Champaign County - 32 Attractions You Must Visit

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Homer Lake, is a 155 acre oasis in the heart of Illinois. It is part of the Homer Lake Forest Preserve, which also includes hiking and biking trails, picnic areas as well as a fishing dock with plenty of access points for canoes and kayaks. Home to a variety of fish such as largemouth bass and crappie, Homer Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for both amateur anglers and seasoned veterans alike.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.