Anderson Japanese Gardens is a remarkable twelve-acre Japanese Garden that offers visitors a serene and contemplative environment. Operating as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Garden serves as a sanctuary for rejuvenation, drawing nearly 100,000 visitors annually. Recognized for over a decade as one of the premier Japanese gardens in North America, it owes its reputation to the founder's dedication to authentic design, superior craftsmanship, and meticulous maintenance. Transforming a passive attraction to a dynamic regional amenity, the Gardens now boast an expanded range of programs and events. These initiatives aim to enhance visitor engagement and highlight the Garden's cultural significance and natural beauty. By broadening its appeal and impact, Anderson Japanese Gardens continues to captivate visitors, fostering moments of reflection, tranquility, and renewal for all who explore its grounds.
3 Best Places To See in Rockford, IL
Expert recommended Top 3 Places To Visit in Rockford, Illinois. All of our places to see actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence.
ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS REVIEWS
Perhaps the most extraordinary garden I have ever had the privilege of visiting. I cannot believe this is in Northern Illinois--I felt like I was back visiting Japan so many years ago. We visited in May of 2022 in what may have been one of the best seasons to visit. I've been itching to go back and see what else they accomplish in other seasons. One can get peacefully lost for hours in this place.
Totally worth the time to stop by here. The gardens are lush and well-tended and it makes for a nice outing with anyone, or all by yourself. The attached restaurant is quite nice and delicious though a bit pricy and there’s a gift store you can get some interesting things in.
Enjoyed feeding the fish and birds, the gardens were breathtaking, and the buildings were so nice. There was a lot of musty smell to the buildings, but they were absolutely gorgeous. I loved the little hidden gems, too.
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Discovery Center Museum is an impressive children's science museum located in Rockford, Illinois. The museum is a wonderland of exploration, with over 300 interactive exhibits that cover a broad range of topics such as human anatomy, space exploration, simple machines, and sports science, to name a few. Children of all ages will find something to capture their imagination and engage their curiosity. In addition to the indoor exhibits, visitors can venture outside to the museum's backyard, where they will discover the Rock River Discovery Park. This expansive 15,000 square-foot science park offers a range of outdoor activities, including a water play area, a dinosaur dig pit, a climbing structure, and a Secret Garden. Membership offers free admission, and children ages one and younger are admitted for free.
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$Price:
Awards:
Family Vacation Critic names Discovery Center one of the "10 Best Children's Museums in the U.S." 2013
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Working Hours:
Mon: Closed
TBR® Inspection Report:
DISCOVERY CENTER MUSEUM REVIEWS
We have a Peoria Playhouse membership, so going here was free. Boy were we surprised when we saw how HUGE it was! There is cool stuff for kids of different ages to do around every corner. This has to be the most comprehensive play center we've ever been to. The only thing they could use is something to eat while you are there, because it's easy to spend hours there.
KIDS LOVE THE MUSEUM! We had a wonderful time here at the museum. The fun way to teach science with play was exciting. They have many different exhibits for engaging kids. They do offer a huge outdoor playground. The pretend play rooms were equally fun and popular among kids.
Spent a few hours here with my grandsons. What a great hands on place for kids! There was so much to do and explore. There was also a huge outdoor play area for the nicer weather. Highly recommend to bring the kids here!
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Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is a sanctuary of natural splendor situated alongside the tranquil Rock River. Ranking the third-largest Conservatory in Illinois, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in 11,000 square feet of indoor tropical flora, intricate sculptures, and a landscaped lagoon adorned with serene fountains and welcoming patios. Beyond the enchanting indoor oasis lies the mesmerizing Eclipse Lagoon, where two fountains and a cascading waterfall create a peaceful setting for strolls across the pedestrian bridge or tranquil moments spent on the patio areas. Connected to the Conservatory by a scenic walkway, the Sinnissippi Rose Garden adds another layer of allure to the garden's ambiance, offering a delightful array of palm trees and vibrant orchids that evoke a tropical paradise throughout the year. During the warmer seasons, the outdoor area bursts into bloom with a vibrant tapestry of seasonal flowers, enticing visitors to enjoy quality time with their loved ones amidst the lush greenery housed within the unique glass dome.
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$Price:
Adults: $8
Seniors (62+) & Veterans: $6
Ages(5-17): $6
Ages(3-4): $4
Regular Admission For Non-Resident:
Adults: $10
Seniors (62+) & Veterans: $8
Ages(5-17): $8
Ages(3-4): $5
Ages 2 and under: Free
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Working Hours:
Sat & Sun: 10am - 3pm
Mon: Closed
TBR® Inspection Report:
NICHOLAS CONSERVATORY & GARDENS REVIEWS
This place is so beautiful, especially, during the Christmas Season. Walk the trails along the water’s you step inside a magical world of Christmas. Have fun with the kiddos trying to find Rudolph as you explore. Above all, don’t forget to go inside for the “town-like” train tracks. The observatory itself is so relaxing and therapeutic. Listen to the waterfall or get in sync with the flow of the water while you watch the fish swim #reuniteprettygirlgang2000
Nicholas Conservatory has been a garden that I've frequented many times. I've been going here since I was a child and it's perfect for walks, bike rides, and just relaxing near nature. I've gone here for a couple events such as the lanterns, and holiday lights. I recommend coming here if you have a love for nature and spending time outdoors!
We visited the conservatory out of curiosity. It is beautiful! There was a neat little area for small children to play. The wide variety of plants was nice. For Christmas, they built several small train tracks weaving through the garden areas. The outdoor Christmas lights were also beautiful and are for a nice walk.
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