Things to do in Champaign-Urbana in March

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Overview

March is a good time to visit Champaign-Urbana. The weather is usually cold and slightly windy, with temperatures ranging from 32—52°F (0—11°C).

Champaign-Urbana has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your March trip to Champaign-Urbana. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to March. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Champaign-Urbana in March. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout March, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Champaign-Urbana in March

Top experiences in March
We couldn't find any experiences in March
Holidays in Champaign-Urbana in March
March
  • St. Patrick's Day (March 17)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Champaign-Urbana in March

Temperatures on an average day in Champaign-Urbana in March

The average temperature in Champaign-Urbana in March for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 32°F (0°C). Some would describe the temperature to be cold. The general area may also feel slightly windy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Champaign-Urbana, July, has days with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 67°F (19°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 35°F (1°C) and lows of 19°F (-7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Champaign-Urbana in March based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in March
52°F
highs
32°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, slightly windy
Feels like
31%
Chance of rain
0.125 in
Amount
17.2 mph
Wind speed
82%
Humidity
11.9 hrs
Daylight length
6:39 AM
Sunrise
6:33 PM
Sunset
42%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in March
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 32°F (0°C), it generally feels cold and slightly windy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Champaign-Urbana in March

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Champaign-Urbana has to offer for travelers in March, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Champaign-Urbana that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Champaign-Urbana for March.
Champaign Public Library
1. Champaign Public Library
4.7
(410)
Public library
Libraries
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Wonderful children's section. Really nice, clean, safe, lots of books and toys. Places for parents to sit and possibly get work done while keeping an eye on the kiddos. Clean spacious family bathroom with stools for hand washing. Hand dryer wasn't too loud. Water fountains with stools and a place to refill your water bottle. Just a wonderful place to beat the heat and enjoy time with kiddos.
Great atmosphere, resourceful and something for everyone young and old. Beautiful murals, art work,Cafe, comfortable seating, teen lounge, children section, great business accommodations upstairs with computers. They have extensive collections of books, CDs, movies etc. If you're bored look no further!!
The building is very nice and the staff have always been kind and helpful. They have a cool store downstairs with items being retired. But they don't seem to have the proper resources (security staff) to deal with people who can't act right. Mentally ill people hang around and it's not unusual for someone to be disturbing half the library with their schizo babble in the evenings. In addition, the wifi gets overloaded during peak times and stops working, and noise really carries through the building.
Amazing staff very friendly and helpful. Beautiful open layout inside with seasonal decorations and wonderful images to look at. Huge selection and variety of books of all genre and ages. Lots of new technology including multiple game systems, 3d printers and Mac computer with beat making technology. 11/10 Most incredible library I've visited in my adult life. Even has a little shop to buy snacks and drink.
The staff is super friendly and helpful. The facility is updated and clean. There are activities outside of the usual day to day library atmosphere. There is a teen center, which is actually very cool! There are reading programs and fun events every month. What a great resource for our community!
The Champaign Public Library is easily one of the most inviting public places in the area. Every visit feels comfortable from the moment you arrive because the free parking makes everything so convenient. It is always easy to find a spot, which already sets a good tone before you even walk inside. The building itself is bright, spacious, and thoughtfully designed. There are quiet areas for reading and studying, and there are also open spaces where people can work, relax, or meet with friends. The overall atmosphere feels warm and calm. It is a place where you can stay for a quick visit or spend an entire afternoon without ever feeling rushed. Inside the library, there is also a small café that serves coffee and quick bites. It adds a cozy touch to the experience. Being able to grab a drink or a light snack makes long study sessions more enjoyable. The café area is clean and comfortable, and it blends nicely with the rest of the library space. The book collection is impressive as well. Whether you are interested in fiction, nonfiction, research materials, magazines, or audiobooks, you will find a wide range of options. The library’s catalog is well organized, and the hold system is efficient. If you prefer digital reading, their online resources are also extensive and easy to use. Overall, the Champaign Public Library feels like a true community center. It is clean, modern, comfortable, and managed with care. Whether you want to study, pick up books, enjoy a cup of coffee, attend events, or bring your children for activities, it is one of the best places to spend time in Champaign. I always leave feeling satisfied and grateful that a place like this exists in the community.
So many great resources for kids and teens. DVDs and games. Great meeting rooms and friendly staff to assist. Oh yeah, lots of books and movies available online.
This is a pretty nice public library. The staff members I've had interactions with have all been absolutely wonderful to me. A few weeks ago, I lost one of my wireless earbuds inside the library. I searched high and low for a couple of hours and couldn't find it anywhere. I knew my missing earbud was inside due to the fact I could see it disconnect from my phone when I walked outside, and reconnect upon walking back inside. I came to the conclusion my missing earbud was most likely gone forever. 🥺😞 After a few weeks, I decided it's worth a shot to check back at the front desk with lost & found. My hopes were not high, however to my surprise, they returned my long lost earbud to me safe and sound. I am forever grateful to the unknown staff member who located my lost item, and the staff member who returned it to me. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. You guys / gals are all awesome and it's great to see a public entity as well ran as the Green St. Champaign Public Library.
