A Bike Tour Across CU
For those who don't mind putting in the miles.
- Start off with a hearty breakfast from Pekara Bakery & Bistro with freshly made pastries, croissants, and breakfast sandwiches with a strong cup of coffee.
- Make your way from downtown Champaign along the Boneyard Creek to the University of Illinois campus. Check out the scenic quads, from the Main Quad to the Bardeen Quad.
- Stop at Weaver Park, the trail head for the Kickapoo Rail Trail, check your tires, and make sure you're set for your ride. Take 10 minutes off-bike to wander the restored prairie.
- Head east on the Kickapoo Rail Trail, traversing the prairie as it heads to St. Joseph. Once you arrive in town (about 6.7 miles), grab a bite at The Ribcage for some mouthwatering BBQ. Pop into Wyldewood Cellars to sample their award-winning elderberry wine.
- Head back west on the Kickapoo Rail Trail and head south on Rt. 130 for a stop at Riggs Beer Company, where you can celebrate your day on the trail with a sustainably made American lager.
Fall Foliage Tour
For the leaf-peepers.
- There's something magical about fall on the University of Illinois campus. Stroll beneath tree-lined sidewalks and across the quads as brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and orange transform the landscape into an autumn masterpiece.
- At Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, climb the HI-Tower and Carillon for sweeping views of acres ablaze with fall color, a breathtaking panorama of the season at its peak.
- The drive into Allerton Park & Retreat Center is a showstopper in itself. Vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and glowing golds blanket the landscape, creating a stunning backdrop for hikes through the woods and strolls through the formal gardens.
- Back in Champaign, Church Street offers a picture-perfect fall drive, where historic homes sit beneath a canopy of colorful leaves. Just beyond, West Side Park invites you to soak in the season from every angle.
- In Urbana, a proud Tree City USA, autumn color is around every corner. At Meadowbrook Park and Wandell Sculpture Garden, striking public art and vibrant foliage combine for an unforgettable fall experience.
- On the eastern edge of the county, Homer Lake Forest Preserve provides a peaceful retreat where shimmering water and brilliant fall colors creat the perfect setting to slow down and savor the season.