Worth a Visit: Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois
318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford Long in love with Japan and its culture, businessman John Anderson was inspired to express
318 Spring Creek Rd., Rockford
Long in love with Japan and its culture, businessman John Anderson was inspired to express his affection botanically after touring a Japanese garden in Portland, Oregon. So he and wife, Linda, hired its director of landscaping, Hochi Kurisu, to create a place in Rockford where visitors can find peace, tranquillity, and inspiration.
A formal Japanese garden complete with teahouse shares space with the Garden of Reflection, a contemporary international garden with a strong Japanese influence. In the shadow of a five-story-high waterfall, visitors watch colorful koi ply the plant-lined streams. When birds flock into Rockford during migration season, birdsong fills the air as the winged arrivals settle at the 12 acres for an extended stay.
Open year-round except major winter holidays. Admission charged.
www.andersongardens.org
(815) 229-9390