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 and Retreat Center in Monticello that it’s hard to pick just nine. Monticello is 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! (Allerton does appreciate donations, if that’s something you wish to do.) Anywhere we can visit with our families that’s free is tops on our list.
- Imagination. Their gardens transport you to a place where your imagination can run wild. 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 surrounding Champaign-Urbana to do exactly that. At Allerton, you’ll hear plenty of birds while climbing and jumping and playing. You can take in the breathtaking scenery of the formal gardens and paths that make up the grounds.
- Activity. 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 (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 a while 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 do. 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 for outdoor concerts in the warmer 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 concerts or other events coming up on our Event Calendar, they’ll be listed below.)
- Holiday Glow. This event is an annual tradition for many C-U families and, for some, the only time they make it to Allerton Park all year.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
<h4>Lyric Under the Stars</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 7:30 pm
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois invites you to spend an evening Under the Stars in the beautiful Sunken Garden at Allerton Park & Retreat Center listening to a selection of songs, arias, and choruses from the world’s most beloved operas and musical theatre works. Eat and drink with family, friends, and…read more…
Friday, September 20, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
<h4>Lyric Under the Stars</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 7:30 pm
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois invites you to spend an evening Under the Stars in the beautiful Sunken Garden at Allerton Park & Retreat Center listening to a selection of songs, arias, and choruses from the world’s most beloved operas and musical theatre works. Eat and drink with family, friends, and…read more…
Saturday, September 21, 2024
<h4>Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required</h4>
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…
<h4>Lyric Under the Stars</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 7:30 pm
Lyric Theatre @ Illinois invites you to spend an evening Under the Stars in the beautiful Sunken Garden at Allerton Park & Retreat Center listening to a selection of songs, arias, and choruses from the world’s most beloved operas and musical theatre works. Eat and drink with family, friends, and…read more…
Friday, September 27, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
Friday, October 4, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
Saturday, October 5, 2024
<h4>Saturday Stargazing</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 8:45 pm - 10:30 pm
The Farms: Saturday Stargazing Experience Level: Beginner Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for Saturday Stargazing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 7, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 at the Sun Singer. Enjoy a night of stargazing, finding constellations and spotting deep space objects through telescopes. Arrive early, bring snacks and play lawn games…read more…
Sunday, October 6, 2024
<h4>Public Mansion Tours | Registration Required</h4>
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 these Public Mansion Tours scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tours begin…read more…
Friday, October 11, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
Friday, October 18, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
Saturday, October 19, 2024
<h4>Third Saturday Garden Tours | Registration Required</h4>
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, October 25, 2024
<h4>Fall Migration Bird Hikes | Registration Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: Fall Migration Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Join Allerton Natural Areas staff for Fall Bird Hikes on Fridays, Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot . In the fall, birds begin to move south and each week the variety of bird species in…read more…
Saturday, November 2, 2024
<h4>Saturday Stargazing</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 8:45 pm - 10:30 pm
The Farms: Saturday Stargazing Experience Level: Beginner Join the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society for Saturday Stargazing from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 7, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 at the Sun Singer. Enjoy a night of stargazing, finding constellations and spotting deep space objects through telescopes. Arrive early, bring snacks and play lawn games…read more…
Sunday, November 10, 2024
<h4>Public Mansion Tours | Registration Required</h4>
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 these Public Mansion Tours scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tours begin…read more…
Friday, December 6, 2024
<h4>Holiday Showcase Opening Night - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Holiday [Showcase + GLOW] Opening Night Start the holiday season with a magical evening at Holiday [Showcase + GLOW] Opening Night from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6. Take an enchanting stroll through the magical, illuminated gardens of Holiday GLOW presented by the U of I Community Credit…read more…
Saturday, December 7, 2024
<h4>Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8 in the Mansion! Come out and shop for gifts and relax with friends over drinks and/or an optional lunch. The Showcase features specially selected artisans and businesses selling their unique products, handcrafted wares and baked…read more…
Sunday, December 8, 2024
<h4>Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the season at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management Friday through Sunday, Dec. 6-8 in the Mansion! Come out and shop for gifts and relax with friends over drinks and/or an optional lunch. The Showcase features specially selected artisans and businesses selling their unique products, handcrafted wares and baked…read more…
Monday, December 9, 2024
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Thursday, December 12, 2024
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Sunday, December 15, 2024
<h4>Sensory Hour Sweets with Santa | Registration Opens 10/1</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
<h4>Sweets with Santa | Tickets Required | Registration Opens 10/1</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
At Sweets with Santa, children will have the chance to chat and get their picture with Santa, read a story with Mrs. Claus, create their own crafts, and nibble on festive treats. Buy tickets ahead of time as it tends to sell out!
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
<h4>Holiday Mansion Tours - Tickets Required</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come see the Mansion shine in all of its holiday splendor at the Holiday Mansion Tours on Monday, Dec. 9 (5 p.m. and 6 p.m.), Thursday, Dec. 12 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Tuesday, Dec. 17 (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Enjoy the twinkle from more than 40 trees…read more…
Saturday, December 21, 2024
<h4>Winter Solstice Bonfire</h4>
Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Head to Monticello to celebrate the “shortest day of the year” at the Winter Solstice Bonfire on Saturday, December 21 from 5-9 p.m. in the Allerton Meadow! The winter solstice marks the official beginning of winter and has been celebrated in a variety of ways for thousands of years, traditionally…read more…
A Must See: The Peony Garden at Allerton Park | Gardens and Flower Farms in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond | Allerton Glow: A Holiday Tradition | Greenhouse Cafe
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