This Underrated Place Might Just Be the Most Beautiful Spot in Illinois
By Stephanie Andrews|Published November 27, 2016
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Stephanie Andrews
Author
Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers.
No, you don’t want to shop along the Magnificent Mile or overlook the Second City in the Hancock Observatory. You’ve already been to Starved Rock and the Morton Arboretum…multiple times. You’ve checked out the Cahokia Mounds, the Japanese Gardens and even the Garden of the Gods. You’ve celebrated Groundhog Day like the best of them in Woodstock. Okay, we get it! You aren’t looking for yet another popular tourist spot. Perhaps you are on the hunt for a new little corner of the sky that is sure to make you believe in the beauty and splendor of Illinois all over again. If so, then feast your eyes on Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens in located on the peaceful banks of Rock River in Rockford. Don’t let the fact that this is only the third largest conservatory in Illinois fool you. It’s has an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition that reaches up to 52 feet tall with amazing sculptures, tropical flora, a rose garden and a tranquil lagoon.
Take in all the wonders of these glorious scenic views when riding Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens’ riverboat or trolley. Being surrounded by such beautiful and vibrant gardens and scenery is sure to delight everyone from small children and adults. Plus, taking this mode of transportation versus, let’s say, public transportation is a lot more enjoyable and relaxing.
If you are partial to fauna, then enjoy watching tropical bird, butterflies, swans, geese and ducks in their natural habitat. Just make sure to heed the Conservatory’s warning and keep bread, crackers and other goodies away from the animals (the processed foods we eat just aren’t good for their health!).
Want to take a temporary retreat from the loud world around you and enjoy a little meditation and quiet? Then bring your yoga mat, comfortable workout gear and a calm mind and enjoy yoga classes at the conservatory. Being enveloped by such beauty will be enough to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Facebook/Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens-Rockford Park District
Want to get your child’s scientific mind brewing? If so, then it’s time to head on down to the botany labs where you and your little scientist will get a chance to participate in exciting hands-on lab experiments. Come up with a hypothesis and test it out in a way that is sure to fascinate and instill a passion for nature in young children.
You’ll be happy to know that Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is LEED Gold Certified. What exactly does that mean? It means that this horticultural haven offers a plethora of features—from furniture to carpet tiles—that are environmentally friendly and completely green. Even their gift store and patio gates are made from recycled materials and created by artist John Verl McNamara.
If you are in need of a little holiday cheer to get you out of the bah humbug spirit then from November 26th to January 8th be sure to check out their festive exhibit All Aglow. Enjoy the enchantment of the Christmas season with twinkle lights that dance across lush foliage and greenery while also singing along to holiday music classics and partaking in some fun family crafts with the kiddos! Light up your holiday season and make it just a little bit brighter with the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
There are truly no words that do this Illinois gem justice. But don’t just take our word for it! If you’ve never been there, you are missing a Zen-like experience. Come in, take a big ol’ breath of fresh air, and renew your spirit here. And if you’ve already been here we would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
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