Meadowbrook Park
2. Meadowbrook Park
4.8
(930)
Park
Nature & Parks
Extensive area includes a farm, play structure, acres of restored prairie, several gardens & trails.
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Traveling with my dog (Labor Day weekend), this was a great road trip stop to stretch and enjoy a walk through the park with nicely paved paths. I parked in the Race Street lot and then stayed for an hour, to include: Hickman Wildflower Walk, Wandell Sculpture Garden loop, and back down the Wildflower Walk to the restroom and back to the car. Plan more time if you have kids with you (there's a playground) and/or if you want to walk the loop around the entire park.
This park is absolutely fantastic! Fun for every age! Rest areas. Restrooms. Handicap-accessible play equipment. There's even a wheelchair, stroller-friendly sculpture trail nearby! So happy we visited this wonderful park!!
They redid the park recently and updated it from the old wooden one to make it more safe and kid friendly. It is a fantastic park, very large and tons of things to do. They also have a ton of walking paths around the park.
I love it here. Nice and peaceful. I saw beautiful art. One of the best parks Ive seen ❤️
This park is amazing. There are several sculptures and aesthetic structures along the path. The walking path is also huge. I wish I knew here before. This place is a hidden gem.
A nice park with many artistic structures. This park is very close to Orchard Downs university housing. There is a big walking loop with a track.
This is a great trail for walking, jogging, or biking. I walked the 1.55 mile trail almost every day I was visiting my family. Not too busy at 7 am. Saw deer almost every day.
It's an Art / Nature mashup. Beautiful paved trail through stunning prairie. In summertime the prairie is a rainbow of wildflowers and berries. Large sculptures from a variety of artist scattered all throughout. Such a nice place to walk and run. Also features small sections of wetlands, stream, several side trails, pavilion, porta potty (👍), and large wooden playground.
University of Illinois Gies Memorial Stadium
3. University of Illinois Gies Memorial Stadium
4.6
(1268)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Vast football arena seating over 60,000, built in 1923 & dedicated to fallen soldiers of WWI.
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Phenomenal stadium. I've been here several times throughout my four years of undergrad here at the University of Illinois. Been here for welcome events held by the Student Alumni Ambassadors along with several Fighting Illini football games during the fall seasons. Just recently visited the stadium for my graduation and I was truly amazed by how well organized and performed the entire graduation ceremony was. Memorial Stadium is one of the attractions of Champaign-Urbana that make me proud that I chose this university.
Big Ten football. Wow. This isn’t the big house or the horseshoe or the Rose Bowl or the LA Coliseum. But it has a special thing all its own. We were treated to 50 yard line seats by a client together with parking pass is only a few steps from our seats. We were treated with respect and of course, respected our opponent, which won the game today. The staff working at the venue were all friendly, courteous, and hopeful, especially when the heat forced me to sit in the first aid station for a few minutes to cool off. Thank you to everyone at Memorial Stadium for a wonderful day.
The sound in the stadium was muffled and none of the vendors take cash. Credit card only. Had to walk back to my car because you can only bring in very small or clear bags. Other than that there were lots of staff in place to direct people, clean restrooms, and a nice clean stadium with ample seating.
🏟️ Memorial Stadium, University of Illinois 🏈 First off—props to the stadium crew! Memorial Stadium is impressively clean and super easy to navigate. No maze-like corridors or mysterious staircases leading to nowhere. Just good signage and a layout that doesn’t make you feel like you’re in a cornfield escape room. 🌽🧭 🍔🥤 Food and beverage vendors? Plentiful. You won’t go hungry unless you’re trying to survive on kale chips alone (which, thankfully, were nowhere in sight). Nachos, hot dogs, sodas—classic stadium fare that hits the spot when you’re juggling four kids and a questionable game-day diet. 🛡️ Security has leveled up with new metal detectors that look like they were borrowed from a sci-fi movie. Efficient and fast—no awkward pat-downs or feeling like you’re entering Area 51. 🚗 Now, parking… oof. If you don’t have a pass, prepare for a cardio session. We parked nearly a mile away, which felt more like a pilgrimage than a pre-game stroll. They do offer shuttles, but most were packed tighter than our stadium seats. Speaking of… 🪑 Seating was… intimate. And not in a romantic way. We’re average-sized guys with four kids, and even with an extra ticket for “breathing room,” we were practically sitting in each other’s laps. I’ve had more elbow space in a clown car. 🤡🚗 🎉 But let’s end on a high note—the entertainment during halftime and throughout the game was genuinely fun and engaging. Great energy, crowd involvement, and just enough flair to keep the kids entertained and the adults from checking their fantasy football scores too often. 👍 Overall? A great experience with a few logistical hiccups. Would we go again? Absolutely. But next time, we’re bringing a tape measure and a scooter. #MemorialStadiumVibes #CleanButCramped #ParkingOlympics2025 #NachosWereElite #KidsHadABlast #ElbowRoomIsAMyth
Nice stadium. No wait time in the restroom, big plus. Leaving was slow due to very narrow exits and walkways. Overall, great time. GO BUCKEYES!!
