For those looking for a dose of nature, Champaign County and its surrounding area offer some great walking paths. Northern Champaign, the University of Illinois, as well as surrounding parks districts offer public areas that are great for getting some fresh air.
Paths off of Legacy Ave, Champaign, located near St. Thomas Moore High School.
In the middle of farmland, a series of walking paths lay near I-74. Though close to the highway, this is a peaceful spot. This area features three ponds with interconnected walking paths, lined with plants or fields. In the summer, one of the fields blooms with hundreds of sunflowers. This spot is well maintained and dog friendly. Despite its proximity to the highway, this is a quiet area and is only a short drive for Champaign-Urbana residents.
The University of Illinois Arboretum, located at 2001 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana.
Just south of the University’s campus, this walking path runs through what’s been called a “living laboratory.” The path winds through trees, around a pond, and through a diverse flower garden. Paired with its living art, this area is filled with art installations and interesting structures. With its well-kept floral display and interesting architecture this site is very popular for local prom, graduation, and wedding photos. This spot is dog friendly and a short walk for those living on the university campus.
River Bend Forest Preserve, located at 1602 Mid America Rd, Mahomet.
On the southern tip of Mahomet, a forest preserve is hidden from view. This forest preserve has many paved, gravel, and dirt paths through the woods, along the Sangamon River, and other large ponds. One of the main path’s wind through the forest with smaller paths leading to clearings that overlook the water. This area also has a dock, picnic area, and public bathrooms all maintained by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District. The forest preserve is dog friendly, only 10-20 minutes from Champaign-Urbana, and is open from sunrise to 5:00 pm daily.
Lake of the Woods, located at 109 S Lake of the Woods Rd, Mahomet.
In northern Mahomet through a covered wooden bridge there are many great paths along the Sangamon River. This forest preserve is supported by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District which operates a prairie museum and maintains the forest. These woods hold many dirt and paved paths that bring visitors near the river and through their garden and many of these paths lead over bridges. Along with these features, among the forest is the Lake of the Woods golf club that walking paths also border. The forest is dog friendly, a 20–30-minute drive from Champaign-Urbana and is open for use at 7:00 am every morning but has varying closing times throughout the year.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center, located at 515 Old Timber Rd, Monticello.
Southwest of Monticello a unique collection of architecture, art, and Illinois history rests along Sangamon Creek in the middle of forest land. Allerton Park is named after its original owner, artist and philanthropist Robert Henry Allerton who built it in 1900 before passing donating it to the University of Illinois in 1946. The property is dog friendly, features a mansion, many statues, a café, and multiple gardens. Miles of walking paths loop through and around the property. Along all of the path’s are statues designed by Robert Allerton, tastefully hidden into the landscape. This is a must-see for anyone in the Champaign-Urbana area though it is a 30–45-minute drive and is open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.
All photos courtesy of Trent Chassy.
