Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Landmark Review:
This is clearly a hidden gem in Champaign. Located in Monticello it contains an enorumous mansion with beautiful grounds. We made the mistake on coming the day after it rained. We didn’t have a lot of time to take in the sights because we were being bitten alive by mosquitoes. Between the sunken garden and the sculpture gardens it’s like you’ve entered into a paradise. I will have to come back when there’s less mosquitoes and taken the site. The mansion is often used for weddings and there’s a pond in the back where you can feed the goldfish. So make sure you either bring some fish food or bread. Go see this place for yourself because the words do not do it justice
Hidden deal: Free, but you can give a donation

One of the most unique parks in Illinois. Being from the Starved Rock/​Mathiessen Parks area, I can attest to the beauty of this place. Be sure to research some history about Robert Allerton before going to the park as it makes the experience far more interesting.
Walking trails provide many different experiences. If it’s your first time, you should walk by the mansion, through the gardens, and back to the sunken garden. It’s a nice little loop, and provides amazing photo opportunities. If they are in season, you need to check out the peonies.
Also, be sure to check out the Fu Dog garden that’s closer to the entrance to the park.
Now, there are also a lot of more typical hiking trails that go along the Sangamon River, and I recommend checking these out if you’ve been to Allerton multiple times. The trail map is on their site and super helpful. Beware mosquitos in the summer.

This is my second time staying at the Allerton for a conference retreat. I enjoyed myself the first time I stayed there, except for a few things like dirty glasses, and a drafty room in the mansion. I was told by the woman at the desk I was staying at the Gate House. She told me to walk out the front past two rows of trees. Unfortunately, her directions were no good. I ended up at the Evergreen. I called the desk on my cell to get help. She said someone was coming. 20 minutes later I call asking how long I have to wait. She says they came and went the room key worked. I told her no one came because I was at the wrong place. She suggests someone meets me, but I do not know where I am. I tell her I am coming back to te reception desk. Remember I am carrying my luggage, purse, laptop, etc. So, I am tired after a long drive. Anyway, a groundkeeper drives me to the Gate House which is about a 2 city block walk. My room was much nicer, but I could not turn off the air conditioning. The towel rack fell off the wall. I am questioning if want to return to the Allerton.

Allerton Park is just so beautiful. I really can’t think of any other words to describe it. There is so much to look at and no matter how many people are there, it always feels like you have the place to yourself. This is the kind of place you’d see in the movies or even in your dreams! I can’t wait to have my wedding here someday.

Hands down my favorite park in the Midwest. It’s a place where nature and art collide.

This central part of Illinois need not be expected to offer remarkable free eclectic spaces, but Allerton definitely fits that description. The gardens show serious attention to solid horticulture while being pleasant to simply be in. The classical Greco-​Roman statues are well situated around the property and complement the grounds nicely along with a striking collection of Asian sculpture including porcelain and ceramics. My family and I have always had a sense of enlightenment and peace here.
The grounds total 1500 acres «including the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, a 30-​acre demonstration prairie and over 14 miles of hiking trails … one of only three areas in central Illinois with over 500 acres of contiguous forest» as the Park’s website says. There are excellent facilities for multiday meetings and conventions, which attendees can mix with as extensive excursions through the grounds as they wish.
The complex would be extraordinary anywhere, but it is especially so given its location.
Although it may seem to be remotely situated in relation to major cities, I have approached it from both the east and the west and had no trouble with directions. If you do not live nearby but you have a trip planned along I57 or I72, as I sometimes do, allowing a few extra hours for a visit here is well worthwhile whether you are likely to make a special trip of this type or not. Central Illinois is fortunate to have such a place.