We had an amazing time at the USC vs. Illinois game this weekend, even though USC came up short. The atmosphere was incredible, and both the staff and Illini fans were outstanding—welcoming, respectful, and courteous, even with us proudly wearing USC gear. It made the experience that much more enjoyable. The only downsides were the parking situation and the long lines for food and drinks. We ended up taking an Uber from our hotel due to parking challenges, and concessions definitely could use some improvement to keep things moving faster. Overall, it was a great experience, and we’d gladly come back for another game.
Great facility to watch a game in! Everything from the amenities to the tailgating and the stadium is top notch. Makes for a great environment!
University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana's Memorial Stadium is one of the best historical college football stadiums that every Big 10 and College Football fan needs to attend a game at (attending games since the 1990's). The Illinois alumni, fans, student section, and band are doing a masterful job of creating a great collegiate environment with all the amenities (clean bathrooms, good food/beverages, etc.) It's definitely one of the Mecca's of College Football, due it historic architecture and player monuments surrounding Memorial Stadium!
State Farm Center
4. State Farm Center
4.6
(1968)
Arena
Sights & Landmarks
Longtime arena hosting Fighting Illini basketball games, plus concerts & theater productions.
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Illini College defeated Michigan. This football stadium is fantastic, beautiful design and the tailgating area is great for before and after game parties. Lineman Offense JC Davis is our nephew. He and his teammates played an exciting game. The visual graphics of the stadium kept the audience reved up and made the whole afternoon perfect.
The show was sweet. But we about froze outside waiting to get in. And if you read my texas roadhouse, I bet you can't guess who I seen walking down the hill towards the line. Ol Bubba. Still no coat, just shirt and overalls. Walking like he was on a mission. Later on, during the show, I looked over and there he went again, up the stairs. I was starting to wonder if he was following me. For him to be such a big dude, he was all over the place. But the show was great. I think I'll go back and watch a game next season.
The final REO Speedwagon concert was awesome. The process from parking to entering to scanning and so on went smoothly.
We attended a wrestling event here through the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini Wrestling Team. We had such a great experience. From the security at the front and throughout the building, to the staff at the food center. The restrooms were clean too. Plenty of parking and very easy to navigate!
Went to U of I graduation. The policy of no purses/bags in the Assembly Hall (because that is the building's real name) for a graduation is idiotic and an example of the mindless bureaucracy that guides most universities.
First time sitting so close to the court but I recommend experiencing it at least once.
Attended iconverge event here as Gies Alumni at University of Illinois MBA graduate.
Great experience at the State Farm Center, got to see a good game as well! Everyone is always so helpful from the parking lot to our seats!
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
5. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
4.8
(1163)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
University venue for music & theater productions with a cafe, restaurant, bar & gift store.
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The cacaphonies will caress your very bones!! The halls are breathtaking!! the director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra once whispered that the acoustics here were superior to their hometown hall! There's always local & university orchestras doing STUNNING performances (once heard a violin rocket launch). They do beautiful dances for people with Parkinson's and also occasionally have a behemoth of their instrument show up to bedazzled! Check the website!
Just saw Josh Johnson live! Seeing an outstanding performer on stage vs. on YouTube is like seeing a painting in a museum vs. watching the artist create a masterpiece right before your eyes. This holds true of this young standup comic, who is well on the way of joining comedy legends Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, Flip Wilson, and Eddie Murphy. All groundbreaking comedians in their own right, all having broken barriers for up and coming artists.
World class performances! Fantastic architecture with world class auditoriums providing comfort as well as excellent audience experience. Tickets are affordable and there isn't a bad seat in the house. Free performances are very popular and provide a great way for people to enjoy themselves at no cost. This is a local treasure! I wish more folks from the larger community would take an opportunity to experience it.
Went to Ellnora to see Jackie Venson. Did not disappoint.
Huge space. The venue is pretty cool! There is free parking on the surrounding streets after 6pm. It's definitely a college town with lots of restaurants around that serve a variety of foods but don't have a lot of atmosphere. The Krannert theater itself is really big. Lots of levels and side balcony seating. It felt clean and bright, and very accessible. There is odd seating behind the stage. We enjoyed a good show, though it was a late start due to a security check they had everyone go through. One of the volunteers told me that they hadn't done security like that before so they had misjudged the start time. I trust they will figure that out.
