A bustling college town renowned for its Midwest friendliness
Champaign
Travelers are drawn to Champaign by the University of Illinois, but they also quickly learn about the area’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, vibrant cultural scene, agritourism options, and technological sector—all of which exude genuine Midwestern charm. Champaign County is a great place to visit year-round, but the summer and fall seasons offer a plethora of events, including theater, sports, festivals, and breathtaking fall foliage.
Food and Fun
Spend time on Champaign County farms, which offer samples of their harvests and a variety of experiences. Tour Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery to learn about their herd of Nubian goats, and taste award-winning cheeses and gelato made with goat milk and the dairy-free sorbetto (that also uses local fruits). Stroll the grounds of the 81-hectare Great Pumpkin Patch, and see more than 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from more than 30 countries. Explore mazes, wander the gardens and see animals, such as goats, rabbits and chickens. At Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, pick your own apples, drink fresh cider and taste honey harvested on site. Find your way through a four-hectare corn maze, then meet a herd of friendly Alaskan reindeer – they like getting kisses – at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, which is especially active during the holiday season with 5,000 Christmas trees.
Back in town, you’ll find an award-winning culinary scene. Area farms supply fresh local ingredients, while a large international population contributes a cultural melting pot of global flavors. In downtown Champaign, choose from over 40 locally owned bars and restaurants offering everything from barbeque to Zambian cuisine.
Arts and Local Culture
Top arts venues include the second largest fine arts museum in the state of Illinois, Krannert Art Museum, and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, featuring more than 300 performances annually, both on the university campus. Catch live music, a stage production or a movie at The Virginia Theatre, tour the European-inspired Allerton Park & Retreat Center estate and gardens, and ride a train and see more than 100 pieces of historic railcars at the Monticello Railway Museum. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Illinois Amish Country just south of Champaign, where the locals get around by horse and buggy, and create fine crafts without the use of electricity. You’ll also enjoy a thriving live music scene, with a diverse lineup of local and touring artists performing nearly every night of the week year-round. Unique venues range from local honky-tonks to open-air street festivals and and more.
Intellectually Stimulating
Technology enthusiasts will feel like they hit the jackpot in Champaign. At the Champaign-Urbana Fab Lab at the University of Illinois, get a hands-on look at state-of-the-art technology and get a chance to create your own projects with 3D printers, laser cutters, augmented reality devices and other fascinating gadgets. Stretch your mind even further at Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space. This award-winning escape room has challenged visitors from around the world with creative, custom-built puzzles and immersive themed experiences.