Champaign-Urbana Illinois in Pictures

Champaign-Urbana Illinois in Pictures

The University of Illinois is front and center in our lives here in Champaign-Urbana. Founded in 1867, it’s the 2nd oldest public university in the state.

Residents of Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of lectures, galleries, performances, museums, and other projects maintained by the university. One example is the U of I Arboretum pictured here in early spring and again in late fall during full bloom.

The Krannert Center of Performing Arts is a fantastic venue managed by the University. Here students and residents alike gather for “Krannert Uncorked,” a wine-tasting event most Thursdays featuring local businesses and local musicians.

One trait for which Urbana is well-known is its abundance of towering trees. Notice the “tiny” people sitting on a bench in the picture below taken at Carle Park in autumn.

Urbana is the county seat here in Champaign County, and this county building on Main Street is one of the most prominent features of downtown Urbana.

Drive just 5-10 minutes to the west and you’ll discover that downtown Champaign also boasts lovely and historic buildings and storefronts including the Virginia Theatre, home to Roger Ebert’s yearly EbertFest.

Surrounding Champaign-Urbana are miles and miles of some of the richest soil in the world. There is much beauty to be found in Illinois’ countryside.

And in the picture below, residents take advantage of easy access to local produce, meats & goods at the farmers market on First Street in Champaign. Urbana also runs its own farmers market at Lincoln Square during the warmer months of the year.