City Of Champaign Maps Travel Guide

Introduction

The City of Champaign Maps is a vibrant and beautiful destination that is filled with many attractions and hidden gems that you must see during your visit. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, this guide will help you plan your trip to the City of Champaign Maps.

Top Attractions

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is one of the top public research universities in the United States. It has a beautiful campus filled with historic buildings and modern facilities. Visitors can take a tour of the campus and visit the Krannert Art Museum, the Spurlock Museum, and the Japan House.

Champaign County Historical Museum

The Champaign County Historical Museum is located in the former Cattle Bank building in downtown Champaign. It has exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history of Champaign County from the early 1800s to the present day.

Hessel Park

Hessel Park is a 40-acre park that has a playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball field, and a walking path. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Hidden Gems

Art Theater

The Art Theater is a historic movie theater that shows independent and foreign films. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to see a movie that you won’t find at a mainstream theater.

Curtis Orchard

Curtis Orchard is a family-owned orchard that has been around since the 1800s. It has a market that sells fresh produce, baked goods, and cider, as well as a petting zoo and a corn maze.

Japan House

Japan House is a Japanese garden and cultural center located on the University of Illinois campus. It has a tea house, a garden, and a koi pond. Visitors can take a tour of the garden and learn about Japanese culture.

Food Scene

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House is a BBQ restaurant that has won many awards. It has a relaxed atmosphere and serves delicious smoked meats, sides, and craft beer.

Bacaro

Bacaro is a tapas restaurant that serves small plates of Italian cuisine. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a great place to share food with friends.

Papa Del’s Pizza

Papa Del’s Pizza is a local institution that serves deep dish pizza. It has been around since 1970 and is a must-visit restaurant for pizza lovers.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Concerts in the Park

The City of Champaign Parks Department offers free concerts in the park during the summer months. Visitors can bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy live music in a beautiful setting.

Visit the Farmers Market

The Urbana Farmers Market is a great place to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts. It is open on Saturdays from May to November and is a great way to support local farmers and artisans.

Walk or Bike around Campus

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a beautiful campus that is easy to explore on foot or by bike. Visitors can see historic buildings, public art, and beautiful gardens.

Outdoor Adventures

Kickapoo State Recreation Area

Kickapoo State Recreation Area is a 2,800-acre park that has hiking trails, fishing lakes, and campgrounds. It is a great place to spend a day or a weekend in nature.

Crystal Lake Park

Crystal Lake Park is a 48-acre park that has a lake, a playground, a picnic area, and a walking path. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Monticello Railway Museum

The Monticello Railway Museum is a museum that has a collection of historic trains and railroad memorabilia. Visitors can take a ride on a vintage train and learn about the history of railroading in Illinois.

Family-Friendly Activities

Anita Purves Nature Center

The Anita Purves Nature Center is a nature center that has exhibits and programs that teach visitors about the local environment. It also has hiking trails and a playground.

Sholem Aquatic Center

The Sholem Aquatic Center is a water park that has a lazy river, water slides, and a splash pad. It is a great place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Orpheum Children’s Science Museum

The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum is a museum that has hands-on exhibits and programs that teach children about science and technology. It is a great place for families to learn and have fun together.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space

Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space is an escape room that challenges visitors to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room. It is a great activity for groups of friends or families.

Champaign Farmers Market

The Champaign Farmers Market is a farmers market that is open on Tuesdays from May to October. It is a great place to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

The Station Theater

The Station Theater is a theater that showcases improv and sketch comedy. It is a great place to see local talent and have a laugh.

Natural Wonders

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve

Middle Fork River Forest Preserve is a 1,700-acre preserve that has hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing. It is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Meadowbrook Park

Meadowbrook Park is a 130-acre park that has prairie, wetlands, and walking paths. It is a great place to see wildflowers and birds.

Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Homer Lake Forest Preserve is a 892-acre preserve that has hiking trails, fishing, and boating. It is a great place to spend a day in nature.

Vibrant Nightlife

Blind Pig Brewery

Blind Pig Brewery is a brewery that has a taproom and live music. It serves craft beer and has a laid-back atmosphere.

Canopy Club

Canopy Club is a music venue that has live music and DJ nights. It is a great place to see local and national acts.

Seven Saints

Seven Saints is a bar that has craft beer, cocktails, and pub food. It has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to meet friends.

Local Markets

Curtis Orchard Market

Curtis Orchard Market is a market that sells fresh produce, baked goods, and cider. It is a great place to buy local products and support a family-owned business.

The Urbana Farmers Market

The Urbana Farmers Market is a farmers market that is open on Saturdays from May to November. It has vendors that sell fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

The Artisan Cup & Fork

The Artisan Cup & Fork is a market that sells local food and gifts. It has a cafe that serves coffee and light bites.

Beaches and Mountains

Clinton Lake

Clinton Lake is a 4,900-acre lake that has beaches, fishing, and boating. It is a great place to spend a day on the water.

Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is a park that has hiking trails, waterfalls, and canyons. It is a great place to see the natural beauty of Illinois.

Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest is a 280,000-acre forest that has hiking trails, camping, and wildlife. It is a great place to escape into nature.

Cultural Immersion

Krannert Art Museum

Krannert Art Museum is a museum that has a collection of art from around the world. It has exhibits that showcase modern and contemporary art, as well as ancient artifacts.

Spurlock Museum

Spurlock Museum is a museum that has exhibits that showcase the history and culture of different regions of the world. It has artifacts from ancient civilizations and contemporary cultures.