Guide to Exploring Rockford, MI

Just 15 minutes north of downtown Grand Rapids, Rockford is a vibrant city filled with small-town charm and ambiance. A quaintly nostalgic downtown, situated on the banks of the scenic Rogue River, bustles with activity. Nearby lakes, trails, parks and golf courses provide abundant recreation opportunities. Here are some great reasons to consider Rockford as part of your Grand Rapids getaway!

Art & Culture

Take our self-guided walking tour of murals in downtown Rockford.

The Rockford Area Museum tells the story of the city from its early days as a logging community. Historic artifacts and video memories from Rockford residents shine a light on every aspect of local life. The museum collection includes the original Medal of Honor awarded to John Sjogren, a Rockford native who was commended for his heroic actions against the Japanese in 1945. A statue of Sjogren graces the memorial plaza in front of the museum. Before you leave the premises, pick up a walking tour map of downtown’s historic buildings. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. 21 S Monroe St.

The Rogue River Artists Association is a group of art makers dedicated to developing, nurturing and supporting member artists by showcasing their works. The group sponsors an annual trio of Rockford events: Summer Art Market (August), Art in the Park (September) and Holiday Art Market (November).

The Start of Summer Celebration (June) features carnival rides, arts & crafts, food vendors, children’s activities, live entertainment, beer tents, fireworks and a parade through downtown. The Harvest Fest (last weekend in September) is packed with fun entertainment and activities celebrating the end of the growing season. The Santa Parade (December) kicks off the holiday season with parade floats and visits with Santa. Visit the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Events Page  for date and details on these and other community events.

Family Fun

Accidental Art is a pottery painting studio open to all ages. Walk-ins are welcome during regular hours and there are regular classes offered for kids as young as two years old.  These “Once Upon a Paintbrush” classes include reading a favorite children’s book together and then painting a piece of pottery that relates to the story – such as a butterfly, unicorn or dinosaur. A great way to stimulate creative young minds! 355 Northland Dr NE.

Aunt Candy’s Toy Company is a family-owned business offering more than 4,000 sq. ft. of toys, books and games for all ages. A Rockford favorite for 25+ years, Aunt Candy’s is the place to find high-quality toys, meet children’s book authors and keep up with kid-friendly community events. Best of all – there’s a kid’s play area in the store! 63 Courtland St.

Epilogue Books offers a variety of children’s books and games as well as a cozy kids’ space stocked with small chairs, pillows and stuffed animals. It’s a great place for kids to hang out while adults shop. With luck, they’ll get to meet Tommy, the shop owners’ friendly Golden Retriever, who is a frequent visitor. 10 E Bridge St.

Grange Fruit Farm offers u-pick apples, peaches, sweet cherries and more, plus a farm market full of fresh-picked goodies. Open seasonally. 1900 13 Mile Rd.

The Krause Memorial Library in downtown Rockford offers weekly storytimes and activities for all ages. Drop in to enjoy the early literacy play space, imagination station, writing center, teen area and more. 220 N Monroe St.

The Maas Family Nature Preserve is home to an oak-pine barrens ecosystem, which is one of the rarest natural communities in Michigan. An ocean of purple lupine in bloom draws visitors in May and June, followed by tall prairie grasses and wildflowers in later summer. Keep an eye out for tiny Karner blue butterflies – the preserve is one of the only sites in Kent County known to contain this endangered species. The trail through the preserve is just one-half mile, so it’s easy for young ones to manage. 10450 Summit Ave NE.

Myers Lake Park, open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, is a free place for kids to swim and play in the sand. There’s also a playground, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, changing facilities and plenty of shade trees. It’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown Rockford. 7530 Hessler Dr NE.

NorthStar Cinema is a hometown movie theater showing first-run films at an unbeatable value: $6 tickets for every show on Tuesday and $8 before 4pm Wednesday-Monday. The concessions are affordable, too! It’s a 10-minute drive north of downtown. 11699 Northland Dr.

