Tampa Awaits: Sun, Sea, and City Adventures
For nature lovers, Tampa is a dream come true. Explore lush botanical gardens, kayak through mangrove tunnels, hike shaded trails in peaceful state parks, and encounter native wildlife up close — from manatees to tropical birds. Whether you're strolling the Tampa Riverwalk or soaking up the sun in a quiet nature preserve, Tampa offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and warm Gulf breezes.
Where Nature Meets the Gulf
A Tapestry of Art and History
Tampa invites art and history lovers to dive into its rich cultural scene — where historic Ybor City echoes with Cuban-American heritage, and world-class museums like the Tampa Museum of Art and the Henry B. Plant Museum offer a window into the past and present. Stroll through galleries, tour preserved cigar factories, and take in architecture that tells the story of Tampa’s vibrant roots and creative spirit.
Downtown Tampa Attractions
Downtown Rockford, IL offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and entertainment for every kind of traveler. Explore fascinating exhibits at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, get hands-on at the Discovery Center Museum, or admire contemporary works at the Rockford Art Museum. Catch a live show at the stunning Coronado Performing Arts Center, then unwind at the scenic Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens along the Rock River. With a variety of local dining spots, breweries, seasonal festivals, and riverfront parks, downtown Rockford is a dynamic destination full of charm and discovery.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Burpee offers an unforgettable journey through Earth's prehistoric past, featuring "Jane," one of the most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons ever unearthed, and "Homer," a rare sub-adult Triceratops.
Discovery Center Museum
Ignite your child's imagination at Rockford's Discovery Center Museum, where over 250 hands-on exhibits in science, art, and math make learning an exciting adventure.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of art at the Rockford Art Museum, where over 2,000 works showcase modern and contemporary pieces, photography, and regional art with a special emphasis on Illinois artists.
Rockford Art Museum
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
Experience a tropical oasis in the heart of the Midwest where lush indoor gardens, seasonal butterfly exhibits, and serene riverfront views offer a year-round escape into nature's beauty.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
This 12-acre oasis offers a serene escape into authentic Japanese garden design. Recognized as one of North America's finest Japanese gardens, it's an ideal destination for reflection, cultural enrichment, and natural beauty.
This 155-acre sanctuary features rare trees, themed gardens, and tranquil walking trails. Families can enjoy the Nancy Olson Children's Garden while nature enthusiasts explore diverse collections like the Prehistoric Garden and the Vi Bates Wildflower Garden.
Klehm Arboretum
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum
Step back in time with a beautifully preserved 19th-century home offering guided tours that showcase original furnishings, personal artifacts, and the unique Swiss-style architecture crafted by Robert Hall Tinker.
Erlander Home Museum
Rockford's first brick residence was built in 1871 by Swedish immigrant John Erlander. This meticulously restored Victorian home offers guided tours providing a glimpse into the cultural legacy that helped shape Rockford's identity.
Explore Rockford's rich multicultural roots at the Ethnic Heritage Museum, where six dedicated galleries celebrate the city's African American, Hispanic, Irish, Italian, Lithuanian, and Polish communities
Ethnic Heritage Museum
BMO Center
A premier downtown arena hosting a dynamic lineup of events — from thrilling Rockford IceHogs hockey games to top-tier concerts, comedy shows, and family entertainment. The BMO Center offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
Coronado Theater
Meticulously restored in 1927 and renowned for its opulent design, the Coronado offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern entertainment, hosting a diverse array of performances from Broadway shows to concerts and lectures.
Held every Friday from mid-May through early September. This free, family-friendly market features over 70 local vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items, complemented by live music, delicious food, and activities for all ages.
Rockford City Market
www.klehm.org
www.tinkercottage.com
www.ethnicheritagemuseum.org
Rockford-Area Attractions
Venture beyond downtown Rockford and uncover a diverse mix of attractions that deliver unforgettable experiences. From the natural beauty of Rock Cut State Park and the scenic trails of Blackhawk Springs to the fascinating collections at Historic Auto Attractions, the surrounding area offers something for every interest. Enjoy nonstop entertainment at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford, where gaming, dining, and live music come together in a vibrant atmosphere. Families can dive into fun at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor or catch the high-energy thrills of a Ski Broncs water ski show. Whether you're exploring quirky museums, hiking forest preserves, or enjoying action-packed entertainment, greater Rockford combines relaxation, excitement, and Midwestern charm in one inviting destination.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Hard Rock Casino Rockford offers visitors an exciting escape with world-class gaming, live entertainment, and dining all under one vibrant roof — perfect for a night out or a weekend getaway.
