Take Advantage of the Best Champaign-Urbana Has to Offer

Champaign-Urbana uniquely presents big city culture with a small-town feel. Residents enjoy close proximity to world-class venues, a variety of restaurants, exceptional continuing education programs, and much more! We encourage residents to stay active, create connections and maintain relationships beyond our walls while still providing engaging activities on campus. Below are links to fun things to do in Champaign, IL.

Arts & Entertainment 

40 North:

The Champaign Arts Council is dedicated to cultivating creativity in Champaign County. They strive to advocate, inform and collaborate with the art members in the community, along with the rest of the community, businesses and government at large.

Champaign Park District:

The Champaign Park District’s goal is to connect vibrant people in the community and provide opportunities. There are plenty of events to attend, such as lunch concerts and art shows, along with indoor walking programs.

Japan House:

Take a stop for a peaceful moment at the Japan House and enjoy its beautiful Zen gardens, tea ceremonies, and authentic tea rooms and architecture.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts:

Krannert is the place to be if you are looking for a performance! From plays, to performances from Grammy-nominated orchestras, Krannert will surely please all your entertainment needs.

Curtis Orchard:

Escape to the country at this historic, family-run farm featuring apples, pumpkins, outdoor activities, a restaurant and a large country store.

OLLI Membership at Illinois:

Become a member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and expand your knowledge through taking courses and going on field trips through the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

State Farm Center:

If you are in the mood for a concert, play, musical or basketball game, the State Farm Center is the place to be!

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Twin City Garden Club:

Become a member of the Twin City Garden Club! The club is open to anyone interested in gardening, horticulture and floral design. This is a great way to meet others who share an interest in gardening, while also participating in fun and educating programs. Here at Clark-Lindsey, we also have a passion for gardening that can be seen through our beautifully manicured gardens. We also have a full-time landscape architect, garden plots, and a floral arranging committee.

University of Illinois Extension:

This flagship educational outreach program offers educational programs to residents of all of Illinois’ 102 counties. The extension program provides effective education to help people build a better future. Programs include commercial agriculture, horticulture, energy and environment, local foods and small farms, consumer economics, nutrition and wellness, along with much more!

University of Illinois Library:

As a Clark-Lindsey resident, not only would you have access to our eclectic library, housing more than 7,000 pieces, but you would also have access to the University of Illinois libraries. Membership can be obtained with a UIUC Courtesy Borrower Type LH, or UIUC Courtesy Borrower Type LL, through an application along with acceptable photo identification and current address verification.

Urbana Park District:

The Urbana Park District is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those within the community. They have a variety of programs, ranging from nature programs, to community programs such as monthly potlucks and community gardening classes.

Virginia Theatre:

This historic performing arts center is the perfect place to enjoy a show! This theatre hosts concerts, stage plays, dance, spoken word, children’s events, films, comedy, private parties, corporate events, and even the Roger Ebert’s Film Festival.

William M. Staerkel Planetarium:

As the second largest dome in Illinois, at 50 feet, the Staerkel Planetarium offers state-of-the-art sound technology and projection in order to give you the ”full-dome” experience in entertainment and education.

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people in audience

Dining 

Looking for a great place to sit down and have a meal? Try some of our delicious local restaurants!

Have a sweet-tooth? We have the solution!

The Cake Artist’s Studio:

Cake slices, cookies, and cupcakes

Jarling’s Custard Cup:

Homemade custard

Big Grove Tavern:

Farm to Table Dining

Black Dog Smoke & Ale House:

Barbeque

Courier Café:

American, Breakfast, Dessert

Hamilton Walker’s:

Steak, Seafood

Kofusion:

Asian, Sushi

Nando Milano:

Italian

Papa Del’s:

One-of-a-kind deep-dish pizza

Pizza Antica:

Wood-fired pizza

Seven Saints:

American, Sliders, Salads

Silver Creek:

New American, Fresh Baked Bread, Brunch

Timpone’s:

Italian

Watson’s Chicken:

Farm to table fried chicken, American

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gourmet meal

Shopping 

Looking for a great place to sit down and have a meal? Try some of our delicious local restaurants!

Art Mart:

For a little bit of everything, stop by this locally owned boutique! They have everything from cheese, wine and truffles to gorgeous clothing and children’s toys.

Common Ground:

This community-owned market is the perfect place to pick up delicious wholesome food. You can also enjoy a wide variety of classes, ranging from Cooking Healthy on a Budget to Making Homemade Butter!

Harvest Market:

Shop at this market for some fresh, locally produced food. It also offers a sushi bar, deli, bakery and restaurant!

Market Place Mall:

Come and shop for all your favorite brands at our local mall! From Macy’s to Dick’s Sporting Goods, there is a store for all your needs.

 

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Old Farm Shops:

This shopping center offers a wide range of upscale shops, such as Vilardos, Findings Boutique, Talbots, Chico’s, Grovestone, Cheese & Crackers, Texture Home, Panera and Jos. A. Bank.

Outlets at Tuscola:

This outlet shopping destination has a dozen leading designers and factory store brands at an unbeatable value! Come enjoy this unique shopping experience of high-quality brands with unbeatable savings.

Ten Thousand Villages:

If you are looking for unique, homemade items from around the world this is the place for you! Stop by this store and pick up a variety of goods from jewelry to home décor.

shop selling spices

Lifestyle

Champaign County Chamber of Commerce:

This organization is your gateway to a wide variety of events and programs, from volunteering opportunities to book clubs to music festivals.

Visit Champaign County: Outside the Ordinary:

Want to find out what makes Champaign County anything but ordinary? Visit this site to discover unexpected things to do, see and experience in the area, from eclectic cuisine to outdoor activities and public art.

couple riding bicycles