Pinball Land features seven themed rooms full of pinball machines from the 1970s to today along with classic video arcade games like Pac Man, Galaga, Space Invaders, Centipede and Donkey Kong. There’s no need for quarters, you pay the admission and all the games inside are free to play. 114 Courtland St.

Rockford Lanes & Gutter’s Sports Lounge is the only place in town to bowl, with open daily bowling for all ages. Stop in the Lounge to watch sports on TV and enjoy and adult beverage. 117 E Bridge St.

Sandy Bottom Berries is the spot for u-pick blueberries and raspberries in July and August each year. 11555 Sandy Bottom Rd NE.

Food & Drink

There are 20+ food and/or drink destinations in the seven walkable blocks of downtown Rockford, and even more within a short drive. Here are some local favorites.

Eateries

Aunt Belle’s Kitchen serves homemade, Southern comfort-style breakfasts and lunches about 10 minutes from downtown Rockford. 8451 Belding Rd NE.

Boochie Bar is a kombucha and wellness café offering a gut-friendly selection of delicious drinks and wholesome foods. 39 Courtland St.

Bostwick Lake Inn, about 10 minutes from downtown Rockford, is a lakeside eatery offering creatively prepared American cuisine and a beautiful four-season deck. 8521 Belding Rd NE.

Bridge Street Burger Shack  is a throwback to old-school burger joints – simple, quick, fresh and casual – with freshly ground, never frozen beef along with vegan and vegetarian options. 51 E. Bridge St.

Char + Barrel is a steak and bourbon-focused eatery – with lots of other options, too – in the Hotel Rose. 12 S. Main St.

Cinco de Mayo offers authentic Mexican fare and margaritas in a casual, kid-friendly setting. 1243 Courtland St.

The Corner Bar  has been a Rockford landmark since 1935, thanks to its family-friendly menu extends well beyond hot dogs and also offers a variety of local beers. Consume 12 of the bar’s signature hot dogs in four hours or less to add your name to the “World Famous Hot Dog Hall of Fame.”  311 N Main St.

Dam Dogs features all-beef and other hot dogs dressed with customizable toppings. 25 N Squires St.

Digsby’s Deli serves up fresh-made sandwiches, soups and more, with views of the Rogue River. 8 E Bridge St NE, Suite 106.

Fatzo’s Pizza offers pizzas, oven-baked subs, pasta dishes, Mexican dinners, salads, sides and desserts. 346 E Main St.

Flo’s Wood Fired Pizzeria  is a family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Sicilian wood-fired pizzas, pastas and appetizers in an open-kitchen setting.

The Fresh Fix Kitchen is a health food restaurant featuring fresh salads, grain bowls, wraps, breakfast options and cold-pressed juices. 54 Courtland St, Unit D. 4425 14 Mile Rd.

F’n K Tacos specializes in East LA street-style tacos served on handmade corn tortillas plus quesadillas, breakfast burritos and more. 110 Courtland St.

Grill One Eleven is an upscale-yet-casual venue showcasing steaks, seafood and cocktails. 111 Courtland St.

Kawa Sushi & Grill is Rockford’s destination for Japanese fare and a riverfront patio at lunch and dinner. 8 E Bridge St, Suite 104A.

Marinades Pizza Bistro is a cozy spot offering wood-fired pizza pies, salads, desserts, beers and wines. 109 Courtland St.

MudPenny at the Hotel Rose serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, specialty coffees and cocktails seven days a week.

The Old Mill serves handcrafted food and drink in a historic landmark building. 34 Squires Street Square NE.

Nourish Rockford is a health and energy café serving protein coffees, protein shakes, protein smoothie bowls, electrolyte beverages and more. 54 Courtland St, Suite C.

The Peppermill Grill is a locally owned diner known for its classic American breakfast and lunch fare. 8 S Squires St.

The Pump House features a vast self-serve topping bar along with its delectable frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet and custard. 30 N Main St.

Rocky’s Dairy Depot is a seasonal snack-and-drink spot with a walk-up window for ordering ice cream cones, sundaes, malts and more. 110 N. Main St.

