The Oregon Public Library houses a little known collection of works of art by members of the…read moreEagle's Nest Art Colony, a group of instructors and students from the Art Institute of Chicago, who camped and cavorted on a nearby bluff overlooking the Rock River during the summers of 1898 to 1942. Finding inspiration both in their creative synergies and in the verdant rural landscape around them, the artists and writers - including renowned sculptor Lorado Taft - reciprocated in kind, donating several dozen paintings and sculptures to this local library, where most remain on display in a small second floor gallery. Discovering the collection in this quiet little town and learning the history of the bygone community are a delight. Who knew? If the door to the gallery is locked, ask a friendly librarian to let you in. On a desk in the gallery, a guidebook to the artists' lives and their works enhances the experience. If you want to learn more about the Colony and its artists, you can pick up a copy of Lynn Allyn Young's Beautiful Dreamer or Jan Stilson's Art and Beauty in the Heartland at Books on First in neighboring Dixon.

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).

On a dreary Sunday in January we came from the Chicago suburbs primarily to see the garden train…read moreexhibit inside the conservatory. Although kind of small, the greenhouse did not disappoint. It is very lush, packed with a lot of tropical plants, trees and flowers. It also has water features, ponds and streams that have fish (koi?) in them. The train displays are super nice. They have miniature Rockford landmarks scattered around and trestle bridges made from sticks and limbs. This place is peaceful, relaxing, and very photogenic. $10 admissions, a bit less for seniors and kids.

What an unexpected delight! A well-designed, kid-friendly museum that cleverly teaches history…read more Free to the public. Byron should be proud of this gem.

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.

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.

We came here on a Sunday with my kids (5 and 3). It being March, the outside was open so we were…read moreglad to explore outside for a bit but it closed at 4 pm. I felt this time that the place was kept tidier. I saw employees moving from area to area and trying to keep things in place, which seems like a pretty tough task with the amount of stuff in each area. My kids had a lot of fun in the upstairs area. There's lots to do & for $12 each, it can easily keep young kids entertained.

I cannot recommend this place highly enough!! Absolutely killer on every level!! This is fun for…read moreadults to come to too! Obviously you need to be an inquisitive person and still enjoy learning new things.... But if you have some kids to bring it's literally like Disneyland but where they learn how everything works in the universe...... You really need to come here multiple times to take everything in..... If you care about your kids, and want them to be smart, this place is mandatory!

I have to say this place has really changed. It has been many many years since my last visit. The…read morestaff was very friendly and helpful when I asked a question. This is the Antique Mall to visit and shop... This is the oldest & largest in Rockford. I asked how big -- 20k sq feet with 100+ dealers. They do a fabulous job at not only keeping the place clean and organized, but its nice and cool on this hot day I visited. I really do think you can find just about anything you are looking for inside this mall. It a huge selection with dealer specializing in separate types of antiques & collectibles. My favorite is the Vintage clothing section. They have so many great items at fantastic prices. I've found some real gems here. Also, If you are into Mid Century vibes -- I saw a lot of cool items.

This place is HUGE and just full of antique treasures, large and small, including furniture (some…read moreplaces focus on smaller items only). Be prepared to take some time to walk around: there is a ton of stuff and you can really spend some time in here!

We always look forward to visiting Celia when we are passing through. Such a cute shop with one of…read morea kind antiques and adorable Holiday decorations. Can't wait till our next visit.

Amazing, dedicated teachers and a solid program that gives students the building blocks to become…read moreexcellent dancers. We look forward to participating in Nutcracker every year, the kids have a blast and the show is always beautiful. A dance studio that truly cares about the kids and the community.

Went to their performance of the Nutcracker at the Coronado last weekend. Great show, with…read morebeautiful dancers! Definitely going to see them again!