Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Urbana, IL

Adjacent to its neighboring city, Champaign, Urbana ranks as the tenth most populous city in Illinois outside the Chicago area.

The origins of Urbana are closely linked to the establishment of an agricultural school in 1868, which later evolved into the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Architecturally and culturally, the university plays a pivotal role in Urbana’s life, meriting exploration for its impressive architecture, sports events, and cultural attractions.

Urbana’s historic downtown features a long-standing farmers’ market and noteworthy landmarks that are easily discoverable on a walking tour.

Remarkably green, with over 100,000 trees, Urbana encompasses more than 600 acres of parks and natural areas, making it renowned for its walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.

1. Spurlock Museum

The primary draw on the Urbana side of the university campus is this ethnographic museum, which boasts a collection of over 50,000 artifacts.

Established in 1911, the Spurlock Museum serves as a regional nexus for cultural and archaeological collections that encompass the breadth of human history from all corners of the globe.

Its collections are particularly well-represented in areas such as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as Mesopotamia, modern Africa, and diverse cultures of East Asia, the Americas, and the Arctic.

Visitors encounter nine permanent exhibits organized by region, alongside five thematic exhibits that explore specific topics.

Artifacts on display range from Ancient Greek papyrus to Sumerian clay tablets, textiles from Indonesia, Inuit whaling tools, Japanese wood carvings, and more.

2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Tour

Those with an appreciation for historic architecture and public art will find a delightful experience exploring the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, which spans the boundary between Urbana and Champaign.

A splendid starting point is the beautifully landscaped Main Quad, featuring tree-lined avenues and the impressive structures of the Liberal Arts and Sciences buildings.

From this vantage point, visitors can view the magnificent Beaux-Arts Foellinger Auditorium (1907). Nearby is the Astronomical Observatory (1896), where significant advancements in photoelectric photometry occurred under the leadership of Joel Stebbins between 1907 and 1922.

The campus is also home to the Romanesque Revival Altgeld Hall, which was completed in 1897 and expanded significantly during the early to mid-20th century.

Additionally, visitors should allocate time to explore the Natural History Building (1892), Smith Hall (1897), Harker Hall (1878), Lincoln Hall (1911), and the distinguished Alma Mater sculpture (1929).

3. Crystal Lake Park

Established in 1907, the oldest park in the Urbana Park District marks the location of the first Euro-American settlement in the area and later became known as Union Park during the 19th century.

The ornamental lake was constructed in the 1880s by damming the west branch of the Salt Fork Vermilion River.

Adorned with a lake house, this winding body of water attracts visitors for boating, fishing, and leisurely walks during the summer months.

Further amenities include the expansive Family Aquatic Center, a labyrinth, and the Anita Purves Nature Center, which features environmental exhibits and educational programs.

4. Historic Urbana Self-Guided Tour

Downtown Urbana offers a variety of captivating sights; an itinerary is available online that outlines the key landmarks and provides insights into Urbana’s history and growth.

Much of the downtown area, initially characterized by wooden buildings, required reconstruction in brick and stone following the Urbana Fire of 1871. A few blocks contain many fascinating attractions.

The facade of Busey’s Hall/Princess Theatre at 120-124 West Main Street may exhibit Art Deco style from 1934, yet its core dates back to 1870, prior to the fire.

Additional notable sites include the Champaign County Courthouse (1901), Tiernan’s Block (1871), Cohen Building (1907), Post Office (1915), Lincoln Hotel (1924), Urbana Free Library (1917), and Courier Building (1916).

5. University of Illinois Arboretum

The University of Illinois Arboretum spans fifty-seven acres on the southeast side of the campus, transforming this area into a living laboratory that supports multiple teaching and research initiatives.

Having previously occupied several locations, the Arboretum was established at this site, which was agricultural land in the 1980s and 1990s.

Within its grounds, visitors will find collections of native prairie plants, vegetables, ornamentals, annuals, and perennials. As a relatively young botanical establishment, it provides a unique opportunity to witness its development with each visit.

The arboretum also features the Japan House, along with a variety of themed gardens, including the Idea Garden, Noel Welcome Garden, Oak Grove, American Hosta Society National Display Garden, Kari Walkway, and the sunken Miles C. Hartley Selections Garden.

6. Market at the Square

Saturday mornings in Urbana are marked by the lively atmosphere of this farmers’ market. Running from May through October, the Market at the Square has been a beloved tradition for over forty years, offering a prime opportunity to experience the exceptional produce of central Illinois.

On a typical Saturday, attendees will discover approximately 150 vendors presenting fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, honey, plants, flowers, and a diverse array of baked goods.

Local arts and crafts are also showcased, alongside a variety of food trucks, ensuring that there is something to suit everyone’s taste. The market also features free programming, including artistic performances, children’s activities, and various workshops.

7. Japan House

Japan House, located within the University of Illinois Arboretum, is part of the college’s Fine and Applied Arts department and was established by Professor Shozo Sato in 1976.