Rogue River Tavern  is a family-oriented, kid-friendly sports bar offering an extensive food and drink menu along with television sets playing all your favorite games. 4 N Main St.

Sprinkles Donut Shop is a local family-owned chain that makes its donuts, icings and fillings fresh daily. 8467 Algoma Ave NE.

Timbers Inn Restaurant & Tavern showcases homestyle American fare, including steaks, seafood and wild game, in a lodge-like setting about 10 minutes from downtown Rockford. 6555 Belding Rd NE.

The Toasted Pickle is a one-of-a-kind sandwich shop offering scrumptious sandwiches, soups and salad made with fresh local ingredients. 17 Squires Street Square NE.

Uccello’s Ristorante-Pizzeria & Sports Lounge is a family-friendly eatery known for its pizza, pasta, beer selection and abundant TVs. 19 N Main St.

Craft Beverages

Eastern Kille Distillery  is a production facility, restaurant and cocktail bar with a 32-foot wall of windows overlooking an outdoor cocktail garden and 16 acres of field and forest.  Pizza, apps, salad and dessert are available alongside a seasonally revolving menu of cocktails highlighting the award-winning spirits Eastern Kille crafts right on site. 7755 Childsdale Ave NE.

Hannah’s Coffeehouse serves expertly crafted espresso drinks – including lattes, cappuccinos, americanos and more – along with fresh baked goods. 31 Courtland St.

Herman’s Boy, known for its fresh-roasted coffee, caramel pecan rolls, homemade bagels and smoked meats, was named Michigan Best Small-Town Restaurant by Taste of Home Magazine.

Quickwater Coffee Roasters serves up fresh-roasted coffee, tea, pastries and biscuits in a comfy, casual setting. 8 E Bridge St, Suite 102.

Rockford Brewing Company  , named Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, continues to delight patrons with its made-from-scratch food offerings, performances and trivia nights in addition to its award-winning beer.

Third Nature Brewing , about two miles southwest of downtown Rockford, features an outdoor beer garden and heated igbrews (8-person igloos) that encourage guests to enjoy the view along with unique, creative beers and food dishes, no matter the season.

St. Julian Winery & Distillery  features wines, spirits and hard ciders from Michigan’s largest and most-awarded winery. 4425 14 Mile Rd NE.

The Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area allows you to purchase beer, wine and liquor from participating businesses and stroll around the downtown area. Just stay within the clearly marked boundaries and drink responsibly. 

Music & More

Rockford has a number of ways to entertain you:

Bostwick Lake Inn – “with the soul of a snow-covered lodge and the repose of a sun-soaked beach house” – offers seasonal entertainment from the best West Michigan has to offer. The four-season deck is a stunner.

Rockford Brewing Company is a music venue in addition to an award-winning brewery, hosting concerts by a broad range of local musicians on various nights each week.

Rogue River Blues is an annual summer showcase of jazz, blues and folk music. Local artists serenade crowds in downtown’s Garden Club Park. Sets start at 7pm Tuesdays from June-August.

Outdoor Adventure

Rockford offers many options for exploring and enjoying nature – beginning with the Rogue River that runs through downtown. Designated “Country Scenic” by the state of Michigan, the Rogue is popular with trout fishers and devotees of canoeing, kayaking and innertubing.

The Rockford Dam Overlook provides a spectacular view of the Rogue just steps from downtown shops. The Overlook provides convenient access to the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, a 92-mile biking/hiking trail that extends from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, Michigan.

Follow the White Pine Trail north 7.4 miles to the community of Cedar Springs and enjoy a refreshing libation at Cedar Springs Brewing Company. Head south 4 miles to the community of Belmont and a quick stop at Trailside Treats Ice Cream (and one of the trail’s public bathrooms). Another 4.2 miles south will bring you to Comstock Park and a loop around LMCU Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team. A public bike repair station is available at the Comstock Park trailhead.

Downtown Rockford is also home to Peppler Park, across the river from the Dam Overlook. Peppler offers an overlook of its own as well as a fishing platform and picnic spots. From the park, you can access the Rogue River Nature Trail, a quarter-mile boardwalk that winds north along the riverbank and provides scenic views of the river, downtown and unspoiled woods.

