Beautiful fall day with Mom at the Anderson Gardens in Rockford, IL

Would you believe there is a traditional Japanese garden in the heart of Rockford, Illinois? As it turns out, the Anderson Gardens has an amazing history of how it became into being and is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

I’ve been taking photos at this garden for over two decades. I have been here with my dear friend Diane taking photos together and also was here with my buddy Eric. I decided that it was time for Mom and I to check out this garden together during our fall get away trip through Galena, IL. (stay tuned for that post). We really had a wonderful trip…something different than our usual Door County fall get away.

Mom and I sitting in a pavilion along the original garden trail.

I’ll include a link to the Anderson Garden’s website below. Please check it out! There is a really nice restaurant and gift shop on site as well.

I have to say we lucked out with October weather for this trip. Gorgeous both days. The water falls and the on-site Japanese tradition house is stunning. Since the man that started this garden was from Japan, the house and the gardens are as if you were visiting this place in Japan.