Rockford is thrilled to welcome athletes, fans, friends, and families to IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford-Illinois. Our city offers a diverse range of activities, sights, and dining options for spectators, fans, and athletes. Keep reading to learn about some great options from a local’s perspective.
Discover exclusive IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford weekend specials from local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Enjoy limited-time offers, extended business hours, and unique experiences designed for athletes, fans, and families alike.
Explore: Outdoor Adventures
Rockford is nicknamed “The Forest City,” and it lives up to the name. It is home to the world-renowned Anderson Japanese Gardens, over 40 forest preserves, numerous parks, and many more breathtaking escapes to nature.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
Located along the flowing waters of the Rock River (and the swim start), you can find Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. It features a greenhouse that spans over 11,000 square feet and is complete with numerous exotic plants, water features, and seating areas. It is the perfect way to escape to the tropics without leaving the Midwest! You can also stroll through the gardens or walk the nearby Rock River Recreational Path at no cost.
Rock Cut State Park
This park is the largest state park in Northern Illinois and offers a range of different outdoor activities. You can visit the picnic areas for the perfect place to decompress. Pierce Lake is an excellent option for those who want to get out on the water. Guests can rent boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and more! If you’re a hiker, Rock Cut has miles and miles of serene trails to explore.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
These gardens are one of the highest-rated Japanese Gardens in North America! Located in Rockford, it is a must-see attraction! At Anderson Japanese Gardens, you can explore 12 acres of waterfalls, gardens, koi ponds, and trails.
Atwood Park Mountain Bike Trails
For adrenaline-seeking outdoor lovers, Atwood Park offers an exciting network of mountain bike trails perfect for both beginners and seasoned riders. Located just minutes from downtown Rockford, these well-maintained trails wind through scenic forest terrain, offering varied elevations, switchbacks, and features that make every ride an adventure. Managed in partnership with the Rockford Park District and Rockford Area Mountain Biking Alliance (RAMBA), the trails are free to access and open year-round. Don’t forget your helmet—and your sense of adventure!
Here in Rockford, it is easy for the whole family to have fun together! This is home to Jane the teenage dinosaur, the world’s most complete juvenile T-rex skeleton! You can learn about history at places such as the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens, Burpee Museum,Ethnic Heritage Museum, and more. Rockford's museums and attractions make it easy to learn, explore, and play!
Discovery Center Museum
The Discovery Center is filled with more exhibits you can imagine! There is something for kids of all ages. Many exhibits are interactive and educational, and all of them are exciting and fun. It has been named by many as a top place to visit. During the weekend of IRONMAN (June 20th) Zootastic Adventures will be taking place. There will be a petting zoo with lots of animals to visit.
Urban Air Adventure Park
What better way to get some energy out than bouncing around? Urban Air is filled with trampolines, slides, athletic courts, bumper cars, trapeze, and so much more! The best part is that it’s for everyone, from young kids to those with a childlike heart. If you get hungry, the Urban Café offers a selection of food and beverages, including pizza, loaded fries, ICEES chicken wings, and more!
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Cool off from that summer heat at a waterpark! Hurricane Harbor is full of awesome things to do, including a lazy river, a huge wave pool, and numerous fun waterslides. Hurricane Harbor is a blast for all ages. The park offers food, beverages, and cabana rentals. You can kick back and relax or get your adrenaline pumping!
When the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop in Rockford. If you love nightlife, there are several great places to choose from to unwind or to keep the good times going. We have many breweries and distilleries such as Carlyle Brewing Co.,Barnstormer Distillery,DC Estates Winery, and more. From chill lounges to gaming and dancing, the options of things to do at night are abundant. Don't forget to stop by Hard Rock Casino Rockford, an iconic new landmark in Rockford.
The Top Rooftop Bar and Lounge
This is the place for stunning views of downtown Rockford. Enjoy tasty drinks while taking in the great atmosphere. The Top is located on the 12th floor of the Embassy Suites hotel. You can relax in the indoor lounge or spend time on the outdoor deck!
Music Box
Fairly new to the Downtown Rockford scene, The Music Box is a unique listening lounge with delicious cocktails. It perfectly captures classy and sophisticated vibes. They often have great bands that perform live! The weekend of IRONMAN, you can catch Beth Bombara on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
Prairie Street Brewing Co.
If you’re looking for local brews and a fun crowd, Prairie Street Brewing Co. is a must-visit spot! After enjoying a bit of their locally sourced menu, try one of their award-winning beers. For a casual night out, you can hang out at the Dockside Taproom, grab a seat on the dock, or play some fun arcade games!
Hard Rock Casino Rockford
For high-energy nightlife, head to Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Enjoy slots, table games, and live music, plus great food and drinks at Hard Rock Café, Midway Bar, and Council Oaks Stakes & Seafood. It’s Rockford’s premier spot for entertainment and a perfect way to celebrate your IRONMAN weekend.
Experience delicious flavors at this café. Sisters Thai prioritizes authentic flavors, healthy dishes, and quality customer service. They also have a gorgeous patio if you choose to dine outdoors!
Abreo
Abreo is one of Rockford’s great fine dining restaurants. Their menu offers many unique and bold flavors made from locally sourced ingredients. Their chef-inspired, seasonal menu is sure to have something you will love!
Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza
If you’re on the hunt for great pizza downtown, look no further! Woodfire serves up freshly made pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and an endless array of delicious Italian dishes. You can also treat yourself to unique cocktails and desserts!
27 Aluna
27 Aluna is the city's first modern Filipino restaurant, offering a creative fusion of traditional Filipino flavors with influences from American and European cuisine. Chef Patrick Alberto, inspired by his upbringing in the Philippines, presents dishes like chicken adobo, pancit Umaga, and ube cheesecake.
