The Arboretum and the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden.

Enjoy the beautiful and diverse prairie flora.

William M. Staerkel Planetarium.

Learn about the stars and planets at the 2nd largest planetarium in Illinois. The planetarium uses a Zeiss Star Projector to project 5,000 visible stars on its 50-foot overhead dome and state of the art audio-visual equipment and special effects to help visitors learn about the stars. 217-333-2517.

The Krannert Art Museum & Kinkead Pavilion.

Art aficionados don't have to hit the big city to see sculpture and painting exhibits; you can find them right here in Champaign-Urbana. The Krannert Art Museum & Kinkead Pavilion is the 2nd largest art museum in Illinois! The collection features old masters, Oriental works, modern painting, photography and sculpture. It also hosts traveling exhibits from some of the world’s top galleries. 217-333-6280

Octave Chanute Aerospace Museum.

When the military closed the Chanute Air Force base, the town of Rantoul responded with this great offering to keep their community alive.

John Philip Sousa Library & Museum.

You can view the famed musician's personal music library.

Meadowbrook Park Prairie Preserve.

A restored prairie landscape with walking and hiking trails. There is also a sculpture garden and large children’s play area. We will have a group tour of the prairie with a local naturalist guide on Saturday morning.

There are also plenty of sports and nightlife (I’ll keep everyone posted as to schedules as they develop), golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, walking paths and hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, boating and much more. Enjoy any one of the many recreational activities at your disposal, including billiards, bowling, waterslides, miniature golf, racquetball, and roller-skating.

Orpheum Children's Science Museum.

A children’s science museum, housed in a 1920 theater. The theater alone is worth the $3 admission! (A little bird reports that the Chalifoux's were involved in the renovation of the Orpheum!)

Prairie Farm.

Learn about and feed the barnyard animals at this reproduction prairie farm.

Sholom Pool.

A full size pool with diving well, kiddy pool, snack bar, and, of course, a Waterslide!

Crystal Lake Park.

Site of our Saturday evening dinner. This park features a lake with fishing and rental boats. Crystal Lake Pool is an easy walk. There is also a large play area for kids. Nearby is Busey Woods and Annita Nature Preserve, for a casual stroll through the woods or learn about local fauna and wildlife.