Rockford

The city of Rockford, located in Winnebago County, Northern Illinois, is home to just over 150,000 inhabitants. Although currently the third-largest city in the state, it was once the second-largest in the latter part of the 20th century. Also known as the “Forest City” because of its famous oak trees, Rockford was initially called “Midway” because of its mid location between Chicago and Galena. It was quickly named Rockford after it offered an excellent crossing point for wagons over the Rock River. With yards of woodlands, parks, and recreational areas, Rockford has copious outdoor and recreational activities, such as hiking, trekking, fishing, biking, and sight¬seeing.