ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — From lost landmarks to cherished pastimes, Rockford holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up in the Forest City.
Here are 20 things people who spent their formative years in Rockford will always remember.
Coronado Theatre
Stepping into the atmospheric Coronado Theatre for a production is still a cultural highlight thanks to several renovations. Its historic charm from the 1927 opening remains. Generations of Rockford residents have seen a variety of events at the historic theater.
On the Waterfront Festival
What began in 1985 as a downtown Rockford block party, On the Waterfront grew into the largest outdoor music festival in Illinois. The Labor Day weekend festival attracted massive crowds to the banks of the Rock River with music, food, and community. On the Waterfront folded after the 2012 event, leaving only memories for those who grew up attending.
Clock Tower Resort
The Clock Tower Resort was a multifaceted gem, with its renowned clock collection showcasing intricate timepieces from around the world, drawing visitors to marvel at the craftsmanship. The hotel component offered a luxurious stay with its elegant rooms and dining, while the tennis center hosted lively matches and lessons. The complex was torn down in 2018, making way for the Hard Rock Casino, which now occupies the site.
Ace of Diamonds Restaurant and Ballpark
The Ace of Diamonds, a former restaurant on South Main near the airport, was a local favorite, with its cozy vibe and hearty meals. The adjacent softball field was the home to many games and tournaments. The restaurant was destroyed by fire in 1996.
Colonial Village Mall
Wandering the aisles of Colonial Village Mall was a teenage rite with its stores, food court, and the Colonial Village 1-2-3, a popular movie theater. Today, Colonial Village is a strip mall anchored by Forest City Church and Rockford Career College.
The Ing Skating Palace
Roller skating at the Ing Skating Place in downtown Rockford provided loads of memories for kids and adults alike. The rink, which once had an elegant ball room, was also home to several music and special events until it was torn down in 2005.
Kiddieland Amusement Park
The rides and games at Kiddieland in Loves Park brought joy to countless kids, with its small-town amusement charm. Open from 1950 to 1977, its closure marked the end of an era, but the laughter and excitement of those days are still alive in those who cherished their time there.
North Towne Mall
Also now a strip mall, North Towne Mall was once a full-scale indoor mall with restaurants, shops and a lower-level movie theater.
Rockford’s Drive-in Theaters
Watching movies under the stars in two drive-ins in Rockford was the thing to do from the 1950s to the 1990s. The Robin Drive-In, on the city’s west side, was open from 1950 to 1985. The Belford Drive-in, where AMC Showplace 16 now sits, operated from the mid-1960s to the mid-1990s. Both offered a classic outdoor cinema experience and were family favorites.
Rockford Peaches Games at Beyer Stadium
Many Rockford residents remember cheering on the Rockford Peaches at Beyer Stadium. The Peaches were champions of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League four times and drew huge crowds. The team’s popularity was embodied in the 1992 film “A League of Their Own.”
Pink Pony Restaurant
The Pink Pony restaurant at 4421 Charles St. was part of the original Five Points. The restaurant was known for its odd shape and fine dining.
Shakey’s Pizza
Enjoying pizza and a lively atmosphere at Shakey’s Pizza was a family outing staple. With its classic pizzeria decor and arcade, Shakey’s was also a popular North Main Street teen hangout. The building is now Whiskey’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill.
A&W Root Beer Stand
A stop at Shakey’s wasn’t complete without pop-in at the A&W Root Beer Stand for frosty mugs of root beer and classic drive-in food. With carhop service on North Main Street in Rockford, A&W had carhop service and was a family and teen favorite. After A&W closed, the building became a car lot and was later demolished as part of the roundabout project at the corner of North Main and Auburn streets.
Last Straw Ice Cream Parlor
From 1973 to 1987, indulging in creamy ice cream at the Last Straw was a sweet escape for kids and families. The classic ice cream parlor was a popular spot for birthday parties. At 915 S. Alpine Road, the space is now occupied by Villa Di Roma.
Mayflower Restaurant
From 1933 to 1995, the Mayflower Restaurant in Loves Park offered a cozy spot for fine food and friendly service. The restaurant is now occupied by the Hope & Anchor English Pub.
Professional Baseball at Marinelli Field
Watching Class A Minor League teams: the Rockford Expos, Royals, Cubbies, and Reds was a thrilling part of Rockford’s history with baseball. From 1988 to 1999, Marinelli Field hosted these teams, drawing fans to enjoy the excitement of future major leaguers. When the field went dark, it left behind memories of lively games and community spirit. The stadium now sits unused.
Midway Theater
The Midway Theater, with its grand screenings, band concerts, and other events, was a cultural cornerstone in Rockford. Sitting vacant since 2006, its past glory as a venue for music and movies lingers in the memories of orchestral performances and community gatherings. The Midway was the longtime home of Rockford Symphony Orchestra before it moved to the Coronado.
Boone County Fair
The Boone County Fair in Belvidere is still bringing the community together with rides, livestock shows, and live music. Though it continues, the nostalgic charm of past years—filled with cotton candy and 4-H exhibits—remains atreasured memory for those who grew up attending. The fair is the largest county fair in Northern Illinois.
Winnebago County Fair
The Winnebago County Fair in Pecatonica still overs a tradition of rides, agricultural displays, and local entertainment. Memories of past fairs and celebrations endure as a hallmark of youth generations of Rockford-area residents.
Additions
Rockford Speedway
The Rockford Speedway offered high-octane racing excitement, drawing crowds for more than 70 years. Though it was demolished in 2024, memories of roaring engines and summer nights at the track remain a vivid part of local heritage.
Apple Tree Records
Apple Tree Records was a go-to spot for music lovers, offering a wide selection of vinyl, tapes and CDs in a cozy setting inside the Edgebrook Shopping Center. The shop closed in the ’90s.
CherryVale Mall
While it’s still a Rockford landmark, CherryVale was a bustling hub during its “mallrat” era prime in the 1970s and ’80s, especially around Christmas, when twinkling lights, festive decorations, and Santa’s village transformed it into a magical destination. The packed stores and holiday cheer of the 1980s and ’90s linger as a cherished memory.
Toad Hall Books & Records
Toad Hall Books & Records opened in 1973 as a novelty shop. It later evolved into a book and record store. Current owner Nick Naruz has owned Toad Hall since 2006 and it’s still going strong at 2106 Broadway.
Times Theater
Although it has been vacant for more than 20 years, The Times Theater, an Art Moderne gem opened in 1938, was a beloved spot for movies and later live events. Its potential revival as a mid-sized venue for music and comedy stirs nostalgia and anticipation of the theater’s role to help recreate a vibrant downtown Rockford theater district. The Times is currently in the early stages of a $14 million renovation project to make that happen.
What will you never forget about growing up in the Rockford area? Let us know!…