This is a beautifully created and maintained Japanese garden marred only, in my opinion, by the rather out-of-place angel statues in the large pool. Like most Japanese gardens, it is meant to be taken in gradually, not run through, and is prettier in spring and fall than in summer. Artificial waterfalls are particularll lovely as are the footbridges. Nicely crafted... more

I am from Rockford, and while I admire the detail and depth of beauty in the gardens, I had a bad experience at the restaurant - we called twice during operation hours; nobody answered the phone, so we called the main gardens, and they affirmed the restaurant was open and served all day. I drove in from out of town... more

I'm a bit prejudiced since Rockford is my home town, but this is a "must see" if you are anywhere in the Northern Illinois or Southern Wisconsin area. It is a beautiful, authentic, award winning Japanese Garden in the middle of the midwest. We always take our out-of-town family and friends for a visit and when they come to town... more

We visited the gardens last summer, and it was simply amazing. Very, very beautiful! We spent at least an hour or two wandering down inviting paths. We finally had to call it a day when it started raining. This is a must see if you visit Rockford, and worth stopping for if you're driving down to Chicago through the Rockford... more