20 Attractions to Explore Near Meadowbrook Park

Japan House at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an oasis of tranquility and beauty for the students and people of Champaign county. The cultural center provides a unique opportunity to experience the traditions, art, and daily life of Japan in a breathtaking setting of Japanese gardens and koi ponds. Visitors can explore Japanese painting, flower arrangement, calligraphy, tea ceremony, chopstick making, and many other activities led by experts from around the world.

This is truly a sight to behond. Spanning one-hundred and thirty acres, the Arboretum is comprised of numerous gardens, each one more breathtakingly than the last. Visitors can explore perennial gardens; butterfly gardens; a formal Japanese Garden; and fruit and vegetable gardens. It additionally includes a variety of walking trails along with Greco-Roman-style amphitheater, allowing visitors an opportunity to admire nature or have an outdoor picnic without having to leave the premises.

Blair Park, is a great destination for nature lovers. Located on the grounds of a former golf course, the 155-acre park offers lots of green space and plenty of opportunities to explore. From its lush walking trails to its boardwalks winding through wetland habitats, Blair Park is teeming with flora and fauna. The park also features two large ponds that attract river otter, birds, and other creatures typically found in wetlands.

Carle Park,is a beautiful and serene nature escape situated in the bustling city of Urbana. The park is home to a stunning pool of clear blue water with a stunning waterfall cascading down from the center. Its large meadows provide visitors with plenty of opportunities for picnicking, relaxing, and strolling along its many trails. There are also playgrounds for kids as well as plenty of activities for adults such as fishing, hiking, canoeing, bird watching and more.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is an excellent choice for prospective students looking to pursue higher education. Located in Champaign County, the university offers degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines, including economics, engineering, journalism and computer science. The campus boasts an intimate learning environment with a modern academic center and a library filled with resources for students to research and study.

The State Farm Center, is a beloved local venue for entertainment and events. This prominent centerpiece hosts major concerts, sporting events for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign teams, as well as graduations and other large gatherings. These huge events are made comfortable and memorable by the recently upgraded facility that features modernized amenities including disability access upgrades, an 800-space parking garage, LED video boards and improved acoustics.

The Krannert Art Museum has become a staple fixture for art lovers around the area. Boasting an impressive two-story facility containing countless modern, contemporary, and historical works from international locations, it is easy to see why this particular museum is so highly regarded. Special exhibitions regularly take place in both the East and West Galleries while their permanent collections feature unique pieces from both creative and experimental artists.

This is a beloved landmark, having hosted numerous memorable sporting events over the years. Initially opened in 1923, with the capacity increasing to more than 62,000. It is now home to the Fighting Illini football team and serves as one of college football's larger venues. The stadium additionally boasts one of the nation's largest indoor video displays at 111 feet by 24 feet, and includes state-of-the-art sound systems as well as many other unique amenities.

This beautiful museum has been around since it was founded in 1867 and it still remains an anchor of culture today. Featuring galleries filled with artifacts and art from all over the world, the Spurlock Museum offers something for everyone. In addition to its permanent collection, there are also regularly rotating exhibitions showcasing specific topics. These rotating exhibitions often have interactive elements that allow visitors to experience different cultures in a way.

From the limestone blocks to the ornate details of its structure, Hallene Gateway monument is an impressive sight to behold. Located in Champaign County, Illinois, this 20-foot-tall memorial was built to honor World War I veterans and it stands right beside the main highway running through Urbana. The monument's classic design is comprised of two pillars with a triangular pediment sitting atop them, plus smaller columns and intricate carvings decorating it from head to toe.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, is an iconic venue that brings together the community through the power of live performances. From operas and jazz concerts to theatrical plays and modern dance productions, this remarkable center draws visitors from across the country for their unique lineup of artistic talent. The facility's five theaters have become a hallmark of excellence with state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems that bring each experience to life.

The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music is a one-of-a-kind resource offering invaluable insight into the history of music in the United States. Named after legendary bandmaster John Philip Sousa, this archive has an impressive collection of manuscripts, sound recordings, and print materials which documents the development of music from the nineteenth century to present day.

Founded in 1947 and guided by the vibrant vision of its leadership, this center provides important worship services to the Catholic community and promotes the mission of The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign through insightful conversations, social media outreach, educational programs, and more. As part of an effort to serve both students and members of the local area alike, Newman Hall serves as a safe haven for personal growth and dialogue on a variety of religious topics.

The Main Quad is a place full of history and a great spot to spend the day. This two-block area, bounded by Green Street, Wright Street and Daniel Street contains the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with its iconic stately architecture. The Main Quad offers an abundance of activities for visitors of all ages. It features an impressive array of sculptures and monuments honoring past distinguished faculty as well as current members of the university community.

The Urbana-Lincoln Hotel and Lincoln Square Mall offer a great destination for both locals and visitors alike. The hotel is easily accessible from all parts of the county and features a variety of lodging options to accommodate any budget. Inside the mall, shoppers will find a wide selection of stores to suit anyone's needs. With restaurants, clothing shops, toy stores, gaming parlors, and much more available, there really is something for everyone in this convenient location.

The UI Ice Arena,is the premier spot for ice skating in this area. With two full-size NHL rinks, a professional sound system and snack bar, the facility provides a great atmosphere for all kinds. Whether it’s public skating sessions, adult hockey leagues or figure skating events - everyone loves to take a spin under these lights! Additionally, the arena offers classes and lessons taught by certified instructors as well as birthday parties, private meetings/events and skate gear rentals.

This is a wonderful resource for engineering students of all levels. Boasting over 7 million volumes, 40 thousand microform, and 400 databases, it is the perfect venue to browse through scholarly articles or look something up in an encyclopedia. Its collaborative workspaces help users connect with their teammates while its easy-access study rooms are perfect for independent studying. It also offers technology resources such as printing and scanning machines and chargeable laptops.

Dodds Park is a picturesque park with and endless amount of outdoor activities. Located near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Land of Lincoln bike trails, it's an ideal spot for university students to take a rest and enjoy the outdoors. Dodds Park features a beach volleyball court, a boat ramp, fishing areas with rental boats, picnic sites featuring shaded trees, a family fitness park with exercise equipment, and multi-use sports fields perfect for football or soccer games.

This vibrant public library provides an array of services to its patrons including borrowing of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs, computers and printing access, as well as activities like storytimes, book discussion groups, events and lectures. The library prides itself on fostering life-long learning within the community by providing educational materials like resources for job seekers and places of worship. Additionally, library staff are highly knowledgeable and eager to help.

King Park is a beautiful park with plenty to explore. Visitors can enjoy an array of outdoor activities including tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts, as well as a nature trail through the surrounding woods. The nearby lake is ideal for fishing and boating, while fields dotted with picnic tables make the perfect spot for a relaxing alfresco lunch. The park also provides playground equipment that makes it great for families with young children who need to let off some energy.