ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Every city is famous for something. In fact, some places are famous for many things, even the Rockford area.
From a bustling airport to vibrant community events, here’s an A-to-Z of look at what makes the Forest City and surrounding communities stand out.
A – Airplanes and Apples
The Chicago Rockford International Airport in Rockford is one of the busiest cargo airports in the United States, while the region is home to several apple orchards, including Edwards Apple Orchard, Edwards West and Curran’s.
B – Boone County Fair
Held in Belvidere, this annual Boone County Fair features rides, livestock shows, and 4-H exhibits, a beloved regional tradition. It’s the largest county fair in northern Illinois.
C – Cheap Trick
The iconic rock band Cheap Trick was formed in Rockford, gained worldwide fame with a slew of hit singles and albums, work that has landed them in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
D – Dairy Farming
The Rockford region is known for its rich dairy industry, producing quality milk and cheese.
E – Ethnic Festivals
The Rockford-area celebrates diverse cultural events like Midsommar Fest, Festa Italian, Polish Fest and the South Main Mercado. The collection of gatherings reflect the stateline’s multicultural heritage.
F – Food Trucks
The Rockford-area is renowned for its dozens of diverse food trucks scattered throughout town, including Food Truck Tuesdays at Sinnissippi Park.
G – Golfand Gaming
The Rockford-area, with courses like Aldeen Golf Club and Atwood Homestead Golf Course, is renowned for its scenic and challenging options. There are 18 golf courses within 20 miles of Rockford. In the world of gaming, Rockford’s Hard Rock Casino is also a huge attraction, drawing thousands from all over the state.
H – Historic Architecture
The area’s Victorian and Frank Lloyd Wright designs, showcases Rockford’s diverse architectural heritage.
I – Italian Food
The Rockford-area is renowned for its Italian restaurants and culinary traditions, made of which were brought to the area by immigrant families.
J – Jane Addams
Rockford College alumna (1881) and Nobel Peace Prize winner (1930), Jane Addams is a global humanitarian from the region.
K – Kids’ Attractions
The Rockford-area offers family-friendly spots like Discovery Center Museum and Volcano Falls Adventure Park, engaging children with hands-on science and outdoor fun.
L – Laurent House
A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Rockford, the Laurent House is unique architectural gem.
M – Museums and Manufacturing
The Rockford-area boasts a number of renowned museums. Burpee Museum of Natural History is known for “Jane,” the world’s most complete juvenile T-rex skeleton ever uncovered. The Rockford Art Museum showcases art of all kinds. The Discovery Center Museum offering interactive science exhibits. Midway Village Museum gives visitors a look at Rockford’s history. Tinker Swiss Cottage, the former home of Robert Tinker, one of Rockford’s early innovators and industrialists.
Pioneers like Tinker laid the foundation for Rockford’s illustrious manufacturing past. With its world-famous “Made in Rockford” and the nickname, “Screw City,” Rockford was one of the largest manufacturing hubs in the United States from the late 19th century until the 1980s.
N – Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
In Rockford, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is the third-largest conservatory in Illinois, a regional botanical highlight.
O – Outdoor Recreation
The area, with Rock Cut State Park, offers fishing, boating, and hiking across multiple acres.
P – Parks and Peaches
The Rockford Peaches, the legendary All-American Girls Professional Baseball League team, played their home games at Beyer Stadium in Rockford. Beyer is one of nearly 200 parks and facilities owned by the Rockford Park District.
Q – Quilting Heritage
The Rockford-area, including Belvidere and Loves Park, has a rich tradition of quilting, with local guilds and historical textile crafts.
R – Rivers
The Rockford-area is defined in-part by the Pecatonica River, Kishwaukee River, and Rock River, supporting recreation, wildlife, and historical settlements.
S – Social Events
The Rockford-area hosts popular gatherings like Rockford City Market, Stroll on State, and the Rockton River Market that foster community spirit and local commerce.
T – Tacos
The Rockford-area is known for its vibrant taco scene, with numerous restaurants that offer diverse Mexican cuisine.
U – Underground Railroad
Freeport, Byron, Polo and other Rockford-area communities were key stops on what has become known as the Underground Railroad that helped facilitate abolitionist efforts in the 19th century.
V – VanVleet
Van Fleet, as in NBA All-Star Fred VanVleet, a Rockford native who starred at Auburn High School and Wichita State before winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors. VanVleet now plays for the Houston Rockets.
W – Water Parks
The Rockford-area features attractions like West Rock Wake Park and Hurricane Harbor, offering family-friendly aquatic fun.
X – Xenial Tourism
The Rockford-area’s tourism industry thrives on its warm hospitality, attracting visitors with a host of services like Stroll on State and other events.
Y – YMCA
The Rockford-area YMCA of Rock River Valley network has long been a hub for fitness, youth programs, and community activities.
Z – Zoo Animals
The Summerfield Zoo in Belvidere features a diverse array of exotic animals, including zebras, mountain lions, and reindeer, offering close-up encounters and educational experiences…