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Rockford

 

 

in spring

Klehm is Northern Illinois’ top outdoor destination for families.

Explore Events

Mark your calendar. There’s always something amazing happening at Klehm!

Vi Bates Wildflower Garden Walk

Vi Bates Wildflower Garden Walk

Saturday, May 17th, 2025

Join the volunteers who care for this special garden and enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers near their spring peak!

Garden Fair Weekend 2025

Garden Fair Weekend 2025

Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st, 2025

Experience a wide variety of plants, flowers, garden décor, art, educational information booths and more! Listen to live music performances in our Fountain Garden while enjoying a meal from local food truck vendors.

New Natural Playground Opening Soon!

 Thanks to a $389,900 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, an all-new Natural Playground is currently under construction in the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden!

 This area and Kid’s Creek Water Feature will remain closed as a construction site until the new feature is finished in early June – follow us on Facebook and check back for official re-opening details!

#klehmarboretum

What Can I Experience at Klehm?

As one of Rockford, Illinois’ top outdoor family-friendly destinations, there’s something for everyone. Our 155 acres of woodlands and botanical gardens feature a children’s garden, 1.4 miles of paved paths, 3 miles of wooded trails and much more!

Learn More

Nancy Olson
Children’s Garden

Explore Kid’s Creek for interactive stream play and frolic through our splash pad! Enjoy different kid-friendly gardens, an observation tower and oversize play structures that invite children to experience nature in a playful setting.

7

Specialty Gardens

provide a showcase for themed plantings of ornamental shrubs and trees as well as annual and perennial plants.

Garden
Pavillion

This spacious outdoor tented venue and landscaped patio is perfect for hosting wedding receptions as well as corporate and social functions.

Learn More

Bradley & Georgann Gummow
Family Foundation

Entry Water Feature

This peaceful pond, rushing waterfall, and landscaped patio is the perfect spot for a moment of reflection during your visit.

★★★★★
Very beautiful grounds that are maintained very well. The main walking path is wide, paved, and easy to walk, so great for strollers or people with slight walking challenges. There are plenty of places to stop, sit, and reflect, which I really appreciate.
Connie Jo Holmes
★★★★★
Very beautiful grounds that are maintained very well. The main walking path is wide, paved, and easy to walk, so great for strollers or people with slight walking challenges. There are plenty of places to stop, sit, and reflect, which I really appreciate.
Connie Jo Holmes
Connie Jo Holmes
★★★★★
My family comes here at least twice a year to visit the children's garden and it never disappoints! It's always clean, the flowers and grounds are beautiful and the walks are always adventurous. Definitely recommend bringing a suit for the kiddos and maybe some cups if they play in the 'river' and splash ground. Nice covered gazebo w/picnic tables and lots of shaded areas.
Deanna Baily
★★★★★
My family comes here at least twice a year to visit the children's garden and it never disappoints! It's always clean, the flowers and grounds are beautiful and the walks are always adventurous. Definitely recommend bringing a suit for the kiddos and maybe some cups if they play in the 'river' and splash ground. Nice covered gazebo w/picnic tables and lots of shaded areas.
Deanna Bailey
Deanna Baily
★★★★★
Very nice place for a relaxing walk. A getaway for stress relief. Both easy paved walking paths and nature trails for those wanting to go adventuring. Well designed for both adults and children. There is a great wonderful entertainment and water park for kids. They also create themes for people to walk through. When we were there, the theme was Big Bugs. A great getaway. Enjoy!
Rick Noll
★★★★★
Very nice place for a relaxing walk. A getaway for stress relief. Both easy paved walking paths and nature trails for those wanting to go adventuring. Well designed for both adults and children. There is a great wonderful entertainment and water park for kids. They also create themes for people to walk through. When we were there, the theme was Big Bugs. A great getaway. Enjoy!
Rick Noll
Rick Noll
★★★★★
No matter your age Klehm has much to offer. The day we visited most recently areas were set for two late summer weddings and the weather was perfect. The display of sculptures was terrific this year. My grandsons love the children garden especially the water features. All of these things are great fun the peaceful beauty among such a huge variety of plants and trees. Well worth a visit.
Melody Welty
★★★★★
No matter your age Klehm has much to offer. The day we visited most recently areas were set for two late summer weddings and the weather was perfect. The display of sculptures was terrific this year. My grandsons love the children garden especially the water features. All of these things are great fun the peaceful beauty among such a huge variety of plants and trees. Well worth a visit.
Melody Welty
Melody Welty
★★★★★
I love this place. Sometimes on the trails I can forget that I'm in the middle of a 100k+ city. It is sufficiently forested to remove the bulk of the city noise and allow me to attune myself to sounds of nature. I can trek the trails for a couple of hours and not walk the entirety of the grounds. I would definitely recommend going in the fall and the spring. Nature's fireworks are on full display during these seasons. Consider buying a membership if you like places like these. Restrooms: Very clean and well maintained. Dog-friendliness: Very popular place to walk one's dog. Everyone seems to be very courteous with dogs on leashes and cleaning up after their pets.
Joshua Blackwell
★★★★★
I love this place. Sometimes on the trails I can forget that I'm in the middle of a 100k+ city. It is sufficiently forested to remove the bulk of the city noise and allow me to attune myself to sounds of nature. I can trek the trails for a couple of hours and not walk the entirety of the grounds. I would definitely recommend going in the fall and the spring. Nature's fireworks are on full display during these seasons. Consider buying a membership if you like places like these. Restrooms: Very clean and well maintained. Dog-friendliness: Very popular place to walk one's dog. Everyone seems to be very courteous with dogs on leashes and cleaning up after their pets.
Joshua Blackwell
Joshua Blackwell
★★★★☆
This is a wonderful place in Rockford, IL! The admission fee is very reasonable. You can bring young children for the splash park and creek. Our party had 2 4 year olds that played for more than an hour, took a break for lunch and rest room breaks and then went back to play some more. The only reason I didn't choose 5 stars is because there is so much more park to see, I want to reserve the 5th star for my next visit.
Barbara J. Arnold
★★★★☆
This is a wonderful place in Rockford, IL! The admission fee is very reasonable. You can bring young children for the splash park and creek. Our party had 2 4 year olds that played for more than an hour, took a break for lunch and rest room breaks and then went back to play some more. The only reason I didn't choose 5 stars is because there is so much more park to see, I want to reserve the 5th star for my next visit.
Barbara J. Arnold
Barbara J. Arnold
★★★★★
There are endless beautiful things to see. You can choose paved or natural paths.
Kristine Maynard
★★★★★
There are endless beautiful things to see. You can choose paved or natural paths.
Kristine Maynard
Kristine Maynard
★★★★★
Very beautiful. Nature at it's best. Tons of flowers, plants and trees. Many unique tree varieties and many are labeled. The main paths are wide and paved and there are more narrow paths that cut through the wooden areas. We brought our dog and had a great time.
Ken Witz
★★★★★
Very beautiful. Nature at it's best. Tons of flowers, plants and trees. Many unique tree varieties and many are labeled. The main paths are wide and paved and there are more narrow paths that cut through the wooden areas. We brought our dog and had a great time.
Ken Witz
Ken Witz
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
1 day ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Have you ever considered an annual membership at Klehm? We are open year round and the perfect, quiet place for a walk! There are other perks towards our events throughout the year, a discount in the gift shop and free or discounted admission to other gardens throughout the US!

