Expansive 155-acre living museum featuring themed gardens, rare trees, and miles of paved and wooded trails for year-round exploration.
General Information
Last entry at 3:30pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Seniors (62+): $10
Students (18+ with ID): $10
Children 4–18: $10
Children 3 and under: Free
Museums for All (with SNAP EBT and ID): $4 per person, up to 4 guests
How to Get There
Take US-20 Business west from Rockford, turn left onto South Main Street, and continue south to the entrance at 2715 S Main St.
Overview
The Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre sanctuary of natural beauty and botanical diversity nestled in Rockford, Illinois. Originally established as the Rockford Nursery in 1910, the site was transformed into a public arboretum in the 1980s and now serves as a living museum of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. Visitors can explore themed gardens such as the Prehistoric Garden, Butterfly Garden, and the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden, which features interactive water play and nature-based structures. With over 1.8 miles of paved paths and 3 miles of wooded trails, the arboretum offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers of all ages.
Klehm Arboretum is a year-round destination, showcasing the changing seasons with spring magnolias, summer blooms, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-covered evergreens in winter. The grounds are dog-friendly, welcoming leashed pets to join in the exploration. Educational programs, seasonal exhibits, and community events enhance the visitor experience, making Klehm a vital part of Rockford’s cultural and ecological landscape. Whether you're seeking a quiet walk, a family outing, or a deeper connection with nature, Klehm Arboretum offers a rich and restorative experience.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
