Plan Your Visit

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

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