Parks in the C-U Area

As the school year nears its end, it continually gets harder to stay inside during the school day. However, we are lucky enough to live in a place that has beautiful parks nearby. Here are several outdoor arenas that will surely satisfy your craving to be surrounded by the blooms and blossoms of spring.

Allerton Park

515 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL allerton.illinois.edu

This 1,500 acre park located about 35 minutes driving distance from Urbana, is host to formal gardens, sculptures and 14 miles of hiking trails. The formal gardens include the Fu-dog Garden and the Sunken Garden, among others. Although there are 100 sculptures and garden ornaments, one of the most famous being the Sun Singer. The park is open 8 a.m. until sundown and there is no admission fee.

Kickapoo State Park

10906 Kickapoo Park Road, Oakwood, IL dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/Kickapoo.html

Although Kickapoo State Park is the furthest park from Urbana that will be featured in this article, a 35 to 45 minute drive, it is also the biggest, with 2,842 acres. Amenities include campgrounds, hiking trails and fishing in the 22 deep water ponds. Rentals are available for canoes, kayaks (single or double), tubes, bait, ice and firewood. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

Lake of the Woods

Near Mahomet, IL

Lake of the Woods is a common host to elementary school field trips for the Urbana Schools- and for good reason. It is located within the county limits, about 17 minutes away from Urbana, and has around 900 acres. Those acres contain a HI-Tower Bell Carillon, which is open to climb up in, and a 3.3 mile bicycle walking trail. This path goes through grasslands, wooded and prairie areas, as well crossing the Sangamon River on the covered bridge. It is open 7 am to 9 pm.

Meadowbrook Park

Windsor Road and Race Street, Urbana, IL

The first of two in- town options detailed in this article, Meadowbrook Park is an easy location to visit. The entire park is 130 acres, 80 acres of which are recreated prairie. The park also has several trails to offer. One is a wildflower trail and the other is a sculptor lined path. Bicyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians are welcome on the path. Meadowbrook park is open from dawn until dusk.

University of Illinois Arboretum

1800 South Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL arboretum.illinois.edu

This in- town location is pretty easily accessed, as well. It is located near the University of Illinois President’s house and has four separate gardens on 160 acres of land. The gardens are the Miles C. Harley Selection Garden, the Noel Welcome Garden, the Idea Garden and the Japan House Garden. Although all of the gardens are beautiful, the Miles C. Harley Selection garden is especially picturesque in spring since it has many colorful blooms. There is also a large grassy field on the premises that would make a perfect picnic spot.