Allerton Park, one of our favorite places to experience nature as a family, should be tops on your list for a day trip

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.

Allerton is 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.

Tap into your imagination at Allerton

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.”

Allerton path

Art – need we say more?

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!

Allerton with redbuds

Nature fans unite

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.

Allerton trails

Pack a 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).

Allerton Greenhouse cafe

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.

Allerton gardens

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.)

Allerton Concert on the lawn

Spring Peonies

Families flock to Allerton for the peonies each spring we are definitely some of those families. Visit the peonies each May.

Allerton peony garden

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.

Tangle of lights at Allerton

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Allerton Public Mansion Tours

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Attend one of the Public Mansion Tours to view inside Robert Allerton’s 1900s-era mansion and hear the unique history of the creation of the estate. Tours typically last 60 minutes and will meet in the Mansion Gallery. Tours will primarily cover the first floor of the home with an optional…read more…

Friday, December 4, 2026

First Friday Bird Hikes | Registration Required

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
The Farms: First Friday Bird Hikes Experience Level: Beginner Get outside and get to know the birds at these First Friday Bird Hikes on Friday, June 5, August 7, November 6, or December 4 from 9-11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot. Led by the Natural Areas staff, these…read more…

Holiday Showcase Opening Night - Tickets Required

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. 4. Take an enchanting stroll through the magical, illuminated gardens of Holiday GLOW, shop from local vendors at the Holiday Showcase,…read more…

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Holiday Showcase - Tickets Required

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Time: 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Celebrate the season at Holiday Opening Weekend, with a variety of festive fun happening Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6! Shop from local vendors at the Holiday Showcase, stroll through the illuminated gardens and woodlands of Holiday GLOW, enjoy special musical entertainment, linger over food and drink, bundle up on…read more…

Allerton Park, one of our favorite places to experience nature as a family, should be tops on your list for a day trip

Allerton is FREE

Tap into your imagination at Allerton

Art – need we say more?

Nature fans unite

Pack a picnic

Stunning

Concerts

Spring Peonies

Holiday Glow

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Friday, December 4, 2026

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Sunday, December 6, 2026

Monday, December 7, 2026

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

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