Location: Mahomet
Top Things to do in Mahomet
- 1. Museum of the Grand Prairie
- 2. Champaign Public Library
- 3. lake of the woods county park
- 4. Mahomet Public Library
- 5. The Virginia Theatre
- 6. Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
- 7. Alto Vineyards and Winery
- 8. William M. Staerkel Planetarium
- 9. Antiques & More at Staley Road, Inc.
- 10. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Countries
10 Things to Do in Mahomet That You Shouldn't Miss
Mahomet /məˈhɒmɪt/ is a town in Champaign County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,258 at the 2010 census. Mahomet is located approximately ten miles west of Champaign at the junction of Interstate 74 and IL 47.
Restaurants in Mahomet
1. Museum of the Grand Prairie
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By K S - Mahomet, Illinois
At this small central Illinois museum, you can learn about central Illinois' history, from when the glaciers shaped the landscape through the time Europeans settled here. There's a great compact exhibit about Lincoln's role in Illinois, a hands-on children's section and a yearly changing exhibit. Currently, the focus is on the role of water in the area. If you hurry, you can also catch the temporary traveling Smithsonian exhibit "WaterWays." If you enjoy shopping, there's a delightful museum shop. The museum is free, but donations are welcome.
2. Champaign Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Step into our light-filled, open spaces and see our wonderful Peter Sis murals, colorful TeenSpace, quiet meeting rooms, Library Café and Friendshop Bookstore. The library at 200 W. Green St., is open Mondays - Thursdays 9-9; Fridays 9-6; Saturdays 10-6; and Sundays 12-6. Our Douglass Branch Library is located 504 E. Grove St., at the edge of Douglass Park. Stop in for a great selection of books, DVDs, and CDs, plus friendly service, free Internet access, and public meeting spaces. Open Mondays - Thursdays 10-8; Fridays 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4.
Reviewed By Margo H - Champaign
Offers more than you'll ever need. I've enjoyed items that are hard to find from other libraries across the country. I can't praise this service enough. Never expected to be able to request a tape from the Enoch Pratt in Baltimore, Maryland. Staff is exceptional...MoreSo glad to hear that we were able to bring in the items you need when we don't own them. Thanks for your kind review.
3. lake of the woods county park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By theturner4 - Mahomet, Illinois
Lots of paved and unpaved walking trails, picnic areas, fishing spots, and play areas for the kids. Great place to take family or senior pictures! Beautiful gardens and natural areas, clean bathrooms and plenty of parking. Feed the ducks, climb the bell tower, or rent a paddleboat - this part is enjoyable for all ages.
4. Mahomet Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
A public library with a wide variety of programs for all ages. Free high-speed internet access via wi-fi or patron computers. Copy/print/fax services. Books, movies, audiobooks, and downloadable eResources including eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. Easy access from both town and the interstate. Free parking. Coffee available for purchase.
Reviewed By Smythe77654 - Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada
Mahomet Library has many positives: clean, new, always willing to help with ordering loaner books, part of the Heartland Library System, big windows.
But, there are several niggling negatives that need address.
The work desks are small, and the chairs are the most uncomfortable I have ever say upon. All the furniture in this library was bought more for aesthetics and fashion than for comfort. I challenge any of the librarians to sit in any of the chairs they selected for one single workday, and they will be begging the taxpayers for more money to correct their horrific decision on prior furniture purchases.
The library has no real study rooms, which is understandable for a library of this small size. What is not understandable is that the library has a large community room, which is seldom used at night (and almost never during the daytime), and yet is not open for the public to read, relax, and study. I'm sure it's some inane reasoning about cleaning the room or some such thing, but the library does open the room for high school students during their one week finals, so any true arguments (cleaning needs, theft, vandalism, staffing, etc.) fall away when one knows that fact. A huge room, essentially unused.
There is a smaller room, the Schmit Room, that is used on a scheduled basis perhaps one hour a day. It is routinely empty. The staff should encourage people, particularly those working collaboratively, to use the room. Sure, one can sign up to use it, but why not post a sign openly that says "The Schmit Room is available for use today on a first come, first serve basis." Add to the sign the hours that it's available to use each day (which, believe me, is almost all day and evening). Seems the staff would rather not be bothered with it, so the quiet, glassed room goes unused, day after day. Silly.
