Outdoor Activities/Nature

Anderson Japanese Gardens
815-229-9390
318 Spring Creek Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107

You'll be awe-struck by the natural beauty and serenity of Anderson Japanese Gardens, ranked the top Japanese garden in North America. Take time to ex... MORE INFO

Atwood Environmental Center
(815) 874-7576
2685 New Milford School Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109

From its 334-acre location, the Center in Rockford, Illinois offers residential environmental outdoor education, day programs, summer camps, mobile na... MORE INFO

Curran's Orchard
(815) 963-7848
6385 Kilburn Ave.
Rockford, IL 61101

If you prefer apples raised without a lot of chemicals, Curran's Orchard is the place to find them. More than a dozen varieties, pre-picked or you-pic... MORE INFO

Davis Park at Founders Landing
(815) 968-5600
320 S. Wyman St.
Rockford, IL 61101

Bordered by the Rock River and two major streets in downtown Rockford, Davis Park at Founders Landing marks the site where Rockford's cultural and ind... MORE INFO

Edwards Apple Orchard West
(815) 963-2261
8218 Cemetery Rd.
Winnebago, IL 61088

The orchard is located in the rolling hills of scenic Northwest Winnebago County and features apples, cider, pumpkins, raspberries, dairy barn store a... MORE INFO

Ellison Perennials
(815) 226-8298
1011 Brooke Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109

Offering a large selection of new perennial varieties for the shade or sun garden. Exquisite quality plant material. Open mostly by appointment.... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - Edgebrook
(815) 226-0212
1639 N. Alpine Rd.
Highcrest Rd. & N. Alpine Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107

Fresh fruit and vegetables, free-range meat and poultry delivered as ordered, cinnamon-roasted nuts, fresh baked goods, cheese, plants (annuals and pe... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - HCC Realty
(815) 398-3350
1240 S. Alpine Rd.
Newburg Rd. entrance
Rockford, IL 61108

Featuring a variety of fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more. The University of Illinois Extension has compiled a Directory of Local Food for N... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - Midtown District
(815) 358-0199
500 Block of 7th St.
Across from Katie's Cup
Rockford, IL 61104

Freshly picked vegetables, fruits, cheese, honey, baked goods, flower, bedding plants, soap and more.... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - North End Commons
(815) 978-3071
1426 N. Main St.
Parking lot behind ArtsSpace West Gallery
Rockford, IL 61103

Purchase fresh seasonal produce, cut flowers, plants and bakery items in North End Commons' annual farmers market.The University of Illinois Extension... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - Perryville
(815) 229-3000
Perryville Rd. & Mill Rd.
Just south of E. State St. (U.S. Bus. 20)
Rockford, IL 61108

Sample the season's freshest produce, bakery goods, plants, flowers, herbs, spices and other specialties.... MORE INFO

Farmers Market - Winnebago
(815) 335-7617
Main St. and Benton St.
Winnebago Village Park
Winnebago, IL 61088

Locally grown produce and plants, home baked goods and crafts.... MORE INFO

Forest City Queen Riverboat
(815) 987-8894
324 N. Madison St.
Rockford, IL 61107

The Forest City Queen gives you an up close and personal glimpse of some of the most stately homes gracing the banks of the Rock River. You will hear ... MORE INFO

Harris Winter Wonderland - Outdoor Skating at Davis Park
(815) 987-8800
320 S. Wyman St.
Rockford, IL 61102

Harris Winter Wonderland is the world's largest outdoor synthetic ice rink, featuring a 12,000-square-foot synthetic ice surface which allows skating ... MORE INFO

Keith's Christmas Trees
(815) 968-5903
4325 Favor Road
Rockton, IL 61072

Family-owned tree farm. Cut your own tree in the quiet, peaceful country. Scotch pine and white pine.... MORE INFO

Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
(815) 965-8146
2715 S. Main St.
Rockford, IL 61102

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre “living museum” filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. There’s beauty in every season from fra... MORE INFO

La Paloma Gardens
(815) 399-0324
3622 Brookview Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107

La Paloma Gardens is a combination of unfolding outdoor spaces that coax the visitor to stroll leisurely, and take a moment to sit and pause while ant... MORE INFO

Larsen's Landing Outfitters
(815) 505-3466
1951 New Milford School Rd.
Rockford, IL 61109

Located in Southeast Rockford, Larsen's Landing is a 30-acre wilderness area with wooded hiking paths along 1/2 mile of river frontage. Two open field... MORE INFO

Lockwood Park Observatory
(815) 964-6457
5209 Safford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61101

The Lockwood Park Observatory, a joint project of the Rockford Park District and the Rockford Amateur Astronomers, opened in February 1981. ... MORE INFO

Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre and Children's Farm
(815) 987-8809
5201 Safford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61101

Forty acres of woods and meadows for riders eight years old and up; trail rides--excellent for first-time or occasional riders--offered on weekends. A... MORE INFO

Magic Waters Waterpark
(815) 966-2442
7820 Cherryvale North Blvd.
Cherry Valley, IL 61016

Magic Waters Waterpark is WAVES OF FUN! Rockford Park District operates this family-friendly waterpark with high standards for safety, cleanliness, an... MORE INFO

Mary's Berries
(815) 624-1125
Rockton Avenue
Rockton, IL 61072

U-pick your own fresh, organic strawberries and raspberries. Call for hours and availability. Rockton Avenue, 1 mile south of Rt. 75.... MORE INFO

Midway Village Museum
(815) 397-9112
6799 Guilford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107

The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts of the era as well as several beautiful... MORE INFO

Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
(815) 987-8858
1354 N. 2nd St.
Rockford, IL 61107

Situated along the banks of the beautiful Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens, the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. Th... MORE INFO

Nygren Wetland Preserve
(815) 964-6666
3190 Rockton Rd.
Rockton, IL 61072

Nygren Wetland Preserve is a 721-acre tract near the confluence of the Rock River and Pecatonica River, making it an important stopover and nesting sp... MORE INFO