๐ Anderson Japanese Garden near Madison
On my way back from a conference in Chicago, I stopped by the Anderson Japanese Garden in Rockford! ๐ฎ This serene oasis features crimson maples, wooden bridges, flowing streams, and traditional Japanese wooden houses โ a perfect blend of tranquility and beauty. ๐ Coincidentally, it was Halloween! The garden hosted a pumpkin carving contest โ the creations were incredibly creative and spooky! ๐จ ๐ Why Visit? Authentic Japanese design: Meticulously landscaped with koi ponds, stone lanterns, and Zen gardens. Seasonal beauty: Autumn foliage (especially maples and ginkgo trees) is stunning! ๐ Events: Seasonal activities like tea ceremonies, pumpkin carving, and light festivals. ๐ Details: Address: 318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107 Distance: ~1.5 hours from Madison, 2 hours from Chicago. Best time to visit: Late October for fall colors ๐ or spring for cherry blossoms! ๐ธ #MadisonLife #UWMadison #JapaneseGarden #FallVibes #AutumnTravel ๐โจ