Allerton Park, one of our favorite places to experience nature as a family, should be tops on your list.
There are so many things to love about Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello that it’s hard to pick just eight. Monticello is just a short drive from Champaign-Urbana in Central Illinois (just over 30 minutes from the heart of C-U) and if you’ve never been, you’ll want to make the drive the next time you’re met with a beautiful day and want something to do. Here’s why:
- FREE. There is no admission fee to Allerton Park so your visit is free! (They do appreciate donations, if that’s something you wish to do.) Anywhere we can visit with our families that’s FREE is tops in our list.
- Imaginative. Their gardens transport you to a place where your imagination can run wild with your kids and feel like you’re living in a storybook. Our kids’ favorite spot at Allerton is the Triangle Parterre Garden, where it feels like a scene straight out of the book, “The Secret Garden.”
- Art. Perhaps your kids are still at that young and rambunctious age where the thought of walking them through a quiet indoor museum while you attempt to enjoy some beautiful art sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. At Allerton, you’ll find art at every turn (Robert Allerton had a love for all things art and music) and your kids will be able to run around and burn off all that energy at the same time. Win win!
- Nature. We know how important it is for children and adults to spend unstructured time in nature and we’re fortunate to have so many places in and surrounding Champaign-Urbana to do exactly that. At Allerton, you’ll hear plenty of birds, be able to climb and jump and play and take in the breathtaking scenery of the formal gardens and paths that make up the grounds.
- Be Active. We can’t think of many places more beautiful than Allerton where you can hike to get in your steps for the day and burn off that energy. Allerton Park is open year round (except for a few holidays), so you can head there even in the middle of winter if you just need somewhere to get outside and move.
- Picnic. Allerton Park was made for picnics! If the idea of eating outside on a blanket is on your family’s bucket list, Allerton is your spot. And if you don’t want to pack sandwiches from home, or if you just want to grab a coffee or cool off with some ice cream, the Greenhouse Cafe has you covered for food (check website for hours).
- Stunning. There’s a reason that Allerton Park is so popular for weddings and other picture-heavy occasions. If it’s been awhile since something took your breath away, there’s a good chance that something at Allerton will. Your kids may see it as a fun place to visit but they may not appreciate its beauty in the same way you and your partner may. It’s simply gorgeous and photos can’t fully do it justice. You have to go see it for yourself.
- Concerts. Allerton provides a great backdrop to outdoor concerts in the warmer weather months and has a variety of special events throughout the year. Some may have a cost attached to them, but others will be free. (If there are ones coming up on our event calendar, they’ll be listed below.)
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Olive Spannaus Education Series | Monica Rickert Bolter
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Monica Rickert-Bolter, an Afro-Indigenous visual artist will be the next speaker in the Olive Spannaus Education Series from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2 in the Mansion Library. Rickert-Bolter will share her experience in developing her artistic practices, her collaborative social justice work, and building a native artistic…read more…
Friday, April 5, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Public Mansion Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what the inside of Allerton’s historic, 1900-era Mansion looks like? Would you like to hear more about the unique history of Robert Allerton and the creation of his estate? Then register for one of the Public Mansion Tours scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 14,…read more…
Monday, April 8, 2024
Solar Eclipse
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
THE FARMS: SOLAR ECLIPSE AT ALLERTON Come out and enjoy the Solar Eclipse at Allerton on Monday, April 8 from 12:30 to 3:20 p.m. in the Meadow. While Allerton is not in the path of full totality, the eclipse will reach about 97 percent in this area. The partial eclipse begins at 12:48 p.m., maximum…read more…
Friday, April 12, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Friday, April 19, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Saturday, April 20, 2024
John Gregg Allerton Room Dedication | Registration Appreciated
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Head to Monticello celebrate the recent renovation of John Gregg Allerton’s former room (No. 4) in the Mansion! Thanks to generous gifts in memory of Jane Gregg Schowalter, John’s niece, his room has been beautifully restored to reflect the rich history of the Mansion and offer more comfortable amenities to…read more…
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Monday, April 22, 2024
Earth Day Workshop | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Celebrate at Allerton with an Earth Day Workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 22 in the Greenhouse Auditorium. Join Illinois Extension Educator Ryan Pankau for a short hike exploring the specular woodland habitat at the Park. Ryan will show you a beautiful collection of blooming wildflowers and talk about the rare and…read more…
Friday, April 26, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Teen Movie Night & Karaoke | High School Musical | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Teens (13-17) are invited to hang out at Allerton for a movie, games, karaoke and snacks at a Teen Movie Night from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the Music Barn. Wear your favorite PJ’s and BYOBlanket and lawn chair to watch “High School Musical.” Each participant will receive a…read more…
Friday, May 3, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Public Mansion Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what the inside of Allerton’s historic, 1900-era Mansion looks like? Would you like to hear more about the unique history of Robert Allerton and the creation of his estate? Then register for one of the Public Mansion Tours scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 14,…read more…
Friday, May 10, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Friday, May 17, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Friday, May 24, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Friday, May 31, 2024
Spring Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost daily. Hikes are open to anyone and are free for Allerton Park Bird Club members. Registration is required to participate. Each week…read more…
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946, Join in for one of these Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the beauty of each garden while learning the history behind its creation. Garden tours start at 10 a.m. at the Greenhouse Patio and last…read more…
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