This center offers educational opportunities in Japanese aesthetics, Ikebana, and traditional tea ceremonies for both university students and the public.

Visitors can wander through the gardens at their leisure, taking in the thoughtfully designed landscaping and the harmonious blend of plants, water, and stone.

The grounds are particularly breathtaking in spring when cherry blossoms adorn the landscape. Regular guided tours of the garden are available, along with the chance to attend traditional tea ceremonies at Japan House’s tearoom, offering insights into this complex ritual.

8. Urbana Free Library

One significant attraction in downtown Urbana is the Urbana Free Library, constructed in 1918 in the Classical Revival architectural style.

Established in 1874, this library is among the earliest public libraries in the state.

For local residents, it serves as a remarkable resource with extensive collections of books, music, audiobooks, films, video games, toys, board games, craft materials, and even specialized technology like GoPro cameras.

The variety of public programs is equally impressive, encompassing reading initiatives for children, concerts, and a wide range of workshops.

Visitors can also utilize the library as a peaceful place to work or read, with complimentary Wi-Fi available. The library’s grounds and interior showcase a fascinating collection of artworks donated by prominent community members over the past century and a half.

9. Busey Woods

This 59-acre natural area borders Crystal Lake Park and is accessible via a walking trail starting just west of the Anita Purves Nature Center.

Busey Woods features a serene bottomland oak-hickory forest, making it an ideal location for peaceful strolls, especially during spring when the wildflowers bloom magnificently.

The trail leads through a wetland area, featuring a third-of-a-mile-long boardwalk.

Keep an eye out for deer and various bird species, including northern cardinals, blue jays, goldfinches, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and warblers.

10. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA)

Situated between the Main Quad and the Spurlock Museum, the university’s extensive performing arts complex features a total seating capacity of 4,000 across its various venues.

Opened in 1969, KCPA includes unique characteristics, such as the Great Hall (2,078 seats), Festival Theatre (974 seats), and Playhouse (674 seats), each constructed separately to enhance acoustics. The impressive lobby is constructed from teak imported from Thailand and Italian Carrara marble.

This venue has hosted an illustrious lineup of renowned artists and ensembles, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, Munich Symphony Orchestra, Pavarotti, Lang Lang, Chick Corea, Sonny Rollins, and Joshua Bell.

11. University of Illinois Memorial Stadium

An iconic landmark on the southwest side of the university campus is the Memorial Stadium, which boasts a seating capacity of 60,670 and primarily serves Illinois Fighting Illini football games.

Inaugurated in 1923, the stadium is dedicated to students of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who perished in World War I. The prominent pillars on the facade feature engravings of their names.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are a founding member of the Big Ten Conference, playing in the West Division, and have achieved 15 Big Ten Championships and five national championships.

Opposite Memorial Stadium lies the distinctive saucer-shaped State Farm Center, the home arena for the university’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as a concert venue that has hosted legendary figures such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and the Rolling Stones.

12. Meadowbrook Park

This 130-acre park, which borders the rural landscape in southern Urbana, has been acquired by the city in stages since 1967.

Previously agricultural land, much of Meadowbrook Park is designed to replicate tallgrass prairie and features an array of trails, along with the Wandell Sculpture Garden, organic garden plots, an ornamental tree grove, a sensory garden, and the scenic Freyfogle Overlook.

The Historic McCullough Farmstead adds to the park’s appeal, with the farmhouse serving as staff housing and the renovated barn functioning as an interpretive center. Additionally, Meadowbrook Park is home to Urbana’s largest play structure, PrairiePlay.

13. Candlestick Lane

Totaling over 50 homes, Candlestick Lane has become a cherished Christmas tradition since the mid-1960s, showcasing a spectacular display during the holiday season in a residential neighborhood southeast of downtown.

The tradition began at the north end of Grant Place when a row of homes won a decorating contest organized by the Illinois Power Company.

On the second Saturday in December, an official lighting ceremony is conducted, during which the streets are closed for traffic and lamplighters move from house to house. The festive lights illuminate the area each evening until December 26.

14. Urbana-Lincoln Hotel and Lincoln Square Mall

Located in the heart of Urbana, this complex merges a historic hotel, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, with a shopping mall.

Reflecting a Tudor Revival architectural style, the Urbana-Lincoln Hotel (1923) features romantic half-timbering and has experienced a varied history, closing multiple times and changing ownership since the 1990s.

Currently, an impending sale with significant investment potential indicates a more promising future.

The mall, connected to the hotel and opened in 1964, stands out as one of the earliest enclosed shopping centers in the United States, housing a variety of small retailers and services.

15. Sweetcorn Festival

As of the latest updates, the continuity of this long-standing summer festival, which has become a highlight for Urbana, remains uncertain.

Taking place in late August and attracting upwards of 50,000 attendees, the Sweetcorn Festival is organized by the Urbana Business Association, which has recently disbanded.

There are questions regarding whether the city, in conjunction with private entities, will assume responsibility for the event.

If the festival proceeds, it will celebrate the local corn harvest with various food trucks, craft vendors, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.