Explore the Cheap Trick Fan Trail in Rockford, Illinois and follow in the footsteps of one of rock’s most iconic bands. This self-guided experience mixes classic stops from Cheap Trick’s early days with newer spots like Hard Rock Casino Rockford and The Music Box. This trail showcases both the band’s legacy and the city’s evolving music scene. Snap photos along the way and tag @GoRockford on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for a chance to be featured.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford is packed with tributes to hometown legend Rick Nielsen. Outside, a 62-foot checkerboard guitar welcomes visitors, while inside you’ll find guitars and memorabilia from his personal collection.
The Music Box is a downtown listening lounge honoring the original shop owned by Rick Nielsen’s father. Co-owned by Miles Nielsen and his wife Kelly, both musicians, it hosts live music in an intimate setting.
Midway Village Museum features Cheap Trick memorabilia, including a sock monkey created by Tom Petersson’s sister. It’s a fun and unexpected way to experience the band’s Rockford roots.
Stockholm Inn is known for Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and Rockford tradition. Rick Nielsen is a part-owner, and inside you’ll find a Hamer guitar painted like the Swedish flag.
The historic Coronado Theatre has hosted Cheap Trick multiple times. Known for its ornate Spanish-style design and starry sky ceiling, it remains an active venue for concerts and live events.
The Sinnissippi Park Music Shell is where it all started. Nielsen and Petersson played here in 1969, and Cheap Trick returned in 1975. Today, it hosts Rockford Jams, a popular summer concert series.
“Welcome to Trickford” signs mark the hometown streets of Cheap Trick’s members, celebrating Rockford pride and the band’s legacy throughout the city.
Cheap Trick Historic Locations
Some of the places that shaped Cheap Trick’s story have changed over time. While a few locations are no longer standing or have taken on new life as different businesses, they remain an important part of Rockford’s rock ‘n’ roll legacy.
500 W. 1st St. Pecatonica, IL Site of the legendary July 4, 1979 Homecoming concert featuring AC/DC, Molly Hatchet and Cheap Trick. The fairgrounds hosts many events throughout the year including the Winnebago County Fair.
216 7th St. Rockford, IL Owned by Rick's parents, the store was a favorite spot for fans to visit and feel closer to Cheap Trick and its lead guitarist.
721 E. State St. Rockford, IL In 1997, Cheap Trick filmed the video for "Say Goodbye" off the Cheap Trick album here, and Rick did an electric concerto with Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
1 Huskie Circle Machensney Park, IL Robin grauduated from Harlem High School and is the only band member who didn't attend Guilford High School in Rockford.
5620 Spring Creek Road Rockford, IL Rick, Tom and Bun E. all graduated from this east side high school. although it is in a populated part of the city now, it was surrounded by cornfields when the band attended in the mid-to-late 1960s.
