ROCKFORD. FOR REAL.

Daily shuttles to It’s not your imagination. The Rockford region of Northern O’Hare International Illinois is a big place with a small feel, an accessible small city Airport and with big ideas offering an array of fantastic lifestyle choices. downtown Chicago. Live in the City of Rockford, with its urban amenities and hustle. Or choose a suburb, small town or rural life, with a laid-back vibe. Whatever you choose, you’ll experience: • High quality of life with a lower cost of living • Easy commutes everywhere • • Vibrant dining, recreation, arts and entertainment • And, of course, world-class health care Plus, you’re 90 minutes from Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison or Galena.

Discover why we’re a region with a

Picture This Rockford is known as the “City of Gardens” – for excellent reasons: • , one of the top two Japanese gardens in North America • , third largest conservatory in Illinois • • 10,000 acres of parklands, including the , , and 25 miles of interconnecting trails

Get Downtown Nowhere is the transformational spirit of Rockford more alive than in our historic downtown. Once a manufacturing hub, downtown now booms with fun. • Dinner on the Dock, summer nights along the Rock River with live music, dinner and drinks • • kicks off the winter holidays every year.

Photo by Rockford Area CVB Museums Don’t miss the unique experience of , home to the and three museums featuring world-class exhibits: • , called “pound for pound the best natural history museum in the country; featuring ‘Jane,’ the world’s most complete juvenile T-rex.” • , hands-on learning enjoyed by children and adults • , the most significant collection of Chicago art outside the city

Photo by Rockford Area CVB Sports & Recreation Rockford is a Midwest destination for amateur sports, with 125 neighborhood parks featuring innovative playgrounds, skate parks, dog parks, trails and more: • , ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 public layouts in the nation with greens fees under $50 • First-class indoor and outdoor recreation venues, including dozens of soccer, baseball and softball fields, two ice arenas, an equestrian center and the • Kayaking on the Rock and Kishwaukee rivers • water park and • , American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks

Arts and Entertainment Rockford is home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Cheap Trick. We’re proud of the talent that comes to perform here – and of what we share with the world: • arena, featuring national touring acts • • Retractable roof at , built in 1927 as “Rockford’s Wonder Theatre” • , human pyramids on water skis • , a monthly celebration of local artists, musicians, shopping and food

Food and Drink Welcome to burger heaven, where you can build your own monster delights at , try the Boogie Burger at or the gourmet burgers at . If burgers aren’t your thing, dining options run from the , a hole-in-the-wall diner Photo by where Pete will greet you with a friendly yell from the grill, to chili at (ask for a Rockford Area CVB bucket of jalapenos!), to , featuring dishes like Akvavit-cured gravlax, locally roasted coffee and elderberry mimosas. And make sure to check out our own local chain, the aptly named .

We know you want more! Check here: Note: Business hours and activities may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call ahead or check websites for up-to-date info.

ANDwhat WE’RE BN Great WE’RE ROCKFORD. FORis all REAL. about!

RHR-0007-OSF