A splendid cultural oasis with excellent programs. How lucky for C-U.
Free show provided by Candy Foster. Excellent.
Best place for music and art performances in town for ppl in the Champaign area
Virginia Theatre
6. Virginia Theatre
4.8
(872)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Historic, restored theater with concerts, performing arts productions, comedians & film series.
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Wonderful classic style theater over 100 years old! Character and class!!! We saw a showing of JAWS there - spectacular!
A classic small theater. Every seat is close enough to the stage. Seats are cushioned, comfy, but not very wide. We were near the back on the main floor, sound was very loud. Great view. Serves popcorn and drinks which you can take into the theater. No line for bathroom, that's always nice. Staff is nice, also quite fast at getting people in. There is a bag check, so be prepared, and arrive early folks, not cool to interrupt other patrons by seating late.
This theater is magnificent. Well trained staff and their volunteers are warm, friendly and a great asset to this magnificent structure creating an experience like no other. This well managed theater is very clean, seats were comfortable and in good condition. The balcony and orchestra pit are all very nice. Lots of free parking and handicap accessible entrance. I'll be back very soon. Thank you for the great experience!
The Virginia is a gem. We're so lucky to have it in our community. The staff are excellent. The programming vibrant and exciting. We can't recommend it highly enough.
Absolutely beautiful theater! I was late and had a 7 minute walk to the venue because I didnt know where to park, the staff was super sweet and understanding and helped me find the bathrooms and my seat. Phenomenal show, so very happy I got to see it! Thank you!
I have always had a nice experience here. The single toilets are a nice touch, I hate using a bathroom in a crowded place. Good acoustics. The seats are a bit hard on your back side, I think it's because they are original to the theater. Staff is always friendly and prices for shows and movies are always at a good fair price.
Beautiful, historic theatre. Easy parking. Comfortable seats, great sound... my wife and I need to do more date nights at the Virginia!
Always a great time and spacing. Went to watch master chef live and interactive. Looks to be easy access and great view even on the sides so paying cheaper seats worth it
The Urbana Free Library
7. The Urbana Free Library
4.8
(171)
Public library
Book store
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I love this library. The environment is quiet and relaxing. The little bookmark they use to label staff picks is absolutely the cutest I’ve ever seen. They also have many spots with convenient charging stations where people can read and study. I also love how it looks from the outside. The walls are covered with Boston ivy, which adds a mysterious atmosphere to this amazing library. Besides books, they also host many interesting events. For example, the seed exchange. I took a pack of chive seeds—the little pack they use is also very cute.
Pros: -nice historic building -lots of free community events -elevator for those who need it -the decision to remove most late fees (unless losing items or not returning for a long time) reduces the pressure to speed up and try to finish materials before actually done with them -free puzzle exchange in front entrance is really nice idea -the battery recycling drop off is nice to have as a place for community to recycle batteries -the reading programs are nice and fun to earn free books -the hold shelf is nice to be able to request items ahead of time and have them ready when in a hurry -nice selection of books and DVDs -The Library of Things is a cool resource to be able to check out non-book items; I checked out a VCR to DVD converter machine and was able to convert a video of my grandparents onto DVD as the only film or video I have to be able to watch any memories -free seed exchange for seeds for plants on the 2nd floor of the library. Amazing community resource! -computers and printing services -beautiful historical archive on the 2nd floor -nice children’s area in the basement Cons: -metered parking; this may be a deterrent for some people from being able to fully utilize the resources of the library -I’m wondering if you could add a recycling can by the front entrance to encourage water bottles etc to not be thrown in the trash by library patrons entering or leaving the building
The idea of seed exchange is COOL! Nice place do reading something. Also provide many events for local communities.
Made colo slim. Had fun watching them get messy
I needed to print a few pages and I do not own a printer so I went to the Urbana Free Library. Everyone on staff was very nice. The man on the 2nd floor walked me through how to sign on to the computer and print what I needed. I appreciated the kindness and that he took the time to assist me.
Special section in basement for kids. They have area to play as well as read. Great place. This time noticed they let kids borrow musical instruments. Nice place to play board games.
The staff is so Friendly and willing to help with all your questions... I'm going to spend a lot of time there this summer 🌞 I can't hardly do the heat anymore 😔😭 . So I feel comfortable there and never had a problem with anyone bothering me ! A great place for the kids!!! They have various times for doing special things with the children .. A small Play Area That non of our little ones ever had a issue or injury!!!! A great place to go to get out of the heat and cold ! Once I find the Cafe I'll come back and let you know what I Think 💬🤔 ...
