A running list of Allerton making news across the area
“Just Askin’ | When is that accessible trail at Allerton opening?”
Oct. 13, 2024 | News-Gazette
About the Wandering Woods trail: “We had a few hiccups here and there, as you will have when you’re trying to create a trail through a natural environment,” Allerton Executive Director Derek Peterson said. “But we were sensitive to that environment. We made sure that if we could save a tree, we saved the tree, that type of thing.”
Area History, Oct. 5
Oct. 5, 2024 | News-Gazette
Allerton history: “In 1974, an Army Corps of Engineers report said the University of Illinois would donate almost half of Allerton Park to the Corps to be used as a flowage easement for the proposed Oakley Dam-Springer Lake project, according to reports obtained by a source close to the Corps. University officials said they knew of no such specific plans.”
Enjoy a coffee and accessible trail walk at Allerton
Oct. 4, 2024 | WAND-TV
Community Coffee planned: “Allerton Park and Retreat Center is celebrating its first accessible woodland trail on Oct. 22 with a free coffee from Moon Bean Coffee while exploring the quarter mile path.”
“Get your Culture here: Trick and treats edition”
Oct. 3, 2024 | Smile Politely
Improv classes at The Farms: “I’m not going to lie, the idea of improv is terrifying to me. But, the fact that there is a course at Allerton where you can learn how to do it is kind of awesome. If you’ve ever been tempted to give it a try, maybe this is your moment! Improve Your Improve is a series, but you can also just try a class or two. Show up ready to jump in and get involved in creating scenes with your fellow classmates. You need to register at least one week before the class.”
“13 Things To Do Outside In Chicago This October”
Oct. 1, 2024 | Block Club Chicago
A list of things to do: “Join the Nurtured in Nature team of Healthy Champaign County for a free, all-ages BIPOC nature gathering at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. Community members will gather for a community and social-oriented hike event that aims to foster new friendships, mitigate long-held nature-based traumas and forge new and rejuvenating connections and discovery in the outdoors.”
“Gardening is helping people rediscover the appeal of spending time outside and close to home”
Sept. 14, 2024 | Chambanamoms.com
Benefits of time at Allerton: “public outreach today focuses on art, nature, and history. Visitors can explore 14 miles of hiking trails, wander through multiple formal gardens (the most well-known of which is the Peony Garden), play “pose like your favorite statue” throughout the grounds, or participate in organized programs including outdoor concerts, youth summer camps, themed dinners and educational events, nature hikes, and tours. (Did we mention that admission to the gardens and grounds is free?)”
“‘Expect a high energy experience’: Allerton Park Concert series to conclude with a bang”
Sept. 10, 2024 | Illinois Public Media
A preview of the Summer’s Concert: “As summer winds down, the final show of the Allerton Park Concert series is expected to wow attendees. The two bands booked for the grand finale of the concert series at Allerton Park on September 13 are Miles over Mountains and Hudost. Miles Over Mountains is a group from McHenry whose style is referred to as “progressive bluegrass,” according to a news release from the Allerton Park and Retreat Center.”
“Allerton Park’s Summer’s End show is September 13th”
Sept. 9, 2024 | Smilepolitely.com
More about Summer’s End: “Allerton Park & Retreat Center is truly a lovely place to visit all year round, and while this event means that summer is coming to a close (whether you like it or not!), fall will be here soon enough. They are wrapping up the annual concert series with some live music and other activities. Featuring Miles Over Mountains and HuDost, the Summer’s End show also will have vendor booths, food and drink options, and some activities for kids to dig into as well.”
“Saturday Stargazing nights to take place at Allerton”
Sept. 7, 2024 | WAND-TV
About the Stargazing Sunday: “Organizers with the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society invite the public to attend their Saturday Stargazing nights. They will be held at the Sun Singer from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on September 7, October 5, and November 2. The public is invited to arrive early, bring snacks, and play lawn games as the sun sets. They add that the best views begin around 8:45 p.m., and the event will end by 10:30 p.m.”
