20 Attractions to Explore Near Rantoul

This is a charming place rich with history. Established in 1859, the first settlers sought refuge from the bustle of city life among the peaceful bluffs and rivers. While the town has grown over time, it still retains much of its original 19th century flavor. Today, Paxton is a thriving community of more than 5,000 people that is surrounded by parks, farms, and rolling hillsides. Visitors from all around come to experience the annual pumpkin festivals and taste homemade pies from a local bakery.

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.

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.

Downtown Champaign offers a thriving mix of culture, business, and entertainment. Visitors can explore the many charming shops that line the streets or take a stroll through one of its many green spaces. Historic sites such as the University of Illinois Main Quadrangle, Willard Airport, and Morrow Plots add to the unique character of downtown. The area also has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy.

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.

The Champaign City Building has long been a source of pride and inspiration for the people of the community. At the center of the city is a beautiful building that covers over one million square feet and stands an impressive ten stories tall. Inside, local residents can find governmental offices from mayor to police and fire departments as well as cultural institutions like the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. The building also houses some of Champaign's finest restaurants.

The Illinois Terminal, is a multi-modal transportation center and the nucleus of the region's transit system. Offering intercity bus and rail service, local bus services, as well as taxis and bike rentals, it is designed to meet all your public transport needs. The terminal's four floors house ticketing offices, retail stores, cafes and restaurants. It also features escalators and elevators for easy access. In addition, informational signs are posted throughout the building.

The Virginia Theatre has been a monument to entertainment in the area for nearly one hundred years. Originally opening in 1921, the movie palace offered crystal-clear sound and images that were far ahead of its time. It is the only classic movie theater left standing with its original design still intact and it continues to host events ranging from rock concerts to live stage productions. Its grand auditorium and velvet curtains create an atmosphere that takes people back in time.

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 William M. Staerkel Planetarium is a remarkable place to discover the beauty of the night sky. Its 39-foot domed ceiling houses a state-of-the-art digital projection system that displays breathtaking visuals from above and beyond. Visitors have the opportunity to attend live shows and lectures hosted by knowledgeable staff who can guide them through the universe's most fascinating facts, stories, and phenomena.

Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve with over 230 acres of beautiful natural land, this preserve has something for everyone. From wildlife watching to fishing and picnicking to trails that are suitable for cross-country skiing in the winter and biking, hiking or birding throughout the year, there are endless activities. The lake itself adds an extra layer of beauty to the preserve: visitors can canoe or kayak around its banks for a perfect day out!

Dix Township is a vibrant area located in Ford County, Illinois. This township offers a wide range of attractions to its citizens including beautiful outdoor spaces, historical sights, exciting recreational activities and much more. Visitors and locals alike can find something to do anytime of the year. Whether it's swimming in Lake Iroquois, exploring pastoral scenes and family farms, or participating in sports leagues and other local events, Dix Township has a bit of something for everyone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.