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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!

Woodsong Summer Concert – The Neverly Brothers

Woodsong Summer Concert – The Neverly Brothers

Sunday, July 13th, 2025

The Neverly Brothers concerts take you on a musical guided VIRTUAL TOUR of the birth, near death and resurrection of rock n’ roll rock n roll – from 1955 to 1965. Their energetic stage show consists of show-stopping renditions of early hits by Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and more!

Woodsong Summer Concert – The Groove Hotel

Woodsong Summer Concert – The Groove Hotel

Sunday, July 27th, 2025

When guests check in to the Groove Hotel they enjoy a comfy bed of rhythm, fine musical cuisine, and silky sheets of sound.

The band’s continually evolving repertoire emphasizes rhythmic variety.  You’ll hear swing, bossa nova, funk, rock, samba, gospel, and Cuban son; sometimes several of these appear in the same tune. Compositions from the jazz canon by Miles Davis, Horace Silver, or Herbie Hancock share the spotlight with songs by George Harrison, King Crimson, Steely Dan, and Eric Clapton, to name just a few.

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!

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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.

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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
8 hours ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

ROOTED IN ROCKFORD FEATURE!

Rubber Tree was created by Catherine Jacobi of Chicago, IL. She says, "The act of reconsidering a discarded material and giving it new focus and form is a constant throughout my work. Reclaimed bicycle inner tubes are unique and serve to foster dialogues about sustainability and ecological endurance."

This sculpture is quite interesting and exciting! When you come to see, be sure to get respectfully close...you may find the names of the inner tube manufacturer scattered throughout the trunk of the tree!

Please check out Catherine's website at: www.catherinejacobi.com to learn more about her and her creative work!

A huge thank you to our sponsors: Collins Aerospace, WIFR TV and support from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, the Illinois Arts Council and the Smith Charitable Foundation and the Brubaker Charitable Trust for making this exhibit possible!
#rooted #supportlocalart #exhibit #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

ROOTED IN ROCKFORD FEATURE! Rubber Tree was created by Catherine Jacobi of Chicago, IL. She says, The act of reconsidering a discarded material and giving it new focus and form is a constant throughout my work. Reclaimed bicycle inner tubes are unique and serve to foster dialogues about sustainability and ecological endurance. This sculpture is quite interesting and exciting! When you come to see, be sure to get respectfully close...you may find the names of the inner tube manufacturer scattered throughout the trunk of the tree! Please check out Catherines website at: www.catherinejacobi.com to learn more about her and her creative work! A huge thank you to our sponsors: Collins Aerospace, WIFR TV and support from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, the Illinois Arts Council and the Smith Charitable Foundation and the Brubaker Charitable Trust for making this exhibit possible! #rooted #supportlocalart #exhibit #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinoisImage attachment
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
1 day ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Today is the first day of National Pollinator Week 2025, which is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. To join in the celebration, come out to visit Klehm to see if you can spot as many pollinators as possible! We always have quite a few pollinators hanging out on the grounds this time of the year 🦋🐝🦋🐝🦋

For more info on all things pollinators, please visit: www.pollinator.org/

#PollinatorWeek #savethebees #butterflies #klehmarboretum #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

Today is the first day of National Pollinator Week 2025, which is a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. To join in the celebration, come out to visit Klehm to see if you can spot as many pollinators as possible! We always have quite a few pollinators hanging out on the grounds this time of the year 🦋🐝🦋🐝🦋 For more info on all things pollinators, please visit: https://www.pollinator.org/ #PollinatorWeek #savethebees #butterflies #klehmarboretum #gorockford #EnjoyIllinois
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
3 days ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

To all the Dad's out there - you are loved and appreciated! Enjoy the day!

#FathersDay #klehmarboretu, #gorockford #enjoyillinois ... See MoreSee Less

To all the Dads out there - you are loved and appreciated! Enjoy the day! #FathersDay #klehmarboretu, #gorockford #enjoyillinois
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Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden
4 days ago
Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden

We're thrilled to announce that we've expanded our Dwarf Conifer collection! We have TWO more gardens that have been added to the current one, offering even more variety and beauty for our visitors to enjoy! Whether you're a nature lover, a gardening enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape, our Dwarf Conifer gardens are a must-see. Come and discover the unique charm of these miniature wonders!

We can't thank our generous and dedicated volunteers enough for completing this project for us ❤

#dwarfconifer #miniatures #conifers #klehmarboretum #gorockford #EnjoyIllinois ... See MoreSee Less

Were thrilled to announce that weve expanded our Dwarf Conifer collection! We have TWO more gardens that have been added to the current one, offering even more variety and beauty for our visitors to enjoy! Whether youre a nature lover, a gardening enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful escape, our Dwarf Conifer gardens are a must-see. Come and discover the unique charm of these miniature wonders! We cant thank our generous and dedicated volunteers enough for completing this project for us ❤ #dwarfconifer #miniatures #conifers #klehmarboretum #gorockford #EnjoyIllinoisImage attachmentImage attachment
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