To become a member, please visit: klehm.org/become-a-member/

To purchase a membership as a gift, please call 815-965-8146 or email info@klehm.org and we'll get you all set!

#membership #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

Have you ever considered an annual membership at Klehm? We are open year round and the perfect, quiet place for a walk! There are other perks towards our events throughout the year, a discount in the gift shop and free or discounted admission to other gardens throughout the US! To become a member, please visit: https://klehm.org/become-a-member/ To purchase a membership as a gift, please call 815-965-8146 or email info@klehm.org and well get you all set! #membership #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
2 days ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Tickets are now available for our 2025 Woodsong Concert series! Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are open lawn style events held in our beautiful Fountain Garden, meaning there are no reserved seats and attendees should plan to bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner prior to and during the concert. Klehm's gates open at 4:00pm for concert attendees. Music starts at 6pm.

To purchase tickets (online only), go to: klehm.org/programs-events/

#summer #outdoors #concert #bands #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoylife #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

Tickets are now available for our 2025 Woodsong Concert series! Klehm’s Woodsong Concerts are open lawn style events held in our beautiful Fountain Garden, meaning there are no reserved seats and attendees should plan to bring their own blankets, chairs or other seating. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink to enjoy in a responsible manner prior to and during the concert. Klehms gates open at 4:00pm for concert attendees. Music starts at 6pm. To purchase tickets (online only), go to: https://klehm.org/programs-events/ #summer #outdoors #concert #bands #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoylife #enjoyillinois
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
3 days ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

This Saturday, May 17th at 1PM, join the volunteers who care for this garden and enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers in their native setting! Learn which woodland wildflowers you can use in your own shady yard. We will discuss soil, sun and moisture requirements, unique adaptations, pollinators and the benefits of using Illinois natives in your yard.

No need to register. This walk is free with paid admission and free to Klehm members!

#wildflowers #garden #walkinthegarden #enjoylife #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

This Saturday, May 17th at 1PM, join the volunteers who care for this garden and enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers in their native setting! Learn which woodland wildflowers you can use in your own shady yard. We will discuss soil, sun and moisture requirements, unique adaptations, pollinators and the benefits of using Illinois natives in your yard. No need to register. This walk is free with paid admission and free to Klehm members! #wildflowers #garden #walkinthegarden #enjoylife #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
4 days ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

"This is not our world with trees in it. It’s the world of trees, where humans have just arrived." – Richard Powers

Whether we recognize it or forget it, we interact with trees every moment of our lives. Trees sustain us. On this twilight stroll through the forest, we will consider the relationship we have with trees, and honor those living beings that give us so, so much. And, we will reconnect with the prehistoric world that surrounds us to this day.

Join us for this LAST Tranquility Walk of the season THIS WEDNESDAY evening!

Register here: klehm.org/in-honor-of-trees-tranquility-walk/

#trees #tranquility #walking #forest #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

This is not our world with trees in it. It’s the world of trees, where humans have just arrived. – Richard Powers Whether we recognize it or forget it, we interact with trees every moment of our lives. Trees sustain us. On this twilight stroll through the forest, we will consider the relationship we have with trees, and honor those living beings that give us so, so much. And, we will reconnect with the prehistoric world that surrounds us to this day. Join us for this LAST Tranquility Walk of the season THIS WEDNESDAY evening! Register here: https://klehm.org/in-honor-of-trees-tranquility-walk/ #trees #tranquility #walking #forest #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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