things to do in champaign urbana

Champaign-Urbana is a vibrant college town in central Illinois, home to the University of Illinois. Here are some things to do in the area:

1. Visit the University of Illinois campus: Take a stroll through the beautiful campus, visit the Quad, and check out the iconic Alma Mater statue.
2. Krannert Art Museum: Explore the diverse collection of art from around the world, including works by famous artists like Picasso and Matisse.
3. Spurlock Museum: Learn about the cultures of the world at this museum, which features a collection of over 45,000 objects from around the globe.
4. Willard Airport: Take a flight or watch planes land and take off at this small airport, which offers flights to several major hubs.
5. Downtown Champaign: Shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife in this vibrant area, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
6. Urbana’s Downtown: Similar to Champaign’s downtown, Urbana’s downtown area offers a unique blend of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
7. Market in the Square: Every Saturday morning from May to November, visit the Market in the Square, which features local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
8. Central Illinois Shakespeare Festival: Catch a performance of the Bard’s plays at this annual festival, which takes place in the summer.
9. Virginia Theatre: This historic theater hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy acts.
10. Champaign County Fair: Attend this annual fair, which features live music, food vendors, and agricultural exhibits.
11. Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve: Explore the trails and enjoy the scenery at this beautiful forest preserve, which features several lakes and wetlands.
12. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch: Visit this family-friendly farm, which offers pick-your-own fruits and veggies, a pumpkin patch, and a play area for kids.
13. Big Grove Tavern: Sample local craft beers and enjoy a meal at this popular tavern, which offers a menu of American comfort food.
14. Sakanaya Japanese Restaurant: Try some delicious Japanese cuisine at this family-owned restaurant, which offers a range of sushi, noodle dishes, and more.
15. Frida’s Mexican Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at this colorful restaurant, which offers a menu of tacos, burritos, and more.
16. Champaign-Urbana Trails: Explore the area’s many trails, which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
17. Urbana Free Library: Visit this beautiful library, which features a stunning reading room and a variety of community events.
18. Champaign County Museum: Learn about the history of the area at this museum, which features exhibits on local agriculture, education, and more.
19. Orpheum Children’s Science Museum: Encourage kids to learn and explore at this interactive museum, which features hands-on exhibits on science and technology.
20. UIUC Arboretum: Take a stroll through this beautiful arboretum, which features a variety of trees, gardens, and walking trails.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Champaign-Urbana. The area offers a rich cultural scene, beautiful parks and trails, and a variety of community events and attractions.