Reasons Rockford Made List of Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois

I love when the Forest City, my home, makes a list that doesn't disparage anyone of anything. Are any of these places that make us beautiful you favorite spots?

It's not very often that Rockford gets some good publicity like the kind we just got from the writers at Thrillist.com.

What makes Rockford a beautiful place to visit?

Most often, it is a list of pretty negative things that reserves a spot for Illinois' 4th-largest city. What makes this list even better is that it's unfinished. Thank you Thrillist for getting us started

What do I mean by that?

What Thrillist started, we can most definitely can add to.

In your opinion, what are some of Rockford's most beautiful spots?

In Thrillist's list, The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Illinois, Rockford is the only WHOLE city mentioned, the rest of the list are places in visit in different cities, not the whole town.

Here's where they say Rockford shows its beauty best (a couple may surprise you):

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center

Nicholas Conservatory

From food trucks to Christmas lights, no matter what time of year, a visit to the conservatory is a must.

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens

There aren't many of these Swiss-style homes left in the Unites States and the 'Tinker' has a great and spooky history. A tour will not disappoint.

Burpee Museum of Natural History

"See Jane, the world’s most complete and best preserved juvenile T. Rex."

For a 'winter wonderland type of beauty, Thrillist suggests Klehm Arboretum, Rock Cut State Park, Atwood Park, and Lowden State Park (technically this park is in Oregon but it IS beautiful and the view is outstanding). The drive from Rockford to Oregon on Highway 2 along the Kishwaukee River is one of the most scenic drives in the area.

The Rockford area is home to some pretty fantastic parks and other beautiful attractions. Here are a few of my favorites.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

For the very first time in their history, the gardens are now open in the winter for a holiday lighting attraction.

While were at the gardens, a meal at Fresco at the Gardens is a great place to eat and take in some more of the stunning view.

Tell me your favorite beautiful spots so I have some new places to check out.