Rockford

 

 

in fall

Klehm is Northern Illinois’ top outdoor destination for families.

Explore Events

Mark your calendar. There’s always something amazing happening at Klehm – especially this fall!

Eerie Autumn Lights

Eerie Autumn Lights

October 3rd – October 31st (Select Dates)

Eerie Autumn Lights is a new family-friendly October evening event that transforms Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden into an enchantingly immersive Halloween experience!

Frightful Feathers with Hoo Haven

Frightful Feathers with Hoo Haven

Included with Eerie Autumn Lights tickets for 5PM Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

Get ready to see some spooky birds! Hoo Haven will host a one-hour program describing their amazing non-profit organization and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary.

Yugen Tranquility Walk

Yugen Tranquility Walk

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

The Japanese word, Yugen, describes hidden, mysterious, yet overwhelming
beauty that may go unperceived, but when experienced, brings profound awareness and joy to one’s heart and soul. On this evening’s slow stroll through the forest, explore the notion of Yugen, and practice bringing it into your life.

#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!

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.

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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The Japanese word, Yugen, describes hidden, mysterious, yet overwhelming beauty that may go unperceived, but when experienced, brings profound awareness and joy to one’s heart and soul. Yugen moments are waiting to happen, everywhere, all the time. On this evening’s slow, stroll through the forest, we will explore the notion of Yugen, and practice bringing it into our lives. Join us for this unique Tranquility Walk on October 22, from 5:30 - 7:30PM!

For more info and to register, go to: klehm.org/yugen-tranquility-walk/

#yugen #tranquilitywalk #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
... See MoreSee Less

The Japanese word, Yugen, describes hidden, mysterious, yet overwhelming beauty that may go unperceived, but when experienced, brings profound awareness and joy to one’s heart and soul. Yugen moments are waiting to happen, everywhere, all the time. On this evening’s slow, stroll through the forest, we will explore the notion of Yugen, and practice bringing it into our lives. Join us for this unique Tranquility Walk on October 22, from 5:30 - 7:30PM!

For more info and to register, go to: https://klehm.org/yugen-tranquility-walk/

#yugen #tranquilitywalk #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois

Don't forget we will have some spooky bird visitors THIS WEDNESDAY evening!

Hoo Haven Events will be holding a one-hour program describing their amazing non-profit organization and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. They will also be bringing along their Turkey Vulture and a large Owl for live animal interactions. The program will take place on the Clarcor Pavilion Lawn, a large, central open area that is part of the Eerie Autumn Lights experience.

This program is included with Eerie Autumn Lights tickets for the 5PM time slot on Wednesday, October 9th – be sure to choose this time slot in order to attend the program! Adults/$12 and Youth/$6 (12 and under).

Purchase tickets online only at: klehm.org/frightful-feathers-with-hoo-haven/

#eerie #autumn #lights #spooky #birds #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
... See MoreSee Less

Dont forget we will have some spooky bird visitors THIS WEDNESDAY evening!

Hoo Haven Events will be holding a one-hour program describing their amazing non-profit organization and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. They will also be bringing along their Turkey Vulture and a large Owl for live animal interactions. The program will take place on the Clarcor Pavilion Lawn, a large, central open area that is part of the Eerie Autumn Lights experience.

This program is included with Eerie Autumn Lights tickets for the 5PM time slot on Wednesday, October 9th – be sure to choose this time slot in order to attend the program! Adults/$12 and Youth/$6 (12 and under).

Purchase tickets online only at: https://klehm.org/frightful-feathers-with-hoo-haven/

#eerie #autumn #lights #spooky #birds #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Looking forward to it! 🦉

Caitlyn Grossman

Two nights into Eerie Autumn Lights 🦇, and everyone is having a spooktacular time 👻 at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden! Tickets are online-only, get yours today at klehm.org and plan the perfect family night, date night, or group outing! 🎃 ... See MoreSee Less

Two nights into Eerie Autumn Lights 🦇, and everyone is having a spooktacular time 👻 at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden! Tickets are online-only, get yours today at klehm.org and plan the perfect family night, date night, or group outing! 🎃Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

24 CommentsComment on Facebook

Do members need to purchase tickets or is this included with our family membership?

So Beautiful family pictures

Looks like a lot of fun ❤️

View more comments

Get ready to see some spooky birds!

Hoo Haven will be holding a one-hour program describing their amazing non-profit organization and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. They will also be bringing along their Turkey Vulture and a large Owl for live animal interactions. The program will take place on the Clarcor Pavilion Lawn, a large, central open area that is part of the Eerie Autumn Lights experience.

This program is included with Eerie Autumn Lights tickets for the 5PM time slot on Wednesday, October 9th – be sure to choose this time slot in order to attend the program! Adults/$12 and Youth/$6 (12 and under).

Purchase tickets online only at: klehm.org/frightful-feathers-with-hoo-haven/

#eerie #autumn #lights #spooky #birds #klehmarboretum #gorockford #EnjoyIllinois
... See MoreSee Less

Get ready to see some spooky birds!

Hoo Haven will be holding a one-hour program describing their amazing non-profit organization and wildlife rehabilitation sanctuary. They will also be bringing along their Turkey Vulture and a large Owl for live animal interactions. The program will take place on the Clarcor Pavilion Lawn, a large, central open area that is part of the Eerie Autumn Lights experience.

This program is included with Eerie Autumn Lights tickets for the 5PM time slot on Wednesday, October 9th – be sure to choose this time slot in order to attend the program! Adults/$12 and Youth/$6 (12 and under).

Purchase tickets online only at: https://klehm.org/frightful-feathers-with-hoo-haven/

#eerie #autumn #lights #spooky #birds #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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