Back in July, I took a day trip with a friend to see the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL. This serene, 12-acre garden sanctuary consists of lush, manicured landscapes, winding paths, streams, waterfalls, Koi ponds, and Japanese architecture and sculptures. The Anderson Japanese Gardens have consistently been rated as one of the best Japanese Gardens in the US.
The gardens were founded in 1978 when Rockford businessman John Anderson hired world-famous garden landscape designer Hoichi Kurisu to create the gardens. In 1998 the Anderson family donated the gardens to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Association. They are now a nonprofit entity.
We began our afternoon with a nice lunch at “Fresco”, the restaurant connected to the Gardens entrance and gift shop. Then we strolled around and enjoyed the grounds for the next few hours. It’s such a lovely place that it needs to be savored. Plan on spending half a day there to fully appreciate it.
If you ever find yourself in southern Wisconsin or northern Illinois, I hope that you can find the time to visit. Please enjoy my photos of the Anderson Japanese Gardens!
