Directions
NOTE
The majority of visitors will need to use the main (NORTH) entrance to arrive at the
Retreat Center (Mansion), Visitor Center, Formal Garden Area, or to attend a wedding, event, or conference. In this case, do NOT use GPS directions that send you to the south entrance off Allerton Road because the bridge is closed.
FROM CHICAGO
- Take I-57 South to Champaign
- Take Exit 235 to get on I-72 West to Decatur
- Continue approximately 20 miles on I-72 West, then follow the directions below to the entrance needed
FROM I-72 TO THE MAIN NORTH ENTRANCE >> Retreat Center, Visitor Center, Gardens, Events
- From I-72, take Exit 164 (Bridge Street), then follow brown directional signs along the way
- From exit ramp, turn south toward Monticello
- Turn right (west) at first intersection, Route 47
- Drive 2 miles, then turn left on County Road 625 East
- Drive 1 mile to T, then turn right (west) onto County Farm Road/1550N
- Drive 1/2 mile to 1st intersection, turn left onto Old Timber Road, enter through brick columns
- Drive slowly (25 MPH limit), following signs to desired location
FROM I-72 TO THE SOUTH ENTRANCE >> Schroth Trail or Music Barn ONLY
- From I-72, take Exit 164 (Bridge Street)
- From exit ramp, turn south toward Monticello
- Continue straight into town to the 1st stop light and turn right onto Market Street
(do not turn right where the first brown Allerton sign indicates; that will take you to the north entrance) - Drive to the 4-way stop sign (McDonald's & County Market), then turn right (west) onto Marion Street
- Drive to the T stop sign, then turn left onto Allerton Road and continue for 3.5 miles
- To hike the Schroth Trail, turn right at the sign to the Schroth Trail parking lot
- To visit the Music Barn, continue on Allerton Road to the first driveway past the Park's south entrance and turn right into the driveway/parking area
