Allerton Park, located 20 minutes outside Champaign, IL has recently been voted as one of Illinois Seven Wonders. The 1500-acre woodland, garden, meadow, and prairie landscape that surrounds the Allerton Mansion was once the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton. Named “The Farms,” the estate was the center of the 12,000-acre Illinois agricultural enterprise acquired during the latter half of the 1800s by Robert’s father Samuel. The family wealth however, extended far beyond Illinois. Samuel Allerton owned more than 80,000 acres of farmland, was a founding principal of the First National Bank of Chicago, and held prominent leadership positions in five major stockyards, including the Union Stockyards of Chicago.
In 1946, Robert Allerton gave his beautiful Illinois estate to the University of Illinois for use as “an educational and research center, as a forest and wild-life and plant-life reserve, as an example of landscape architecture, and as a public park.” He also committed the income from 3,600 acres of farmland for the Park’s care. At the same time, 250 additional acres of land within the estate’s boundaries were given to establish the Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp.
Today, Allerton is operated under the guidance of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Allerton Mansion (Retreat Center) is used as a retreat and conference facility by University, state, and corporate clients. The natural areas of the Park are used by a variety of University departments, as well as other universities and conservation agencies, for environmental study and for participatory student interactions. Public programs, with a strong environmental emphasis, are available throughout the year.
What was once the private oasis for a single family is now a vibrant teaching, recreational, and learning sanctuary for nearly 100,000 users every year. Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a unique cultural and environmental asset of the University of Illinois and serves as a bridge between the public and the educational and research resources of the University’s faculty.
I am so thankful to my friend who recommended I check out this gem of a place. I will be back, even if it's just for a personal road trip, as there were many trails and areas I didn't even get to check out! Everyone I bumped into, or mentioned in Champaign that I had visited this place would light up and tell me what a beautiful place it is, fond memories of picnics and family time and apparently holds a very special place in many hearts. Mine will now be included as Allerton is a destination unlike any other.
Allerton Park. As you enter you are greeted with all sorts of greenery!
Allerton Park. These two approached me at the entrance and asked if I was a student from Champaign. I found out that these two met during college and often came to this campus retreat for longs walks and picnics. That was over 40 years ago!
Allerton Park. The peonies were starting to peak! Smelled heavenly!
Allerton Park. Hard to find a shot without the sun in my face! One of many beautiful sculptures in the park.
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies!
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies!
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies! These babies just about blinded you, especially on an overcast day!
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies! This one is what they call a bomb variety.
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies! This one is what they call a bomb variety.
Allerton Park. 100s of different varieties of Peonies!
Allerton Park. So many bushes, boxwoods and various other evergreens so detailed that it must be a daily trimming to keep it so perfect!
Allerton Park. Is that a Fender Precision? Actually it looks more like my dad playing bass! Ha!
Allerton Park. If one is on one end and talking at normal levels, others can hear you on the other end.
Allerton Park. this estate was built in 1899.
Allerton Park. Maybe if I stay really still, the won't take my pic.
Allerton Park. This place is huge with many trails, roads and gardens. Here, I am approaching the Sun King.
Allerton Park. Gleditsia triocanthos. Geek term for these sweet smelling trees! Or should I say, Greek term?
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Cat-I have never heard of Raspberry ants until you mentioned. I hope they are able to contain the problem as I would hate to see these babies around here. My one and only experience with fire ants was not pleasant. I was down in Dallas visiting a friend who wanted to take me out golfing. On one of my shots there was an ant hill in the way, and I ended up hitting it when I hit the golf ball not thinking much to it cause we mainly have black ants around my area. As I'm waiting to see where the ball is going to land, next thing I know my feet were on fire, as I was wearing sandals and those boogers were covering my feet! Ouch! Anyways, I looked up some info and it sounds crazy! Link
Great shots, too! Especially "The Bomb", "This looks enticing", and "Fu Dog".
Oh yeah - Fender Precision - you're too funny! I heard Leo only made a few of that model ... unergonomic stone basses were not selling well at all. And the tone left much to be desired! ;-)
Dragon, really nice pictures. I would like to see the grounds if I am ever up that way.
Ogal->shudder< I don't even like to think about cockroaches. I know I'm a nature gal, but ICK! Thanks for stopping by and hope you are having a great day!
Mobal-As the case with most of our bug, invasive species, and various other diseases. Came in on crates to a place where they have no natural predators or conditions to keep them in check, thus creating havoc on our native lands and upsetting the biodiversity of plants and animals. It depresses me as I see more and more of our oaks falling to wilt, our deciduous trees covered with kutzu, native shrubs being strangled out by Japanese Honeysuckle, bores killing off our pines, dogwoods and blah.
Man, it's a bit warm out today! Seems every season it goes from being pleasant to bam, heat and humidity. No time for acclimating! I'm taking a quick breather in the shade with the good old laptop to refuel and off I go to work until dark. It looks like rain tomorrow so I want to do as much as I can so I don't have to work all day Saturday!
Just saw you and the lilacs over at bionicdan's. You know, I can't remember what lilacs smell like! We need scratch and sniff blogs!
Your pics above are wonderful. As for the ants - when I lived in Liberia, they had army ants. You only thought those fire ants were bad. If you'll excuse a little bit of graphic detail, they used to stake prisoners, etc. down in the path of an on-coming army. Those ants eat.... ummmm.... everything in their path.
I had them come through my house once. When they come, you just move. They eat every living bit of protein there is. They'll leave your brownies and rice and bread alone, but they sure will clean out those cockroaches you don't like. (You have to be sure to get everyone and every pet out of the way, though.)
Just another little factoid from the bush! Wish I had a photo of them! Have a great weekend.
Oh my I so enjoyed those pictures. I love gardens and that one is lovely. Thank you for sharing that beautiful garden and grounds with us!
One of the best things about these blogs is that our bloggers take pictures of places they go and see or their local area and share with those of us that may not ever get to see those beautiful places.
You have a great weekend!
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