With over 140 thousand people, Rockford attracts people for a variety of reasons. One of those has to be its proximity to the Rock Rover. Over time, the areas adjacent to this river have been redeveloped into parks and forest preserves, making it a bastion of natural beauty.
Rockford is also a bastion of architectural beauty. The Lake Peterson House, for example, dates back to the 1870s. Nowadays, the Rockford-based Swedish American Hospital uses it.
Other architectural marvels include Coronado Theatre, an amazing display of the Art Deco and Baroque Revival movements. If you take a walk through town, you’ll find a few more buildings we won’t mention here. The Commercial insurance for these locations results in some unique insurance needs.
For a more natural emphasis, check out the Anderson Japanese Gardens, a 10-acre property featuring a teahouse and a guest house. Other natural elements include the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, which boast over 150 acres of indigenous and foreign plants. Looking for more? Check out the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens, which has 11 thousand square feet of plants, water features, and sculptures.
If you’re looking for something to do with your children, check out the Discovery Center Museum. The Discover Center is a Children’s Science museum with exhibits on topics ranging from the human body to flight. Around 300 of these exhibits are hands-on experiences, making them something your children can interact with.
You can then take your kids to the Burpee Museum of Natural History. This museum has a complete T-Rex skeleton named Jane and many parts of a Triceratops. These prehistory skeletons are named Jane and Homer, respectively. Both kids and adults who appreciate the natural things will love these exhibits.
If you’re looking for a bit more nightlife, Rockford also has a few bars and clubs to check out. One of the best breweries in the area is the Carlyle Brewing Co. It’s a relaxing environment with a nice outdoor theatre, perfect after a long day out. You can also check out the Oasis Micro-Pub, which hosts a variety of beers from all over the country.
Rockford is a city chock full of history and things to do for people of all ages. While it might not have as many events as cities like Chicago, it’s a city built for those who appreciate history and nature. It’s also the perfect place for families, as there’s plenty of stuff for kids to do. But if you’re considering Rockford, make sure you stay protected.