Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens

We visited the conservatory out of curiosity. It is beautiful! There was a neat little area for small children to play. The wide variety of plants was nice. For Christmas, they built several small train tracks weaving through the garden areas. The outdoor Christmas lights were also beautiful and are for a nice walk.

This place is so beautiful, especially, during the Christmas Season. Walk the trails along the water’s you step inside a magical world of Christmas. Have fun with the kiddos trying to find Rudolph as you explore. Above all, don’t forget to go inside for the “town-like” train tracks. The observatory itself is so relaxing and therapeutic. Listen to the waterfall or get in sync with the flow of the water while you watch the fish swim #reuniteprettygirlgang2000

Amazing place to visit during early spring. The greenhouse has a lot to offer ranges from seasonal flower to tropical trees and colorful fishes. A few parks are also close by next to Rock River. Super cool!

Nicholas Conservatory has been a garden that I've frequented many times. I've been going here since I was a child and it's perfect for walks, bike rides, and just relaxing near nature. I've gone here for a couple events such as the lanterns, and holiday lights. I recommend coming here if you have a love for nature and spending time outdoors!

We visited on a NSLD day! The toddlers loved the build a train car activity. The staff were so helpful, patient and friendly. We enjoyed the gardens and the trains were so fun. Perfect nature hike medicine for a January afternoon. The koi were a big hit with the kids. The floor is slippery and wet in a few spots, so we practiced lots of redirecting and slow walking. Everyone took giant naps after. Ten out of ten, would visit again. What a gem!

This is always a beautiful public holiday light show for families and friends to enjoy. Everything is done meticulously down to the last detail. A magnificent view if you’re looking for something special to see this holiday season. This runs through January 6th, 2024 and it’s free!

Gorgeous Conservatory in urban Rockford. Situated on the river, and not particularly expensive to visit, this lovely and contemporary greenhouse is a delight. My mom and I visited during the butterfly exhibit in May of 2022---always extraordinary to see and even (delicately) handle exotic life. Frankly, every city needs a Conservatory like this.

Absolutely breathtaking views outside as this runs alongside Rock River. Inside, I enjoyed the Koi pond just as much, if not more than, the gardens. They just brought so much peace! I expected a lot more inside, but not bad considering it only cost $10 per person. I would like to come back for the butterfly exhibit.

This was my first time here & I absolutely loved it. I am a garden fanatic so this was right up my alley. We visited on a weekday & there was no wait & only a few other visitors in the garden. It is very warm & there are misters running for the tropical plants. The plants were labeled which I appreciated. The art/sculpture installations were beautiful as were the paths, stream & coy fish. Moving outside was also great. I took so many pictures while exploring the grounds. This visit can probably be fairly quick for some but for those fascinated by flowers & plants - plan for a couple hours.

Beautiful conservatory and gardens well decorated during the holidays and many small guage trains sets running through the plants to sit and enjoy along with there indoor Koy ponds.

We visit every year at holiday time for the train display and holiday lights. $28 for a family of 4, and you can stay as long as the conservatory is open. There is an extra special magic about visiting the gardens at night. Definitely recommend!

I recently visited Rockford's Nicholas Conservatory during their All Aglow event, and it was a magical experience that truly captured the spirit of the holiday season!

The Christmas light walk at Nicholas Conservatory is nothing short of enchanting. The moment you step into the beautifully adorned gardens, you're transported into a winter wonderland. The meticulous arrangement of lights and decorations creates a festive atmosphere that is perfect for individuals, couples, and families alike.

The attention to detail is truly commendable, with each section of the conservatory thoughtfully illuminated to showcase the beauty of the plants and the holiday-themed decor. The combination of vibrant colors, twinkling lights, and the serene backdrop of the conservatory's natural beauty creates a picturesque setting.

The staff at Nicholas Conservatory deserves special praise for their warm hospitality and helpfulness during the event. They go above and beyond to ensure that visitors have a memorable experience. The Christmas-themed activities and displays add an extra layer of joy, making it a perfect outing for all ages.

The All Aglow event is a fantastic way to embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through, I highly recommend experiencing the Christmas light walk at Nicholas Conservatory. It's a delightful celebration of the season that will leave you with a heart full of holiday cheer. Don't miss out on this Rockford gem!

I'm already looking forward to future visits to Nicholas Conservatory to see what other wonderful events they have in store. Thank you for spreading joy and making the holiday season truly special!

It was Monday so we were not able to visit the actual conservatory. The surrounding gardens and fountains were beautiful. Our visit was very refreshing both physically and mentally.

Beautiful place to go. Lots of interesting plants. Koi pond's inside, you can sit and just take in all the peace and beauty.

Beautiful! It was great working with Leslie to reserve the space for our wedding.

It was great! So beautiful. The butterfly exhibit is awesome and educational. The views off of the water and water features were absolutely breathtaking. I can't wait to go back!

What a great experience and very peaceful.

This place caught us by surprise. We were driving past and saw the conservatory and the outdoor Gardens. For $10, it didn't disappoint. Tons of lush and beautiful plants inside and koi. The outdoors was very relaxing and beautiful aswell. I will return.... 💟 Also it's right by the river and the scenery is relaxing. Come see for yourself.

You have to experience the Butterfly exhibit in the Spring and the All A Glow lights for Christmas. Absolutely Amazing. I love the Koi too. Such a beautiful place to enjoy with family.

Beautiful conservatory complete with holiday decorations. Love the "flowers" that were hung from the ceiling. So pretty.

The holiday lights were beautiful!! Would love to come back and see the gardens in a different season.