Me and my wife recently stopped here to go on a little walk in the area. This place is perfect for…read moreall sorts of outdoor activities since there's a beach nearby and plenty of trails though I recommend and not walk through them when it's wet outside because they are very muddy and nothing is paved. Plenty of dogs are running off leash as well which isn't an issue. Please check to make sure you know what time the park closes because they will close on you as well. Highly recommend stopping here

Decided to take a drive from Evanston on a beautiful Spring day (70 degrees in Evanston, but 80…read moredegrees in Rockford - it was balmy!) I had found this place searching online for nearby state parks that weren't TOO far of a drive and still had ample hiking trails. The park was easy to find, had plenty of parking and lots of paved and dirt trails for both hiking and biking. Picnic areas scattered throughout and a nice large lake for fishing/boating/canoeing (there were prices posted in the concessions area for renting a boat with motor for the day as well if you don't have your own to bring with you!) Small selection of snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic) were available for purchase, however they did not have any paper maps (there were boards posted by trail entrances and we did take photos of those). It looks like there is a restaurant next to the concessions area that opens after Memorial Day weekend for the season. We saw and heard many different birds while hiking and it was very peaceful (and not very crowded, as we were here on a Tuesday). My husband particularly enjoyed seeing the turkeys roaming around

The Forest Preserve Headquarters of Winnebago County is by far my favorite underrated park in the…read moreRockford area! Lots to explore and so many different, unique areas within the park. I love the view over the quarry in all seasons but it's especially beautiful in fall/winter. The walk through the woods and around the ponds and river on the other side of the forest preserve are gorgeous in spring with frogs and other small animals to find and lots of mossy pathways. It feels like a fairytale! (Photos by Figment Photography)

Great place to hangout and have a few beers and go on nature walks…read more I've never camped here, but I heard that its cool. There are a lot of nice shelters and a respectable playground. You can pick morel mushrooms here during the early-mid spring. There's a fair amount of wildlife (deer, turkey, woodpeckers, toads, etc.) as well. The conservation sheriff cruises through every once in a while to make sure no one's doing anything retarded. Its a popular hangout for delinquent kids during the day, so check your grills before you cook. There was piss on one of them once.

I say this about a lot of parks but, this is definitely one of the best parks I have ever been to…read more There are 6 areas for different sports, including: basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and ping pong. In addition to the sports, there is a very nice playground, pavilion (with electricity and a grill), and a walking trail.

Working in Rockford this week and I just happened to find this beautiful park beside the river…read more There were quite a few people enjoying the park on this weekend afternoon, and the weather was beautiful. Bike trails, picnic tables, and many benches along the river. This park is very well maintained. The Nicholas Conservatory is at one end of the park, and while I didn't have time to visit it today I hope the next time I am in Rockford.

Beautiful area along the river in Rockford with a lot to do and look at. It should be on the list…read morefor anyone coming here to hang. Sinnissippi Park is one of the most visited places in town. For sure it's no surprise because there's so much in it. The Rockmen Guardians, Nicholas Conservatory, and the gardens are the biggest highlights but there's lots more to it to come do stuff. At the western end are the Rockmen Guardians. It's worth going along the riverfront path to get some pictures. The Conservatory is the grandest thing in the entire park though. Inside there's plenty of plant life including flowers and trees, as well as animal life, including butterflies, koi fish, and swans. They charge an admission though. Just north of this is the lagoon, where there's a rose garden. The east side of the park has a golf course, and there's also a Scandinavian cemetery if you're looking for history. Have to visit this park if you're seeing what's in the city. It's got a lot of the best stuff that's around here. This is great for getting some exercise or whatever.

This is a nice place to take a break and relax. One wish is for dog owners to pick up after their…read moredogs. It would make for a much more pleasant experience on and off the bike/walk path. There is a botanical garden along the river front. We'll have to check it out next time.

Awesome spot for toddlers. My 1yo loved it! The slide was super easy for him to navigate and I was…read moreable to stay in a comfortable spot while being within arms reach.

An absolutely beautiful, relaxing garden to wander and get lost in. We loved feeding the numerous…read morekoi fish. There were so many paths and places to get lost or sit for awhile. They also have a restaurant which smelled wonderful.

This nice area to walk garden. Unfortunately our visit did see any flowers. Mostly trees and…read morebushes. The visit required fees. Our visit is on the way to Wisconsin Dells. The attraction is away from highway interstate. The visit takes 30 minutes to one hour. Small pond, decorated bridge, or statue can be found in the park. There some Japanese style building surrounding the garden. Overall is a very neat garden. I think the fees are a bit high for this garden. Parking is available on site.

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).

Certainly it's not anything comparable to the big popular arboretums and botanical gardens those…read moremay think of, but for Rockford it's good. It's not a humongous one, but there's plenty of ground to cover and nature to see. Klehm Arboretum has a respectable collection of flowers, plants, and trees. A lot of family activities. There's often some kind of special event going on for children and family things. A lot of the gardens are specific toward one plant species or a family. It of course has better viewing in the spring and summer, but any time of the year has something to check out. The visitor's center is the first place most people come to. Get a map. You can find out where all the gardens are and which paths to go on. It has a pretty cool pond garden in front you should stop at. There's a Prehistoric Garden featuring a T-Rex. Also children will enjoy the Fountain Garden. This is a way to cool off in summer. Even though the programs say there's an admission charge, you can still usually get in free. It's not like there's anyone at the gate. This is best in the summer, but there's also later year activities like hay mazes and whatever.

New improvement to kids play creek/stream is horrible. The creek used to always be flowing and full…read moreof water. Now you have to press a button wait for water and it pumps out a little not even enough for kids to play in. For the price you pay better off driving to a state park or going anywhere else but here if going with kids.