Location: Champaign-Urbana
Top Things to do in Champaign-Urbana
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The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois (IL)
The Champaign–Urbana metropolitan area, also known as Champaign-Urbana and Urbana-Champaign, is a metropolitan area in east-central Illinois. It is the 191st largest metropolitan area in the U.S. It is composed of three counties, Champaign, Ford, and Piatt. The Office of Management and Budget has designated the three-county Champaign-Urbana area as one of its metropolitan statistical areas (the Champaign-Urbana, IL MSA), which are used for statistical purposes by the Census Bureau and other agencies.
Restaurants in Champaign-Urbana
1. Meadowbrook Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By ChocolateKisses1 - Toronto, Canada
We were visiting Urbana and were told about this wonderful park. It was a beautiful day for a walk and this was the perfect place to see and experience its beauty. It was during the week and it was not too busy. We were able to relax and enjoy the unusual park artwork and sculptures. There is a paved walking path around the park. Children were playing in the playground. The park is lovely and peaceful.
2. The Art Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
3. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By timfl2016 - Urbana, United States
There are 7 stages in the center, if you count the one in the lobby, the one in the basement, and the amphitheater outside. The best is the Foellinger Great Hall, which has fabulous acoustics that keep attracting some of the best symphonies to come and perform. Each year, I buy about 10 sets of tickets for performances at the center, and have seen many of the top 20 symphonies perform here.
4. Altgeld Hall Tower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By timfl2016 - Urbana, United States
It used to be possible for people visit the belfry on Fridays between 12:30 and 1 pm. No longer. Still worth a visit, for the sounds and for the math/statistics library, which has a beautiful interior.
5. Champaign Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 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 9-6; 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 urbanguy - Richmond, United States
We went there, specifically, to check out the Friend's Bookstore. The Bookstore is in the basement, with shelves and shelves of well organized books for sale. Fiction is alphabetized by author. The non-fiction is broken down into tons of meaningful categories. Upstairs, there is an unbelievable number of DVDs to borrow. There is also a coffee shop, with both indoor and outdoor seating. A very impressive Library!
6. Urbana Public Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By LLL649 - Urbana, United States
Very nice library. I have been coming here since I was a kid many years ago. It has been expanded and upgraded so it's different but meets the needs of our changing world. It is quite pretty, includes a coffee shop and has an extensive children's section. It has connections with many other libraries so you can always get a title that you are searching for. Lastly, they have a very nice website that can tell you what materials they have and can get.
7. Larry Kanfer Photography
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Larry Kanfer Photography is a midwest based, nationally collected photographic artist. Most known for his Prairiescapes® (Midwest landscape photography celebrating the rural lifestyles of the American heartland), he also has extensive collections of Cityscapes, International, University of Illinois, Woodlands, Tropical, Close-ups and Abstract fine art photographs. Larry Kanfer Photography, in Champaign, IL, is the premier photographer serving Champaign, Savoy, Urbana, Mahomet, Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Carbondale and surrounding areas since 1979. We specialize in custom photography, original wall and framed artwork, home decor, office art, architectural, landscape, woodlands and scenic photography, conceptual artwork, artwork installation packages, licensed imagery and much more. Larry Kanfer Photography is perfect for corporate, health care, hospitality, custom installations, as well as residential artwork and gifts.
Reviewed By celester780 - Peoria, United States
AMAZING! Larry Kanfer’s skill and body of work has been compared to Ansel Adams’ with good reason. His photographs take the ordinary and show us the extraordinary beauty of nature. His ability to show the beauty in the everyday scenery with his prairiescapes is a gift in particular to Midwesterners. Beyond the prairiescapes, University of Illinois and Chicago photographs, a visit to the gallery is a chance to see Kanfer’s international work which is equally stunning. The artist himself, because his work is true artistry, is gracious with his time and very welcoming.
8. Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Champaign-Urbana Adventures in Time and Space is an interactive real-life escape room game for friends, family, and coworkers! Teams of 2-10 players have 60 minutes to find clues, complete puzzles, discover secret doors, and solve a greater mystery. Each game takes place in a different themed setting and time period. From dispelling evil spirits in a haunted cabin to foiling the plot of a medieval wizard, each scenario is designed to make players feel like they are living out a movie! Players must use observation, communication, and critical thinking to win. It makes for a great night out or an exciting twist on corporate team building.
Reviewed By hanbot22 - Frankfort, United States
This is going to be hard to beat! Our group did the "Wizard" and "Cabin" rooms and they were both incredible. The puzzles were challenging yet attainable, the rooms were completely immersive, and the attention to detail was at another level. I've done a handful of escape rooms and none of them came close to this experience. The location has easy parking, and is near a lot of places to eat. Our group opted to do two rooms and had a break in between, so we went across the street for some food. Easy to get to with lots around! Hope we can go back soon!
9. LabEscape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Dr. Schrodenberg disappeared three weeks ago, amidst fears that hostile agents were after her research. Now it's up to you to find out what happened to Dr. Schrodenberg and her breakthrough technology before hostile forces get there first. You'll have to search her secret lab, solve mind-blowing puzzles to reveal clues, and hopefully find a way to escape!
Reviewed By minjoo - Kyoto, Japan
Went twice with family (including children age 8-12) and really enjoyed both times. It's exciting and a little suspenseful. The science aspects are both effective and really help drive the plot forward. They also provide powerful science lessons, though there's not much time to talk about it while you're trying to escape!
10. Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Escape to the country at Curtis Orchard from July 20 - December 23. 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 ReallyNiceClark - Edmond, United States
Stopped here over the Thanksgiving break for fresh cider and had to get an apple pie too. It’s the best apple pie I have ever had. The peach pie was the best I ever had too. Perfect crust like grandma made.
