City of Gardens

Springtime! The perfect time to see the City of Gardens in Rockford, Illinois.



Rockford was recently selected as the winner of the America in Bloom Award for Cities 100,000 to 300,000! You’ll be surprised and pleased to see the great array of wonderful gardens, both public and private, during your stay with us. Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy the flowers, fragrance and fun!

NEIGHBORHOOD GARDEN TOUR

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DAY ONE

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Pick up your guide and get started with a tour of several lovely neighborhood gardens. Because there are so many, we'll work with you to choose ones that will be most enjoyable for your group.

ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS
You’ll be awe-struck by the natural beauty and serenity of world-renowned Anderson Japanese Gardens, ranked the top Japanese Garden in North America. Take time to explore this “pond–strolling” style garden. Featured on Victory Garden and rated as “one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens outside of Japan” by Roth’s Journal of Japanese Gardens, these 12 acres of gardens include waterfalls, ponds, stone lanterns, coin basins and examples of Japanese carpentry. Benches are located throughout the garden for rest and quiet reflection.

LUNCH - CLIIFFBREAKERS RIVERVIEW RESTAURANT
For lunch, more beautiful scenic views are in store for your group as they dine in one of Rockford’s finest restaurants, Cliffbreakers. Nestled over the Rock River, Cliffbreakers offers great food, wonderful scenic views and a beautifully decorated interior to enhance the experience.

KLEHM ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS
Continue to explore different countries as you visit the 150 acres of magnificent trees and plants from around the world at Rockford’s secret garden, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Spring is the perfect time to visit as hundreds of blooming crabapples and magnolias, lilacs, tulips, daffodils and more welcome your group. Whether you choose a guided or a self-guided tour, there is something for everyone to enjoy: hundreds of species of trees and plants, along with many demonstration gardens including a butterfly garden, a hosta garden, an iris garden and many more.
After your tour of the gardens, make sure to stop in the wonderful gift shop, a favorite place to shop for unusual gifts and garden ideas.

HOTEL CHECK IN!
Unpack and relax at the hotel of your choice.

MIKE WILLIAMSON PRODUCTIONS
Now is the time to enjoy a private show for groups of 40 or more with Mike Williamson & Friends. Indulge in a sit-down dinner and enjoy “One More for the Road,” a fun-filled musical tribute from big band to country and with a “Monkeys” thrown in for good measure. Mike and company have been entertaining groups for years and are looking forward to monkeyin’ around with you. Cost: $35.95 to $39.95 pp inclusive for dinner shows depending on entrée – 2 comp with 40 paid.

Looking for more garden fun?
Day 2