Midway village is great. They have a free walking path and grassy field area open to the public,…read morewhich is beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. The walking path is about a mile around which is a great distance for us. They also have a veterans memorial off the side of the path. Next door they have a museum which I've never been to, but I have been to a wedding nearby and it was a really nice backdrop. I know they have lots of events here throughout the year, including a WWII re-enactment that people from all over the state and region come to. Definitely a place worth checking out.

Worth a visit and we didn't even see everything here!…read more If you're a fan of "A League of Their Own" you need to come see the exhibit about the Rockford Peaches and the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. There's also info about the history of the sock monkey and red heeled socks which are from Rockford, in addition to information about Camp Grant and other local history. We didn't go through the historical village part, but we did check out the dollhouse museum (apparently the collection of one person, but there wasn't really any information about them in the building and no one manning this space). The gift shop is small but well appointed (they need a penny smasher, though!) People can also rent spaces/venues here; there were two weddings happening here the day we were there! A nice smaller local history museum.

One of my favorite little hidden gems in Rockford! This place is an art studio and gallery. They do…read moreopen studio where you can pick a painting size and a picture. They give you printed step by step instructions to follow and all of the supplies. Someone is always there if you need help. They do loaded brush night where you can bring food and alcohol and paint a predetermined painting all led by an instructor. They have mixed media projects which are really fun. There is a gallery upstairs of local artist work and is great to browse during class breaks. The owners, Tabatha and Therese, are amazing and very passionate. My moms group does private parties frequently and have taken classes with both instructors. Both are awesome, patient and wonderful at teaching people like me with no experience at all. I have done loaded brush night and mixed media. Can't wait to try open studio. One huge tip- Public calendars come out every month on the 8th for the following month. Most sell out fast as space is limited. I have an alarm set every 8th to remind me to look at the studio calendar! Can't wait for my class next week!

Agree with a previous poster. This place is a gem in Rockford!…read more Just took a mixed media class last night at this studio. What a great experience. The class was small so there was more individual attention to our art, along with personal and great conversation with the owner/artist/instructor. She offers a variety of classes in different mediums so there is something for everyone. And if you have had limited art classes as I have, coming here with personalized instruction is perfect. Check out the website and see what is being offered the rest of the month, and June's schedule is soon to be posted. And don't forget to check the art gallery on the main floor and upstairs by local artists. Definitely some good stuff in there. Most assuredly, I will be coming back.

It's a beautiful park and gardens along the Rock. While the gardens and lagoon have been around for…read moredecades, the addition of the conservatory added to its appeal. It sits next to a walking path along the river. It's a great way to spend some time wondering around in a beautiful place.

My husband and I visited the Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens on a hot summer day. When you enter,…read morethere is a check-in desk in front of the gift shop and the indoor Conservatory. The indoor area has a lot of plants to look at as well as a lake to enjoy. After touring this garden, you have to go back to the lobby to leave the building to get to the outdoor gardens. This is a terrible traffic pattern. Outside behind the Conservatory are more large gardens. These are well cared for. I caution against going on a hot day because there is very little shade in these gardens. Take the signs posted seriously, I was attacked by a bird while in the garden (thankfully not injured).

Weekends in the Park is some of the most fun anyone can have in downtown Rockford & the best part…read moreis that it's FREE! Every Friday night, RAVE & it's sponsors host "Friday Night Flix", which shows a family friendly movie that is FREE for anyone to enjoy. Better yet, they have free popcorn for guests! An outdoor movie with free popcorn, who could ask for more? They also have beer, mixed drinks, and food available for purchase. If that isn't too much fun for you, head down on Saturday for FREE music. Saturday boasts a night full of good, local music & delicious food/drink for purchase on the South Lawn. It's fun to sit by the river & enjoy live music for FREE. I can't wait to hang out at Davis Park every weekend to watch some fun movies & listen to even better music. Thanks to all who help put this event on & giving us something fun to do downtown!

Weekends in the park is one of the most underutilized events in Rockford. I expected a lot more…read morepeople there because it was a beautiful night. The band wasn't fantastic but is was nice to have a free venue in this city. I recommend going, especially if you like the band.

Excellent place to visit with or without kids. I really enjoyed traveling through the entire…read moremuseum. Downstairs they have a temporary exhibit highlighting fossils they are finding in the Green River Shale in Utah. From the large bones to the tiny buds of plants. The dinosaur exhibit on the first floor will particularly appeal to kids and vertebrate fossil fans. While I was drawn to the very nice collection of Mazon Creek concretions and my first in person view of a Tully Monster (which is the Illinois State Fossil). 2nd floor is more geology focused than paleontology and the 3rd floor is Biological. I spent some time looking at the different birds they had on display as well as the live reptiles in the education room. Plus a little fox at floor level where young children could Ben down and look eye to eye was a nice touch. We will definitely return. Rockford is close.

We came on a "Donation Day." However, this is for Illinois residents only. Otherwise, it's $10 for…read morechildren 4-12 and $12 13 and up. This museum is too small for that cost. We were in and out within the hour. Veteran/educator discounts ONLY if you buy a membership. Half the 3rd floor was temporarily closed. I think you may have more visitors for what little you have if your pricing for kids was more reasonable. Or if you opened donation day to those outside Illinois. Especially for a museum one is in and out within an hour. Maybe you should offer a pass, tying in with the Children's museum and perhaps the Art museum since they are all located nearby. Such a great opportunity to introduce young children to Natural History and Art if one was offered. Otherwise, $32 for the 3 of us will not have us return anytime soon.

Nice little art museum that doesn't currently charge admission thanks to a generous donation. More…read moremodern and contemporary art than other genres, but there is some balance. Well laid out, with informative plaques.

Great museum in downtown Rockford next to the Children Museum. Check out the new exhibit!read more

I already did a review on a spirit Halloween store they're all the same the super stores from the…read moreregular stores they get shipments every week so as the days go by they get more

Great place for a burger and fries, or that Reuben that…read moreyou've been wanting. Good chow. Welcoming.

Best food & drinks in town at a low price with awesome servers & cooks around. Come in and join in…read moreon the fun. Weekly raffle drawings ( Queen Of Hearts) on Wednesday at 7pm