What’s to Like About Rockford: The Sinnissippi Bike Path

The Sinnissippi Bike Path, Along the Rock River, Facing South

The Sinnissippi Bike Path, Along the Rock River, Facing South


The Sinnissippi Bike Path is more of a walking, jogging, running path than a biking path. Only two bikers zoomed by during the ninety minutes I was there taking pictures with my two daughters. Like most bikers, when I bike I like to take paths frequented with less foot traffic. But for those of us on our feet, the path is perfect.
"They said this was the walking path."

“They said this was the walking path.”


Nestled against the Rock River, the paved path is dotted with sculptures and park benches. The path includes entrances that meander around a lagoon with swan, through several gazebos with rose garden, and they bring you right up close to the new Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens. The grounds are mowed, litter free, and the path is well maintained. And this time of year, everything is green and blooming.
Heading south on the Sinnissippi Path, May 31, 2013.

Heading south on the Sinnissippi Path, May 31, 2013.


You never know who you’ll meet during your journey: parents getting their kids out of the house for a dose of vitamin D, every breed of leashed dog imaginable, geese exercising their goslings, and a fisherman or two. We watched this guy reel in a whopper, although since this particular fish came out of the Rock River, I probably would have put him back instead of frying him up.
Big Fish

Big Fish, yes! Big Meal? Not out of this river.


The Sinnissippi Bike Path is easy to get to, you can see it from North Second/Rt 251 and finding a place to park is a breeze. Parking is available near the YMCA and there are parking lots off of North Second Street. There is no charge to enjoy this lovely spot.
Who Knew Rockford Could Be So Pretty?

Who Knew Rockford Could Be So Pretty?


Photographs (C) Karin Blaski 5/31/2013

2 thoughts on “What’s to Like About Rockford: The Sinnissippi Bike Path

  1. I love this path but I didn’t know it was a bike path. I don’t recall ever seeing a bike on it. Lots of fishermen though and lots of times they have their kids with them and I’ve also never seen them throw the fish back. And they are some big fish. So unless they are mounting them on the wall, they must be eating them. Your link tempts me to print the PDF file before the next time I go and start handing it out.

  2. Posted this on Facebook in defense of not eating Rock River fish and thought the link should go here too. Now you tell me. Would you eat any fish that takes one week for your liver to purge the contaminants out of your body? One month? The state of Illinois says go ahead and eat it, fish is good for you, but only eat one fish of a certain size per week, or per month from this part of the river. Are you kidding me?

    I follow this rule when it comes to fishing: if I would not dip a cup in the lake, river, or pond, and drink the water I draw, then I’m sure as heck not going to eat the fish that have spent their life in that water.

    http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/fishadvisory/rockriver.htm

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