Tour the River District

The River District Association is the official tour provider of downtown Rockford. Take a tour of downtown on foot or on a bike with renowned Rockford architect Gary Anderson. “The River District has a rich history of diverse architectural styles,” said Gary Anderson.  “From industrial warehouses to personal residences, every building tells a story of the people, activities, and events that have shaped our city’s past.  We invite you to catch a unique glimpse into both the past and the future on our walking tours.”

Walking Tour

The Walking Tour will include a history of historic properties and the many uses they have sustained over the past 150 years.

Over 20 stops are included on the tour, including:
•  The Waterfront warehouse district on Water Street
•  Historic properties along Madison Street
•  The Brewmasters House of the Peacock Brewery
•  Historic and contemporary residences on First Street
•  And much more.

The cost for the tour is $5 suggested donation.

Biking Tour

The Bike Tour of our beautiful downtown is also led by Gary Anderson. It usually leaves on a Saturday morning beginning at 8 a.m. from Rockford City Hall. It is 2 hours long and offers a glimpse of Rockford’s history and a peek into the future.

Our stops typically include:
•  Fairgrounds Park
•  The former St. Thomas High School
•  The Shumway and Condon Seed building
•  The new Embassy Suites Hotel
•  The Graham Ginestra Museum
•  The former Barber Coleman plant
•  A ride along the new South Main bike path to River Oaks and the history that surrounds the site
•  The Monastery of the Poor Clares
•  A ride on the pedestrian bridge crossing Fordham Dam
•  A view of the Orchid Neighborhood, where the new Kishwaukee School will be constructed

The cost of the Bike Tour is $5 suggested donation.

Gary Anderson

Ride through the River District