Welcome to Champaign, IL, a vibrant city full of exciting activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of fun or an extended stay, Champaign has something to offer everyone. From outdoor adventures to unique shopping experiences, you’ll be sure to find something entertaining in this midwestern city. Take a look at some of the exciting things to do in Champaign, IL.
Downtown Champaign
Downtown Champaign is the perfect place to start exploring the city. Take a stroll down Main Street and admire the beautiful historic buildings, unique stores, and delicious restaurants. Stop in at the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum to learn about the world around you, or browse the selection of boutiques and galleries.
If you’re looking for a little more excitement, check out the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra for a night of musical entertainment. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the charming downtown area of Champaign.
Krannert Art Museum
The Krannert Art Museum is a must-see when visiting Champaign, IL. Located on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus, this impressive facility showcases a variety of art from throughout the ages. From paintings and sculptures to photographs and prints, the museum’s collection is a testament to the city’s commitment to the arts.
The Krannert Art Museum also offers a wide range of educational activities and events, including lectures, workshops, and children’s programs. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, make sure to stop by the Krannert Art Museum while you’re in town.
Virginia Theatre
The Virginia Theatre is a must-see when visiting Champaign. This historic venue has been entertaining audiences since 1921 and hosts a variety of live performances and events throughout the year. From concerts and plays to comedy shows and dance performances, the Virginia Theatre has something for everyone.
The theater is also home to the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra, who put on stunning performances of classical works throughout the year.
Spurlock Museum
The Spurlock Museum is an interesting and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum is home to an extensive collection of world cultures and civilizations. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern American art, the museum has something for everyone.
The museum also offers educational programming and activities, such as workshops, lectures, and family programs. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the world around you or simply want to explore the incredible artifacts, the Spurlock Museum is a great place to visit.
Hessel Park
Hessel Park is a great place to visit while in Champaign. This beautiful park is located on the east side of town and is perfect for outdoor recreation. The park features a large playground, picnic areas, and a variety of walking trails [1]. Visitors can also take advantage of the free summer concerts that are held in the park.
For those looking for a more active experience, Hessel Park also offers a variety of sports fields and courts for basketball, baseball, and soccer. The park is also home to a large lake, which is perfect for fishing and boating. No matter what you’re looking for, Hessel Park has something for everyone.
University of Illinois Arboretum
The University of Illinois Arboretum is a must-see destination while in Champaign. Located on the University of Illinois campus, the Arboretum is home to a stunning array of plants and wildlife. From spring blooms to winter snow, the Arboretum offers something for all seasons.
Visitors can take a peaceful walk through the gardens, or explore the hiking trails and nature preserve. The Arboretum also offers educational programs, such as lectures and workshops.
Champaign County Historical Museum
The Champaign County Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area. It is the oldest structure in Champaign and is referred to as the Cattle Bank. This museum features a variety of artifacts and displays that tell the story of the county’s past. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover a wide range of topics, such as early settlers, agriculture, transportation, and the Civil War.
The museum also offers educational programs and activities, such as lectures and workshops, as well as family-friendly events. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an interesting place to visit, the Champaign County Historical Museum is a great place to explore.
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Champaign. Home to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini football team, Memorial Stadium is where the action happens. The stadium is a great place to take in the excitement and energy of a college football game as the Illini take on their opponents.
With a capacity of 60,670, Memorial Stadium is one of the largest college football stadiums in the country. Whether it’s a Big Ten matchup or a rivalry game, there’s always something exciting happening at Memorial Stadium.
State Farm Center
The State Farm Center is the largest venue in Champaign and is home to the University of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball team. The arena is a multi-purpose facility, hosting a variety of events throughout the year. The State Farm Center is known for its impressive acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, making it a great place to see a live concert or performance.
The arena also features a variety of concession stands and food options, so you can enjoy a snack while taking in the action. Elvis Presley (1976), The Rolling Stones (1969), and Johnny Cash (1969) were all performers here much earlier.
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is a great place for kids to explore and learn about the world around them. The museum offers interactive and educational exhibits that are designed to spark curiosity and a love of science. Kids can explore the world of physics and chemistry, observe live animals, take part in hands-on activities, and much more.
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, such as lectures and workshops, as well as family-friendly events. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to spend the day or an educational experience, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is the perfect place to visit.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a great place to visit when in Champaign, IL. This large park is located on the north side of the city and is perfect for outdoor recreation. The park offers a variety of activities. There is also a large playground and picnic areas, so families can enjoy a day of outdoor fun.
Centennial Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals.
Crystal Lake Park
Crystal Lake Park is an outdoor oasis in the heart of Champaign. Located on the east side of town, the park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. With a large lake, walking paths, and plenty of open space, visitors can enjoy a day of recreation and relaxation. Crystal Lake Park also offers a variety of amenities, such as a playground, picnic areas, and a disc golf course.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of seasonal events, such as fishing derbies, outdoor movie nights, and concerts.
Urbana’s Market at the Square
Urbana’s Market at the Square is a great place to visit while in Champaign. Located in downtown Urbana, this weekly farmers market is a great way to explore the local culture. Visitors can browse the selection of fresh produce and locally-made goods, such as honey, artisan cheeses, and baked goods.
