university of illinois arboretum

PaulS2455

Several different gardens to view with different plant specices that grow in Illinois also a Japanese Garden with aTea House, it could take hours just to stroll arounthe Arboretum.

travlelf

We managed to hit the park on what was probably the final week for fall foliage and mild temps. It was 80 degrees on one of the late October days we ran there. It is a lovely park with formal and informal gardens including a Japanese garden surrounding "Japan House." Abundant oak trees and acorns (watch out if wearing minimalist footwear) and lots of squirrels. We also had the treat of seeing several large hawks roosting in trees or on the arbors. Beautiful!! Hint- don't forget to bring change to feed the meters (not expensive, but don't forget)

PattiHunt

Have stopped here on each visit to the area. Love the bright colors of the summer flowers and now the beautiful fall colors! A nice place to stroll and gather ideas for your own garden.

Lovebirds828

Waterfall, flowers, bridge over water, a covered bridge, walking paths, lake -Worth it for free - not that far on interstate

HotRatz

This is one place we go to three or four times a year. It is especially nice in the cold, grey winter months because of the nice tropical environment in the greenhouses. It makes winter in this cold, dreary place somewhat more bearable.

FamilyBudgetTravel

There is a wonderful idea garden (which my children especially liked when they were preschoolers). The selections garden is absolutely gorgeous in summer. While not large enough to be worth a long trip to see it, the Arboretum is a great addition to a visit to Champaign-Urbana.

MaximiliaanM_13

So many wondrous plants to see as this is not only a living laboratory for faculty and student research but also for our enjoyment. Don't miss the Idea garden on the north side with an astounding variety of plants to observe. A friendly stroll through the area involves seeing the Japanese garden portion. It's a beautiful place to take in a tea ceremony or ikebana workshop (must check calendar). A relaxing stroll on the weekend means a pleasant experience (payment for parking is necessary on workdays).

106kimw

As a certified master gardener, I enjoy visiting MG demonstration gardens. The Arboretum at UIUC was a pleasant excursion when we visited in October 2013, even though several frosts had already killed many of the annuals and tender perennials. I was very impressed with the Chapaign county MGs' demonstration garden. It is beautifully laid out, and showcases many aspects of gardening: vegetables, season extenders, herbs, perennials, native plants, fruit, fruit-growing techniques. Everything is labeled and the gardens are easy to view both for beauty and for education.

TimeTraveler1950

I've been twice to the Arboretum, during the Fall. I've never seen the flowers in full bloom, but I can only imagine! The trees are beautiful anyway, and there is a great grass track all around the place, so you can do your exercise in a great setting, undisturbed by traffic!

ChilinS

It's a great family park, and it offers so much to make running fun.There are green grass land, lake, big trees, corridor of trees and artificial hills that make up interesting and diverse running tracks, with sunken garden and master garden as rewards.

YULTravelBug

This is a good park to introduce the university campus to visitors. There are paved walkways for walkers and runners; the grounds are the perfect spot for a pick-up football. The Japan House is located at this arboretum. There are flower gardens along the walkway; a good place to appreciate nature on a sunny day.

BevP950

It very beauiful when the flowers are in full bloom, its very peaceful too. There was a wedding going on while we were there and you could still see all you wanted to see.

VivienneM518

This is a very large outdoor area, run by the University of Illinois. It has many different sections, such as the Idea Garden (run by the Master Gardeners), the circular gardens (planted late int he spring by the horticulture students), large grassy fields used for track practices and various soccer or frisbee games, the Japan House, and a large pond with a walk around it.The whole area is well used by local people, who will come here to play, walk, have a picnic etc. I live close by and often come here to walk. It's fun any time of year, but is especially lovely in the spring when the flowering trees, especially cherry blossoms, begin to bloom. I see people with dogs, or pushing strollers, or bringing kids for a small field trip etc. It's a peaceful oasis, right close to a couple of big roads, but when you walk round the ponds or sit in the Japanese Gardens you hardly notice the traffic noise.

princer123

Unfortunately their isn't much to see in Champaign/Urbana but if you must go somewhere this is worth a few minutes of your time and the JAPAN HOUSE is right next door to it. these two sights could while away maybe an hour or two.The University campus is within walking distance of these two attractions and that is fun to walk around for afew hours. Be sure to enter some of the buildings

LLL649

I went here with my daughter last weekend. All I can say is that it is beautiful and makes you really appreciate man's interaction with nature. The adjacent "Idea Garden" made me want to go home and dig in the dirt. Both are lovely and I will be back very soon.