Road trip from Minneapolis to Rockford
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Nature & Parks
Fun & Games
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Spas & Wellness
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Food & Drink
Sights & Landmarks
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Concerts & Shows
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ITINERARY
6h 12m336 miles29 stops
1
Finnegans Brew Co.
2
Minneapolis City Hall
3
Acme Comedy Co.
4
Time Bomb Vintage
Come shop like a local! Time Bomb Vintage has EVERYTHING VINTAGE, MODERN, & RETRO. ALL in STOCK with ever changing inventory! Over 2500 square feet of vintage clothing, 60s-90s toys, pop culture, vinyl albums, vintage advertising and kitschy doodads! If you are looking for the unusual, interesting or hard to find items, we've probably got it! Time Bomb is conveniently located on East Lake Street in the Longfellow neighborhood. Just 10 minutes from MSP airport.
5
Textile Center
6
Indeed Brewing Company
7
Norseman Distillery
Norseman Distillery, the first micro-distillery in Minneapolis, was founded with principles of using the very best local ingredients to produce small batches of exceptionally fine spirits. From our micro-distillery in northeast Minneapolis, we hand craft each batch with the hopes of inspiring legendary cheer in those who drink it.
8
Coldwater Spring
Coldwater had been home to the Bureau of Mines Twin Cities Research Center for close to fifty years, from 1949 to 1996, when Congress closed all Bureau of Mines centers nationwide. In 2010 the NPS assumed responsibility, Coldwater has gone from an office park to a public park. Coldwater is part of an unbroken expanse of green space, stretching from Minnehaha Falls Regional Park to Fort Snelling.
9
Artists' Quarter
10
Heimie's Haberdashery
11
Phalen 18 Hole Golf Course
12
Escape in Time
ESCAPE IN TIME Escape Rooms were designed and decorated by world-class artists, accomplished prop-makers and talented builders with experience working for the Amusement Park and Halloween Attractions industries. You will be absolutely amazed with our Escape Room set design and attention to detail! Our Escape Rooms are located in Madison, near West Towne, in the Market Square Mall. What is an Escape Room? "...Real-life escape rooms are a type of physical adventure game in which people are "locked" in a room with other participants and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit..." Critical thinking, creative problem solving and the ability to work under pressure are skills you will sharpen during your experience. Forget everything you know about escape rooms. Our rooms will literally blow you away! "BEST ESCAPE ROOMS IN MADISON "
13
First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
14
Washburn Observatory
15
Downtown Madison
This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night. Offering lake access, amazing views, several museums and theaters, more than 140 restaurants including a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, and award winning chefs, as well as more than 80 unique shops including bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops.
16
Madison BCycle
17
KOSA Spa
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
18
Alliant Energy Center
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
19
West Rock Wake Park
Whether you're a first time rider or a pro wakeboarder, West Rock has everything you need for a great day at the lake. By removing the need for an expensive boat with an environmentally friendly cable system, wakeboarding is now accessible to everyone! (First time riders please book a "never ever" class on our website).
20
Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum
21
BMO Harris Bank Center
22
Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens
Tinker Swiss Cottage is a historic house museum located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois. The museum complex contains the historic house museum, barn, and carriage house from the Tinker family. In addition, the property is the home of the founding site of Rockford and contains a Pre-Columbian Native American conical mound.
23
The Standard
24
Carlyle Brewing Co.
25
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
26
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
This year-round garden, which started as a commercial nursery, includes 155 acres of trees and 300 woody plant species mapped and labeled. The gardens include: a Rhododendron and Azalea dell, Hosta Garden, Nancy Olsen's Children's Garden, Fountain Garden, Demonstration Garden, Peony Garden, Grasses Garden,Woodland Wildflower Garden and Plant-a-Row garden. There are several signature events hosted each year also. Botanica luncheon,Garden Fair, Plant Sale, Woodsong Concert Series, Autumn in the Arboretum and Twilight in the Garden are all popular annual events.
27
Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House
The Laurent House in Rockford, IL is the only building ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for a person with a disability. Wright considered the home one of the best 35 works of his career. This single-story Usonian home is both functional and beautiful, decades ahead of ADA requirements. The home features a solar hemicycle footprint, patio, fishpond, carport, and outdoor connectivity to nature.
28
815 Escape
We are Rockfords latest and greatest escape room challenge! Looking for a fun outing to challenge your mind and bring you and your group closer together? Look no further! Here at 815 Escape you will be sure to find fun and exciting puzzles and riddles within our rooms! Solve them all as you fight against the clock and get out before your hour is up!
