The Rockford center point is approximately the area of Discovery Center Museum and the area of Riverfront Museum Park.
Thinking about planning your visit to Rockford around the area's most engaging events? Mark your calendar for the Young at Heart Festival in late May, when you can enjoy a family-friendly festival with themed entertainment days, carnival rides, live music, and fun for all ages. In June, Old Settlers Days brings four days of music, rides, and fireworks to Rockford. In August, the Festa Italiana celebrates Italian culture and cuisine during a fun-filled weekend, and in November, the Stroll on State celebration kicks off the holiday season in Rockford.
Prefer to plan around the weather? Rockford experiences warm summers with highs in the mid-80s and cold winters with highs in the low 30s. If you're planning a winter visit, be sure to bring boots and plenty of layers, as Rockford receives an average of 3 feet of snow each year. Late spring through late summer tends to be the wettest time of year, with frequent rain showers and thunderstorms.
Why pay the rack rate for your Rockford hotel when you could cash in on discounts? Check out the best group rates and hotel deals in the area.
AAA members can get discounts at the Comfort Inn Rockford, a smart pick for value-focused travelers. This mid-range hotel offers free breakfast and WiFi as well as a pet-friendly policy to help you get even more out of your stay.
Senior travelers and AARP members can save at La Quinta Inn & Suites Rockford. No matter which room type you choose at this all-suites hotel, you'll appreciate the extra space and in-room amenities like sofa beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, and high-speed wireless internet access.
Government employees can get low rates at the Sleep Inn Rockford, which is conveniently located on the east side of town. This mid-range hotel boasts everything you need for a comfortable stay, including well-equipped rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and available meeting and event space.
Looking for a hotel that offers all the amenities you want for a price you can afford? Check out the best value options in Rockford.
When you want a comfortable place to stay but still want to keep your costs in check, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Rockford is a smart choice. This conveniently located hotel offers both standard rooms and suites so you can choose the ideal guest room for your needs and budget. Groups can take advantage of an average group discount of over 18 percent, and all guests will appreciate the plush beds, complimentary Early Eats breakfast, and a well-equipped fitness center. This Fairfield Inn even has an indoor swimming pool that's open year round.
When you want to make yourself right at home in the Rockford area, set your sights on the Candlewood Suites. This all-suites hotel has over 65 guest rooms equipped with full kitchens that have refrigerators, cooktops, and microwaves. Stock up on your favorite quick meals and snacks in the hotel's convenience store, use the washers and dryers to stay fresh throughout your visit, and use the business center to focus on work or catch up on email.
For a great stay in Rockford at a price that works with your budget, check out the Holiday Inn of Rockford. This three-star hotel offers a convenient location on the east side of Rockford, easy highway access, and an airport shuttle. Work up a sweat in the fitness center, kick back in your comfortable guest room, or attend an event at one of the hotel's nine conference rooms. Grab a bite to eat at the hotel's restaurant to start your day on a delicious note.
Whether you want to experience Rockford's cultural attractions or you're looking for an outdoor adventure, this city delivers. Kids and kids at heart will love the Discovery Center Museum, which is home to more than 300 exhibits, all of which invite visitors to touch, learn, and interact. From aviation and machines to electricity and space, this museum has something that will appeal to every kid.
Also located in the Rockford Museum Park Campus, the Burpee Museum of Natural History is a local attraction you can't miss. Here, you can check out a preserved Tyrannosaurus rex, discover the prehistoric past of Rockford, learn about the area's ancient inhabitants, and spot local wildlife.
To immerse yourself in Rockford's impressive performing arts scene, check the calendar at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. From rock concerts to Broadway shows to world-famous musicians, the performances at this historic theater are sure to impress.
Next, explore Rockford's natural beauty with a stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens. This 12-acre garden is home to peaceful pathways, rushing streams, and calming ponds that offer the ideal place to get away from it all. Nearby, the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden offers even more opportunities to explore the Rockford area's plant life, see beautiful blooms, and stretch your legs on the extensive trail system.
When you're in the Rockford area, you won't want to miss your chance to visit the Severson Dells Nature Center. Take your pick from 2.5 miles of self-guided nature trails or join a guided walk or a lecture to learn more about the area and its natural history.
Why wait to book your trip to Rockford? Start planning your trip to the Forest City today.
Below are reviews of the city of Rockford, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
We ate at the Machine Shed, marvelous food!! Didn't have time this stay to venture out. Plenty of shops to nose around in.
Nice downtown and surroundings.
Pretty much everything you need is within walking distance!
Clean room and beds were comfortable.
Only 30 minutes away from Blackhawk Farms Raceway. Although very rural, the area is quite diverse, offering tastes and entertainment for anyone, local or visiting.
It was like coming home in a way. My grandfather was a resident of Rockford since the early 1940's.
Terrific food options when traveling out of town on business.
The restaurant named Machine Shed is amazing!!!
Rockford is a nice city to visit. The Rock River runs through the city.
Embassy Suites where the wedding reception was at held, was very beautiful.
I loved the different restaurants available. Was there for a bowling tournament and was impressed with the courtesy of alley.
The convenience of the eateries and outlets.
Rockford seems like a nice place to visit. Clean with friendly people
ALL THE AVAILABILITY OF RESTAURANTS!
Loved the Nicholas Conservatory and the Anderson Japanese Gardens!
Soccer fields were excellent.
Enjoyed Alpine Park where we had a family reunion.
I come on business. I like Giuseppes. Best real Italian food outside of Chicago!
Thunder Bay restaurant is delicious!
The food options and the Discovery Children's Museum were awesome!
Clean, comfortable, great breakfast, helpful and pleasant staff! options close by for eating
I liked the many stores and mini malls on the main strip.
Everything was close to the hotel!
Everything was close to the hotel.
Great location with tons of attractions.
Anderson Gardens & Restaurant!
Went to the brewery for rehearsal dinner, it was very nice. Had reception at The Standard.
Good food.
Great restaurants and hotel. Streets were laid out well and city was very clean overall.
Lots of shopping and restaurants.
Rockford has many eateries that are good and several very nice attractions if you have the time.
Plenty of places to eat with very good food.
Don Carter Lanes was exceptional. Something to offer every age group.
Love Rockford.
Wasn't there long but the Rock River is great.
nice ballparks (we were there for the nsa softball world series), clean city, easy to navigate, lots of shopping choices and restaurants. Everyone we encountered seemed pleasant and nice city, no hassles at all.
The Forest Hills Lodge was great.
Very much enjoyed the Cracker Barrel as well as Texas Roadhouse. Both had great waiting staff and the manager even introduced himself to our table and gave us a free bag of peanuts.
Enjoyed delicious Italian restaurants, Chicago style pizza, and the museum.
The river view was great and the kids enjoyed the walking path. The strip mall is not so great however, there are lots of great food options in the area.
We had great service at Napleton Auto getting a major car repair and enjoyed dining at Thunder Bay and Stone Eagle.
Cherryvale Mall