Historic Auto Attractions
So much more than cars! A one-of-a-kind journey through time, featuring an eclectic collection of vintage cars, presidential memorabilia, and pop culture artifacts that make history come alive.
An exhilarating escape with pulse-pounding water slides, a relaxing lazy river, and family-friendly play areas, making it the ultimate water park destination for all ages.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
Midway Village Museum
Take an immersive journey into Rockford's rich past, featuring a 13-acre Victorian-era village with 26 historical buildings and a main museum center housing interactive exhibits that bring the region's history to life.
Laurent House
This unique architectural gem is the only home Frank Lloyd Wright designed specifically for a person with a disability. The Laurent House is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Explore their legacy at the Midway Village Museum's "Girls of Summer" exhibit, featuring authentic memorabilia, and visit the restored Beyer Stadium to walk in the footsteps of these trailblazing athletes.
Rockford Peaches
Curranʼs Orchard
Award-winning apple cider, freshly baked apple donuts, and giant caramel apples. Families can enjoy a range of activities such as hayrides, a straw bale mini-maze, an apple slingshot, and a petting corral, making it a perfect destination for seasonal fun.
Edward's Apple Orchard (West)
Guests can enjoy freshly made apple cider, warm apple cider donuts, and homemade caramel apples, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a children's play area with a wooden bus and train, a petting farm, and weekend tractor rides into the orchard.
Valley Orchard in Cherry Valley offers a classic fall experience with pick-your-own apples, fresh cider, and homemade treats like cider donuts and caramel apples — perfect for a fun, family-friendly outing.
Valley Orchard
Rock Cut State Park
This over 3,000 acres park features 40 miles of hiking trails, 23 miles of biking routes, and 14 miles of equestrian trails, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. With two lakes — Pierce Lake for fishing and Olson Lake for swimming and boating.
Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve
Offering a serene retreat with 7.5 miles of hiking trails, including a 2.3-mile paved path, winding through woodlands, prairies. The preserve is ideal for birdwatching, with opportunities to spot Osprey and Bald Eagles.
A captivating natural retreat with scenic hiking trails winding through restored prairies, ancient oak forests, and dramatic ravines leading down to the Kishwaukee River.
Kishwaukee Gorge Forest Preserve
Summerfield Zoo
Summerfield Farm and Zoo in Belvidere, Illinois, offers visitors an intimate and educational wildlife experience, featuring a diverse array of animals—from mountain lions and zebras to sloths and capybaras. Many of these animals are rescues, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about conservation efforts. The zoo also offers private animal encounters, allowing for up-close interactions with select species.
Rockford Ski Broncs
Experience the thrill of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team in Loves Park, where high-flying stunts, human pyramids, and synchronized skiing light up the Rock River. These free, family-friendly performances take place every Wednesday and Friday evening from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Shorewood Park, offering an unforgettable summer tradition for all ages.
Volcano Falls Adventure Park in Loves Park offers an action-packed day for all ages, featuring two themed 18-hole mini golf courses, multiple go-kart tracks, laser tag, batting cages, a laser maze, and an arcade filled with over 50 games. It's the ultimate destination for family fun and group outings in the Rockford area.
Volcano Falls Adventure Park
Embassy Suites by Hilton™ Rockford Riverfront
Rockford Custom Travel's preferred provider for exceptional accommodations.
Rockford's only downtown full-service hotel accommodation provides an exceptional experience in addition to a centralized location to reach out and enjoy all Rockford has to offer.
Embassy Suites by Hilton™
Rockford Riverfront
Embassy Suites by Hilton™ Rockford Riverfront is the preferred accommodation provider for Rockford Custom Travel, ensuring exceptional stays for all travelers from a centralized location to explore all Rockford has to offer.
Location
416 S Main St.
Rockford, IL 61101