29
WM DaySpa Salon
Here at WM DaySpa Salon, we go above and beyond to deliver the services you expect. Our customer service is far superior to what your typical salon can offer. We are committed to getting to know our customers and building a lasting relationship. At WM DaySpa, you are more than just a customer, you are part of something much bigger. To maintain our reputation of excellence and keep our customers satisfied, we offer a comprehensive array of health and beauty services, including: body care, hair care, hair removal, cosmetics, facials, nail care, skin care, and others. We are passionate about giving our team continued inspiration and education to ensure that we are on the forefront of fashion and beauty. We also offer a variety of packages to meet your needs, and both ladies and gentlemen are welcome! At WM we have built our reputation as "Daymakers." What is unique about our staff is their commitment to every guest and to each other. They are passionate about sharing their talents and skills with one another to create an environment where everyone is at their best. At WM we love what we do - and our goal is to share that love and passion through every guest experience.
Customize this Trip
OVERVIEW
1
Start:Finnegans Brew Co.
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
4.5
(9) review
817 5th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404-1007
2
Start:Minneapolis City Hall
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
4.5
(91) review
350 S 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415-1316
3
Start:Acme Comedy Co.
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
3.5
(93) review
708 N 1st St, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1133
4
Start:Time Bomb Vintage
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
5.0
(9) review
Come shop like a local! Time Bomb Vintage has EVERYTHING VINTAGE, MODERN, & RETRO. ALL in STOCK with ever changing inventory! Over 2500 square feet of vintage clothing, 60s-90s toys, pop culture, vinyl albums, vintage advertising and kitschy doodads! If you are looking for the unusual, interesting or hard to find items, we've probably got it! Time Bomb is conveniently located on East Lake Street in the Longfellow neighborhood. Just 10 minutes from MSP airport.
5
Start:Textile Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
4.5
(9) review
3000 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414-3356
6
Start:Indeed Brewing Company
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
4.5
(94) review
711 15th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413-1738
7
Start:Norseman Distillery
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
5.0
(98) review
Norseman Distillery, the first micro-distillery in Minneapolis, was founded with principles of using the very best local ingredients to produce small batches of exceptionally fine spirits. From our micro-distillery in northeast Minneapolis, we hand craft each batch with the hopes of inspiring legendary cheer in those who drink it.
8
Start:Coldwater Spring
Minneapolis, Minnesota·
4.0
(9) review
Coldwater had been home to the Bureau of Mines Twin Cities Research Center for close to fifty years, from 1949 to 1996, when Congress closed all Bureau of Mines centers nationwide. In 2010 the NPS assumed responsibility, Coldwater has gone from an office park to a public park. Coldwater is part of an unbroken expanse of green space, stretching from Minnehaha Falls Regional Park to Fort Snelling.
9
Start:Artists' Quarter
Saint Paul, Minnesota·
4.0
(9) review
Hamm Building, 7th Place and St. Peter, Saint Paul, MN
10
Start:Heimie's Haberdashery
Saint Paul, Minnesota·
5.0
(9) review
400 Saint Peter St, Saint Paul, MN 55102-1105
11
Start:Phalen 18 Hole Golf Course
Saint Paul, Minnesota·
4.0
(9) review
1615 Phalen Dr E, Saint Paul, MN 55106-1827
12
Start:Escape in Time
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(89) review
ESCAPE IN TIME Escape Rooms were designed and decorated by world-class artists, accomplished prop-makers and talented builders with experience working for the Amusement Park and Halloween Attractions industries. You will be absolutely amazed with our Escape Room set design and attention to detail! Our Escape Rooms are located in Madison, near West Towne, in the Market Square Mall. What is an Escape Room? "...Real-life escape rooms are a type of physical adventure game in which people are "locked" in a room with other participants and must use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and escape the room within a set time limit..." Critical thinking, creative problem solving and the ability to work under pressure are skills you will sharpen during your experience. Forget everything you know about escape rooms. Our rooms will literally blow you away! "BEST ESCAPE ROOMS IN MADISON "
13
Start:First Unitarian Meeting House of Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(96) review
900 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705-2298
14
Start:Washburn Observatory
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(9) review
1401 Observatory Dr, Madison, WI 53706-1209
15
Start:Downtown Madison
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.5
(888) review
This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night. Offering lake access, amazing views, several museums and theaters, more than 140 restaurants including a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, and award winning chefs, as well as more than 80 unique shops including bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops.
16
Start:Madison BCycle
Madison, Wisconsin·
2.0
(9) review
126 W. Mifflin Street Madison , WI 53703, Madison, WI 53703-2510
17
Start:KOSA Spa
Madison, Wisconsin·
5.0
(9) review
KOSA Spa provides a sanctuary; a place to retreat, to nourish body, mind, and spirit, and in so doing reconnect with one’s best self. KOSA Spa blends wellness best practices from the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition of Ayurveda with seasonal, organic, Wisconsin-sourced ingredients and artisanal products. KOSA Spa’s offerings include customized wellness balancing plans; treatments, including Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Pinda Sweda, Massage, and Facials; and personal retreats that include access to our hot-stone sauna, aromatherapy hydro-steam room, meditation studio, sanctuary lounge, and organic, Ayurvedic teas and foods.
