Rockford, IL Road Trips

When traveling in the Rockford Region, you will see the rolling hills of Northern Illinois, the Rock River and many trees and forests (Rockford is known as "the Forest City"). Although Rockford has the population of a larger city, it has a small-town feel. There are many original restaurants, sites, attractions and events that can only be found in Rockford. The Riverfront Museum Park houses three museums: 1 Burpee Museum of Natural History. Home to Jane, the world's most complete juvenile T. Rex skeleton. (updated Jul 2023) the Discovery Center Children's Museum, ranked fourth in the nation by Child magazine Rockford Art Museum, the largest art museum in Illinois outside of Chicago. Other museums in the area include: Midway Village and Museum Center Tinker Swiss Cottage Historic Auto Attractions Erlander Home Museum and Ethnic Heritage Museum.

1 Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 North Main St, ☏ +1 815 968 5222. A historic "atmospheric" style theatre that was built in 1927 and fully restored in 2001. The Coronado offers a full season of Broadway shows, concerts and other performances. (updated Jul 2023) The BMO Center, Rockford's downtown 10,000-seat arena, is home to music, athletic and exposition events. In the summer months, Starlight Theatre on the campus of Rock Valley College features classical and contemporary musical productions. The theatre has a unique mechanical roof that opens out like a blooming flower on clear nights. Rockford also has a symphony orchestra, dance company and several theatre companies. Rock Cut State Park is one of the largest state parks in Illinois and features camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, horseback riding and kayaking. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden has over 500 different species of trees, shrubs and vines. Established in 2011, the Nicholas Conservatory is home to many exotic plants and ecosystems. Check their website for monthly free days and other events. You may be lucky enough to get licked by a butterfly on butterfly month. Rockford has a large variety of low-cost public and private golf courses. In the fall and winter, locals and visitors enjoy many apple orchards and Christmas tree farms. During the summer, Hurricane Harbor, offers families a fun way to cool down in the summer heat. 2 Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Rd, ☏ +1 815 229 9390.

JMK Nippon. Has decently high quality, reasonably priced sushi. The teppan-yaki is much better than that of such chain restaurants as Benihana, and they even offer traditional Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. This is a must-eat restaurant if business or pleasure brings you to Rockford. The owner Mas, while shy, is very friendly, as is his son John. (updated Oct 2016) GreenFire Restaurant Bar & Bakery, 6795 East Riverside Blvd. Wood-fire pizza, burgers, steaks, seafood, cakes, pies, cupcakes. Kitchen is open until midnight every day. Natural & organic cuisine. The owner, chef Philippe is a Rockford institution when it comes to food. Try the famous chicken crepe. The bakery also puts out tasty items. (updated Oct 2016) Potato Shak (In nearby Loves Park, IL). Cheap, cheap, cheap breakfast and lunch options. Breakfast is simple to order: choose option A, B, or C. It'll only run you a couple bucks. And the best busboy in the city, Ace, will give you some friendly conversation. (updated Oct 2016) Illinois Machine Shed. Offers reasonably priced perfectly done basic farm cooking, with huge portions. (updated Oct 2016) The Olympic Tavern, 2327 N. Main St, ☏ +1 815 962-8758. 11AM-midnight. In business since 1945. Has a world class beer selection, and family-friendly casual fine dining, in a Frank Lloyd Wright architecturally award winning atmosphere, as well as the fine patio in the warmer months. The Olympic is a long standing Rockford tradition. (updated Oct 2016) Stockholm Inn, 2420 Charles Street, ☏ +1 815 397-3534.

Carlyle Brewing Co., 215 East State Street. Has a wonderful selection of freshly brewed beers and root beer. Food selection is great for an area bar. Known for their signature Vanilla Cream ale. Their signature thin crust pizza is their highest ordered food item. (updated Oct 2016) Pig Minds Brewery (In Machesney Park (northern suburb)). Has the same style of a brewpub but offers a vegan menu. (updated Oct 2016) Oasis Micro-Pub (on the corner of East State and 5th St across from Uncle Nicks). Although they do not brew their own beer, they have a constantly changing beer menu with dozens of craft beers and wine. The bartenders are both friendly and sassy, and if you are lucky you may even see Uncle Nick (owner) in all of his suspender-ific glory. (updated Oct 2016)

Comfort Inn Rockford Hotel, 7392 Argus Dr, ☏ +1 815 398-7061. Located in the American heartland, a delightful mix of sedate country scenery and exciting city life. The hotel is a deluxe three-story hotel with sixty-four rooms and suites. (updated Sep 2021) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Rockford, 7401 Walton Street, ☏ +1 815 227-1300. Located one block west of the junction of I-90 and State Street (Bus 20). This all suite hotel has 95 guestrooms. Sleep Inn Rockford Hotel, 725 Clark Drive, ☏ +1 815 398-8900. Located near the intersection of US Highway Business 20 (East State Street) and Interstate 90, it is in the hub of shopping and dining opportunities in the area. Days Inn of Rockford, IL, 220 S. Lyford Rd., ☏ +1 815 332-4915. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Fitness center, and free WiFi, free breakfast. $59.

1 Rockford International Airport (RFD IATA). Is served by: Allegiant Air (Fort Lauderdale,Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, Punta Gorda (FL), Sarasota, St. Petersburg/Clearwater). American Airlines (Chicago O'Hare) (operated by Landline Bus, airside, behind security, to Chicago where passengers transfer directly to their other flights) Apple Vacations Airlines chartered by Apple Vacations to Cancun, Huatulco, and Punta Cuna. Destinations may vary. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD IATA) is the next nearest full-service airport and is directly connected to Rockford by Interstate 90 or by Coach USA Van Galder Lines. Van Galder operates from Ground Transportation, outside security in Chicago and from their own terminal at 7559 Walton St in Rockford (see below under 'By bus'). Dane County Regional Airport (MSN IATA) in Madison, Wisconsin, is about an hour and 20 minutes north of Rockford in Interstate 39/90 and is served by six airlines. 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, 60 miles west of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and 130 miles north of Bloomington. Coach USA/Van Galder, (bus station) 7559 Walton St. runs a bus service from Rockford to O'Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, and Union Station in Chicago on a regular basis. (updated Mar 2026) Greyhound/FlixBus, East Side Transfer Center @ 725 N Lyford Rd (The bus will pickup in Berth A at the south side of the facility.).

Rockford is relatively easy to navigate by car and has little traffic congestion compared to other larger cities. Taxicab services are also available. The 4 most important roads in Rockford are State Street, which runs from east to west as part of US Highway 20; Main Street, which runs south from downtown to the airport as part of Illinois State Route 2; Second Street, which runs north from downtown to the Wisconsin border as part of Illinois State Route 251; and Riverside Boulevard, which bends into to Harrison Avenue and Springfield Avenue, and can be an easy way to get around the entirety of the city. The Rockford Mass Transit District offers bus service in Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park.

In the past Rockford used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. Crime has decreased and Rockford is mostly safe but some parts should be avoided especially at night.