Rockford

Rockford is a city in the Rock River Valley in Northern Illinois, with a population of over 145,000 (2019), making it the third-largest city in the state. Known as "the Forest City," Rockford offers rolling hills, the Rock River, and many trees and forests. Although it has the population of a larger city, it maintains a small-town feel. The city features original restaurants, sites, attractions, and events found nowhere else.

The climate is continental with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Fall is particularly scenic with apple orchards and Christmas tree farms in the surrounding countryside. Rockford is located at the intersection of US Route 20 and Interstates 90 and 39, just 95 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, 20 miles south of the Wisconsin border, and 60 miles west of Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

By Plane

Rockford International Airport (RFD IATA) is served by Allegiant Air (Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, and more), American Airlines (via Landline Bus connection to O'Hare), and charter flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is 60 miles east via I-90. Coach USA/Van Galder operates regular bus service between Rockford and O'Hare, Midway, and Union Station in Chicago.

By Car / Road

Rockford is located at the intersection of US Route 20 and Interstates 90 and 39. It is 60 miles west of Chicago O'Hare via I-90, 95 miles east of Dubuque, Iowa, and 130 miles north of Bloomington.

Rockford is relatively easy to navigate by car with little traffic congestion. The Rockford Mass Transit District offers bus service in Rockford, Loves Park, and Machesney Park. The four most important roads are State Street (US-20), Main Street (IL-2), Second Street (IL-251), and Riverside Boulevard.

• Burpee Museum of Natural History — Home to Jane, the world's most complete juvenile T. Rex skeleton. Part of the Riverfront Museum Park complex.

• Discovery Center Children's Museum — Ranked fourth nationally by Child magazine. Part of the Riverfront Museum Park.

• Rockford Art Museum — The largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago.

• Midway Village and Museum Center — Living history museum depicting 19th-century life.

• Tinker Swiss Cottage — A charming 1865 Swiss-style cottage museum.

• Anderson Japanese Gardens — 318 Spring Creek Rd, +1 815 229 9390. One of the highest-rated Japanese gardens in North America.

• Nicholas Conservatory — Opened 2011, featuring exotic plants and ecosystems. Free days monthly.

• Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — Over 500 species of trees, shrubs, and vines.

• Coronado Performing Arts Center — 314 North Main St, +1 815 968 5222. A historic "atmospheric" theatre built in 1927, fully restored in 2001. Broadway shows, concerts, and performances.

• Rock Cut State Park — One of the largest state parks in Illinois with camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, horseback riding, and kayaking.

• Hurricane Harbor — Water park for summer fun.

• Rockford IceHogs — American Hockey League team offering excellent family entertainment.

• Sock Monkey Madness Festival — March at Midway Village & Museum Center. Vendors, crafts, and make-your-own sock monkeys.

• Screw City Beer Festival — September. Craft beer, food, and community.

• Rockford City Market — Outdoor market every Friday evening, May–September. Local craft beer, food, music, and artisanal products.

• JMK Nippon — High-quality, reasonably priced sushi and teppan-yaki. Traditional Japanese dishes including sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. A must-eat in Rockford.
• GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery — 6795 East Riverside Blvd. Wood-fire pizza, burgers, steaks, seafood, cakes, pies, and cupcakes. Kitchen open until midnight. Try the famous chicken crepe.
• Potato Shak (Loves Park) — Cheap breakfast and lunch. Choose option A, B, or C for a couple bucks.
• Illinois Machine Shed — Farm cooking with huge portions at reasonable prices.
• The Olympic Tavern — 2327 N. Main St, +1 815 962-8758. 11AM–midnight. World-class beer selection in a Frank Lloyd Wright-style setting. In business since 1945.
• Stockholm Inn — 2420 Charles Street, +1 815 397-3534. Swedish specialties: Swedish pancakes, meat-filled potato dumplings, Swedish meatballs, and cabbage rolls.

• Carlyle Brewing Co. — 215 East State Street. Freshly brewed beers including signature Vanilla Cream ale. Thin crust pizza.
• Pig Minds Brewery (Machesney Park) — Brewpub with a full vegan menu.
• Oasis Micro-Pub (East State and 5th St) — Dozens of rotating craft beers and wines. Friendly, sassy bartenders.

• Comfort Inn Rockford Hotel — 7392 Argus Dr, +1 815 398-7061. Deluxe three-story hotel with sixty-four rooms and suites.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rockford — 7401 Walton Street, +1 815 227-1300. All-suite hotel, one block from I-90.
• Days Inn of Rockford — 220 S. Lyford Rd, +1 815 332-4915. Fitness center, free WiFi, free breakfast. $59.

Rockford offers diverse shopping options. The Cherry Valley Road corridor has big-box retailers and outlet shops. Downtown Rockford features the Riverfront Museum Park area with galleries and boutiques. The Rockford City Market (Friday evenings, May–September) showcases local artisans, farm vendors, and craft products. East State Street and Perryville Road corridors have mainstream retail centers.

• Chicago (60 miles east) — World-class museums, architecture, dining, and nightlife via I-90.
• Madison, Wisconsin (75 miles north) — State capital with lakes, university culture, and farmers' markets.
• Galena (80 miles northwest) — Victorian-era lead-mining town with B&Bs and historic district.
• Starved Rock State Park (90 miles south) — Illinois' most popular state park with canyons and waterfalls.
• Rock Cut State Park (15 miles north) — Camping, hiking, and outdoor recreation.