Aesthetics play a major role in the beauty and peaceful allure of the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois. Here you’ll find both a celebration of nature and a peaceful place to spend a few hours, feeling blissfully miles away from the hubbub of normal life.
Begin your journey by staying a night or two at the Copperstone Inn, just south of Rockford in Rockton, Illinois (more about that later). After a leisurely breakfast, travel up to Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford—about a 20-minute drive.
In keeping with the essential elements of a Japanese garden, stone, water, and plants play an equal role, representing life’s structure, life-giving force, and seasonal beauty. The Gardens were begun in 1978 by Rockford businessman John Anderson, who was inspired after visiting the Japanese Garden in Portland Oregon and created the garden in his backyard. In 1998, the Anderson’s donated the meticulously-designed and cared-for Gardens to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Organization. Today it is open for all to enjoy.
To fully appreciate Anderson Japanese Gardens, sign up for a docent-led tour, given Mondays through Fridays from late April through October. Then you can relax over light lunch at Fresco in the Gardens before heading back to the Inn, refreshed and soothed by a day spent in glorious nature.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL
815-229-9390
April 27 – October 31, 2018
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 a.,. – 5:00 p.m.
Adults, $9; Seniors 62+, $8; Students, $7; Children 5 and under, free
Free admission to mothers on Mother’s day, fathers on Father’s Day, and veterans on Memorial Day
Docent Tours: Monday – Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; $2 additional charge
Fresco at the Garden: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
It’s hard to imagine a more restive place to come after a day at the Gardens than the Copperstone Inn. The renovated 1858 limestone farmstead sits on a serene 130 acres and exudes calm and comfort in all of its six guest suites. An on-site Spa adds the to bliss!
Copperstone Inn
6702 Yale Bridge Road, Rockton, IL
815-629-9999
Copperstone Inn is a member of the Illinois Bed and Breakfast Association … a unique lodging experience!