The Meijer Sports Complex , a five-minute drive west of downtown Rockford, hosts travel baseball and softball tournaments virtually every weekend in warm weather, as well as local leagues and school teams. With 12 ballfields, 20 pickleball courts, a picnic pavilion, concessions and a playground, additional ballfields, a new concession building and playground area, and more. You can also watch high-school athletes play baseball, football, rugby, softball and tennis on the fields and courts around Rockford High School.

You can fish for bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie and a variety of other species at a number of close-by inland lakes, including Big Pine Island, Bostwick, Brower, Lake Bella Vista and Myers. Big Pine Island and Myers offers swimming areas as well.

The Merrell Trail, a favorite with mountain bikers, is a three-minute drive from the Meijer Sports Complex. This true flow trail features a number of fast descents, jumps, roots, rocks and elevated bridges and structures over its 7-mile length. Named for a brand of Wolverine World Wide, a footwear manufacturer based in Rockford since 1903, the Merrell Trail is also popular for hiking and running.

Travel two miles east of downtown Rockford to Luton Park and 9.7 miles of interconnected trails through native prairies, pines, hardwoods and marshes. Luton trails were designed for mountain biking and are also used for hiking, running, bird watching, cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Ready to hit the water? Check out AAA Canoe Rental, just outside of downtown, to book canoe, kayak and innertube trips on the Rogue River. Trips include your choice of watercraft, paddles, life jackets or cushions, and transportation to your starting point. Both two- and four-hour trips end at downtown’s Rockford Dam.

The Upper Rogue, north of the Rockford Dam, is known as an excellent trout fishery. To the south, the Lower Rogue is a popular destination for steelhead and salmon anglers in spring and fall. Great Lakes Fly Fishing, three miles west of downtown, is a great source of fishing equipment and advice.

You can fish for bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, crappie and a variety of other species at a number of close-by inland lakes, including Big Pine Island, Bostwick, Brower, Lake Bella Vista and Myers. Big Pine Island and Myers offers swimming areas as well.

Need to give Fido some exercise? The Rockford Dog Park, one-half mile south of the Dam Overlook, is an enclosed, off-leash park with a separate area for small dogs. It sits next to a fitness course and softball field, and it’s across the Rogue River from a playground and picnic pavilion in Richardson-Sowerby Park. The two parks are linked by a pedestrian ridge across the river.

Ready to hit the links? Rockford is conveniently located within 10 miles of these public courses:

• Boulder Creek Golf Club (located 5 miles from downtown Rockford)
• North Kent Golf Course (located 6 miles from downtown Rockford)
• Scott Lake Country Club (located 7.5 miles from downtown Rockford)
• Thousand Oaks (located 8 miles from downtown Rockford)

Shopping

Clothing & Accessories

Era offers a curated collection of women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, vintage finds, bath & body products, home décor, kitchen goods, candles and more.

Everywear is a casual clothing and lifestyle store for men, emphasizing options that are both affordable and ethically made.

Fresh Wave Apparel presents customers with an array of stylish t-shirts, fleece wear and hats for outdoor adventure. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Hey Girlfriend offers women’s and girl’s fashions plus a selection of stationery and gifts. 36 E Bridge St.

Ila & Lucille is a women's boutique offering clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, sunglasses, candles, gifts and more. 65 E Bridge St NE.

Jade specializes in contemporary women's clothing and accessories for stylish women of all ages. 17 S Squires St.

LBD Boutique buys and sells new and like-new consignment fashions from designer-label women’s brands. 11 N Main St, Suite B.

Michigan Nature Company offers men’s and women’s apparel, home goods and a small-batch bath and body line inspired by nature. 106 E Bridge St.

Modish Moth specializes in clothing, toys and “goodies for your littles.” Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Molly Made Crochet creates beautifully handcrafted sweaters, hats, baby apparel, toys and more. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

The Local Basket Case  stocks the coolest Michigan-made apparel, gifts and accessories, often emblazoned with Michigan idioms and maps.