My family has been coming to Allerton Park pretty much since it opened to the public. I feel a strong sense of family connected-​ness with this place — even though I had never visited until a late summer day this September. Pictures of Allerton from the 60s litter family scrapbooks. My favorite includes one of my grandma and mom walking down the Triangle Parterre Garden together. In one of my favorite family story, after my mother had moved out on her own… her mom stopped by one afternoon and said «I am running away from home, you want to come with me?» and they headed to Allerton and spent the day together. My grandma passed away nearly 30 years ago.
So, to say that this place holds special meaning to me is an understatement. Arriving at the park, we quickly set up for a family picnic. After feasting at the picnic tables… the family set out for the traditional walk.
We started by heading to the magnificent Walled Garden. It’s just a masterpiece that frames the statue, Girl with a Scarf, perfectly. From there we passed the Visitor Center — the former greenhouse.
Then we entered the Triangle Parterre Garden — which was a little emotional for me. The evergreens tower over you — rising up like big green skyscrapers. They are incredible. When we approached the statue of Adam… I made sure to take some pictures from inappropriate angles. I will say… there were no pictures of this statue in the family scrapbooks!
As we headed down the path toward the Chinese Maze Garden, we made sure to climb into the paths that hide inside the bushes on either side… just has my family has done for decades. We also walked past the Peony Garden, but it’s not peony season… so they were just some nice plants.
The Sunken Garden is like entering some ancient amphitheater or arena. I would not be surprised to see some greek play or ancient sport played on this field. The day we were there… it was hosting a wedding — a usual event for this space and perfectly suited for the setting.
The paths were muddy, so we turned back and headed across the meadow toward the reflecting pond and the Allerton House. The sky was blue and almost cloudless… which set the stage for an amazing reveal. We took the path through the woods to get around the pond and discovered a secret room below the concrete pad at the lowest point. I seriously want to know what this space was used for. If you are long the path and facing the river — peek over the edge and look down. You’ll see the room.
We walked around the house — which is just splendid — and then made our way back across the parking lot to climb the folly/​tower in the Fu Dog Garden before driving to the Sun Seeker.
In all, we spent 4.5 hours at the park, walked over three miles and still didn’t get to see it all. When you come… bring a picnic… bring comfy shoes… bring a camera…
and above all… bring friends and family with you because this place was meant to be shared.
Thanks for reading my overly emotional review. t

On a recent weekend getaway to central Illinois, some of our nearby family made plans to meet us at Allerton Park for a picnic. In my mind I’m thinking a normal park – it’s middle of nowhere Illinois afterall. But as soon as we drove up, I knew this was someplace special.
Allerton Park is more like a complex, with its mansion, conference center, expansive gardens, and intricate statues. Wikipedia describes it as «a vast prairie turned into a personal fantasy land of neoclassical statues, Far Eastern art, and huge European-​style gardens surrounding a Georgian-​Revival mansion.
It feels like you’re in a foreign country – definitely not the Midwest.
And I was entranced in this new world. For hours we strolled the gardens, getting lost in every nook and cranny. Lots of hidden passages, winding paths in the woods, and endless trails – this place is magical.
Although we only had a simple picnic on the grounds, Allerton would be the picture-​perfect spot for wedding… and it is often used precisely for that purpose! In fact, there was one while we were there – and it looked gorgeous.
I won’t go into all the different parts of the park or which one was my favorite. Wikipedia can provide all the details you need, and every inch of this place is gorgeous and worthy of your time. Definitely plan for a few hours so can explore the entire grounds with wide eyes full of wonder.
Allerton Park is a destination not to be missed, and the story of the original owner – Robert Allerton – is just as intriguing as the gardens.

The park was lovely. The weather was just about perfect, so that helped with our experience. The statues were very interesting and we were able to learn a lot about the history about the Allerton family. Very nice time.

This place is so beautiful! It’s hard to believe that this was someone’s home at one point! It’s so large! I had so much fun walking around!
There was a point where my friend and I were swarmed by Japanese beetles. They were all over the great house and the air was thick with them, but I think it must have something to do with the freakish weather.
I wish that there was more info on the pioneer cemetery. Who were these people? Why were they buried here? Were they related to Mr. Allerton?
I love this place I’ll totally go back many more times!

