Things to do, see, eat, and experience in Urbana-Champaign
From restored prairie trails and local breweries to historic landmarks and campus tours, here's how to maximize your game-day getaway at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
By Alina Dizik | August 13, 2026
Straddling the twin cities of Urbana and Champaign, the University of Illinois helps give “Chambana” its lively mix of local arts, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. While many visitors come to cheer on the Fighting Illini, there's plenty to discover off the field. Start by exploring Champaign county’s charming downtown before making your way towards the university’s historic campus. Here’s how to make the most of your visit with top attractions and where to stay near campus.
In this article: Best things to do in Urbana-Champaign
To do: Shopping, cultural tours, and nightlife
To see: UIUC campus and downtown Champaign
To do: Shopping, cultural tours, and nightlife
Start the day with a visit to historic Lincoln Square Mall in Urbana. The community hub is adjacent to Hotel Royer Urbana Champaign, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, making it simple to settle in before exploring the mall’s artisan shops, food stalls, and wellness studios. Take a walking tour of the Downtown Urbana Historic District, where the 1923 Tudor-style hotel, named for local architect Joseph Royer, is among the neighborhood’s landmarks. For dinner, visit the Writer's Room speakeasy for an eclectic menu of literary-inspired bites served in a library setting, then head over to Lloyd's Drinking Parlor in the lobby for elegant craft cocktails. If you’re looking for a night out, check the lineup at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, which often hosts Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, and more right on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
To see: UIUC campus and downtown Champaign
Champaign-Urbana pairs college-town energy with a thriving arts and culture scene for an easy weekend getaway. Stay just minutes from campus at Hampton Inn Champaign/Urbana to get the best of both worlds. Spend part of the day walking down University Avenue to explore downtown Champaign, where you’ll find vibrant local boutiques, independent music shops, specialty eateries, and cozy cafés. Be sure to stop at Jane Addams Book Shop, a used bookstore that’s been around for more than 40 years. Then wander the University of Illinois campus using the university’s free self-guided Quad tour which includes a stop at the iconic Alma Mater statue. Later, catch an exhibit at Krannert Art Museum, known for its extensive collection of ancient Andean, European, and American art. Back at the hotel, you can unwind with a swim in the indoor pool or simply relax in your spacious room or suite.
To eat: Comfort food meets adventure
The college football spirit extends to Champaign’s food scene, from inventive breweries to standout barbecue. Start at Riggs Beer Company, where brewery tours are followed by pints in the taproom or beer garden. For barbecue, head to Black Dog Smoke & Ale House, housed in a restore train depot and known for their smoked catfish, brisket, burnt ends, and hearty sandwiches. Explore the Yard on Broadway, a food hall with six restaurants and a full bar, plus lawn games and outdoor seating. Save room for an ice cream flight at The Main Scoop or indulge in the flavor of the week at Jarling’s Custard Cup. After a day of eating your way around campus, make Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/ Urbana your home base. Its location near Memorial Stadium makes it easy to pair Illini games with the city's best bites, plus the on-site restaurant and a 24-hour market help keep you fueled between plans.
To experience: Prairie trails and local Black history
The great tallgrass prairie once covered 22 million acres (8.9 million hectares) in Illinois, earning it the nickname of The Prairie State. Visitors to Meadowbrook Park can still get a feel for the region’s native landscape, thanks to the prairie restoration that began in 1977. The park features gardens and multi-use paved trails for some outdoor adventure, including leaf-peeping, bird-watching, and spotting chipmunks, deer, and butterflies. Admire the large-scale public art at Meadowbrook’s Wandell Sculpture Garden, then stay for special events like the free Jazz Walk, usually held in September. For another deep dive into local culture, explore the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail highlighting 170 years of local Black history with landmarks both on and off-campus. Make your extended stay seamless at Home2 Suites by Hilton Champaign / Urbana, with in-suite kitchens, free parking, and free hot breakfast.
Alina Dizik
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends, and dining. She lives in Chicago and has previously lived in New York, Europe, and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. Alina has visited more than 50 countries, and her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian, and other top publications.
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