Rockford
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The Burpee Museum of Natural History was established in 1941 and is located on the banks of the Rock River in Rockford’s Riverfront Museum Park. This 42,000-square-feet facility is filled with exhibits that explore natural history such as the Rock River, Native Americans, how the Earth was formed, and much more. Burpee Museum is home to the famous “Jane,” a dinosaur that was discovered in the Montana Badlands by Burpee paleontologists. To learn more about Jane and the Burpee Museum visit it at 737 North Main Street or call (815) 965-3433.
Rockford’s Discovery Center Museum was ranked the fourth best children’s museum in the nation by Child magazine. This museum has more than 250 hands-on exhibits including a thrilling section on amusement park science. Other attractions include an air and flight exhibit, a planetarium, and outdoor exhibits. The museum’s backyard is a multi-level playground where kids can explore the Rock River Discovery Park or the Water Works Area. The Discovery Center Museum is located at 711 North Main Street in Rockford. For additional information about the museum call (815) 963-6769.
The Erlander Home Museum was built in 1871 by John Erlander. This 14-room Victorian house is the centerpiece to Rockford’s Swedish heritage. The museum has been renovated and professionally restored to reveal a wonderful look at late nineteenth century Rockford. Visitors can learn about Rockford history as well as Erlander family history and Swedish history. Museum collections include Rockford-made furniture, a Weibull doll collection, and Swedish immigration artifacts. Erlander Home Museum is located at 404 South 3rd Street. Call (815) 963-5559 for more details.
Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum preserves the history of six ethnic groups who emigrated to Rockford. The six groups include Irish, Italian, African-American, Polish, Lithuanian, and Hispanic immigrants. Tour guides recall Rockford history and exhibits include books, newspaper clippings, and other artifacts from the various groups. The Ethnic Heritage Museum is located at 1129 South Main Street in Rockford. For details call (815) 962-7402.
The Graham-Ginestra House Museum has been restored to its original 1857 condition and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is complete with many of the original furnishings. Tour highlights include the parquet floors, ceiling murals, Victorian furnishings, and the museum’s Rose Garden. The Graham-Ginestra House Museum is located at 1115 South Main Street. Call (815) 964-6044 for more information.
Built on a limestone bluff, the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is a rare example of Swiss-style architecture found in the Midwest. The cottage has 20 rooms and was built in 1865 by Robert Tinker. The museum has original furnishings from the Tinker Family as well as exquisite woodwork and murals. The Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The address is 411 Kent Street. Call (815) 964-2424 for more details about the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum.
Midway Village & Museum Center is a great place to learn about Rockford history. The Midway Village features 24 historic buildings and costumed interpreters help visitors learn about early Rockford settlers. The Museum Center covers 52,700 square feet and houses seven exhibit galleries. There are more than 80,000 objects on display at Midway Village & Museum Center. The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road in Rockford. For more information call (815) 397-9112.
Established in 1913, the Rockford Art Museum, located in Riverfront Museum Park, maintains more than 1,500 pieces of art in its permanent collection. The museum also provides space for national and regional artists in its temporary exhibit galleries. Visitors with children will enjoy the museum’s Creation Station which offers interactive games and activities. The Rockford Art Museum is located at 711 Main Street in Rockford. Call (815) 968-2787 for more details.