“The greater Champaign-Urbana area is bursting with opportunities for groups to immerse themselves in the rich heritage available here.” –Caitlyn Floyd, Visit Champaign County
When you talk to someone about Illinois, inevitably Chicago dominates the conversation. But there’s much more to this Midwest state than the Windy City. Located in the heart of the state — East Central, Illinois, to be exact — Champaign-Urbana is centrally located between Indianapolis, St. Louis and, yes, Chicago. While Champaign-Urbana can’t help but be influenced by its neighbors, it steadfastly remains a place all its own, from its agriculture adventures and iconic public art to one-of-a-kind museums. Here, we offer a small taste of what this area has in store.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center
A 1,517-acre park, nature center and conference center, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is surrounded by vast gardens decorated with timeless pieces of art. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this private residence from artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton was donated to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1945 and today the park is an ideal destination for adventurers and is considered one of the seven wonders of Illinois. After a long day of activities, enjoy a peaceful and magical night at the Mansion. Befitting a Georgian Manor House with extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures, the estate has 41 guest rooms and three guest houses, perfect for small or large groups.
Just south of Champaign-Urbana is Illinois’ largest Amish settlement, with many shops, woodworkers, quilters, and homemade meals to enjoy.
Amish Country of Illinois
With modern technology a constant part of our daily lives, the lure of escaping all that and traveling back in time, if even for a few hours, sounds like a dream. In the micro-urban cities of Champaign-Urbana that dream becomes a reality in Amish Country. Nearby Arthur is a quaint Midwest destination that’s home to the state’s largest and oldest Amish community. From shopping for beautiful handmade wood furniture and eating the perfect slice of apple pie to watching the Amish horse-drawn buggies roll by, Arthur offers a variety of activities to refresh and revive even the most hardened city slickers.
Located on the University of Illinois campus, the Japan House provides immersive experiences in Ikebena (flower arranging), tea ceremonies, and walks through their traditional Japanese gardens. Photo Credit: The Japan House
Japan House at the University of Illinois
Located at the University of Illinois, Japan House offers a way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture in the heart of the Midwest. Experience a traditional tea ceremony, Way of Tea, which is at the heart of the teachings of Japan House. Three tea rooms, each built by a Japanese master carpenter, represent three different styles of tea rooms. Nearby is a garden, which features a waiting bench and a tsukubai, or stone water basin. Refresh yourself and wash your worldly cares goodbye.
Illinois still has plenty more activities and attractions to offer. If you’d like to get more travel ideas for Illinois and beyond, be sure to Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel magazine for FREE
For More information about Champaign-Urbana Contact:
Caitlyn Floyd, 217-351-4133
caitlynf@visitchampaigncounty.org
