Top 10 Things to Do in Rockford

Looking to plant roots in West Michigan, but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a big city? With a plethora of family-friendly things to do in Rockford, this small town just north of Grand Rapids offers no shortage of year-round entertainment with all the space for relaxation that comes with being outside a buzzing urban center.

Rockford is the home of four Eastbrook communities, Autumn Trails, Saddle Ridge, Squires Corner, and Town Square, each offering easy access to a host of local cuisine, art, music, and outdoor adventure! Follow along as we at Eastbrook Homes detail our top 10 favorite things to Rockford

Things to Do in Rockford: Rockford Brewing Company

Named the 2017 Great American Beer Festival’s “Small Brew Pub and Brewmaster of the Year,” Rockford Brewing Company doesn’t just serve outstanding locally brewed craft beers. They also serve a full food menu, including a made-from-scratch chili,  host live music, and hold special events catered to bikers on the nearby White Pine Trail. The brewery is also one of the participating vendors in the Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area, which allows open-container drinking in downtown Rockford.

Things to Do in Rockford: Krause Memorial Library

With roots going back as far as 1870, the current 8,500 sq. foot Krause Memorial Library was built in 1937 and serves as a Rockford cultural hub. Families can enjoy a weekly storytime catered to kids of all ages, but the library hosts all kinds of educational events for children and adults alike, from a mini circus to a demonstration of ancient Japanese swordsmanship!

Things to Do in Rockford: Rogue River Blues

Having celebrated its 20th year of operation in 2023, the Rogue River Blues is a free outdoor concert series that runs all summer long in Rockford. Every Tuesday night, local jazz, blues, and folk musicians serenade audiences from the Garden Club Park along the picturesque Rogue River.

Things to Do in Rockford: Grange Fruit Farm

Every year from June through October, the Grange Fruit Farm is open for families and individuals to visit, walk around the orchards, and pick their own seasonal West Michigan produce! From sweet cherries and peaches in the spring to pumpkins and squash in the fall, the farm offers a relaxing (and delicious) day outdoors in north Rockford.

Things to Do in Rockford: Visit an Art Market

Rockford is home to a thriving community of local artists, from painters and sculptors to potters and photographers. The Rogue River Artists Association brings these creatives together for up to four shows a year, not only showcasing the incredible talent of Rockford artists, but also giving you the chance to buy locally-made jewelry, pottery, photos, art prints, and more!

Things to Do in Rockford: Luton Park

Located just east of downtown Rockford, Luton Park features 9.7 miles of interconnected trails suitable for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running. During the winter months, the park is a fun place to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the multiple diverse ecosystems present in the park offer plenty of opportunities for bird watching and wildlife observation all year round. 

Things to Do in Rockford: Kayak the Rogue River

Running right through the center of downtown, the Rogue River not only offers scenic river views via the Rockford Dam overlook, but also a casual afternoon on the water in a kayak, canoe, or inner tube AAA Canoe Rental offers guided tours down the river as either a two or four-hour excursion, ending at the Rockford Dam and letting you disembark in the heart of Rockford’s best restaurants and shops. 

Things to Do in Rockford: Aunt Candy’s Toy Company

A must for families with children, Aunt Candy’s Toy Company is a kid’s dreamland, with over 4,000 sq. feet of toys, books, and games for kids of all ages. This family-owned company also hosts meet-and-greet events with children’s book authors and partners with the Rockford community to participate in the local Christmas Parade and Halloween trick-or-treating! 

Things to Do in Rockford: Rockford Farmers Market

Open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm every Saturday from May to October, the Rockford Farmers Market is located downtown on Main Street, just a block away from the Rogue River. The market not only lets you stock up weekly on locally grown produce, but also showcases a host of artisan goods including baked goods, homemade ice cream, and small-batch cider.

Things to Do in Rockford: Rogue River Tavern

The best way to end a full day of family fun in Rockford is with a hearty meal from Rogue River Tavern! This family-friendly Rockford staple not only features an exhaustive food menu and selection of local beers, but they also put on a trivia night every Wednesday starting at 7:00 pm. Their free popcorn is also an enticing reason to meet up with friends to catch the tavern’s live music Tuesdays or watch the game on one of their 15 TVs!

Looking to buy or build a home in Rockford? Explore our list of move-in ready homes to find your ideal Eastbrook community near Rockford, or check our list of home plans and learn about building with Eastbrook to start designing your dream home. Connect with us here to start your next home-buying journey today!