20 Attractions to Explore Near Carle Park

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Meadowbrook Park, is the perfect place for a family picnic. This beloved park is filled with stunning scenery and plenty of activities to do within its 180 acres. Not only does Meadowbrook boast two swimming ponds and a 2.4-mile long scenic trail that winds through the park's extensive meadows and lush green grasses, but visitors will also be delighted to find playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

This Museum at the Historic Cattle Bank offers a unique peek into the community's past and present. Located in a renovated brick structure that traces its roots back to 1858, the museum is full of educational and interactive displays featuring artifacts, photographs, timelines and more that explore the community's history. Through an exciting array of interactive activities, visitors can become virtually immersed in key turning points in time as they learn about life in 19th-century Illinois.

Cattle Bank, is the oldest embodied banking institution in Illinois and continues to be a leader in providing quality banking services. Founded in 1849, Cattle Bank offers customers an extensive range of services including personal checking accounts, savings accounts, loans for agricultural needs as well as investment opportunities. With seven community based locations throughout Central Illinois and convenient online access.