Road trip from Des Moines to Rockford
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Shopping
Museums
Concerts & Shows
Nightlife
Sights & Landmarks
Fun & Games
Nature & Parks
Spas & Wellness
Food & Drink
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ITINERARY
5h 19m286 miles25 stops
1
4th Street
2
World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
3
Brenton Skating Plaza
4
Capitol Building
5
Iowa State Fairgrounds
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
6
Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
7
Fitness Sports
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
8
German American Heritage Center
9
Freight House Farmers Market
10
1 Hundred West
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
11
Endless Brews
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
12
Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
13
River Music Experience
14
The Office Cocktail Bar & Lounge
15
Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
16
Chocolate Manor
17
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).
18
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.
19
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.
20
BMO Harris Bank Center
21
Carlyle Brewing Co.
22
The Standard
23
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.
24
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.
25
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
Des Moines to Rockford
1
Start:4th Street
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
4th Street, Des Moines, IA
2
Start:World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(81) review
The Norman E. Borlaug Hall of Laureates - home of The World Food Prize - is a public museum, educational facility and a place of inspiration for all. This magnificently restored Beaux Arts space celebrates the spirit of giving, emphasizing the importance of global food security.
3
Start:Brenton Skating Plaza
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
520 Robert D Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309-1824
4
Start:Capitol Building
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(890) review
1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319-1001
5
Start:Iowa State Fairgrounds
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.5
(882) review
For 11 days in August, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is home to auto shows, livestock exhibitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening this month at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
6
Start:Fort Des Moines Museum & Education Center
Des Moines, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
75 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5866
7
Start:Fitness Sports
Des Moines, Iowa·
5.0
(9) review
Iowa's first Specialty Running & Walking store with a emphasis on personal service. Ou r stone motto is "Where You have the Right to B-Fit". Est. in 1984.
8
Start:German American Heritage Center
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(84) review
712 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52802-1410
9
Start:Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(75) review
421 W River Dr, Davenport, IA 52801-1136
10
Start:1 Hundred West
Davenport, Iowa·
4.0
(8) review
1 Hundred West, in Davenport, IA, is the leading bar and grille serving Davenport and surrounding areas. We offer craft cocktails and a supper club inspired menu, along with drink specials, nightly features, wings, burgers, beer, family-style chicken fry, ribs, signature drinks, all you can eat fish fry and much more. For your next meal, visit 1 Hundred West in Davenport.
11
Start:Endless Brews
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(9) review
We are a bottle shop & craft beer bar with 20 taps and over 300 select bottles and cans for carry-out.
12
Start:Bix Beiderbecke Museum & Archive
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(8) review
129 N Main St Red Stone Building, Corner of Main and Second Streets, Davenport, IA 52801
13
Start:River Music Experience
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(7) review
129 N Main St, Davenport, IA 52801-1808
14
Start:The Office Cocktail Bar & Lounge
Davenport, Iowa·
4.0
(7) review
116 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801-1401
15
Start:Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra
Davenport, Iowa·
4.5
(8) review
327 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52801-1508
16
Start:Chocolate Manor
Davenport, Iowa·
5.0
(71) review
110 E 2nd St, Davenport, IA 52801-1502
17
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).
18
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.
19
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.
20
Start:BMO Harris Bank Center
Rockford, Illinois·
4.0
(63) review
300 Elm St, Rockford, IL 61101-1238
21
Start:Carlyle Brewing Co.
Rockford, Illinois·
4.5
(8) review
215 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104-1010
22
Start:The Standard
Rockford, Illinois·
4.0
(4) review
The Standard 214 East State, Rockford, IL 61104
23
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.
24
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.
25
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
GPS device or app
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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 Des Moines and Rockford?
The distance is 286 miles
What's the travel time between Des Moines and Rockford?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 5h 19m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between Des Moines 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 Des Moines?
We have a lot of great trip options for Des Moines! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you