When I married a girl from Monticello, I figured I’d be in for a lot of trips to the heartland of America, which meant corn and wheat and tractors and such.
And that turned out to be true. And it actually became part of the draw, since I didn’t know this world very well, growing up and living on an island. BUT, she introduced me to Allerton on my first visit 25 years ago. It was a special place to her then, as it is now.
Every time I go back to Monticello, a day or two is spent here. I actually just came back from our annual trip and was amazed that we walked the entire park and only saw six people, ON A WEEKEND.
What a treasure this place is.

My husband and I are from Los Angeles but visited Monticello, IL to re-​locate his parents. We visited Allerton Park and a drizzly weekday and it was lovely. The fall colors were just turning and nobody was there. It was a wonderful, quiet, peaceful walk around the grounds.
If you are near the area, feel free to stop by. It seems to be a beautiful area to have a fancy party at or to get married.
Heads up – hit the restroom near the Visitors Center, as there are *no* doors on the stalls in the restrooms out in the wooded areas.
Enjoy Allerton!

I have been coming here for years, its a very cool place. Cant say anything the other reviewers didn’t say. It is not maintained like it should be. Don’t miss the sun singer even if you have to take your car, the fu dogs, sunken garden and butterfly gardens. the reflecting pools are algae farms. Come during warm weather.
Not well known and I prefer it over the Chicago Botanic Gardens.

Like the other reviewers have said, Allerton is totally beautiful. Who had any idea that this was out here in Monticello? Allerton is now owned by the University of Illinois and is used as an all-​inclusive banquet center for whatever needs you have.
Our friends got married here in august and it was spectacular. The Mansion has been converted to a small hotel with a good amount of guest rooms. The suites are gorgeous and the smaller guest rooms are more than adequate. The mansion itself has two dozen or so rooms and then the smaller houses on the property have the rest of the rooms (presumably old quarters for housekeepers and such).
The mansion puts on a really great show and the reception was lovely. You have your choice of styles, decorations, etc. and they set everything up. The grounds are also amazingly enormous and beautiful. There’s about 10 different places on the grounds to get married. Our friend chose the Sunken Garden and it was beautiful. The space was vast, beautiful and totally serene — great venue for a lovely ceremony.

I visited here on a gorgeous fall afternoon. It is free to access the grounds. The gardens are very well maintained and the grounds are great for a nice stroll through nature. The stories behind the sculptures and gardens are as interesting as the gardens them self. This is place that really needs to be visited. For anyone that says there is nothing in Central Illinois worth seeing, go see Allerton.

Allerton is GORGEOUS, how could it ever get a less than perfect review. I’ve been going here since I was little, and it’s a central Illinois institution. It’s a unique and stunning place that you can go to for so many reasons. Some of the reasons I’ve used it for or been including in are weddings, picnics by the pond (or anywhere), kite flying/​frisbee throwing, general walking around, play day for your dogs and/​or kids, photography, etc.
Fact: once I was sitting by the pond, looked over, and a legit full grown bat was hanging from a tree near me. Just chilling.

We had our wedding of 120 people at Allerton last Saturday (Oct. 10^th) and I could not have been more pleased! I live in Chicago presently and love all that the city has to offer, but I’m originally from central Illinois, I still have family there, and love going back and being in the middle of the woods whenever I can.
Several family and guests commented (and I agree) that our wedding was beautiful, classy and yet TOTALLY FUN all at the same time. :o) Allerton was the perfect setting!
[ Side note: We were originally booked at the Eagle Creek Resort on Lake Shelbyville, which CLOSED on July 15^th. It is a MIRACLE that Allerton was available on OUR EXACT DATE with less than 3 months to spare! I never say the phrase «meant to be»,. .. but this WAS. ]
Here’s a map of the grounds and trails:
We had the ceremony outside on the bowling lawn (thank you, weather!). Our seated dinner reception took place in the mansion (main gallery and solarium). I tasted all 3 entrees and they were DELICIOUS: beef tenderloin, chicken stuffed with spinach & cheese, and wild mushroom & pea risotto, plus salad, garlic mashed potatoes, rolls and a side of roasted root vegetables — so good!
AND, there are a few vegan options on Allerton’s catering menu, and our 4 vegan guests said their dinner (eggplant stuffed with lentils) was delicious too!
After dinner we cut the cake and had old time (fiddle/​banjo) music and square dancing into the wee hours of the night in the library. Our guests also occupied ALL of Allerton’s rooms on Saturday night in the mansion, Evergreen Lodge, House in the Woods and Gate House (about 40 rooms total, some with more than one bed per room).
Shelli, Pam, Betty, Kelly and ALL OF THE STAFF who work here are the NICEST PEOPLE you could ever hope to meet. The service was excellent all around.
There are definitely cheaper places you could have your wedding in central IL, but I really don’t think there’s any place more unique, beautiful and comfortable. A big thanks to everyone at Allerton! It was a great day!

