Discover the Harezlak Family Sundial at Klehm: A Fall Highlight in the Forest Preserves

As autumn settles over northern Illinois and the sun drops lower on the horizon, one of the region’s most distinctive new outdoor features comes into its prime: The Harezlak Family Sundial at Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden.

Crafted from limestone, Corten steel, and decorative gravel, this large-scale sundial is both a work of art and an educational landmark. Its design honors the lifelong community service of Jean and Dennis Harezlak—both longtime educators and supporters of Klehm—and was completed in 2025 with broad support from local contributors, volunteers, and charitable funding sources.

A Sundial That Tells More Than Time

At its core, a sundial is a simple idea: sunlight strikes a fixed object (the gnomon), and the resulting shadow aligns with markings to show the time. But the Harezlak Family Sundial takes this to another level. Its stone gnomon casts a shadow that not only tells the time of day but also changes length throughout the year, sweeping across horizontal month lines—a unique feature not seen in most sundials.

Visitors often notice that the sundial reads differently in summer and winter because Daylight Saving Time is a human invention, not a solar one. During the summer months, Klehm shifts the dial markings so the sundial matches visitors’ watches. As Executive Director Alex Mills jokes, “A sundial purist might write us a letter about it—but we want the first reaction from visitors to be excitement, not confusion!”

Why Fall Is the Best Season to Visit

The days in late fall leading up to the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year on December 21 and also the official start of winter—produce the sundial’s longest, most dramatic shadows. Combined with the surrounding landscape, designed by Arc Design Resources to showcase maroons, purples, and richly colored grasses, the effect is striking.

“The shadows are clear and crisp all year,” Mills says, “but in the fall, the lower sun angle makes them spectacular. The entire setting was intentionally planted to shine at this time of year.”

A Project Years in the Making

Jean Harezlak

Planning began in 2020, when former Board President Jean Harezlak championed the idea of creating a signature, science-based garden feature at Klehm. As design discussions progressed, the team realized how critical precision would be. The stone angle had to match Rockford’s latitude. The height and placement needed to be calculated with specialized astronomical software. And the engraved hour and month lines had to be exact.

A team of partners—including Larson & Darby Group, LM Sheetmetal, Northern Illinois Service Company, Miller Engineering Company, and Benson Stone—helped bring the design to life. After Jean’s passing in 2024, the project was named to honor of her and her family. The sundial was completed in spring 2025, with landscaping installed throughout summer and fall.

Mills reflects: “I walk by it daily and still shake my head and smile. I can’t believe we built something this large, unique, and beautiful. The community support behind it has been incredible.”

When to Visit

The sundial can be enjoyed any time between sunrise and sunset, though mid-morning to late afternoon offers the most visible shadow movement. Spending just a few minutes at the feature will let visitors watch the shadow glide—proof that our planet is always in motion.

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden—located at 2715 S. Main St. Rockford, IL 61102—is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry at 3:30 p.m.). The Harezlak Family Sundial is located directly in front of the Visitors Center.

An interpretive sign is currently in development and will provide additional educational insight upon completion.

Plan Your Visit

The Harezlak Family Sundial is included with daily admission to Klehm. To learn more about hours, admission, membership, and programming, visit klehm.org.