Of all the libraries I've been blessed to visit, this is by far, the nicest The children's section is an absolute dream From games, computers, countless bonus things you may not realize like boardgames, instruments, computer software and beyond Add in the most wonderful librarians The adult selections are massive. Also, things you may not realize available. From household items like a sewing machine, to knitting materials Offering the ability to do crafts at home The activities for all ages are awesome. Board Gane nights, chess Saturdays, readings, even time with a kitty as we learned Sunday 🐾 I can't speak highly about how wondrous our libraries are as a resource. But this one goes above most.
Krannert Art Museum
8. Krannert Art Museum
4.7
(312)
Art museum
Museums
Museum offering changing exhibits of works in a variety of media by contemporary international arts.
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We recently visited this museum, which focuses primarily on contemporary art, and had a wonderful experience despite some galleries from the permanent collection being closed for renovations. The temporary exhibitions and available galleries more than made up for it and we spent about one hour enjoying the art. The collection of African artifacts, particularly the masks, was fascinating and helped us gain a deeper understanding of their cultural significance. We also appreciated the opportunity to view a rare, smaller Rothko and admired the works of Chilean artist Roberto Matta, whose pieces added a unique perspective to the museum’s offerings. One highlight was how clearly the museum labeled its new acquisitions. This provided valuable insights into emerging trends and artists shaping the contemporary art landscape. We were especially interested in the art for social change exhibition and seeing art from black artists. The section on lesbian perspectives stood out as intriguing and educational, offering a window into diverse experiences. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and maps and brochures were available to guide us through the exhibits. Admission is free, with donations encouraged. Public parking is available in front of the museum with special permit, though not required during the weekends. The museum also has water fountains and comfortable, clean restrooms. We highly recommend this museum and hope to come back soon!!
Absolutely amazing! This art museum was well put together and you could see the care that the team puts in to the preservation of the collections. There was a very cool Mediterranean exhibit downstairs, but overall, all of the artwork was interesting. A special shoutout to the staff all who were helpful and friendly. We were visiting from out of the state and they helped us to navigate some logistics.
Krannert Art Museum is a fantastic place to visit, and it's worth checking their opening hours before you go. The guides there are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, which adds to the overall experience. The museum itself is quite spacious, with numerous lounge rooms to explore. During our visit, we had a great time completing a scavenger hunt at the museum, although the real reward was immersing ourselves in the rich history it offers. My favorite sections were the fine Greek, Egyptian, and Renaissance art; they truly captured my heart! When you're there, make sure to read the captions accompanying the artworks, as they provide valuable insights into the portraits and enhance your understanding and appreciation of them. It is free to get in, however it’s worth donating to. ☺️
This museum is a hidden gem in Champaign. 🎨 From the moment you walk in, you're embraced by a calm and creative atmosphere. The exhibits are super diverse, ranging from contemporary art to pieces from distant cultures. Plus, the admission is free, making it even more accessible. Perfect for a cultural outing with friends or a relaxed solo visit.
A jewel of a little museum. It is a nice way to spend a couple of hours looking at a variety of art. I last visited this museum in the 70's and it greatly influenced my love for art today.
DO NOT visit the museum. It was a waste of my time. There is no information anywhere to know that there are only TWO galleries open. Everything else is closed for "renovations". Again, I was not aware of this information till I had gotten there. It is not stated on the website at all. I drove from Chicago to Champaign thinking I would have access to a full museum. On top of that, I had to pay for parking which was ridiculously complicated. The meters do not take coins, you have to download a third party app just to pay. Very annoying. It felt cramped and uncomfortable. The only galleries that are open are very small. When I visited, there were probably 6 other people and that was enough to overstimulate me. On top of that, you have the security guards following you. Do not recommend going until the whole museum is open.
virtually everything a person with a brain/some taste might want to see is off limits until early next year. not worth a visit until early 2025 edit: it's almost August (i.e., summer) so now there's signs up saying most of it'll be open again... in the summer... which is right now. they were building something (drilling/hammering) during open hours while I visited, making it very difficult to contemplate the minimal art available.
There's no free parking here, and it costs $1.70 an hour, how greedy of the university. Edit: You also have to pay via third party, the parking meters themselves don't actually function. You don't simply put coins into a thing, you have to download an app, create an account, register your vehicle, and pay an additional fee to the third party, just to visit this museum without your car being towed. Second edit: The app you have to use to pay for the overpriced parking doesn't even accept Google Pay, or PayPal, or maybe even credit cards? Been attempting to get it to work for 20 minutes, but I guess I'm just going to leave. Very disappointing, because obviously parking should never have cost money here to begin with.
Hessel Park
9. Hessel Park
4.7
(1515)
Park
Nature & Parks
A scenic path runs through this park, which boasts 50 tree species, sports courts, grills & more.
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A great park to spend the day, with free access to well-kept tennis and pickleball courts.
We enjoy this park for the playground and the splash pad. It's mostly a clean park. It attracts a lot of people so my kids always have someone to play with. I wish there was more parent seating next to splash pad.
Best park in town. The very best part is non-restrictive hours! Actually open long enough that working people can enjoy it. Not sure how a park "closes" but anyway. Perfect running loop. Jot down the hill to Mattis Park and back for a 5k. Splash pad. Picnics. Pickleball, tennis and volleyball. Water fountains. Art. It's all good here.
Most popular park in Champaign for good reason. Splash pad and playground are perfect for kids. There is also pickleball, tennis, and volleyball court, as well as plenty of shelters to have parties. There is a walking path that goes around the perimeter. My only complaint is how difficult it is to get to via walk/bike from the neighborhood across Kirby.
Really great, it has a public splash pad that is free and open to the public in the summer months for cooling off. It has a tennis court too, slides and climbing apparatus etc
Splash pad is hugh and awesome. Playground is super fun. Watched my kids run from the pad to the playground all day long. We will be back.
Tennis courts, nice big playground, very good shelter w great grills, nice walking/ strolling path. Very green, big trees & lots of shade!
This park is beautiful! Lots of shade, trees, a new and nice playground and splash pad! Perfect on a summer day
University of Illinois Arboretum
10. University of Illinois Arboretum
4.8
(903)
Arboretum
Nature & Parks
Lush botanical garden & wedding venue featuring cherry trees & flowering plants.
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A relaxing place in the campus. Good greenery accompanied by flowers, goose, koi fish and turtles 🐢
This is such a beautiful breathing place! You will enjoy the view and the scent of fresh flowers everywhere
This place is an absolute gem and one of the many reasons CU is lucky to have yhe university! I love to come here and escape into nature. I don't have a car and getting away from the noise of cars is hard even at Crystal Lake, but here? I can't hear cars in the gardens.
Serendipitous! Idyllic! Take a class here, stroll by after a grueling day, bring a date, come by to clean and definitely climb a tree:) It also doubles as a rather lovely stargazing venue I've caught a naked-eye glimpse of comet ATLAS here!! Sakura in the spring and beautiful autumnal foliage in the fall and its all taken care of by lovely people (so don't you dare litter). If you're particularly fortunate, keep an eye out for the koi fish and turtles!
Very cute, and it's nice that it's free to the public, but the parking is a bit difficult.
Beautiful gardens. Much of it currently under construction, but still lovely and makes for a wonderful walk. The Master Gardener section is truly a work of art
Beautiful backdrop for Homecoming photos. Lovely, well groomed plants, flowers, landscaping and structures. No tickets are needed, as suggested by google.
An absolute treasure for our community! This space had been the backdrop of countless wedding and engagement photo moments throughout my career!
The Art Theater
11. The Art Theater
4.8
(229)
Permanently Closed
Movie theater
Concerts & Shows
Vintage theater from 1913, showcasing art, foreign & cult films, with snacks & alcoholic beverages.
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Eye Maxx What a pleasure to see a movie at this 20th Century Relic. I'll never know how a place like this stays open but I never want it to close. A single house theater means they pick and choose their films wisely. If you remember when films were films this is your theater. If you've seen more than two sequels this year stay home n Netflix. Intimate and enjoyable experience.
I enjoyed watching The River and The Wall here. They have vegan popcorn which was a pleasant surprise! The films are great and the environment is nice. My only complaint is that the air conditioning in the theater is a little loud and makes it pretty cold so you may need a light jacket.
Nice little theater that shows many independent movies not playing at mainstream theaters. Ticket prices can be high, but their concessions are reasonable, and they offer alcohol. Bathrooms are very small and not handicapped accessible; however, there are spaces in the theater for wheelchairs.
Films always start on time here. The seats are comfortable. The price is reasonable. The concession stand is over priced. They do have beer selections. They get movies that neither of the other theaters in town get. You can also rent the theater for parties.
A wonderful independent theater with good selections. Plays first-run indie films, but also has late shows of classics and modern gems. The main appeal of the Art is its welcoming nature: the staff are great, drinks are good, and the general experience is cozy.
A fun place for an afternoon with the family watching an art house film. The facilities are a bit rough around the edges, but I expect that of an independent theater of this era. It could be gorgeous with the right budget, but I definitely recommend supporting them to feel this little diamond in the rough open for years to come.
This place is awesome and I encourage everyone to support it. I actually prefer going here than to the big chain theaters in town, if I can, to see a movie I want to see. They often show movies that aren't shown at other theaters in town, sometimes they have free screenings, and they are often involved in events that support the local community (because they're a co-op and actually an active part of the C-U community). If you're still unsure if you want to go, another perk is that they serve alcohol here for a reasonable price (unlike the large theaters where drinks are overpriced), so you can get a beer with your popcorn, if you're into that, and not have to pay $10 for it. Plus, sometimes they even have drink and other concession specials to help fundraise for local organizations.
Hey this place is great! Go get a burger a Farrens and check out a theater with a lovely staff. I like to enjoy a Guinness with my movie. Not as showy as the Virginia but it doesn't have to be because they have a much more regular mix of classic and hard to find new releases. You can even become a shareholder and own a portion of the joint!
Spurlock Museum
12. Spurlock Museum
4.6
(359)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum with artifacts from ancient cultures & geographic areas, including ancient Egypt & East Asia.
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This museum is absolutely amazing! We explored all the galleries with fascinating art from all over the world, but were excited to see those from Ancient Mediterranean and the Americas. It was outstanding. The museum offers a wealth of history and culture. We enjoyed learning about Latin American art, including fascinating pieces from Bolivia (with a surprise of a sensory experience!). The Native American art displays were equally impressive, showcasing the richness and depth of their traditions. A standout feature of the museum was the interactive screens, which provided detailed insights into rare objects, such as a fragment of the letter of James from the New Testament. We also loved listening to music created with ancient versions of violins and other string instruments, which added an immersive element to our visit. Admission is free, and parking on the street is free on weekends. There are puffs and cushions in the galleries to have a moment of gentle rest. The facilities were spotless, and I greatly appreciated the availability of sanitary pads in the restrooms—a thoughtful touch. The staff were incredibly kind and friendly. We deeply enjoyed our visit and highly recommend this museum for anyone interested in history, culture, and art!
Nice and tidy museum at UIUC. There's no section on India in Asia section, which is very surprising. Maybe the Museum should get some funding to add an India specific section and that would be nice.
A really great place to visit if you are at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. They have different sections according to continent and a great collection. Place is free for anyone.
Smaller, but splendid, museum with LOTS of varying exhibits, artifacts, and traditional ethnic garments of various cultures from around the world. In addition to special exhibits, the museum houses 9 permanent exhibits, They are organized by geography and cover hundreds, if not thousands, of years of human history from North, Central, and South America and the Ancient Mediterranean. On the 2nd floor are East Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, Ancient Mesopotamia, and Ancient Egypt.
Spent about 30 minutes here, wish I’d had more time! It’s full of unique items and history. Free to enter, although donations and encouraged. I went on a Saturday afternoon, right before closing, and it was almost completely empty and very quiet! Exhibits are (mostly) based on regions of the world. I especially appreciated the effort of transparency with where the artifacts were acquired, although I’m not sure if there’s been any pressures or requests for returning items.
Fabulous free museum with an eclectic group of culturally significant exhibits. I learned a lot on this quiet Tuesday before thanlsgiving
This was a great little museum. If it's free it's for me! My oldest son loved the mummy they had on display. They showed pictures too of what they thought the mummy looked like if he/she was still alive. Many of the items they had on display were replicas, but just as fun to look at. I wouldn't say a great place for young children. Easy to sound an hour here.
Not bad at all! Only 5% of their collections (artifacts, sculptures etc) are on display due to the space crisis. What a shame! There are no entry fees, however, it’s my request to everyone to donate as much as you can so that they can keep up the good work for years to come.
Main Quad
13. Main Quad
4.8
(715)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Grassy open space at the heart of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Great place, all the students come here to hang out on nice sunny days. They have to cross this place to get to their classes. There's always some kind of activity going on be it . The student organizations always have some kind of stall there to make the place more engaging and to give the students more things to do.
Beautiful place of the university, right for strolling around, walking your pets, or having a nice picnic on the grass when the weather is good. A lot of activities and events usually happen there!
What a beautiful place to sit! So relaxing :)
I absolutely love it here! There's always so many people doing so many things!
A quite large park with several cute doggos 😅. Sometimes there are events, but I’d say the main beauty of this place is its view and size.
It’s my first time to U of I. This building is beautiful!
Great atmosphere for running and fun activities
Very central, near Student Union, with bus stops nearby (free bus rides for students) and restaurants and griceries on Green Street within walking distance.
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
14. Jameson Distillery Bow St.
4.7
(5528)
Distillery
Food & Drink
Expert guides tell the story of Jameson in a recreated distillery scene with tastings and dining.
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It was incredible experience. Our tour guide was amazing. First you get free welcome drink - you have 3 options from Jameson (Jameson with lime and ginger is amazing). Then you go to first room, it’s about history of Jameson. Second room is about how to make Jameson and on third you learn about differences, how to smell and taste different Jamesons. With this guide, it was really amazing and I could stay longer than 45 minutes.
My wife and I took this tour on a Monday morning a few hours before our flight home and had a wonderful time. Our tour guide was very animated and obviously loved his job! Great tour through history all the way to current time. Definitely recommend this tour for any whiskey aficionados or anyone with just a taste for Jameson.