“Holiday lights are returning to Allerton Park in 2024”
Sept. 3, 2024 | Chambanamoms.com
“Holiday GLOW features an illuminated one-mile walk through the gardens of Allerton Park after dark. There will be some new favorites, in addition to more familiar light displays from years past. This year the walk will stay illuminated through December so you can enjoy the lights beyond Christmas as we head towards the new year.”
“Letter to Birdland | Weekend retreat at the gatehouse”
Aug. 25, 2024 | The News-Gazette
From columnist Mary Lucille Hays: “It has a mansion, formal gardens and woodland trails. Activities for the “Weekend Wind Down” included music, classes in wild mushroom hunting and cooking with herbs, yoga and drinks on the lawn, and more….I hope you have a group of friends you can take a little retreat with.”
“Art Works: Artist and activist Lemareye Jones”
Aug. 13, 2024 | Smile Politely
“I went in with my internal Gen X monologue of despair and cynicism (because I was also actually lost), then emerged confident that this Gen Z genius is the kind of artist to lead the way as his generation comes of age and brings fresh hope for the evolution of social justice in our world. We need to enter the green world and we need Lemareye Jones to forge a path through it.”
“Celtic bands to perform at Allerton Park for Irish Fest, Concert Series”
July 30, 2024 | WCIA-TV
A preview of Irish Fest: “These songs come from a time period where big elaborate drums were not always that accessible to people. So you see that same concentration of energy and ideas in instrumental parts,” said On The Lash’s mandolin player, John Robey. “You’re going and going and going and it gets your heart pounding and your foot stomping.”
“The Outdoor Cafe In Illinois That Is The Prettiest Place To Enjoy A Warm Afternoon”
July 26, 2024 | Only in Illinois
A review of the Greenhouse Cafè: “I am a sucker for whimsical gardens and quality coffee. This is why the Greenhouse Café at Allerton Park and Retreat Center in Monticello is the kind of spot I dream of. Nestled among the park’s beautifully manicured gardens, the Greenhouse Café will leave you with a sensory experience you won’t soon forget.”
“Urbana native to be Allerton Park’s next artist-in-residence”
July 17, 2024 | WCIA-TV
About Artist-in-Residence Lemareye Jones: “Allerton Park & Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity for select artists to live on the estate and explore creatively. For their next artist-in-residence, Allerton is welcoming an Urbana native…Lemareyè Jones.”
“Take a Hike, Literally”
July 11, 2024 | Smile Politely
Promoting one of the Family Friendly Hikes: “These hikes are meant to be appropriate for kids and enjoying the natural world without worrying about making too much noise or taking up too much space.”
“Allerton’s Camp Lost Garden was pure magic”
July 9, 2024 | Smile Politely
Smile Politely Editorial Board Member Mara Thackert took part in Camp Lost Garden and gave it a rave review! “Adults could embrace their inner child with the bonus of being able to fully appreciate how rare and precious these moments are.”
“Allerton to host Reds, Whites, and the Blues concert”
July 5, 2024 | WCIA-TV
A preview of the second concert in the Allerton Concert Series: Reds, Whites & the Blues on July 5.
“Camp Lost Garden at Allerton Park in Monticello”
June 26, 2024 | Illinois Public Media
A mention of Camp Lost Garden both on air on WILL and online at Illinois Public Media.
“Allerton Park hosts summer solstice celebration”
June 20, 2024 | WCIA-TV
WCIA-TV rolled film at the Summer Solstice Celebration June 20 and included a story in their online newscasts.
“Camp Lost Garden returns to Allerton Park for second year”
June 18, 2024 | Smile Politely
A preview of the first of two adult summer camps planned for 2024.
“Cyclists rolling through C-U for good causes”
June 13, 2024 | The News-Gazette
A front page photo and story of some area bicycle ride fundraisers, including the Ride Illinois Grand Illinois Bike Tour that pedaled through Allerton.