A main concern for this library is noise. It's constructed lik a large, open box, with no walls or breaks, no tapestries, no soft barriers, to allow any deadening of noise. As such, when anyone speaks in this library, even at the front checkout desk, the voices can be heard, quite literally, from one end of the library to the other. Bad enough as this is, with even a touch of policing for noice from the staff, it might be tolerable.
Lo and behold: the staff is much of the noise problem! They speak unconscionably loudly to patrons, almost as though they are trying to be loud on purpose. They talk, not only of library stuff, but general conversations about life in Mahomet, the election, personal stuff, you name it--all at a decibel best reserved for a noisy cafe or restaurant. It goes on for 15 minutes or more, with no regard for the fact that we are all sharing on large, echoey "box". I have had to ask the library's own staff to please pipe down!
I have seen patrons speak on cell phones set on external speaker, I have heard full conversations between realtors and their clients, I have experienced numerous people playing video games with external gaming noise, there have been tots yelling and screaming and running around the adult study and book area, all without even a courtesy warning from staff who seem completely oblivious to the workings of any modern library. Needless to say, this does not occur at Champaign Library, Urbana Free Library, or other such libraries on central Illinois; they have staff that control the environment. Anyone who wants a serious nudge from library staff merely has to take off their shoes, fall sleep, or talk openly or on a cell phone, at Champaign Library, and they will get their wish.
A good, but exceedingly loud, uncomfortably furnished space in a central Illinois town.
5. The Virginia Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By Ed V
Love this theater. Had tickets reserved at will-call. They were there and seating was excellent. Show was great. The organist played and when finished the riser came down and the play began. Acoustics were great. Lighting was perfect. House lights came up during intermission. Bathrooms were clean. Concession stand was hopping. People looked happy. I will look for other performances at the Virginia in the upcoming months. Champaign is lucky to have an old (refurbished) relic like this.
6. Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Sherry C - Wadsworth
We love visiting all of our forest preserves and this one is no exception. Great trails and so quiet and peaceful. We go hiking here, as well as snowshoeing. Enjoy it all. There is also a separate bird-watching area on one of the trails. We typically always see deer in the colder months and a variety of birds during the warmer weather. Our granddaughter enjoys going with us as well. For those that geocache, there are some of those here as well. There are some picnic tables near the main parking lot so you can sit and enjoy the preserve while having a snack.
7. Alto Vineyards and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Alex_Robinson419 - Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Nice atmosphere. Unlike a nearby winery you can bring in outside food which is a plus. Wines are ok not on par with Europe or California but still drinkable. I would suggest this winery to anyone who visits the Shawnee Wine Trail.
8. William M. Staerkel Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By CaseyfromBoston - Home Usa
Nice, different activity, and the machine and technology in the planetarium are really cool. But the solar storms "movie" was not so enchanting and quite repetitive. The director's jokes seemed to have gotten pretty canned over (too?) many years of telling them, but then how else would you entertain school groups?
9. Antiques & More at Staley Road, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Over 8000 square feet, 80 vendors, a must see Antique Mall with something for everyone. Antiques, vintage clothing, mid-century, retro, Amish made candies, candles, soaps, advertising signs, furniture, glassware, jewelry, and more. Stop in for a free cup of coffee or hot tea and browse to your hearts content. Handicap accessible. We also have a Kid's Corner for the young to color will you shop
Reviewed By sandra n - Lemont, Illinois
Enjoyed our visit to this antique mall. Prices good, clean and nice arrangement. Sales person friendly and we will be forever grateful to her for recommending Manzella"s to us for the best lasagna ever! We appreciated it. We will stop by next time in town.
10. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Escape to the country at Curtis Orchard from July 20 - December 20. This farm in southwest Champaign features apples, pumpkins and a large country store. Shop for specialty food items and take home the farm's fresh apple cider. Try their famous donuts & pies, along with great meals in September & October. The orchard offers free admission & parking. Entertainment options for a fee include a giant slide, obstacle course, corn maze & pony rides. Free activities include a playground & petting zoo. Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins are purchased in the store.
Reviewed By Greg J
Curtis Apple Orchard is great family-owned business. If you want to celebrate Fall, this is the place to come. They have great apple cider donuts and fritters, apple cider, pies, apples (peaches in late summer), and they serve great food, especially on weekends. You can...MoreWe really appreciate your kind words, Greg! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thorough review. We are so happy to have you as one of our valued patrons.
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