Drinks, appetizers, entrees, and desserts! You can find it all at GreenFire. This is a great place to sit down for a good meal in a relaxing yet fun environment. It is located near the hotels on E. Riverside, creating the perfect dinner/lunch spot for those lodging nearby.
Franchesco's Ristorante
This restaurant is the pride and joy of a local family, and its flavors reflect that. Expect to experience a rich tapestry of Sicilian history, traditions, culinary techniques, and authentic recipes. During your casual fine dining experience, you will be served locally sourced, boldly flavored dishes.
Tavern on Clark
Head over to Tavern on Clark to immerse yourself in a nostalgic neighborhood Tavern. Their welcoming atmosphere is paired with great dishes like filet minion, lobster, ribs, chicken, and salmon. Tavern on Clark also offers an extensive drink and wine menu that includes many exotic flavors.
Restaurant goers mention that this spot is the epitome of a friendly atmosphere. Rockton Inn's menu has many options including delicious comfort foods such as pork tenderloin, French fry baskets, and hefty burgers. Come for the food, stay for the vibes.
Sam’s Pizza - Rockton
Sam’s Pizza is a beloved staple of the local food scene. Guests can enjoy Italian flavors in their pizza, pasta, and fish dishes. With fresh ingredients and a wide range of options, Sam’s has something for everyone in your party to enjoy!
Rookie’s Pub & Grill
Visit Rookie's for classic pub vibes and mouth-watering food. They have a fish fry every Friday and specialize in many other dishes such as brisket, burgers, wings, and salads. While enjoying your food, you can also get a drink or play some games.
This fast-casual spot is a staple in the Rockford community. They are well-known for their roast beef, burgers, and shakes! Beef-a-Roo has several locations, all themed differently for a fun dining experience. Try something delicious from the menu and don't forget to pair your meal with their famous cheddar fries!
Shogun
In the mood for dinner and a show? Head over to Shogun Japanese Restaurant. Order a meal and watch them cook it right in front of you! Hibachi tastes better when it's paired with a great experience and atmosphere. Their menu has endless Japanese dishes that are sure to cure your cravings.
Lucha Cantina
Located in Edgebrook Shopping Center, you can find Lucha Cantina. Their dishes are a fusion of Latin and Mexican Flavors. You can dine on unique options such as their Elote Dip, Peach Salad, Baja Mahi Mahi Tacos, and so much more! At Lucha Cantina, you can also expect to find great drinks, desserts, and excellent service!
The region is home to numerous great coffee shops and cafés. If you need a pick-me-up during your visit, you have plenty of options. Don't miss out on trying some delicious coffee, tea, pastries, and so much more.
Inzombia Coffee
Experience coffee in a way you have never before! This spot is uniquely themed and decorated in a way that will send you straight back to the 90's —the quirky decor pairs perfectly with their bold flavors. Inzombia has a dynamic menu that is always providing coffee lovers with new things to try!
Rockford Roasting Co.
Rockford Roasting Co. is an elevated coffee experience that is in a great location. Conveniently, you can find it downtown inside the Embassy Suites hotel. It is the perfect place for your coffee fix if you're staying at The Embassy.
Meg's Daily Grind
Another great place to fuel up is Meg's. Multiple locations offer great seating spaces to relax with your beverage of choice. You can also make a quick stop at the drive-through if you need a break. Their menu offers a wide range of options, from simple coffee to sweet flavor combinations. Don't miss out!
Bring a piece of Rockford home with you! While you're not competing or spectating stop into some stores. There are several local shops that are adored by the community. Spend your time browsing some of these great stores and shop 'til you drop!
Downtown Rockford
Rockford Art Deli
Represent Rockford even after you leave. Rockford Art Deli, locally known as RAD, has a wide selection of trendy pieces available for purchase. From Rockford T-shirts and sweatshirts to glassware, there’s a lot to explore at this store. If you're lucky, you may even get to say "Hello" to their store dog, Pepper!
Smiley's Vintage
If you enjoy wearing or browsing vintage pieces, you must visit Smiley's Vintage. It is a curated collection of vintage pieces that is filled with exciting finds. If you're spending time downtown, stop in and discover what unique pieces you come across!
Maze Books
Book lovers, we've got you covered. Maze Books is situated right on East State Street, a vibrant shopping district, and is filled with great literature. You can buy books of all genres, new or used. This store offers a cost-effective way to grow your book collection!
SRM Prints Studio + Gift Shop
SRM Prints is a colorful, artist-owned studio and retail shop offering handcrafted goods with heart. Specializing in linocut printmaking, letterpress stationery, block-printed textiles, and curated gifts—many made by women artists—this is the perfect spot to find something unique and artful. Whether you're picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or an inspiring piece of art, SRM Prints is a can’t-miss stop for creative shoppers.
This store combines modern and vintage charm. While shopping at Ric-Rac, you can expect to find unique pieces to wear, use, or decorate with. You could also shop for a gift to bring back home for someone else!
Inkwell Books and Threads
Visit this charming independent store in Rockton. The books you can buy here were carefully selected by a great team. At Inkwell, you can also purchase new and vintage clothing, gifts, and decor.
Pick-a-Dilly Antiques
An antique wonderland! Pick-a-Dilly is in the historic Hopkins building right in the heart of downtown Rockton. You can find a wide variety of unique pieces and treasures at this store!
Miranda Brook is the Customer Experience Coordinator at GoRockford. She began as an intern in 2024. She is a Rockford native with a background in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Miranda graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2024. She is passionate about her hometown and is proud to have been born and raised in Rockford. Things Miranda love include nature, music, reading, and night life. She’s always looking for opportunities to explore new places and meet new people!
