Midway Village Museum: A Journey Through Rockford's History
Step back in time at Midway Village Museum, exploring Rockford's rich history through immersive exhibits and a living history village.
Midway Village Museum in Rockford, Illinois, is a 148-acre living history museum that brings the region's past to life. The museum features a main building with exhibits and a Victorian Village with 26 historical structures representing a rural Northern Illinois town from 1890-1910. Visitors can explore homes, businesses, and community buildings, experiencing life as it was at the turn of the 20th century.
A brief summary to Midway Village Museum
- 6799 Guilford Rd, Rockford, Illinois, 61107, US
- +1815-397-9112
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for special events and living history weekend schedules to enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the large 148-acre museum campus and Victorian Village.
- Visit during the warmer months to fully enjoy the outdoor Victorian Village and heritage gardens.
- Consider booking a guided tour for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and historical buildings.
Getting There
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Driving
Midway Village Museum is located at 6799 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. It's situated just minutes west of I-90 and the State Street exit. From I-90, take the State Street exit and head west. Turn north onto Perryville Rd, then west onto Guilford Rd. The museum will be on your left. Parking is free in the museum's lots. There are also parking lots at the adjacent Guilford County Forest Preserve. Parking is free for general admission and special events.
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Public Transport
While Rockford does have a public transportation system, the Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD), bus routes directly to Midway Village Museum may be limited. Check the RMTD website or app for the most up-to-date route information and schedules. From downtown Rockford, you may need to take a combination of routes to reach Perryville Road, then walk west to the museum. A single-ride fare on RMTD is typically $2.00 [https://www.gorockford.com/plan/getting-around/].
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Walking
For those staying near the Guilford County Forest Preserve, accessing Midway Village Museum by foot is straightforward. Utilize the Midway Village Museum Loop, a 1.4-mile pathway that passes both the forest preserve and the museum. The trail connects to the Perryville Path at the intersection of Guilford Road and N Perryville Road. From the forest preserve, follow the signs for the museum.
Discover more about Midway Village Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Laurent House Visitor Center
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Rockford Women's Suffrage Plaza
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Essential places to dine
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Thunder Bay Grille Rockford
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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