Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Real. Original.

Rockford, Illinois is a popular tourism destination known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and rich history. Here are some highlights:

1. Arts and Culture: Rockford is home to numerous art galleries, theaters, museums, and music venues. The Coronado Performing Arts Center showcases live performances including concerts, Broadway shows, and ballets. The Rockford Art Museum features works by local and national artists, and the Burpee Museum of Natural History offers interactive exhibits on local geology and paleontology.
2. Outdoor Recreation: With over 40,000 acres of parks and open space, the Rockford area offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Anderson Japanese Gardens is a breathtaking oasis featuring traditional Japanese landscaping, waterfalls, and koi ponds. Rock Cut State Park offers camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding, while the Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden boasts beautiful gardens and walking trails. Four rivers provide ample opportunity for boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
3. History and Architecture: History buffs will enjoy exploring the many historic sites in Rockford. The Midway Village Museum showcases restored Victorian-era buildings and offers immersive exhibits on local history. The Laurent House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is the only house he built specifically for a person with a physical disability that is open to the public.
4. Events and Festivals: Rockford hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. The Rockford City Market is a weekly open-air market offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music. Stroll on State event transforms downtown Rockford into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, ice skating, and holiday festivities.
5. Dining and Shopping: Rockford has a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from farm-to-table restaurants to international cuisine. Downtown Rockford offers a mix of boutique shops, art galleries, and antique stores. CherryVale Mall and the State Street shopping district are popular destinations for retail therapy.

Before visiting Rockford visit gorockford.com to plan your getaway.

IL House Legislative District
67, 68, 69, 89, 90

IL Senate Legislative Districts
34, 25, 45

Largest Meeting Facility
Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront

Number of Hotel Rooms
2,870

Primary Source of Local Funding
Hotel Tax from City of Rockford

Total Tourism Jobs Supported
6,849

Regional Tourism Expenditures
$508.5 million

Lodging Taxes
Local hotel tax is 8%

Local Sales Taxes
8.75%