By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The area’s vast green spaces, cultural centers, museums and nearby state parks helped Rockford earn a travel website’s ranking as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Illinois.
Thrillist, which covers travel, food, drink and entertainment, named Rockford among its 12 best places to visit in the state. Other places to make the list — which isn’t ranked — include the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois and the Galena historic district.
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You can see the full list on Thrillist here. Most of its selections are specific parks, places or scenic drives. Rockford was the only whole city it selected.
“Rockford is the fourth largest city in Illinois and teeming with cultural and historical landmarks,” Thrillist wrote in its selection.
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It also highlighted the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, Rock Cut State Park, Atwood Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History, among other places.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas.