Brilliant Fall Colors Dancing in a River at Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve in Cherry Valley, Illinois

 

Kishwaukee River Forest Preserve in Cherry Valley, Illinois unfolds a peacefully picturesque location for a nature respite within the Winnebago County Forest Preserve system. Nestled along the Kishwaukee River, we quickly discovered that the preserve delights with absolutely stunning views. 

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Appreciating a Creative Journey at Rockford Art Museum

 

Galleries at Rockford Art Museum Beckon Exploration

Rockford Art Museum ignites creative thought with rotating traveling exhibits and pieces from its own collection. Upon entering the art museum, we felt welcomed into the world of artistic exploration by spacious galleries with the perfect amount of art to be explored.

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Forest Meandering Along Kishwaukee River at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve in Rockford, Illinois

Forest Meandering Along Kishwaukee River at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve in Rockford, Illinois

A forest wander meandering along a river eases the mind. During a recent summer day, we traced the gentle turns of the Kishwaukee River in the Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve in Rockford soaking up the joys of nature. 

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Dolomite Cliffs, Woodlands, Prairies and Wetlands Entice Explorers at Severson Dells in Rockford, Illinois

Dolomite Cliffs, Woodlands, Prairies and Wetlands Entice Explorers at Severson Dells in Rockford, Illinois

Greeting explorers with a range of nature experiences including dolomite cliffs, wetlands, prairies and woodlands, Severson Dells Nature Center in Rockford, Illinois provides unique and enticing adventures. Severson Dells once was a farm until nture lovers Harry and Fannie Severson donated their 369-acre family farm to the Winnebago County Forest Preserve District in 1975. This donation paved the way for the public to appreciate the Severson's nature haven.

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The Norwegian in Rockford, IL: Lunching It With a Nordic Twist

The Norwegian in Rockford, Illinois Highlights Nordic Flavors and Locally Sourced Products

The Norwegian in Rockford, Illinois was certainly hopping on our recent visit this summer and we would soon see why. If you have been following this blog for awhile, you do know that we have an affinity for all things Nordic. So, when a reader informed me about The Norwegian I knew we would have to visit. The menu at The Norwegian features Nordic favorites such as smørrebrød, frikadeller, pickled herring and more as well as brunch and lunch favorites. Plus, The Norwegian sources locally. Such a great place to explore food:

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Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford, Illinois: Tranquility in All Seasons

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford, Illinois: Tranquility in All Seasons

Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford provided for the perfect nature oasis for this family on a cold winter day! Nicholas Conservatory is the third largest conservatory in Illinois and welcomes visitors to wander several paths and explore water features. We enjoyed a little time warming up in this tropical oasis!

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Rockford Eateries

During our visit to Rockford, we were able to check out a few eateries. During our visit, we enjoyed breakfast at one of our favorites -- Rockford staple Stockholm Inn!

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Midway Village Rockford's History Museum Provides Connection with the Past

During our recent visit to Rockford, we visited Midway Village Rockford's History Museum to learn a bit of the foundations that have created Rockford. The museum presented fascinating facts about Rockford and gave us more appreciation for the place we were visiting.

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Afternoon at Rock Cut State Park in Illinois

During our visit to Rockford, Illinois, we spent a couple hours of our lovely Sunday afternoon exploring Rock Cut State Park. The preserve is quite large and incorporates 40 miles of trails. So, we knew that our visit would only be a taste. We were immediately captivated by the park and I know that we will be back again. Rock Cut does include two lakes and we were able to see both. Views of the lakes were incredible.

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Welcoming the Holidays with Stroll on State in Rockford, Illinois

Rockford's Stroll on State heralds in the holidays with traditional family fun, spectacular light displays, festive performances, a jubilant parade complete with inflatables, spirit lifting fire and ice displays and much more. The event packs in pretty much every holiday delight I can think of from ice skating to petting reindeer to making s'mores to holiday light shows to carriage rides and so much more. Plus, it annually falls on Small Business Saturday, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Not only do Rockford's small businesses open their doors but many also have live entertainment just for the event. Stroll on State truly is an experience that can easily become an annual family tradition.

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Stroll on State in Rockford, Illinois November 25, 2017

Stroll on State in Rockford, Illinois is coming up on November 25, 2017 and is a FANTASTIC way to kick off the holidays. The festival encompasses several streets in downtown Rockford and along the Rock River bursting with holiday fun. There.Is.A.Ton.To.Do! The event is in its fifth year and we are happy to make the trip this year. If you are looking for something to do next weekend, I highly recommend putting this on your list. This visit will actually be our second --- so you can tell that we love it!

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Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois

We spent the last day of summer break wandering the tranquil environs of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. The balance between water features, natural elements, tea houses, foot bridges and sculptures had almost a meditative effect. We had a wonderful morning of reflection.

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Dinosaurs, Fossils and Gems at Burpee Museum of Natural History Rockford, IL

The Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, IL is a true Midwest treasure. Natural exhibits usher visitors on a journey through Rockford's natural history using fossils, dinosaur bones, casts, scenes, rocks and minerals, taxidermy specimens and more. Guests can even peek inside a working lab in the basement. The Burpee Museum provides an ideal excursion for a winter day!

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Stroll on State Kicks Off the Holidays in Rockford, IL

What a wonderful weekend to kick off the holiday season! I love the lighting up of holiday lights all around coloring the cold nights with special sparkle. This weekend, we made a road trip to Rockford, IL to launch our holiday season with the revelry during Stroll on State!

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Spring Break Road Trips from Chicago

View of the Indiana Capitol Building from atop the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument.

Spring Break is around the corner! If you are having a hard time picking a destination that is fun for families but not too far away, here are my picks for Spring Break road trips this year. I did find some special events going on in some of the destinations, so be sure to check those out as well. Easter does fall during this year's Spring Break in our neck of the woods, so be sure to account for that because it may add additional closed days to some attractions.

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A Weekend Exploring Rockford, Illinois Museums

As a contributor to Wisconsin Parent, I ventured to Rockford, Illinois to explore their cache of indoor fun awaiting winter exploration. I have to tell you that my family was blown away by the amazing museums that are all with close proximity of each other in Rockford and only a little over an hour from us here in the Chicago suburbs. If you are looking for a little winter road trip, I do recommend a day or two in Rockford. If you are feeling the cabin fever a little too much this winter, here is a run down of the wonderful museums in Rockford that will ignite curiosity and inspire exploration:

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