A weekend in Champaign-Urbana made me feel hopeful for the future. With peaceful outdoor spaces, an amazing variety of restaurants, and a community driven culture, I found myself imagining living there.
I expected a college town, but what I found was so much more. It felt refreshing to explore a place that is so community focused. Champaign-Urbana feels like a place where everyone is welcome, and where differences, new ideas and creative pursuits are celebrated.
Along with the welcoming culture, local businesses are celebrated, sustainability is valued, and new community members are supported. I loved learning that they have a program where new members of the community can be assigned an ambassador of similar interests, and hearing about one of the largest farmer’s markets in Illinois.
Champaign-Urbana has a small town feel with many of the amenities of a big city, such as good public transportation, international food, and an amazing cultural scene. They also have amazing green spaces. I loved exploring a sculpture park, a Japanese Garden, and peaceful gardens and forested trails just outside of the city.
In this guide, you’ll find some of the best things to do in Champaign-Urbana during a fun weekend getaway, but it would be easy to spend longer. Keep reading to plan an amazing trip to Champaign-Urbana. This is based on my experience visiting in summer 2026.
Full disclaimer – This was a hosted trip by Experience Champaign-Urbana. As always, my opinions are unbiased and my own. I want to thank the Champaign-Urbana tourism board for their generosity!
10 of the Best Things To Do in Champaign-Urbana (and nearby)
1. Take a Walk around Meadowbrook Park and Wandell Sculpture Garden
Meadowbrook Park is an amazing place for a walk or a run. The park has both paved and unpaved paths, dozens of sculptures, 80 acres of restored tallgrass prairie, an herb garden, a farmstead, and more.
The sculptures around the park are quite impressive, and easy to admire for anyone, whether you’re artistically inclined or not. They are all large scale, and are made with a variety of materials. Some sculptures are more abstract, while others depict various animals, and even people.
New sculptures are always being added, so you never know what you might find. Plus, the path to see the artwork is paved. The park is free to visit and has other amenities such as bathrooms, a play structure, picnic tables and grills. Make sure to explore this park during your visit to Champaign-Urbana!
2. Explore the University of Illinois Campus
From museums to gardens to a regenerative farm, the University of Illinois campus has a lot to see, even if you’re not a student.
First, it’s worth a stop at the Alumni Center. They have free exhibits related to many different topics and the University. I loved learning about all of the things that were invented here, including the LED lightbulb, the first web browser, and more.
As you walk around the campus, there are multiple quads that offer green spaces. Stand in front of the Foellinger Auditorium at one end of the Main Quad, and there is an acoustic phenomenon where you can hear an echo.
You can also check out the Krannert Art Museum or the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures, free museums located right by the center of campus. Both are free to visit for anyone. The Krannert Art Museum opened in 1961 and has rotating exhibits that cover a wide range of mediums.
The Spurlock Museum has over 50,000 artifacts from six continents. They have permanent exhibits about different cultures around the world, such as the Ancient Mediterranean and American Indians, plus rotating exhibits.
A few minutes down the road, I also highly recommend the Arboretum next to the Japan House. The Japan House is a cultural institution that hosts special events, such as tea ceremonies. There are stunning gardens next to the building, including a tea garden and a dry garden made up of raked crushed rock.
The park surrounding the Japan House has other types of gardens that are perfect for walking. You can see a gazebo designed by actor Nick Offerman (alumni of the school), enjoy a peaceful pond and admire many trees and flowers. Nearby, you’ll find various other gardens with different themes and focuses.
As you can see, there is a ton to see on the University of Illinois Campus. It’s easy to spend a day walking around and checking out some of the many museums, gardens and sights.
3. Take a Trip out to the Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Anyone who loves gardens, hiking, or architecture should visit Allerton Park during their trip to Champaign-Urbana. This is a university-owned property located about 30 minutes outside of town.
Allerton Park is such a unique place. The grounds include a historic home (that is now a hotel), 14 miles of hiking trails, and 14 ornate gardens. The home was built to be the private home of Robert Henry Allerton in 1900. It was later donated to the university in 1946.
In recent years, this has become a place for learning unique skills related to art and nature. You’ll find workshops about mosaic art, improv, papermaking, knitting, basket weaving, and a large variety of other topics. Along with classes, offerings include mansion tours, full moon hikes, mushroom hunts, and other interactive activities.