After years living in C-​U and meaning to go to Allerton, I finally made the trip this weekend. The park is beautiful. It is quiet, serene, and offers some great hiking. The several hours I was out there offered me only a small glimpse of what the park has to offer, and I’m looking forward to my next trip and even more exploration.
The big beef I have with Allerton is that it is not very well maintained. Many of the sculptures and buildings are worn and could use a fresh coat of paint. But still, that kind of adds to the charm and so I really don’t have a problem with it. What was a problem is the complete lack of maintenance on the trails. The maps are not entirely accurate and make it difficult to figure out where exactly you are and how far it is to the nearest point of interest. The woods are incredibly thick and there were points where I was a little uneasy due to not knowing exactly where we were or how far it was back to the visitor’s center. There are some signs on the trails, but only at intersections between different trails and the plastic covers on the posted maps are so old and damaged that you can’t actually see most of the maps. This requires one to take some guesses and hope that you are headed in the direction you want to go. There are mile markers, but again, it’s really hard to tell where they are headed or what the destination point is. It’s nice to know that going left is 2.2 miles and going right is .8 miles, but I need to know where I’ll end up at the end of that 2.2 or .8 miles. I won’t go so far as to say that this lack of reliable trail markings is dangerous, but as it started to get later in the day, I definitely had some concerns about making it back to my car before dark. Although it wasn’t an issue for me, there’s potential for a pretty serious problem when one cannot accurately discern whether a particular trail or route is going to be beyond one’s physical ability to hike.
There were also a lot of fallen trees and piles of sticks from the recent heavy rains blocking the trail. While this kind of added to the experience, I could see how it would be a problem for those hiking with children or dogs or something. The bugs were out of control, which is to be expected, so be sure to wear long pants and sleeves and bring plenty of bug spray. It should go without saying that you should also pack plenty of water and a few granola bars in case you end up hiking further than expected.
If they’d clean up the trails, update the markers and maps, and put enough markers on the trails so that it’s easy to figure out where you’re at, Allerton would get an easy 5 stars. But until that time I’m not comfortable giving more than 3, and I wouldn’t recommend venturing very far from the visitor’s center with children, pets, or anyone not in good physical shape.

For my hundredth review, I give five stars to Allerton Park. Not only are the grounds of Allerton breath-​taking and well landscaped; the estate is rich in history and an untraditional place in Illinois to take an extensive hike.
Rejuvenate yourself with a trip to Allerton.

This place is beautiful, serene, and just plain mind-​blowing. It was the country estate of one Robert Allerton some years ago, and in the 1940s he donated it to the University of Illinois. Now it is used for conferences, retreats, weddings, and sometimes all of them at once. If you have your wedding here, there’s a decent chance you’ll have it barefoot, even if you didn’t walk in a hippie.
Go there. From Chicago, drive South, and it’s west of Champaign-​Urbana. Just keep going for about three hours, it’s worth it.
It’s open to the public for a day of nature walking. Many fascinating outdoor statues. Gorgeous ornamental gardens are like rooms in a mansion that lead into one another. My favorite is the Fu Dog garden, where you get the eerie feeling that twelve pairs of lapis-​colored oriental style dogs are watching your every move…