by Barry Hufstedler

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: March 13, 2010

Rockford Illinois is located approximately 90 miles west of Chicago and is the third largest city in Illinois. Rockford officially became a city in 1852 and is known as the "Forest City" due to it's abundance of trees. There are many interesting and enjoyable places to visit; here are some of my favorites.

Tinker Swiss cottage was built by Robert Hall Tinker in 1865. He was inspired by the architecture in Switzerland and built the house according to that style. When visiting there you get an idea of what life was like for the Tinker family and observe many fine furnishings that they owned. One of the best times to visit is when they are having an ice cream social; handmade the old fashioned way of the time. From Tinker cottage we go forward in time to spend some time at the theatre.

The Coronado Theatre opened in 1927 and was a premiere theatre at the time. The interior architecture is one of the main highlights. You see golden dragons, village buildings, and a ceiling complete with lights that make it look like the night sky. The orchestra pit includes a large pipe organ that comes up from the floor. A major restoration was started in 1999 and completed in 2001, making the Coronado the center of a fine arts complex. In addition to plays the Coronado in the home of the Rockford Symphony orchestra with different themed concerts throughout the year. Traveling with children? Let's check out a place they will be sure to enjoy!

The Discovery Center Museum is part of a larger museum complex just west of downtown Rockford on the banks of the Rock river. There are over 250 hands on exhibits that show science and technology in a fun interactive way. Watch how tornados form or check out the shows about the constellations in the indoor planetarium. There is something for all ages to enjoy and when you are tired of being inside there is an enclosed outdoor playground that continues education with fun. Places to climb, swing, and run; don't forget to check out the cave! Now, let's have some outdoor fun of another kind.

Just north of Rockford you will find one of the largest state parks in Illinois: Rock Cut State park. Covering over 3,000 acres and containing two lakes, Rock Cut has much to offer anyone looking for outdoor activities. There are 40 miles trails for hiking, 23 miles of mountain biking trails, or if you have horses, 14 miles of equestrian trails. The 162 acre Pierce Lake provides fishing and boating opportunities for all. Rock Cut has a large campground for all types of camping from RVs to tents complete with showers and waste stations.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about some of my favorite places in Rockford Illinois and I hope you come visit the Forest City!

For further information about Rockford or the places mentioned check out the following websites:

City of Rockford: www.ci.rockford.il.us
Tinker Swiss cottage: www.tinkercottage.com
Coronado Theatre: www.coronadopac.org
Discovery Center Museum: www.discoverycentermuseum.org
Rock Cut State Park: www.stateparks.com/rock_cut.html

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