During your visit, be sure to take a walk around the many types of formal gardens. These large scale gardens feature hedge mazes, sculptures, fountains, and 1,000’s of flowers. The gardens were originally designed in the early 1900s and are made in the Neoclassical style. As you walk, you’ll see sculptures that Allerton collected from all over the world.
Today, volunteers and staff plant 12,000 summer annuals, 5,000 bulbs and 500 mums each fall, and 100 trees each spring. It’s a very impressive place to see in bloom, and you could spend hours exploring the gardens and trails.
From a holiday light display, to all of the classes and workshops, to summer concerts, there is always something fun going on at Allerton. Be sure to check their events calendar before you go. While I didn’t get to attend an event, I was so impressed by the gardens and the home, and would love to return to spend a whole day wandering the gardens and the forested trails. I think this is a gem in the area and a must-stop on your trip to Champaign-Urbana.
4. Create your Perfect Candle at Fire Doll Studio
A hand-crafted candle is the perfect souvenir to bring home! Fire Doll Studio allows you to formulate your perfect scent and create the candle of your dreams. You’ll start with choosing your vessel, and have chances to personalize your creation along the way.
You’ll choose between dozens of essential oils for your scent. The best part is that you can combine multiple scents and concoct something truly unique. Categories include fruity, floral, boozy and more. You can choose up to 3 different ones to combine.
As you prepare your scent, you’ll choose the ratios. Perhaps you’ll want your scent to be 50% cactus flower, 30% tomato leaf, and 20% leather. It’s up to you, and the possibilities are endless.
While you create your candle, they have an amazing cocktail and drink menu. You can sip on local beer, sodas, signature mocktails and cocktails, and more. This is an amazing girl’s day activity and the perfect way to let your creativity flourish.
In addition to creating your own candle, the shop also sells plenty of already-made candles, and other gifts. Fire Doll Studio also offers candle making happy hours where you can create at a discounted rate.
Pro Tip: Plan this for the beginning of your trip. The candle needs at least a few hours to set.
5. Visit Lake of the Woods
If you enjoy nature, a visit to Lake of the Woods is a great addition to your trip. This preserve is located near Mahomet, about 20 minutes from Champaign.
The park protects 873 acres and offers hiking trails, a botanical garden, a golf course, a lake, and the Museum of the Grand Prairie. You can walk across a suspension bridge, rent a kayak or paddle boat, check out the covered bridge, and enjoy forested hikes. Don’t miss the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Barden, which has huge koi fish in addition to beautiful flowers.
This is a beautiful place to spend a whole day in nature, or to stretch your legs on some nice walking trails on your way out of town. Plus, it’s free to visit.
6. Shop and Dine at the Lincoln Square Mall
Lincoln Square Mall is more than just a mall - it’s a community gathering space. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, make sure to check out the Market in the Square. The market has been operating since 1979, and is an amazing place for local produce, meat, honey, flowers, handmade crafts, and more.
Also part of the mall, I had an amazing breakfast at Lazy Daisy Diner & Cafe. This community spot serves delicious breakfast food and coffee in a cozy atmosphere. They’re known for their giant pancake, which looks to be over a foot wide. If you can finish it, it’s free!
Lazy Daisy also does a great job in providing vegetarian and vegan options. I got to enjoy mushroom gravy and veggie sausage in my meal.
The food at Lazy Daisy was delicious, but one of my favorite details was the mugs. They collected mugs from the community when they opened, so each one is unique. As a mug collector myself, I love seeing an eclectic variety.
Also in Lincoln Square Mall, don’t miss the art coop. This is one of the last remaining independent art stores in the country, and they have any type of art supplies that you could want.
Other independent shops to check out in the mall include The Idea Store, Record Swap and International Galleries.
7. Sample Cuisine from Around the World
If you’re a foodie, you’re in the right place. Champaign-Urbana has an amazing international food scene. My two favorite meals of the trip were from Maize Mexican Grill and Northern Cuisine.
Maize serves authentic Mexican food at three different locations around the area. The owner, Armando Sandoval, grew up in Mexico and began cooking at his family's restaurant. He first opened Maize in a small space in 2011, and it has continued to grow since then.
I ate at Maize at the Station in Downtown Champaign, which is located in the old Champaign Train Station. This location has a more expanded menu and plenty of seating.
I absolutely loved their quesadilla with zucchini blossoms. They make their own blue corn tortillas, and the flavors of the dish were delicious. Their margaritas were also on point.
