Blair Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

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.

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 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 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.