Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Allerton Park and Retreat Center www.allerton.illinois.edu Overnight accommodations are also available. Allerton is open 8am to sunset. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. to 5 p.m.

“This place has a little magic for every person who visits.” –review of Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature, and history away from the distractions of everyday life. The estate contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a M

ansion and Reflecting Pond, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a 10-acre Meadow, a Café, and several lodging facilities. Allerton, which is affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is available to host a wide range of events including weddings, meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events. If it is not rented for a private event, the Mansion’s first floor is available for self-guided tours. Quarterly public tour dates can be found on our website. The McCraw Family Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. daily. The Gift Shop in the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

There is one more class available in the "Improve Your Improv" series! Join us on Thursday, June 18 from 6:30-8 p.m., an...
06/12/2026

There is one more class available in the "Improve Your Improv" series!

Join us on Thursday, June 18 from 6:30-8 p.m., and learn the elements of improv that are not only useful on stage but also in everyday life! Instructed by Kyle Tasch, this class is packed with fun improv games and activities.

Register and learn more here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/improve-your-improv-3/

Thank you to all who attended Picnic with the Peonies!Guests enjoyed a charcuterie board, two bottles of wine, and great...
06/11/2026

Thank you to all who attended Picnic with the Peonies!

Guests enjoyed a charcuterie board, two bottles of wine, and great company. This year the event was moved indoors due to weather, but we hope to be outside and among the peonies again next year.

Save the date! Next year's Picnic with the Peonies will be held on May 15 & 16.

Have you always wondered what the inside of the Mansion looks like? Now is your chance to find out! Learn more about Rob...
06/11/2026

Have you always wondered what the inside of the Mansion looks like? Now is your chance to find out! Learn more about Robert Allerton and his beautiful home at our Public Mansion Tour this Sunday, June 14th, from 2 - 3 p.m.!

Learn more and register here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/public-mansion-tours-4/

Enjoy a relaxing morning at Stretch ‘n Sip Yoga on selected Sundays on the Bowling Lawn: 🧘‍♀️— June 14, 10-11am — July 1...
06/10/2026

Enjoy a relaxing morning at Stretch ‘n Sip Yoga on selected Sundays on the Bowling Lawn: 🧘‍♀️

— June 14, 10-11am
— July 19, 11am-12pm
— August 30, 10-11am
— September 13, 10-11am

Josie with Yoga Off the Square will help you gently flow through a series of poses with the intention of being mindful of and reconnecting with your mind and body. Drinks and friendly conversations to follow.

New to yoga? No worries! This class is perfect for all levels. Learn more and register at: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/stretch-n-sip/

Learn the basics of weaving from instructor Bonnie Rideout at Basket Weaving classes this summer! Long Way Home: Friday,...
06/10/2026

Learn the basics of weaving from instructor Bonnie Rideout at Basket Weaving classes this summer!

Long Way Home: Friday, July 17 from 10 a.m-4 p.m.
Students will lay out a woven, filled base and learn twining, triple twining, while they experiment with creativity. Accent colors include gold, moss green, smoke, black, and rust. https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/basket-weaving-home/

April Flowers: Friday, Aug. 21 from 12-4 p.m.
Students will weave a basket for their wall or door with a custom “quick weave” handle, learning how to use start/stop weaving, triple twining, and overlays. Choose from a variety of florals to make this basket seasonal and unique. https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/basket-weaving-flowers/

The Greenhouse Café is ready to be filled with friendly faces and bellies to feed! Give their facebook a follow for upd...
06/09/2026

The Greenhouse Café is ready to be filled with friendly faces and bellies to feed!

Give their facebook a follow for updates on yummy goodies and their hours.

View the menu here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/greenhouse-cafe/

Singer-Songwriter Round returns to the Greenhouse Café on June 13 & 14 from 12 - 4 p.m.! Grab some yummy food and drink...
06/09/2026

Singer-Songwriter Round returns to the Greenhouse Café on June 13 & 14 from 12 - 4 p.m.! Grab some yummy food and drinks while listening to the music of national and local songwriters.

Songwriters will take turns singing and playing original music, prefaced with the story behind their compositions.

Saturday, June 13
— 12-1:45 p.m.: Chelsea Nolan, Leighton Ewers, Luke Rund
— 2-4 p.m.: Tom Vrem, Bobby Tomberlin, Tess Frizzel

Sunday, June 14
— 12-1:45 p.m.: Trey Leynes, Michael Sparger, Jack Daniel
— 2-4 p.m.: Freedom Shearon, Joe Asselin, Black Eyed Lillies

No reservation is required, just bring a lawn chair and blanket and get ready for a good time. Learn more at: https://allerton.illinois.edu/.../singer-songwriter-round/

Thanks for supporting Love For ALLerton! ❤️Missed our first concert? Don't worry, we have more! Friday, July 10 - Reds...
06/08/2026

Thanks for supporting Love For ALLerton! ❤️

Missed our first concert? Don't worry, we have more!
Friday, July 10 - Reds, Whites, & The Blues
Friday, August 7 - Irish Fest
Friday, September 11 - Summer's End

For more information on these concerts and all our events, visit: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events_archive/

Capturing Sunlight & Shadows: An Introduction to Cyanotype Printing☀🗓 Saturday, June 13, from 2-4 p.m. in the Studio.Cur...
06/08/2026

Capturing Sunlight & Shadows: An Introduction to Cyanotype Printing☀

🗓 Saturday, June 13, from 2-4 p.m. in the Studio.

Current Hood Artist in Residence Hillary Waters Fayle will share the magic of cyanotype, one of the earliest photographic processes and the precursor to the blueprint. Students will learn about cyanotypes, including history and uses. Students will then get to create their own cyanotype prints.

Does this class sound interesting to you? Learn more and register at: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/capturing-sunlight-shadows/

Registration closes June 11 or when capacity is reached.

Address

515 Old Timber Road
Monticello, IL
61856

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

(217) 333-3287

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Allerton Park and Retreat Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Allerton Park and Retreat Center:

Shortcuts

Share