Urbana Travel Guide

Of the cities located outside of the Champaign-Urbana Metropolitan area, Urbana boasts the rank of 10th largest city. Crammed full of friendly family-oriented neighborhoods and home to a diverse population, Urbana welcomes bath national and international visitors with open arms and comfortable vacation rentals. .

Things to Do in Urbana

The first stop on many visitors’ itineraries is Meadowbrook Park, which houses a number of paved walking and cycling trails and a cute footbridge. However, guests might also choose to make Crystal Lake Park their first adventure, as they can spend the day renting a boat, going fishing off of the pier, having a picnic, or playing ball. After a day at the park, guests can go for a scenic hike through the Busey Woods, play a quick round of golf at the Stone Creek Golf CLub, or, scale an upside down bouldering wall at Urbana Boulders, or head over to the University of Illinois Arboretum, where they can admire the lush gardens and towering cherry trees. Adults who visit the city can treat themselves to a night of live musical performances, handcrafted drinks, and a laid back atmosphere at The Canopy Club.

Best Time to Visit Urbana

The best time to visit Urbana for warm weather fun is generally April through July, but for winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing, the best time is February.

Food in Urbana

Urbana boasts a large number of successful restaurants,eateries, and cafes, all of which showcase the city’s diversity and culture. For fresh farm to table dishes, locals and visitors alike flock to the Big grove Tavern, while those craving a mild taste of Mexican can pop in for lunch at Maize Mexican Grill and sushi lovers can satisfy their sushi-tooth at Miga, where they can pair homemade sushi with cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

Best Events in Urbana

The city of Urbana plays host to some of Illinois’ most beloved yearly events. A few of these prized events include Strawberry Jam, the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival, the Scarecrow Festival, and the Folk and Roots Festival which features dozens of folk performances, dancing, sing-song circles, lessons, stories, family activities and crafts, and instrument making classes.

Things to Do for Families in Urbana

For families with children who harbor an interest in nature, the Anita Purves Nature Center is the ideal place to spend the day, as the center offers interactive learning programs, a number of environmental exhibits, and a nature-themed area for imaginative play.

To give themselves a bit of a challenge, families can book a date to tackle an escape room at Adventures In Time and Space, and to cool off during the summer heatwaves, they can spend the afternoon splashing and having fun at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center.