ExperienceGuide2023 - 34

Heron View Forest Preserve
Discover our serene outdoor
spaces, with hikes along area
rivers, kayaking on our lakes, and
camping under our big night sky.
OUTDOORS
Bountiful Blossoms
Every year, we wait with bated breath for the final freeze so that we can see those early spring wildflowers peek above
the ground. Whether you want inspiration for your garden, need a backdrop for your photos, or simply want to admire
beautiful gardens, we have many spots to check out.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Explore the 14 formal gardens with over 100
ornaments and sculptures at this secluded estate.
From their peony garden, which blooms in late
spring, to the Fu Dog Garden, lush with hedges and
greenery, we guarantee you'll be awed.
Arboretum & IDEA Garden
On the University of Illinois campus, the Arboretum
is a " living laboratory " utilized in the teaching and
research of faculty and students. The public enjoys
the ever-evolving, and picture-perfect space that
extends to the Japan House where the cherry
blossoms bloom each spring. Get inspired for your
own garden at the Master Gardener's Idea Garden,
providing design ideas and a Children's Garden.
New paths continue to add to the accessibility of
the space.
LOCAL LOVES
Mallory-My favorite spot in the greater CU area is Allerton Park because it is
a great place to view beautiful flowers, go on a hike with my dog, or attend a fun
event with the community. Be sure to check out the views from the tower in the
Fu Dog Garden!
Arboretum
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
The gardens at the Lake of the Woods Forest
Preserve feature an eye-popping red Japanesestyle
bridge and a scenic waterfall set amongst
the award-winning gardens filled with diverse
flora.
Heron View Forest Preserve
The newest forest preserve in the area, Heron
View sits on a floodplain allowing for an
impressive display of Virginia bluebells in spring.
While witnessing this spectacle, keep an eye
out for great blue herons that nest among the
sycamores.
Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden
34 Official Champaign-Urbana Area Experience Guide

https://www.experiencecu.org/things-to-do/outdoors https://allerton.illinois.edu/ https://www.ccfpd.org/lake-of-the-woods/mabery-gelvin-botanical-garden http://arboretum.illinois.edu/gardens/IdeaGarden.php https://www.ccfpd.org/Forest-Preserves/Heron-View https://ccafricanamericanheritage.org/

ExperienceGuide2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ExperienceGuide2023