The market also offers a variety of prepared foods, so you can grab a bite to eat while you explore. In addition to the food and goods, the market also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, art shows, and festivals.
Alto Vineyards and Winery
Alto Vineyards and Winery is a perfect destination for wine lovers visiting Champaign, IL. The vineyard is located in nearby Alto Pass and features a variety of delicious wines crafted from grapes grown onsite. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn about the winemaking process.
After the tour, guests can sample the wines and purchase a bottle to take home. The winery also offers a variety of events throughout the year, such as wine dinners, tastings, and live music. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day trip, Alto Vineyards and Winery is the perfect place to visit.
Staerkel Planetarium
The Staerkel Planetarium is a great place to explore the wonders of the night sky. A Digistar 4 digital projection system, a Zeiss M-1015 machine, 64 panels of LED dome lighting, a state-of-the-art surround sound system, and comfortable recliner theater-style seating for up to 144 guests can be found inside the planetarium’s 50-foot dome.
Visitors can explore the stars, planets, and galaxies in the comfort of the state-of-the-art theater. The planetarium also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and family shows.
The Sousa Archives Center for American Music
The Sousa Archives Center for American Music is a great place to learn about the history of music in the United States. Located at the Harding Bank Building, the center houses a vast collection of documents, manuscripts, and recordings related to the history of American music.
Visitors can explore the archive and discover the stories of some of America’s most beloved musicians, composers, and singers. The center also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and family shows.
West Side Park
West Side Park is a great place to visit in Champaign, IL. Located on the west side of town, this park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The park features a large playground, basketball courts, and a variety of walking trails. Visitors can also take advantage of the picnic areas, pavilions, and grills.
West Side Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as concerts, movies in the park, and festivals. Whether you’re looking for a fun day outdoors or an educational experience, West Side Park has something for everyone.
Anita Purves Nature Center
The Anita Purves Nature Center is a great place to explore the outdoors near Champaign. Located in Urbana’s Crystal Lake Park, the Nature Center offers a variety of activities and programs for visitors of all ages. Nature lovers can explore the nearby trails and observe the local wildlife.
The Nature Center also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as lectures, workshops, and family shows. Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities, such as bird watching and nature photography.
The Morrow Plots
The Morrow Plots are a unique piece of history located in the heart of Champaign, IL. Named after the first director of the University of Illinois’s College of Agriculture, the Morrow Plots are the world’s second-oldest experimental field station. Established in 1876, the plots have served as a research ground for the university’s agricultural scientists.
Visitors can explore the area and learn about the history of agricultural research in the United States. The Morrow Plots are also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for bird-watching and nature photography.
Japan House
Japan House is a cultural center located on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. It is a place of learning and exploration, designed to introduce visitors to the many facets of Japanese culture and heritage. The center offers a variety of educational programs, such as lectures, workshops, and classes on topics such as Japanese history, language, and culture.
Visitors can also explore the various artifacts and artwork on display in the museum, or take part in seasonal events such as tea ceremonies and cherry blossom festivals. Japan House is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of Japan and discover something new.
Champaign Public Library
The Champaign Public Library is a great place to visit in Champaign. It is a vibrant and welcoming place with a variety of activities and resources available to the public. The library offers a variety of books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials for visitors to enjoy. The library also offers a variety of educational services, such as computer classes, job search assistance, and language classes.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of events, such as lectures, workshops, and book clubs. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read or an educational experience, the Champaign Public Library is the perfect place to visit.
Meadowbrook Park
Meadowbrook Park is an exciting outdoor destination in Champaign. Located on the north side of the city, the park features a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. The park has a large playground, a variety of walking trails, and picnic areas. You can stroll along its lovely pathways, discover its special sensory garden and historic old farmstead, or simply sit and take in the bucolic surroundings while enjoying a picnic.
Blue Waters Supercomputer
The Blue Waters Supercomputer, located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world. It is a petascale system that can perform more than 13 quadrillion calculations per second and can handle more than 10 quadrillion bytes of memory.
The supercomputer is used for research and analysis of complex data sets in a variety of fields, including weather forecasting, astrophysics, molecular biology, and artificial intelligence. The Blue Waters Supercomputer is a remarkable feat of engineering, providing researchers with the computing power needed to better understand the world around us.
BrewLab Coffee
BrewLab Coffee is a must-visit spot while in Champaign, IL. This coffee shop is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee. BrewLab Coffee offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks, as well as espresso, tea, and pastries. They also offer a selection of beer and wine for those looking for a more adult beverage.
The shop also features a variety of events throughout the year, such as live music and open mic nights. Whether you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon snack, BrewLab Coffee is the perfect place to visit.
University of Illinois Ice Arena
The University of Illinois Ice Arena is a great place to enjoy some fun on the ice. Located on the University of Illinois campus, the arena is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s and women’s hockey teams. The arena features two NHL-sized rinks, a variety of seating options, and a concession stand. Visitors can also take advantage of the public skating sessions, which are open to all ages.
Conclusion
Champaign is a vibrant city full of exciting activities and attractions. From unique shopping experiences to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this midwestern city. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of fun or an extended stay, you’ll be sure to find something to do in Champaign.
From the Krannert Art Museum to the University of Illinois Ice Arena, Champaign has something for everyone. So, come explore the exciting things to do in Champaign, IL.
