Find out what’s open on Memorial Day in Champaign-Urbana
It’s almost Memorial Day weekend in Champaign-Urbana, and what does that mean? It’s the (un)official start of summer. Time for pools to open and picnic season to start. It’s also a time to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.
Some Memorial Day facts:
- It is customary on Memorial Day to fly the flag at half staff until noon, and then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset.
- Red Poppies are recognized as the Memorial Day flower.
- “Taps” is often played at ceremonies on Memorial Day.
- Memorial Day was first called “Decoration Day” because of the practice of decorating soldier’s graves with flowers.
What else you need to know about Memorial Day in Champaign-Urbana:
Government offices: Federal, state, county and city administrative offices closed.
Postal service: All post offices will be closed. No mail will be delivered.
Courts: Federal, state and county closed.
Banks: Closed
Libraries: All are closed. Urbana Free Library also will be closed the Sunday before Memorial Day.
Transit: No CUMTD service. Amtrak operates as usual.
Parking: As a city holiday, metered parking in Champaign and Urbana is free on Memorial Day.
Museums: All are closed, with one major exception: the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet.
What is OPEN?
Grocery stores, some retail (most mom and pop places will be closed), most restaurants, car dealers. Some drug stores may be open but without pharmacy services. Call ahead when in doubt.
WATER! Swimming pools: Yep, all of the outdoor ones, weather permitting. It’s also opening day for Clinton Lake Beach. The Douglass Park and Hessel Park splash pads will have the water flowing.
Prairie Farm: It’s opening weekend!
Boating: Rentals of pedal boats, kayaks and rowboats are available starting Memorial Day Weekend at Lake of the Woods (remember, also go to Museum of the Grand Prairie). Crystal Lake Park boats are also open. Of course, all of this is weather permitting.
If you are looking for information on Memorial Day commemorations or other things to do on Memorial Day with your family, check out our list of 7 things to do on Memorial Day, our events calendar, our swimming pool guide, and our upcoming weekend planner.