Rockford

 

 

outdoors

Klehm is Northern Illinois’ top outdoor destination for families.

Explore Events

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

Firewalk Tranquility Walk

Firewalk Tranquility Walk

Friday, February 23rd, 2023

Join us and be warmed by a fire as a part of this month’s special guided walk through the woods that focuses on breathing, using your senses, meditation, and reflection.

First Moon Tranquility Walk

First Moon Tranquility Walk

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Join us and walk slowly through the forest in the deep quiet of a winter night, guided by the first moon of the new year.

Winter Solstice Tranquility Walk

Winter Solstice Tranquility Walk

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Join us for a meditative walking experience with no sunlight or moonlight to speak of on our Winter Solstice Tranquility Walk!

#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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Happy December!! The Holly plant is one of the most recognizable representations of the holiday season and is considered the flower (or berry, rather) of December. Holly symbolizes protection and respect and has been used in many cultures to ward off evil spirits. Holly plants bloom small, white scented flowers in the spring that attract bees and butterflies. Add them to your holiday decorating this month to add a pop of color! ... See MoreSee Less

Happy December!! The Holly plant is one of the most recognizable representations of the holiday season and is considered the flower (or berry, rather) of December. Holly symbolizes protection and respect and has been used in many cultures to ward off evil spirits. Holly plants bloom small, white scented flowers in the spring that attract bees and butterflies. Add them to your holiday decorating this month to add a pop of color!

Need a gift idea for someone special who has everything? How about an annual membership to 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 purchase a membership as a gift, please call 815-965-8146
or email info@klehm.org and we'll get you all set!
... See MoreSee Less

Need a gift idea for someone special who has everything? How about an annual membership to 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 purchase a membership as a gift, please call 815-965-8146
or email info@klehm.org and well get you all set!

Comment on Facebook

A great gift to give and receive!!!

Yesterday, our goal was 100% met! From the staff, the Board and volunteers at Klehm, thank you to all of our donors who have made our goal a reality. We are all tremendously excited and grateful for your support!! ... See MoreSee Less

LAST CALL! We are so close!!

Contribute today to help us craft a better Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden for years to come! We only have a little bit remaining for our goal. Thank you everyone has already been a part of Klehm's Giving Tuesday effort!

This John Deere Gator will help us better manage invasive species throughout the entire property, and will help our staff and volunteers keep Klehm a beautiful community resource and destination.

Donate at: klehm.org/donate/
and use the word "GATOR" in the comments field.

#givingtuesday #supportlocal #donorsmakeadifference #johndeeregator #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
... See MoreSee Less

LAST CALL! We are so close!!

Contribute today to help us craft a better Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden for years to come! We only have a little bit remaining for our goal. Thank you everyone has already been a part of Klehms Giving Tuesday effort!

This John Deere Gator will help us better manage invasive species throughout the entire property, and will help our staff and volunteers keep Klehm a beautiful community resource and destination.

Donate at: https://klehm.org/donate/ 
and use the word GATOR in the comments field.

#givingtuesday #supportlocal #donorsmakeadifference #johndeeregator #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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