Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoying the Garden is an individual experience and varies by guest

When is the Garden open?

  • The Garden is open daily (including holidays) from May 1st through October 31st.
  • Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Saturday & Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
What is the admission price? 
  • Weekdays – Adults $12.00 | Seniors (62+) $11.00 | Students & Military $10.00
  • Weekends & Holidays – Adults $14.00 | Seniors (62+) $13.00 | Students & Military $12.00
  • Members & Children 5 and under are FREE

 

How do I become a Member? 

  • Memberships can be purchased online or on-site at the admission counter. Anderson Japanese Gardens honors American Horticultural Society (AHS) members belonging to participating gardens falling outside the 90-mile radius restriction.  AHS members must present membership cards upon entry.
Are you a member of another garden? 

  • Anderson Japanese Gardens honors American Horticultural Society (AHS) members belonging to participating gardens falling outside the 90-mile radius restriction.  AHS members must present membership cards upon entry. For more information on the program, please click here.

 

Are there on-site dining options?

  • Yes.  Fresco at the Gardens is open year-round, serving breakfast & lunch daily starting at 8:00 AM.
  • Fresco features a fresh-market ambiance with locally sourced organic ingredients.  Indoor and outdoor seating available with stunning Garden views.  For reservations & information about booking events, contact the restaurant directly at 815-316-2256 or info@franchescos.com.
Are there free admission days?

  • Yes. The third Thursday of the month during the open season is Donation Day.  Admission fees are waived thanks to generous support from Rockford Community Bank.  In lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to make donations to help maintain & program the Garden to world-class quality standards.

 

How long should I plan on being at the Garden?

  • Enjoying the Garden is an individual experience and varies by guest.  We recommend spending at least an hour to an hour and a half to fully appreciate it.  Many guests choose to spend several hours in the Gardens!
Are food & drinks allowed in the Garden?
  • No. Only bottled water and koi food (available in the Gift Shop) are permitted in the Garden.  Food and other beverages may be consumed only in the Visitor Center or during select special events.
Are the Gardens accessible by wheelchair or stroller?
  • Yes. Garden paths are either paved or made of crushed limestone and can be navigated by strollers & wheelchairs when the ground is dry.  Some areas, however, have steps or uneven terrain and are only accessible on foot.  Please ask the admissions staff for a flat path tour map.
Are children allowed in the Gardens?

  • Yes, absolutely!  Keep in mind that the Gardens are not a park or playground.  Please do not climb on boulders, lanterns & trees, throw stones & gravel, or enter ponds & streams. 
  • The Gardens are meant to be a place of peace, calm, and reflection and are not the right environment for rowdy or athletic play.
Is photography allowed in the Garden?

 

  • Yes, photos of the Gardens are encouraged!  However, special occasion photography such as weddings, engagements, maternity, graduation, family portrait, cosplay, and any posed photography using the Gardens as a backdrop and/or requiring special attire is only permitted with the advance purchase of a garden rental for a private photography session; we are not able to make an exception. Prom and Homecoming photos are not allowed.
  • Rental of the garden before or after hours is available for portrait and special occasion photography sessions.  To inquire about Garden availability and for reservations, please contact events@andersongardens.org or call 815.316.3285.

 

 

Are pets allowed in the Garden?

  • No, with the exception of documented service animals.