Champaign County
Uncork all the possibilities of fun in Land of Lincoln
Ready to escape the bustle of Chicago? Drive south for two hours and you’ll wind up in charming Champaign County. Boasting big city amenities and natural beauty, Champaign County is just waiting for you to discover its diverse collection of museums and stunning outdoor spaces.
Bask in the Great Outdoors
Featuring five forest preserves, seemingly endless miles of hiking trails and handfuls of gorgeous gardens and parks, this county teems with outdoor recreation opportunities. In fact, Time Magazine named it one of the best places to walk or bike in 2015.
The 160-acre Sangamon River Forest Preserve is a great place to start your adventures. Here you can enjoy hiking, bird watching, picnicking and stand in the shadow of the towering the Lincoln Ash Tree, one of the biggest in Illinois with a circumference of about 13 feet. Anglers will want to head to River Bend Forest Preserve south of Mahomet. Home to 130 acres of clear water in two lakes, this forest preserve offers the best fishing in the county at Possibility Pier. For a dazzling array of flowers, check out Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens nestled within the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve for the most diverse flora in east Illinois. Popular parks in the county include Crystal Lake, Meadowbrook and Champaign Park District.
Attractions Fit for a Big City
Whether you want to learn about history, visit art galleries, or watch a nail-biting football game, know that you’ll be able to do all three in Champaign County’s diverse array of museums, attractions and state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
Uncover the county’s past and see what 19th century life in east-central Illinois was like at the Museum of the Grand Prairie. Gaze at over 350 expertly crafted ship models from throughout history at the National Museum of Ship Models and Sea History. Expand your knowledge of outer space in an interactive setting at the William M. Staerkel Planetarium, the second largest planetarium in the state. Expand your horizons and discover cultures from all over the world through 45,000 artifacts at the Spurlock Museum. While you’re in town, stop by Cinema Gallery and prepare to be wowed by works done by more than 70 professional Midwest artists. You can even immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture by participating in tea ceremonies and workshops at Japan House.
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Welcome Big 10 Fans
Nobody does game day quite like Champaign County. It’s home to the University of Illinois, a leading Big 10 institution with world-class sporting facilities. With easy access from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, it won’t take long before you’re cheering on your basketball team at the State Farm Center, watching a thrilling football game at the historic Memorial Stadium or supporting your favorite athletes at a gymnastics meet, wrestling match or volleyball game.
For More Information
Visit Champaign County
800-369-6151
Illinois Office of Tourism