I paid about $26 for the Jameson Distillery tour and it was worth every penny. They start with a really cool 3D projector story about the history and how Jameson is made, then you move into a tasting room where you try four different Jamesons and learn how to properly smell and taste whiskey. It truly feels like a world-class experience. The premium ones were noticeably smoother (whiskey by itself definitely grows hair on your chest 😂), but it was fun, informative, and delicious. After the tasting, you get a drink included — they already have a bar set up with several cocktail options, and if you want another drink afterward you can buy more. The tour guide was incredible — funny, knowledgeable, and made it feel like he actually believed every part of the history. It was so good I found myself thinking, “Do y’all hire? I could work here too.” The staff overall was extremely friendly and helpful. They’ll even hold your bags if you’re coming straight from the airport like I was. There’s merchandise at the end if you want to shop, and the whole experience is just a lot of fun from start to finish. I would 100% come back and I’d tell anyone visiting Dublin to add this to their trip.
What an unforgettable experience at the Jameson Distillery! We opted for the Secret Whiskey Package and savored every moment. The tour was a delightful blend of history, craftsmanship, and fun, with fascinating insights into the company’s founder and the art of whiskey making. The highlight? Learning the skills of whiskey tasting, followed by a truly delicious sampling experience. Despite the bustling crowd of fellow travelers, the staff made us feel so special and welcome. We loved every minute and can’t wait to return!
Had a fantastic tasting tour on my second visit to this iconic Irish distillery. The guide’s deep knowledge and entertaining presentation made the experience memorable. It’s no wonder Jameson remains one of the world’s top selling whiskeys. Highly recommended!
Exactly everything you'd expect from a distillery tour. Great tour guide, samples of the whisky, and the best ambiance. All the employees were stellar and very nice to chat with. You can also purchase exclusive bottles you can't get anywhere else in the world.
This is one of the best distillery tour I’ve ever done! I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Dublin. Our tour guide was really informative and had a great demote of knowledge about the history of Jameson’s. I’m not usually a Whiskey drinker but after trying a Jamesons, Ginger Ale and Lime in the bar I am converted.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Jamison Distillery. I went with my husband and my daughter. It was very informative and quite interesting. There were several experiences during the tour. We tasted whiskeys that we hadn't tried before. Our new favorite one is Black Barrel. We've bought a bottle now that we're back home and have shared it with a neighbor. He is now a fan! I recommend going on this tour. It's fun, educational, and it even has a cute little shop inside.
Alma Mater
15. Alma Mater
4.8
(113)
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
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Absolutely Beautiful! Love the history of the statue!
Really cool photo op stop for the graduates!
nice place for a picture with your grad
10/10 would take pictures with this statue again. If you're taking pictures for graduation, I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Lots of green grass and trees which meant so much shade from the hot summer sun! Thanks! p.s kids were climbing the statue I didn't wanna take pics of random kids
Nice but overrated. There are plenty of places to take graduation pictures like the "castle" behind, the Unionsouth quad...
Our Alma Mater is simply gorgeous! ❤️ always one of my favorite photo spots! :)
Amazing place to be and feeling connected!
West Side Park
16. West Side Park
4.6
(751)
Park
Nature & Parks
Grassy outdoor activity area with a pavilion & picnic tables, plus walking paths & a water fountain.
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Great place to being the kids. They are always happy to come to thus park. It's also nice that they have a fence up around the children's playground that way it makes it easier to keep track of your children. I most certainly recommend this park to everyone.
This park is absolutely beautiful and full of charm! You can really feel its history — it’s one of those older parks that’s been well cared for over the years. It’s always clean, peaceful, and feels very safe, whether you’re walking alone or bringing the family. There’s plenty of parking all around the park, which makes visiting super convenient. A perfect spot to relax, take a stroll, or just enjoy the scenery!
It is an educational park, it has historical sculptures, you feel very calm in that park.
Valid park, 10/10 playground and unique facilities, statues are cool too. Ground of playground is EPDM (rubber basically) and everything exposed is plastic and there is a fence around it so your kid is pretty protected here. Huge patches of snow for making a snowman in the winter too
The Flannel fest was really nice. Me and my wife attended last year and this year was just as nice. With more food trucks and vendors. Live band and more. Hope the Champaign park district continues to do more of these events year round for the community.
I grew up in Champaign and went to Central High nearby so I'm very familiar with this park. Took photos with my family at the fountain, great spot! The playground is new and looked amazing (and also interactive for all).
Clean, and beautiful landscape. We love to visit each time we come to Springfield
Great park on the west side of town. Everything seemed very well maintained and there are even a couple of large pieces of sculpture, a central fountain, gazebo, a memorial, and plenty of beautiful flower gardens. It was nice to hang out on my lunch period on a sunny day with plenty of shade trees. Shade , much like the shade my ex father in law has been throwing my way since I accidentally left the gas on and blew up his trailer.

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