Cotty Hatch
Grand Rapids, Michigan Realtor
Rockford Area Guide
Sitting on the banks of the Rogue River, Rockford has distinguished itself in Kent County with its golf courses, recreational activities and beautiful lakes and rivers as well as its close proximity to Grand Rapids. Managing to maintain its small town charm at the same time it offers the big city amenities, Rockford, with its community of nearly 5,000 residents, has developed a long standing legacy through the years as the ultimate family destination. Enjoy the small town ambiance, with Grand Rapids only minutes away, and make Rockford the place you call home.
History
Rockford began its existence at Laphamville, after Smith Lapham who had come to help his friend William Hunter build a dam and sawmill. As repayment, Hunter gave Lapham forty acres of his own on the east side of the Rogue and Lapham built his own sawmill in 1844, staying there for the rest of his life. Platted at Laphamville, by 1865, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Company had begun their extension northward through the village. On the advice of the railroad, the villagers decided to adopt a shorter name and a newly arrived resident from Rockford, Illinois suggested his old town’s. Accepted by a narrow margin, Rockford was replatted in 1865 under its new name and incorporated in 1866 with 315 residents.
Since that time, Rockford has developed into a thriving suburban area near Grand Rapids, its community close knit and a great place to raise a family.
Attractions & Activities
Rockford is the home of many attractions that have something for everyone from kids to grandparents. Whether it’s hiking trails or golf, horseback riding or skiing that you love, Rockford has it.
White Pine Trail
Converted from a railroad track to a paved trail system, The White Pine Trail connects Grand Rapids with the Cadillac system. Open year round for public use, there are campgrounds and canoeing, kayaking and tubing in the nearby rivers. To learn more, visit: http://www.whitepinetrail.com/
Musketawa Trail
Twenty five miles of paved, multi-use recreation trails open year round are enjoyed by bikers, snowmobilers, skiers and wheelchair travelers. Open to everyone from rollerbladers to horsebackriders, Musketawa Trail is fun for the whole family.
For more information, visit: http://www.musketawatrail.org/
Thornapple Trail
Scenic delights wait on the former railroad corridor for your enjoyment. Running from Grand Rapids to Vermontville, MI, this 42 miles route is a year round destination for the outdoor enthusiast with many opportunities for its visitors to have a great time. To learn more, visit: http://www.thornappletrail.com/
Rockford Area Golf Courses
With eight public and three private golf courses, there’s always a game somewhere in Rockford to test your skill. Both nine and 18 hole courses wait for you to pack up your clubs and come play a round.
For a complete list of the golf courses in and around Rockford, visit: Rockford Golf Courses
For a complete list of Rockford’s recreational activities, please visit: Rockford Recreation
Annual Events
Harvest Fest
Make room in your schedule for the annual event that’s so great it lasts three weekends! Food, fun, entertainment and more are just waiting to be had by all! For more information, visit: http://www.therockfordnetwork.com/harvest-fest.php
Picnic Pops
Pack a picnic, wear your comfortable clothes and bring a chair to listen to an annual showcase of music by the Grand Rapids Symphony every July and August. Bring the kids and let them enjoy the Family Fun Area at Cannonsburg Ski Area and a great time will be had by all. To learn more, visit: http://www.therockfordnetwork.com/Chase-Picnic-Pops.php
Annual Rockford Expo
Over 180 booths, entertainment and workshops bring everyone to the expo, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Don’t miss out on the fun and with free admission and free parking added in, it’s a win/win situation! For more information, visit: Annual Rockford Expo
For a complete listing of Annual Events in Rockford, visit: Rockford Annual Events
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