20 Attractions to Explore Near Lodge Park Trail

The Monticello Railway Museum,founded in 1971 by local volunteers, the museum has become an impressive attraction for adults and children alike. Visitors to the museum will get a chance to ride aboard restored passenger and freight train cars pulled behind vintage diesel locomotives along over six miles of track. In addition to rides, visitors can explore enginehouses, shop houses and other historic structures related to the railways that helped develop this area of Illinois.

The Monticello Railway Museum Wabash Depot is a significant piece of local history. Constructed in 1917 and originally used as a passenger stop on the Wabash Line, the depot offers a unique snapshot of railroading as it was in the early 20th century. In 1987, the Eastern Iowa Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society purchased the building with plans to convert it into an interactive museum that would celebrate past railroading practices.

Fu Dog Garden is a unique combination of oriental and Western appeal. The garden features bronze dogs by the entrance, stunning landscape scenery, an elaborately constructed gazebo, and even a reflection pond. Paths are made up of hazel logs leading visitors to the four colorfully crafted pagodas with stone stairways crafted in the style of ancient Chinese architecture. Artful sculptures are laid out across the garden including a three-eyed Fu Dog, the spiritual guardian of Chinese emperors.

Allerton Park is a stunning and peaceful area that boasts 960 acres of beautiful foliage, babbling ponds, sparkling waterfalls, grand country houses, as well as various recreational activities. Perfect for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous day trip, visitors can make the most out of their stay at Allerton Park by taking leisurely strolls along the trails through lush woodlands and meadows, working up a sweat with any number of outdoor activities like basketball and disc-golfing.

Sun Singer, is a breathtakingly gorgeous park and hidden gem of the local area. It consists of nature trails that wind through the woods along a stream and there are plenty of beautiful scenic spots for picnicking. Visitors can experience the amazing wildlife of the area first-hand, with an abundance of birds, snakes, turtles and other small animals making their home in these peaceful surroundings. There is also an archery field where guests can practice their archery skills.

Bryant Cottage State Historic Site is a great place to learn about the past. This state-owned property features the Bryant Cottage, which was the home of Joseph and Mary Ann Bryant in 1870. The two-story frame structure was originally constructed on the adjoining farm in 1848 and later moved after the property was purchased by the state. Visitors to Bryant Cottage can see period furnishings, photographs, and documents depicting family life in America during this time.

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!

Clinton Lake State Recreation Area provides an excellent day trip for residents and visitors alike. With 6,781 acres of land plus the secretively tucked-away 568-acre lake, there is plenty of room to explore. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like camping, boating, fishing and swimming in the clear waters. Picnic areas are plentiful along with 20 miles of trails that support horseback riding and mountain biking; walking trails also provide a peaceful environment.

Centennial Park, is an oasis of recreational activities and stunning scenery. The 300-acre park allows visitors to relax and connect with nature through its hiking trails, disc golf courses, fishing, picnic area and playgrounds. Nature lovers can observe several different species of butterflies and birds in the park's varied habitats. If you are feeling adventurous, take a ride on the park's biking and bridle trails. There are numerous amenities available.

The Sholem Aquatic Center is a family-friendly water park featuring two large slides, four lazy rivers, and an interactive children's area, the Sholem Aquatic Center offers guests of all ages the opportunity to make a splash! From open swim sessions to summer camp programs and birthday parties, this popular attraction offers fun for everyone. Offering group discounts and season passes that feature unlimited visits, the Sholem Aquatic Center is an excellent value in entertainment.

Clinton Lake is one of the premier spots for outdoor recreation in the state of Illinois. Boating, swimming and fishing are some of the great activities you can enjoy on its 6,200 acre surface area. Clinton Lake also offers plenty of trails and campsites to explore, and its many forests provide a perfect setting for quiet contemplation, bird watching and stargazing. The lush landscape contains many different species of plant life, animals, reptiles and fish as well.

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.

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.

West Side Park, is a great place to enjoy nature and take a break from the rest of the world. Spanning 90 acres of land, West Side Park boasts lush fields, ponds and wetlands teeming with birds and other wildlife. The park also has two miles of trails that meander through the forests affording visitors picturesque views as they explore. Those looking for more physical activity can check out the six baseball diamonds and basketball courts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.