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Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford

4.7
#1 of 20 in Things to do in Rockford
Must see · Garden · Nature / Park
Travel back in time to the 13th-century style Anderson Japanese Gardens, complete winding paths that link pagodas to waterfalls and bridges. You will see numerous flowers and trees including Japanese maples, cloud pines, azaleas, magnolias, and rhododendrons, and various species of colorful fish, minks, and ducks. You can take a guided tour if you have eight or more guests, or do a self-guided walk of the gardens. While strolling through the gardens, look for statues of angels created by a Swedish sculptor Carl Milles who worked during the 19th and 20th centuries. Get garden ornaments and Japanese candies from the gift shop. Arrange to visit Anderson Japanese Gardens and other attractions in Rockford using our Rockford online trip itinerary planner.
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Anderson Japanese Gardens reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 5.0
836 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By janedc309
    My husband surprised me with a trip to Rockford to see the beautiful Japanese Gardens. Lovely waterfalls and serene setting!  more »
  • By Kevin A
    I went there twice in less than two weeks and the first was when I was on vacation. The second time was and when I went with another friend. It's like a little Chicago Botanic Gardens. I liked...  more »
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Google
  • By Joanna Dowling
    I have been visiting the gardens for ten years. I have enjoyed lovely walks here with my children, visiting family and on my own. It is a place you can return to time and again with each visit offering a unique experience. Anderson Gardens is a peaceful and restorative natural retreat. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
  • By John Jewell
    This a wonderful resource. Anderson’s Japanese Gardens was named finest Japanese Garden in the country in 2007. One of the most beautiful gardens my wife snd I have ever visited. Definitely worth spending a day. They have a great restaurant serving breakfast and lunch - open until 2pm. You can tour the gardens then stop back at the drink bar for latte, espresso or handcrafted fruit drink.
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