Like many current and former Monticello residents, I hold a special place in my heart for Allerton Park. Many of you can likely recall family picnics and hikes as a child, lazy summer days lounging around the Sun Singer, or maybe the joy of bringing your children out to Allerton for the first time. The Park was a playground, the mansion a mystery. I’m ashamed to say that growing up I didn’t realize just how lucky I was to have… Read the rest of this entry »

This is one of my favorite times of year. All the vegetation begins to slowly emerge from the long, cold, unsympathetic winter. But, before trees begin to leaf-out Allerton’s natural areas are provided a welcome splash of color. In spring, the woods of Allerton Park are carpeted with more than three dozen kinds of wildflowers in hues of pink, blue, white, yellow, and lavender. These plants take advantage of the sunlight that reaches the forest floor before the trees completely… Read the rest of this entry »

This March, Allerton Park and Retreat Center will be buzzing with an energy it hasn’t seen in several years. We plan on bringing back a University of Illinois favorite – Allerton Spring Break. Allerton Spring Break is an alternative spring break in which students and the community participate in volunteer activities at Historic Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Most people are aware that Allerton is owned by the University of Illinois. Donated to the University by Robert Allerton in 1946,… Read the rest of this entry »