Situated along the banks of our beautiful Rock River, Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens brings the tropics to the Midwest. The facility is the third largest conservatory in Illinois, offering an 11,000-square-foot plant exhibition area complete with water features, seating areas, and sculptures, all in a tropical plant setting.
The beauty continues outdoors with the newly restored Eclipse Lagoon, complete with two fountains and a waterfall, pedestrian bridge, patio areas, and walkway connecting the Conservatory to the Sinnissippi Rose Garden.
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Public Art Walking Tour
Enjoy viewing an eclectic, unique collection of public art while getting the benefits of refreshing outdoor exercise by taking a free public art walking tour. The Rockford Park District's award-winning two-mile walk and organized one-hour (approximately) tour along the Rock River Recreation Path departs every Thursday from May to September at 11:00 a.m. (weather permitting) from the lobby of Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, and features 16 unique sculptures, some of which are works by local artists, and many of which were donated to the Park District. Scheduled group tours are also available. The tour is intended to connect people with the art along the Rock River Recreation Path, and the Rockford Park District, in cooperation with Rockford Art Museum and the Arts in the Park Committee, is committed to providing high quality public art for the community to enjoy, contemplate, and explore.
This walking tour earned Rockford Park District a "Best of the Best" award in 2012 from the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) for Arts in the Parks. The award, presented in partnership with Arts Alliance Illinois, recognizes agencies (park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation, and special recreation agencies) that support the arts and partner with artists and arts organizations to enhance the quality of life in their communities. To reserve a tour time, call Nicholas Conservatory at 815-987-8858.
Download the Public Art Walking Tour Brochure
Trips to the Tropics
Your day of fun doesn't have to end when you leave Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. This summer you can hop aboard the Forest City Queen or Trolley Car 36 right at NCG and experience more of what the beautiful downtown riverfront has to offer. Visit the summer schedule on the boat and trolley website for more information on dates and times of the rides.
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Rates & HoursPlan your next visit to Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens. |
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MembershipsLearn how to become an NCG member. |
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Field Trips & Tours |
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Events & RentalsGet married or host your next business event here. |
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Eclipse LagoonEnjoy the new Eclipse Lagoon in Sinnissippi Gardens. |
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City of GardensCreating a beautiful community to live in. |
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Rules & PoliciesPhotography rules and permits at NCG. |
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HistorySee how NCG got off the ground in 2006. |
Connect With Us
General Information: 815-987-8858
Rentals: 815-987-1670
Group Tours & Field Trips: 815-987-1654
Volunteers: 815-987-1608
Donations: 815-987-1630
Customer Feedback! We want to hear from you. Please take the time to fill out our surveys linked below to tell us about your experience at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens Survey
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - Make-it Take-it Survey
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens - Botany Lab Survey
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