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(photo credit: @kira.devin / @ryandavisphoto)
Let’s be honest, everyone is looking for that perfect selfie backdrop or “Instagrammable” moment anymore these days. And if you’re in the Rockford region, you’re in luck! Here are ten of the most Instagrammable spots in the Rockford region that will be sure to get your friends to “tap twice!”
CRE8IV Murals (Public Art)
There are tons of great wall murals and Instagrammable spots in the Rockford region. Thanks to CRE8IV, a community-building arts infused event that launched in 2019, you can capture beautiful photos in front of neon colored walls to walls covered in nature, murals glowing in self expression, renewal and growth and even all things 815. View a full list of murals and locations HERE.
(photo credit: @jen_downey_rose)
Rockford Sign (Davis Park)
Large 3D letters that spell out R-O-C-K-F-O-R-D… you’ve got it! Stop by Davis Park in downtown Rockford and check out this beautiful and colorful 4-foot-tall aluminum letter art piece. Show your 8-1-5 pride and take a couple selfies or two!
(photo credit: @docslafkosky)
Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge
If you scroll on Instagram and search #gorockford or #rockfordillinois, you’ll most likely see several photos of individuals snapping their best shots on the Jefferson Street pedestrian bridge. Spanning nearly 1 mile across the beautiful Rock River, the newly built bridge is the perfect Instagrammable spot with its strong leading lines and architectural details, plus there are stunning surroundings of downtown Rockford that make it photo-ready.
(photo credit: @astrid_lorena)
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Imagine 12 acres of streams, waterfalls, winding pathways and koi-filled ponds right in the heart of the city. For a small admission fee, you can take gorgeous photos that will trick people into thinking you’re nowhere near the Forest City.
(photo credit: @sydbeatt)
Prairie Street Brewing Company – Dockside
Grab your crew and get ready to take some amazing photos at Prairie Street Brewing Company. With the Rock River as your main backdrop, you can work your angles and get a glimpse of the Jefferson Street Bridge, Supply Core building and other city structures in your shot. Or turn towards the brewery and snap some really cool photos with Prairie Street Brewing Co. in the background. And don’t forget to head inside for a delicious craft beer and yes, more photos! This building is the oldest brewery in the state, built in 1857 and offering exposed brick and timber beams throughout.
(photo credit: @gorockford)
Rockford Symbol
A photo next to Rockford’s largest and most famous public artwork, yes please! Alexander Lieberman’s Symbol is an 815 staple, located adjacent to the beautiful Rock River. Snap a photo next to this vibrant piece of art and show your Rockford pride!
(photo credit: @aquarxly)
Rock Cut State Park
If nature is your jam, then a stop at Rock Cut State Park should be on your photo list. The park has blooms all year long, towering trees, “rocky” landmarks, cool stairs and bridges and rolling plains. Or hop on a paddleboard, kayak or paddleboat and get those unique water shots on Pierce Lake and Olson Lake. The selfie opportunities are endless!
(photo credit: @gabriella_deslaurier)
Seward Bluffs Forest Preserve
Dubbed as one of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County’s most picturesque and most popular preserves, Seward Bluffs boasts woodlands, streams, dolomite cliffs and even a natural stone staircase covered in moss. Your friends will be jealous of all of the cool shots you take in this preserve, just minutes from Rockford. And don’t forget to stop by the overlook on the eastern edge, providing one of the most beautiful views in the county.
(photo credit: @thewildwoodworths)
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
Trick your friends and pretend like you escaped to the tropics! Stop by Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens and snap photos of palm trees, sculptures and other tropical plants. Then head outdoors to the Eclipse Lagoon and be awe inspired by two fountains, a waterfall, pedestrian bridge and the Sinnissippi Rose Garden. You’ll be giving off “Florida vibes” in no time.
(photo credit: @30shadesofgreg)
Beyer Stadium (Home of the Rockford Peaches)
Step back in time and make a stop by Beyer Stadium in Rockford. Home of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League’s Rockford Peaches from 1943 to 1954, run the bases, hang out in the dugout or take a selfie with the Rockford Peaches sign. This stadium has loads of history and it’s pretty cool to imagine what the field was like 80 years ago!
Don’t forget to include #gorockford in your posts and tag us, too (@gorockford). You may just be featured on our social media channels. Happy photo taking!
