The Gardens are currently closed and will open on April 19.
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. Garden memberships that are not accepted, include but are not limited to: Chicago Botanical Garden, Morton Arboretum, among others. Reciprocity not eligible for special events at the garden, including but not limited to: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens, Japanese Summer Festival, Spooktacular, and Illuminated.
Driving Directions
Anderson Japanese Gardens is located in Rockford, Illinois, immediately east of the Rock River and just north of downtown. The Garden is easily accessible from I-90 and I-39, making it an easy destination from the Chicago, Bloomington, Madison and Milwaukee areas. For regional travel distances along the interstate system, please see the Rockford Concentric Map.
Know before you go: Visit Illinois Tollway to get the latest information on construction and traffic.
Andersons Japanese Gardens
Address: 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford IL 61107
Donation Day
Donation Day is the third Thursday of each month.
In lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to make donations to help maintain the Garden to world-class quality standards.
As a not-for-profit organization, Anderson Japanese Gardens relies on contributions from the entire community to help us fulfill our mission and keep the Gardens affordable for a growing number of visitors. You can help sustain the Gardens by making an individual contribution, becoming a member, or giving an in-kind gift. If you have questions or ideas about how you might support the Gardens, please call 815.316.3286.
Please make a tax-deductible donation today to help grow and maintain the Gardens and programs that impact you, your family and our community. Your gift in any amount is greatly appreciated.
Become a Member
Enjoy exclusive membership benefits like FREE admission during regular business hours. Your membership and contributions provide vital financial support that helps us maintain the Garden to world-class standards and allows us to deliver a diverse program offering.
It’s Easy to Become a Member!
Purchase a membership for yourself or as a gift
In-Person
Memberships can be purchased at the Admission Counter located inside the Visitor Center during regular Garden hours.
Public and Private
Guided Tours
Join our dedicated docent volunteers as they share years of Gardens knowledge to help you and your group learn the history and unique qualities of the Japanese gardens.
Frank Lloyd Wright
16th Century Japan
Docent-led tours focus on the architectural components of two homes with Japanese cultural design influences but distinctly different character.
Garden Etiquette
Having a well-kept and maintained garden ensures that it is safe for everyone, be it at home, or in the community.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens is a non-smoking facility, including the parking lots.
- Bottled water is permitted in the Garden. No other carry-in beverage or food is allowed in the Garden.
- Please help us keep the grounds clean by not littering. Please discard all garbage in the trash receptacles located on-site.
- Casual photography is encouraged in the Garden. However, professional portrait photography is not allowed during open Garden hours. All photography sessions must be scheduled in advance. See our photography policy for more information.
- Guests must stay on the paths. Absolutely no climbing on boulders or Garden structures will be permitted.
- No pets are allowed in the Garden with the exception of certified service animals. Certification papers must be presented when admission is purchased.
- We do not allow yelling or running in the Garden. We ask that cell phones are muted and guests whisper as they stroll through the Garden. The Garden is meant for reflection and renewal. As you make your way through the Garden, please be aware of other guests.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens staff and docents reserve the right to ask any guest not observing these rules to leave the premises immediately.
- Are you a member of another garden? If so, you may be eligible for the Garden Reciprocal program. Please keep note that Anderson Gardens enforces the 90-mile exclusion. Any other gardens that fall within 90 miles of Anderson Gardens will not have the reciprocal benefits extended. The 90 miles is determined by the driving distance from your Garden, to Anderson Gardens. Garden memberships that are not eligible include but are not limited to: Chicago Botanical Garden, and Morton Arboretum. Reciprocity is to be used for general garden admissions only. It cannot be used for special events, including but not limited to: Tuesday Evening in the Gardens, Japanese Summer Festival, Spooktacular, and Illuminated. For additional information please click here.
Restaurant
Onsite Catering
Dazzle guests before or after your tour or private event in Anderson Japanese Gardens’ spacious timber-framed Visitor Center. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a gorgeous backdrop for any breakfast, lunch or special occasion. Two spacious decks overlooking the gardens are available for groups who prefer an outdoor dining option.
Fresco is currently closed until the Spring.
Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm