
Posted by Burpee Museum of Natural History on Saturday, 6 July 2019
Take a trip back in time at the Burpee Museum of Natural History to an age when dinosaurs ruled the earth. At this fantastic natural history museum, you can see real dinosaur skeletons, fossils and a range of other engaging exhibits that will fascinate the whole family. The centerpiece of the dinosaur exhibit at the museum is the 21-foot fully restored skeleton of the worldâs most complete and best-preserved juvenile T. rex. There is also a triceratops skeleton and many other mesmerizing fossils on display at the Burpee Museum of Natural History.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Address: 737 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103
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If You Recovered From Covid
If you recovered from a documented COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days , you do NOT need to get a test 3-5 days after travel. People can continue to test positive for up to 90 days after diagnosis and not be infectious to others. You also do not need to self-quarantine after travel. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms after travel, isolate and consult with a healthcare provider for testing recommendations.
Forest City Queen Riverboat
Source: flickr
As Rockford lies on the banks of the majestic Rock River, it would be a shame to come here and not take in the splendor of the city from the water.
One of the best ways to do this is by taking a trip on the powerhouse Forest City Queen Riverboat, which has been in operation since 1979 and can take up to 49 passengers on a trip along this iconic waterway.
As you cruise, you will get to hear all about the history of Rockford as well as plans for future development, and you can take in all the famous sights that sit on the banks of the Rock River.
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The Impressive Anderson Japanese Gardens
Often named the highest quality and most beautiful Japanese gardens in North America, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a seasonal 12 acre Japenese garden in Rockford, Illinois. Established in 1978, this impressive Japenese garden has stunning scenery. The garden has many remarkable features of Japenese gardens that include ponds with koi fish, gravel gardens, waterfalls, and much more. There is a restaurant on the premises that serves delightful food overlooking the beautiful scenery of the garden and a gift shop. Make sure to visit the impressive Anderson Japanese Gardens to enjoy a tranquil and serene environment with gorgeous views of the garden away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Taste Fresh Apples At Currans Orchard
We still have lots of Honey Crisp for you! This year’s H/C crop was the biggest we’ve ever had.
Posted by Curran’s Orchard on Thursday, 2 November 2017
Open to the general public only during fall, Currans Orchard is a wonderful place to visit in Rockford for those who want to try out the freshest and best apples straight from the orchard! This orchard grows a wide variety of apples including Honey Crisp, Gala, McIntosh, Yellow Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonathan, and more! In season, you can go apple picking in the orchard or buy packed apples, award-winning apple cider, tasty apple cider donuts, jams, salad dressings, and more such delights from their bakery and store. A must-visit attraction in fall, Currans Orchard is the best place to taste fresh apples in Rockford.
Curranâs Orchard
Opening hours: open annually for fall
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Tinker Swiss Cottage And Gardens
Tinker Swiss Cottage is a cute historic house in Rockford which is now a museum. It used to be the house of the Tinker family, hence the name. Visitors can explore the house and the grounds, including the barn, the gardens, and the carriage house. There is even a Native American burial ground on site.
Most of the stuff you can see here is from the Tinker family themselves. As such, Tinker Swiss Cottage and Gardens is a great place to discover some local history. And with so much history all in one place, it is no surprise that paranormal activity is also something one might expect to see here!
The Swiss Cottage Museum is open during very limited hours, and closed in winter. Visit by guided tour only. More info on the official website.
Rockford Rivets Baseball Team
As a European I know very little about baseball, but I still find it utterly fascinating. While in Rockford, we went to a game of the local team Rockford Rivets to see real baseball in action. While I didnt understand all the rules, I have to say that I was amazed by the wonderfully relaxed and cheerful atmosphere of the crowd.
Rivet Stadium is easily reached and can hold up to 4,000 people. The chants and songs, the cheers and applause under the deep blue sky of a warm summer night is something I will not so easily forget.
Watching a baseball game in Rockford is great fun for the whole family. For tickets, and to check the program, .
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