There’s a reason this region is known as Real, Original Rockford. No matter what your interest, we have a wide variety of unique events and experiences.

History: The Rockford Region was originally settled in 1835-1836. Briefly known as “Midway” for its position halfway between Chicago and Galena, the name quickly changed to “Rockford” because of the excellent ford across Rock River.

By 1860 Rockford had become a significant industrial center, noted for production of the John H. Manny reaper and other agricultural machinery. By the late 1800’s, Swedish immigrants began arriving in large numbers. Their talents as craftsmen and capitalists lead to Rockford’s furniture industry. The two World Wars and Great Depression took their toll, and by the end of the 1960s both industries were extinct in the city.

Museums: Rockford’s Midway Village Museum and Tinker Swiss Cottage both examine the city’s industrial history. The ancient past comes alive at Burpee Museum of Natural History with the award winning exhibit Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur and the world’s most-complete juvenile T. Rex.

The Discovery Center Museum, with 250 interactive exhibits, ranks among the top ten children’s museums in the country according to National Geographic Society and number four in the nation by Child Magazine.

Outdoor Living: Rockford has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Rock Cut State Park, the largest in northern Illinois, offers two lakes and abundant trails. Anderson Japanese Gardens has been named the best Japanese garden in North America according to Sukiya Living Magazine, while Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Gardens contains one of the largest collections of rare and unusual trees and shrubs in the world.

Take a swing at one of Rockford’s numerous golf courses. Golf Digest named Rockford the best mid-sized golf city in the United States for three years in a row. It also named Aldeen Golf Club the best municipal golf course in the state.

For more on the Rockford Region, Visit Rockford