Things To Do in Champaign, Illinois

Events such as Big Ten basketball games, concerts, ballet, Broadway shows, operas, and exhibitions are held annually at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall. The 17,000-seat assembly hall is one of the two largest edge-supported domes in the world.

Hays Center

The Hays Center is equipped with indoor and outdoor shuffleboard courts, a card room, a social meeting room, a kitchen and a piano. This recreation center is ideal for group gatherings and is open to the public during regular hours.

Springer Cultural Center

Located in downtown Champaign, the Springer Cultural Center offers cultural, recreational, and educational programs for all ages. Concerts, art exhibits, workshops and special performances are also held at this cultural center.

Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion

The second largest public art museum in the state, it houses a collection of more than 8,000 works of art. Besides offering its permanent collection, the Museum has temporary exhibitions, special programming, and an education department.

Prayer for Rain

The fountain and sculpture of Prayer For Rain by Edward Kemeys was first dedicated in 1899.

Tribute to Olympic Athletes

The Tribute to Olympic Athletes honors the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic Games. The granite platform is inscribed with participants names and the Olympic symbol of linked rings.

Champaign County Historical Museum

The Champaign County Historical Museum was founded in 1974, and was located in the Wilbur Mansion until 1999. Currently home to the Champaign Cattle Bank, it is used for exhibits, a historical library, meeting rooms and a gift shop.

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

Orpheum Children's Science Museum holds numerous special events and field trips throughout the year to promote educational learning for all ages. Exhibits and galleries are also available for individual or group tours.

Champaign-Urbana Symphony

The Champaign-Urbana Symphony is a professional orchestra located in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois. Regular events include live symphonic music performances and concerts.

With a total of 315 seats, The Parkland Theatre is the performance home of Parkland College Theatre productions. Shows include Broadway-style musicals, contemporary plays, comedies and other musical productions.

Virginia Theatre

Acquired by the Champaign Park District in early 2000, this 1921 Renaissance palace offers a wide variety of theatrical, gospel and vaudeville entertainment throughout the year. Virginia Theatre also hosts numerous plays, jazz orchestras and more.

University of Illinois

Known for a high quality of academic programs as well as facilities and research programs, Illinois is a highly ranked university. Enrollment is nearly 40,000 and students represent all 50 states and over 100 foreign countries.

Kaufman Lake

Kaufman Lake offers numerous activities throughout the year, such as biking and hiking during the summer and ice skating and cross country skiing during the winter. Radio controlled boats, canoes, kayaks and hayrack rentals are also available.

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden

The Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden is located on the grounds of the Early American Museum. Visitors of the garden have the opportunity to view the peonies, iris, various perennials and more.

Putt Zone Fun Center

Putt Zone Fun Center has two 18-hole courses and is open from April to October. Also featured at this entertainment center is a batting cage, softball pitching machines and a jump shot trampoline basketball unit.

Leonhard Recreation Center

This recreation center offers a full-size gymnasium, air-conditioned activity space and educational programs for all ages. The Leonhard Recreation Center is also open for large gatherings, family reunions, and birthday parties. Available activities include basketball, pee-wee volleyball and more.

Sholem Pool and Waterworks waterslide

Sholem Pool features a heated swimming pool, a diving well, a separate wading facility for preschoolers and two one-meter diving boards. The Waterworks Waterslide is adjacent to Sholem Pool, which is located in Centennial Park.