General

Where are you located?

Klehm is 155 acres on the city’s southwest side at 2715 South Main Street, Rockford, IL 61102.

What are your hours of operation?

We are open daily, from 9AM – 4PM, with last entry at 3:30PM.

Are you closed on holidays?

We are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

What kind of trails do you have?

Our paved walking path is 1.8 miles and we have a total of 3 miles of chipped and dirt trails.

Are the grounds wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Our paved walking path is ADA accessible as well as stroller friendly. Our buildings are also ADA accessible.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?

No. Admission is only taken at the Gate or Visitor’s Center upon arrival

Is parking included with admission?

Yes. There is no additional fee for parking!

Do you offer discounts for active military or EBT/SNAP?

Yes. Active military guest admission is $10.

 

We are a proud participant in the Museums for All program, and welcome guests to present their state-issued SNAP EBT card and a valid photo ID for reduced rate admission ($4/person) for themselves and up to 3 additional guests.

Are wheelchairs and motorized scooters available?

Yes. We have one wheelchair available onsite. We also have two Electric Mobility Scooters available for complimentary check-out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check-out requires a valid Driver’s License, waiver signatures and the viewing of a short video.

 How long does it take to see the Arboretum?

Please allow 1 – 2 hours to see the entirety of the gardens and arboretum on the paved walking path.

What is inside your Visitor’s Center?

Our Visitor’s Center includes our Welcome Desk, Gift Shop, restrooms, drinking fountain and water bottle filler, a classroom, library and gallery used for large gatherings.

Can I bring my dog?

We are pet-friendly and leashed dogs are welcome!

Do you have a restaurant or onsite food options?

No, we do not have a restaurant or onsite snacks onsite, but there are many options close by!

Can I bring outside food?

Guests are welcome to bring outside food and there are many picnic tables throughout the property to choose from to enjoy a meal.

Can I ride bikes or scooters?

For the safety of our guests, we do not allow scooters, skateboards, bicycles or in-line skates on paths or sidewalks.

What is your smoking/vaping policy?

We are a smoke and vape free environment.

Are we allowed to pick flowers or climb the trees?

Out of care and respect for our grounds, we ask that you do not climb on trees or hang from branches. Please refrain from picking leaves, fruit or seedheads from trees or other plants. It is permissible to pick up leaves, seeds or cones that have fallen to the ground.

Membership

What kind of memberships do you offer?

We have several options to choose from. Please visit https://klehm.org/become-a-member/ for more information.

Why should I become a member?

There are many benefits to becoming a member at Klehm!

• Free daily admission (excludes special events)
• Early 8AM entry to grounds and gardens from May to October
• Receive our monthly “Roots” exclusive e-mail newsletter
• 10% discount in the Gift Shop
• Discounts on classes, concerts, lectures, and programs
• New members receive a complimentary 1-year subscription to Better Homes & Gardens® magazine.
• Free admission or discounts at over 360 gardens throughout North America!

Does the Arboretum participate in reciprocal programs?

We are a part of the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Garden Network. We do enforce the 90 Mile Radius Exception: Garden membership passes NOT ACCEPTED at Klehm include:

• Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens (3.5 miles)
• Anderson Japanese Gardens (4 miles)
• Rotary Botanical Gardens (30 miles)
• Cantigny Park (56 miles)
• Allen Centennial Garden (60 miles)
• Olbrich Botanical Gardens (60 miles)
• The Morton Arboretum (61 miles)
• Chicago Botanic Garden (68 miles)
• Boerner Botanical Gardens (73 miles)
• Oak Park Conservatory (73 miles)
• Garfield Park Conservatory (75 miles)
• Lincoln Park Conservatory & Gardens (79 miles)
• Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes) (80 miles)

Events

Do you have special events throughout the year?

Garden Fair (First weekend in June)

Woodsong Summer Concert Series (July – Sept)

Eerie Autumn Lights (Oct)

Christmas at Klehm (First weekend in Nov)

Tours, Rentals and Photos

Does Klehm host group tours?

Contact us at info@klehm.org or 815-965-8146 to find out more information on availability and pricing for groups tours.

Does Klehm host field trips?

Contact us at info@klehm.org or 815-965-8146 to find out more information on availability and pricing for field trips.

Do you host weddings or private events?

Yes. Please contact us at info@klehm.org for wedding and rental inquiries.

What is your photo policy?

Please visit https://klehm.org/photography-policies-permit/ to view our photo policies and permit.

Can I fly a drone?

Drones are prohibited on Klehm property.

Nancy Olson Children’s Garden

What ages is the Children’s Garden appropriate for?

Critter Creek is designed for children aged 0 – 8. The Spray Pad and Natural Playground are for children of all ages!

Are there places for adults to sit?

There are benches and natural stone ledges to sit on. There is plenty of open space to put blankets as well as a pavilion with picnic tables.

Are there restrooms near the Children’s Garden?

There are restrooms in the Clarcor Pavilion located nearby.

Can my dog cool off in the Spay Pad and Creek?

For the health and safety of our young guests, we ask that leashed dogs are kept out of the water features.

More Questions?

Please call us at 815-965-8146 or email us at info@klehm.org