You can also find amazing Chinese food in Champaign-Urbana. Northern Cuisine serves authentic Northern Chinese food next to the University of Illinois campus. You’ll find a long menu of dim sum, stir-fries, dumplings, vegetables, and more. The restaurant opened in 2023 and has a sleek feel.
Northern Cuisine is the perfect place to visit with a group and share multiple dishes, as the portions are quite large. I tried the crispy eggplant, the celtuce salad (celtuce is a special kind of lettuce that is kind of like a mix between cucumber and celery), and the julienne potatoes. The eggplant melted in my mouth, and the salad had the perfect refreshing crunch.
Due to the large population of Chinese students, Champaign and Urbana have dozens of Chinese restaurants. It’s easy to find Asian grocery stores, bubble-tea shops, bakeries, and more.
Other places I enjoyed in downtown Champaign included Punch! for cocktails, Mad Goat Coffee for coffee, and Hamilton Walker’s for a classy dinner. Places on my must-eat list for next time include Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery, Suzu's Bakery, and Golden Harbor.
8. Have Brunch in a Bookstore
If you like brunch and books, make sure to visit The Literacy during your trip to Champaign-Urbana! This is an Indie bookstore that also serves brunch, coffee, wine, and snacks.
Their mission is to create a “third place” for locals to gather and relax without needing a membership. Their food and coffee were delicious, but I especially loved the atmosphere. They have cozy chairs and couches, staff book recommendations, cute gifts, and artwork.
I loved the avocado toast, and was impressed with their vegan options. Other options on the menu include matcha pancakes, a tofu bahn mi, seasonal coffee flights, and vegan cupcakes.
Their book selection is also very good, and feels very on-trend. If you like watching booktok, this is a great place to hang out.
9. Sample Local Craft Beer
If you enjoy craft beer, make sure to sample some on your trip to Champaign-Urbana. I enjoyed a flight at Triptych Brewing, a spot that always has a new, experimental beer on tap. They are famous for the ‘Dark Meme,’ which is a crispy pale ale. Personally, I loved the refreshing Prickly Pear Gose.
With fun artwork and plenty of seating options, Triptych’s taproom is a great place to hang out and catch up with friends.
Another famous brewery in Champaign-Urbana is Riggs Beer Company. They brew German and American beers (the owner learned brewing techniques while working in Germany). They also focus on sustainable farm practices, and use their own grain in their brews. The brewery sits on 20 acres and has an outdoor beer garden, wheat and clover fields, and a taproom.
10. Stay in the Center of Downtown Champaign
When it comes to where to stay in Champaign-Urbana, you have a lot of options. I loved my stay at the Hyatt Place in Downtown Champaign. This is a 3 star hotel and the location is amazing. You’ll be able to walk to several restaurants and shops around Champaign, including Fire Doll Studio, Hamilton Walker’s, and more.
The hotel was quite nice, and my room was clean, comfortable and spacious. Plus, I was on the 9th floor, and the views of the surrounding area were incredible. You could see for miles.
The hotel also has a free breakfast, parking available for a (reasonable) fee, and the Punch! Bar & Lounge on site. The staff was also so kind and helpful. I highly recommend staying here during your trip to Champaign-Urbana!
How to Get to Champaign-Urbana
Champaign-Urbana is located in Central Illinois. It’s about 2 hours from Chicago, and 2 hours from Indianapolis. You also have the option to fly directly into the area. The Willard Airport operates direct flights on American Airlines from DFW and Chicago.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Champaign-Urbana. I really fell in love with this vibrant town, and loved that it seemed to have big city benefits with a small town feel. There are so many independent businesses, amazing food, and beautiful green spaces. There is even an International Dark Sky Park not far from town. Whether you’re considering going to school here, or just looking for new weekend trip ideas in the midwest, I highly recommend adding Champaign-Urbana to your midwest bucket list.
For more Midwest travel guides, check out these blog posts:
- The Best Things To Do in Fort Dodge, Iowa
- The Best Things To Do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- The Best Hiking near Cincinnati
- How to Spend 3 Days on the MN North Shore
- The Best MN North Shore Hiking Trails
- The Best Outdoor Adventures in St Cloud
- How to Spend 3 Days in Madison, Wisconsin
- The Best Hikes in Indiana
- The Best Things To Do in Hocking Hills, OH
- The Best Things To Do in Cuyahoga Valley, OH
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