18
Start:Alliant Energy Center
Madison, Wisconsin·
4.0
(99) review
Our premier downtown multi-venue complex features four unique and versatile venues: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Exhibition Hall, the New Holland Pavilions, and Willow Island. A top choice for expositions, conventions, meetings, concerts, sporting events, ag events, and much more, the Alliant Energy Center complex is a one-stop-shop for all your events. Ample parking, mouthwatering catering, dedicated staff, and a full range of rental equipment & high speed internet make AEC an event planners delight!
19
Start:West Rock Wake Park
Rockford, Illinois·
5.0
(6) review
Whether you're a first time rider or a pro wakeboarder, West Rock has everything you need for a great day at the lake. By removing the need for an expensive boat with an environmentally friendly cable system, wakeboarding is now accessible to everyone! (First time riders please book a "never ever" class on our website).
20
Start:Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(4) review
211 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61101-1010
21
Start:BMO Harris Bank Center
Rockford, Illinois·
4.0
(63) review
300 Elm St, Rockford, IL 61101-1238
22
Start:Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(61) review
Tinker Swiss Cottage is a historic house museum located in the heart of Rockford, Illinois. The museum complex contains the historic house museum, barn, and carriage house from the Tinker family. In addition, the property is the home of the founding site of Rockford and contains a Pre-Columbian Native American conical mound.
23
Start:The Standard
Rockford, Illinois·
4.0
(4) review
The Standard 214 East State, Rockford, IL 61104
24
Start:Carlyle Brewing Co.
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(8) review
215 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104-1010
25
Start:Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(863) review
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
26
Start:Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(83) review
This year-round garden, which started as a commercial nursery, includes 155 acres of trees and 300 woody plant species mapped and labeled. The gardens include: a Rhododendron and Azalea dell, Hosta Garden, Nancy Olsen's Children's Garden, Fountain Garden, Demonstration Garden, Peony Garden, Grasses Garden,Woodland Wildflower Garden and Plant-a-Row garden. There are several signature events hosted each year also. Botanica luncheon,Garden Fair, Plant Sale, Woodsong Concert Series, Autumn in the Arboretum and Twilight in the Garden are all popular annual events.
27
Start:Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(63) review
The Laurent House in Rockford, IL is the only building ever designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for a person with a disability. Wright considered the home one of the best 35 works of his career. This single-story Usonian home is both functional and beautiful, decades ahead of ADA requirements. The home features a solar hemicycle footprint, patio, fishpond, carport, and outdoor connectivity to nature.
28
Start:815 Escape
Rockford, Illinois·
5.0
(4) review
We are Rockfords latest and greatest escape room challenge! Looking for a fun outing to challenge your mind and bring you and your group closer together? Look no further! Here at 815 Escape you will be sure to find fun and exciting puzzles and riddles within our rooms! Solve them all as you fight against the clock and get out before your hour is up!
29
Start:WM DaySpa Salon
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(48) review
Here at WM DaySpa Salon, we go above and beyond to deliver the services you expect. Our customer service is far superior to what your typical salon can offer. We are committed to getting to know our customers and building a lasting relationship. At WM DaySpa, you are more than just a customer, you are part of something much bigger. To maintain our reputation of excellence and keep our customers satisfied, we offer a comprehensive array of health and beauty services, including: body care, hair care, hair removal, cosmetics, facials, nail care, skin care, and others. We are passionate about giving our team continued inspiration and education to ensure that we are on the forefront of fashion and beauty. We also offer a variety of packages to meet your needs, and both ladies and gentlemen are welcome! At WM we have built our reputation as "Daymakers." What is unique about our staff is their commitment to every guest and to each other. They are passionate about sharing their talents and skills with one another to create an environment where everyone is at their best. At WM we love what we do - and our goal is to share that love and passion through every guest experience.
CHECKLIST
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Car charger and portable battery
Water bottles and snacks
Travel pillow and blanket
Sunglasses and sunscreen
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Cash and cards
Camera or smartphone
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between Minneapolis and Rockford?
The distance is 336 miles
What's the travel time between Minneapolis and Rockford?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 6h 12m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Minneapolis and Rockford?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to Rockford?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to Rockford
What’s the weather like in Rockford?
The weather in Rockford is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in Rockford in January
Weather in Rockford in February
Weather in Rockford in March
Weather in Rockford in April
Weather in Rockford in May
Weather in Rockford in June
Weather in Rockford in July
Weather in Rockford in August
Weather in Rockford in September
Weather in Rockford in October
Weather in Rockford in November
Weather in Rockford in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in Rockford?
Plan your dream Rockford trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in Rockford
A 2-day itinerary in Rockford
A 3-day itinerary in Rockford
A 4-day itinerary in Rockford
A 5-day itinerary in Rockford
A 6-day itinerary in Rockford
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in Minneapolis?
We have a lot of great trip options for Minneapolis! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you