List Of 15 Must-See Illinois Attractions Has Rockford Spot At #3

Our state of Illinois is 310 miles long at its longest point, 210 miles wide at its widest point, covers 57,918 square miles (making it the 25th largest state), and has 102 counties in total.

I love facts and figures like that, but my point in sharing them with you is that Illinois is a really big place, and we've got lots of things to get out and see, do, and enjoy. So many in fact, that limiting a list of must-see attractions in Illinois to 15 means that a bunch of cool places aren't on the list.

But, a beloved Rockford location most certainly is on the list, and you've probably already guessed which one it is.

34 cents? How old is this stamp, anyway? (Getty Images)

A Really Cool Website That's All About What's Going On In Every State Recently Published A Piece About Illinois Tourist Attractions

That website, OnlyInYourState.com, has all kinds of interesting content pieces waiting for you, including this one: "Everyone In Illinois Should Check Out These 15 Tourist Attractions, According To Locals"

The author of the list, Jasmine Vieau, does a great job of letting you know why these places are must-see spots, and I'm also giving her huge credit for recognizing a Rockford treasure at #3 on her list, and for mentioning another super-cool Rockford attraction in the same piece.

Like I said, I'm sure you've already guessed the Rockford spot, but in case you haven't, here are a couple of clues (ignore the photo credit beneath the shots, it's a dead giveaway):

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Facebook

Anderson Japanese Gardens May Come In At Number-Three On The List, But For Many In Rockford, It's Number-One In Our Hearts

Here's OnlyInYourState.com's take on Anderson Japanese Gardens:

Check out Anderson Japanese Gardens for some outdoor serenity – a twelve-acre haven with waterfalls, ponds, and a sukiya-style tea house. Locals love it, and it's ranked among North America's top Japanese gardens for over a decade. The modern "Garden of Reflection" features bronze angel sculptures amid a landscape of Japanese maples, cloud pines, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons and is a must-see.
And for those seeking more indoor or family-friendly fun in Rockford, locals recommend checking out the Discovery Center Museum – a fantastic option for engaging and educational entertainment.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, Facebook