Spend a Day in Rockford

Located just north of Grand Rapids, Rockford is a beautiful little town that offers great shopping, dining, outdoor recreation, and fun events! Spend a day in Rockford and see all of this for yourself. In this article, you’ll find a guide on how to make the most of your day—from where to eat, shopping options, and adventures down the Rogue River!

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Photo use provided by the City of Rockford.

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Explore Downtown Shops

Downtown Rockford has a wonderful shopping district full of unique shops and boutiques. There are a lot of options from candy and toy stores, to bookstores, home furnishings, and clothing. Plus, the downtown area has a nice relaxed feel and sits just on the banks of the Rogue River!

Make sure to check out Old World Olive, Lee & Birch, Epilogue Books, and Aunt Candy’s Toy Company!

Parking: Click here for a downtown parking map.

Eat and Drink

Rockford’s downtown area has many restaurants to choose from with a vast array of options and cuisines to choose from. Each dining option has its own special dishes and unique menu. Everything from Mexican to brewpub fair to hot dogs—there’s something for everyone!

Make sure to try The Corner Bar, Ramona’s Table, Rogue River Tavern, Flavors on the Promenade, and Rockford Brewing Company! For a full list of restaurants, please click here.

Rockford also features a new Rockford Outdoor Refreshment Area (RORA), which is located via a variety of the main downtown Rockford streets. Within these public spaces, refreshments are allowed to be enjoyed weekly from noon to 10 p.m. There are even fire pits which are lit at 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends. Beverages must be purchased from restaurants and bars on the designated list. The designated list has a variety of establishments to choose from, including Cinco de Mayo, The Corner Bar, Grill One Eleven, Kayla Rae Cellars, Marinades, Rockford Brewing Company, Rockford Lanes, Rogue River Tavern, Uccello’s, and Ramona’s Table. For more information click here.

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Enjoy the Rogue River

The beautiful Rogue River flows right downtown Rockford. This river is perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and tons of other outdoor recreation options! The river is known to be a great spot for fly fisherman and those who love to fish Steelhead. You may plan your float trip down the Rogue River with AAA Canoe Rentals! They offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals with a variety of package options.

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Go to an Event

Rockford has tons of fun events during the summer to attend with friends or family. Everything from fireworks to carnival rides to live music and so much more! Plus, you won’t want to miss the weekly Rockford Farmers Market. Check out just a few of them below:

Rockford Farmers Market: Takes places every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May first to October thirtieth. Check out other west Michigan farmers markets here!

Start to Summer Celebration: This long-standing annual event, the Start to Summer Celebration, is tons of fun for everyone! Enjoy a carnival, parade, food, craft vendors, entertainment, kids’ activities, and so much more. This event normally takes place the second or third weekend in June, each year.

Harvest Fest: This fun fall event has tons of different activities including yoga at the dam, a classic car show, craft show, pumpkin painting, and so much more. Harvest Fest normally takes place each year towards the end of September.

Rogue River Blues Series: Happening on Tuesdays throughout the summer, this free concert series is fun for the entire family. Concerts take place at Garden Club Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Explore Parks and Trails

Rockford is set in a beautiful natural area perfect for outdoor recreation. There are many parks, trails, and outdoor areas to choose amongst. Check out some of the best in the area below:

Parks

• City Parks
• Kent County Parks

Trails

• White Pine Trail
• Merrell Trail
• Luton Park

Recreation

• Campgrounds
• Art Van Sports Complex
• Rockford Community Cabin
• AAA Canoe
• Cannonsburg Ski Area

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Check out other fun things to do in the West Michigan area by clicking here!

Looking to make Rockford, Michigan your new home? Contact Brad Moore with EXP Realty for exclusive Rockford Real Estate!