Paperdoll Boutique  offers a curated selection of unique, affordable apparel, accessories, and gift items you won't find anywhere else.

Rockford Footwear Depot  offers factory-direct discount pricing on footwear, apparel and accessories from CAT, Chaco, Harley-Davidson, Hush Puppies, Merrell, Saucony, Stride Rite and Sweaty Betty – all brands owned by locally headquartered Wolverine Worldwide. 235 N Main St.

Hobbies

Aunt Candy’s Toy Company  is a family-owned business offering more than 4,000 sq. ft. of toys, books and games for all ages.

Epilogue Books  is an independent bookstore with a curated selection of new books and gifts plus a charming greeter –  Tommy, the golden retriever-in-residence. 10 E Bridge St.

J.T. Stitchery  offers an abundant selection of unique yarns, knitting and crochet supplies, and accessories for both beginners and experienced artisans. 30 E Bridge St NE A.

Home Décor

Amy Carroll Artshop showcases the fine art photography and prints of a Michigan-based artist. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

The Bleu State is kitchen, home décor and gift store carrying a curated collection of unique and beautiful items. 52 Courtland St.

Brower’s Flowers features grab-and-go arrangements, hand-tied bouquets and floral-inspired goods. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Cloth + Cabin is centered on beautiful things for everyday living, including home goods, vintage finds, gifts and a touch of apparel. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Nera Wix 54 is a candle bar offering guests a choice of scent, vessel, color and toppings to create custom candles. 54 Courtland St, Suite A.

Ray Anne Designs is the retail gallery of Michigan-based modern abstract artist Ray Anne. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Soaring Suds handcrafts high-quality soap and body products using the highest-quality natural and eco-friendly materials. 54 Courtland St, Suite A.

The Tilted Tulip offers made-to-order floral arrangements, fresh flowers, hand-tied bouquets and an array of unique gifts. 11A N Main St.

Food & Drink

Bostwick Bakery of Rockford is known for its giant donuts, breakfast sandwiches and dog treats. 8570 Belding Rd NE.

Bright Eyed N.A. Bottleshop offers artisanal kombuchas, sparkling waters, non-alcoholic wines and beers, mixers and mocktails, and chick drinkware. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Herman’s Boy  is a coffee roastery, bakery and deli, candy and fudge shop, kitchen gadget shop, and an outdoor cooking and smokehouse shop in one. 220 Northland Dr NE.

Old World Olive Co. stocks 50+ flavors of pure extra virgin olive oils and premium balsamic vinegars for tasting and buying. 28 N Main St.

Rockford Cheese Shop  features 100+ imported and domestic artisan cheeses, along with charcuterie, nuts, jams, marmalades, mustards, crackers and dried fruit. 49 E Bridge St.

Rockford Farmers Market, stocked with fresh-picked produce and artisan goods, is open 8am-1pm on Saturdays from May-October. 181 S. Main St.

Sweetland Chocolates & Coffee offers handcrafted chocolates, gourmet gift boxes and specialty coffees. 9 Main St.

Vertea Market is stocked with sundries, pantry essentials, house-baked goods, fresh-roasted coffee, curated tea selections and specialty items. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Wild & Pure Baking Co. is a micro-bakery using organic and high-quality ingredients to craft breads and baked goods. Part of the Shops at Maison Blanc, 46 E Bridge St.

Lodging

Hotel Rose, opened in fall 2025 in the heart of downtown Rockford, features a variety of room types, a guest marketplace and two restaurants: Char + Barrel for upscale dining and MudPenny for casual breakfast, brunch and dinner. 12 S. Main St.

Prefer to stay in Grand Rapids? Tru by Hilton Comstock Park Grand Rapids and Comfort Suites Grand Rapids North are less than eight miles from downtown Rockford. Downtown Grand Rapids hotels, including the luxurious Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott, are about 14 miles away.

Events

Rockford hosts an annual Cinco de Mayo Block Party (May), Start of Summer Celebration (June), Harvest Fest (September) and many end-of-year holiday events. Visit the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for the latest details.