8 things we love about Rockford: Outdoors edition

Temperatures may have dipped the past couple of days, but it's not winter yet.

That means there's still time to get out and enjoy one of the best seasons Rockford has to offer, and what better way to do that than to stop by some of our favorite places to be outside in the Rockford area.

Rock River Recreation Path

This 10-mile long walking and biking path shows off Rockford at its best. Built in 1976, it is the first — and best — path built by the Park District. It begins with beautiful views of the river and downtown, including the Jefferson Street Pedestrian Bridge, The Discovery Center kids museum and where the main library branch will be rebuilt in 2023. The Rockmen Guardian statues — my four daughters simply called them the “stone soldiers” — at Sinnissippi Park are another highlight before you even reach the Nicholas Conservatory and The Symbol.

Later, it winds by Shorewood Park, which has a small sand beach and offers free summer shows by the Ski Broncs water ski show team, and Martin Park, one of the best parks in the area to entertain small kids. And then my favorite part of the path comes next. After crossing Riverside Boulevard, the path winds along a cliff face, offering woods, river and cliffs for a spectacular biking or walking view before eventually arriving at Sportscore One.

— Matt Trowbridge

West Rock Wake Park

Do you love the adrenaline rush of wakeboarding, like me? But don't have a boat, like me?

You don't need a boat to wakeboard anymore with the birth of the cable park facility, and there's a top-notch one right here in Rockford, called the West Rock Wake Park. Located at Levings Lake at 1420 South Pierpont Ave. in Rockford, West Rock has a two-mast System 2.0 cable park that gives riders of all levels, from beginners to experts, a chance to wakeboard as hard, or as smooth, as you want.

Run by local shredder Dan Jarrett, West Rock has classes for first-time riders that include a coach and all the gear needed. And it also hosts events with pro riders showing off their stuff, including the Space Mob Park Series Stop No. 1 which kicked off the season on Saturday, June 18.

The park hops all summer long, but it's also open on a more limited basis in May, September and October. The last laps of 2022 will be from noon to 6 Saturday.

— Jay Taft

Rock Cut State Park

As someone who admittedly doesn't exercise as much as I would like, Rock Cut State Park has helped me get back on the bike. I live just outside of the state park, making it a quick ride on bicycle to get to the park. Once I'm there, it's full speed ahead.

The park features dozens of trails which allows me to alter up my route whenever I want. It's nice being able to take a look at the tree line as I ride by Pierce Lake come fall and see the different colors. The lake is also great to fish or hop on a paddleboard. The opportunities at the park are endless.

— Andy Carrigan 

Rails-to-trails pedestrian bridge

A 900-foot pedestrian bridge that spans the Rock River from the Morgan Street Bridge to Davis Park offers stunning views and an almost surreal experience.

It took $1.8 million to convert a former railroad track built in 1914 into a lighted concrete bicycle and pedestrian bridge.  Although about half was paid for with state capital improvement funds, city officials balked when Rockford covered a huge cost overrun.

But the resulting rails-to-trails bridge is one of the most unique spots in the city. It is a peaceful respite in the middle of the city with a really wonderful view and the sound of the river flowing over the Fordam Dam. Bump outs are perfect for fishing or just enjoying the moment.

— Jeff Kolkey

Churchill's Grove

There are so many reasons why I love Rockford's Churchill's Grove neighborhood. Every year on Halloween, this triangular-shaped neighborhood along the Rock River just north of downtown looks like a trick-or-treating scene out of a movie.

Every May, there's a massive neighborhood garage sale. Every Christmas, luminaries. Every summer, a picnic. But I think one of the best things about the neighborhood is how visually stunning it is — the homes are a mix of Victorian, Tudor, Colonial and Prairie and Arts & Crafts architectural styles.

Harlem Boulevard north, across the Auburn Street Bridge, down the Rock River Recreation Path, across the Whitman Street Bridge and north back to where you started is a perfect 5K.

— Corina Curry

Friday Night Lights

As the Register Star's staff photographer, one of my absolute favorite places be outside in the Rockford area is at one of the many high school football stadiums.

Nothing is more Midwest than a Friday night in the fall watching two rival football teams play their hearts out in front of packed stands

Belvidere North High School's Milt Brown Stadium takes the cake. The stadium is magnificently lit allowing me to get the best images possible but you know that also helps the fans have a great view as well. And you can always count on great music from the Belvidere North High School Band and a lot of cheering from the student section.

— Chris Nieves

Midway Village Museum Loop

The 1.4-mile recreation path at Midway Village Museum at 6799 Guilford Road is open year-round and is a great place to get your steps in, jog or bike. The prairie and trees attract a variety of birds and other wildlife and the grounds are always well kept.

The site also is home to the LZ Peace Memorial, which features a Huey helicopter and a Wall of Honor listing the names of Vietnam veterans from Winnebago County who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and it is home to the annual World Ward II Days event.

Of course, if you have more time to spend you can do so at the museum, which has lots of exhibits depicting life in Rockford in the early 1900s, and you can visit the Victorian-era village and learn from the costumed interpreters.

— Chris Green 

Edgewater

Located along the Rock River on the city’s northwest side, Edgewater features brick streets and a mix of single-family homes and four-family apartments.

The majestic trees in the neighborhood are especially breathtaking in the fall.

Edgewater has an active neighborhood association that coordinates activities designed to bring its residents together.

The neighborhood has easy access to the city’s downtown and the Rock River Recreation Path. Edgewater is also home to The Olympic Tavern, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants and gathering places.

— Ken DeCoster

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: 8 things we love about Rockford: Outdoors edition