“Reader’s favorites”
June 11, 2024 | The News-Gazette
Review of the Greenhouse Café, Allerton Park and Retreat Center, near Monticello: “My mom and I enjoyed lunch at the Greenhouse Café,” Meghan Baumann says. “We enjoyed listening to music on the patio followed by a beautiful garden walk.”
“Allerton Park to host ‘adult summer camp’ in June”
June 5, 2024 | The Daily Illini
Information about Camp Lost Garden in the Daily Illini online.
“Let’s try a silent book club”
May 29, 2024 | Smile Politely
Louise Knight-Gibson of Smile Politely brought her current read out to a Silent Book Club in the Mansion: “Everyone pretty much stuck to one room, sitting near each other. Even alone, we all craved a bit of togetherness. It made for a very enjoyable three hours and if you get a chance, I highly recommend it! ”
“Picnic With the Peonies at Allerton Park”
May 19, 2024 | Just Brennon Blog
A popular blogger attend Picnic With the Peonies with friends and family: ” Picnic with the Peonies was a delightful experience and has been one of my favorite activities this year. This is certainly an event that I would recommend to others and am looking forward to the experience again next year.”
“Three power chairs now available to reserve at Allerton Park and Retreat Center”
May 14, 2024 | WAND-TV
A profile of the three power chairs now available for use for limited-mobility visitors to the Park.
“Our friends over at Allerton Park and Retreat Center”
May 13, 2024 | Experience Champaign-Urbana (Facebook post)
Experience Champaign posted several photos of the Peony Garden at peak bloom, encouraging people to “plan your visit and witness this brilliant spectacle before they disappear!”
“Next Allerton artist-in-resident will focus on dye-making, quilt-making”
May 9, 2024 | WAND-TV
A profile of the artist-in-residence Megan Koeppel, who focused on natural dye-making processes during three weeks at Allerton.
9 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Allerton Park with Your Family
May 9, 2024 | ChambanaMoms
The nine reasons? Free, Imagination, Art, Nature, Activity, Picnic, Stunning, Concerts and Holiday GLOW
“Hundreds of guests attend Allerton Park’s first Bluebell Festival”
May 5, 2024 | WAND-TV
Photos of Bluebell Festival were included on WAND-TV newscasts
“Bluebell Festival held at Allerton this weekend”
“Hundreds of guests attend Allerton Park’s first Bluebell Festival”
May 3, 2024 | WCIA-TV
Photos from the inaugural Bluebell festival ran on segments of the WCIA-Channel 3 news.
See the peony flowers in peak bloom
May 1, 2024 | Smile Politely
“Peony season at Allerton Park is such a beautiful part of spring. A weekend picnic is a great way to celebrate and see all the peony varieties in bloom.”
WILL Call: What’s Happening in Champaign-Urbana May. 02 – May. 05
May 1, 2024 | WILL/Illinois Public Media
A weekly wrap of area happenings included a listing for the Bluebell Festival: A Folk School Fundraiser (May 3-5).
Get your culture here: Five vibes for May 2024
May 1, 2024 | Smile Politely
Allerton touted as a great place to get away, especially with the Peony Garden approaching full bloom!
Allerton’s inaugural Bluebell Festival taking place May 3-5
April 29, 2024 | Smile Politely
“Allerton Park & Retreat Center is already an incredibly beautiful place to check out and visit, no matter what time of year. This weekend, they’re hosting their inaugural Bluebell Festival, which they describe as a ‘spring version’ of their Holiday Showcase that happens in December.”
Name Dropping: Allerton to host first Bluebell Festival
April 28, 2024 | The News-Gazette
A preview of Allerton’s inaugural Bluebell Festival on May 3-5.
Top of the Morning (HIKE ALLerton finisher)
April 27, 2024 | The News-Gazette
Allison Allender was featured on page 2 after being the first to finish the HIKE ALLerton, walking all nine trails in a single day!
April shower, April flower
April 24, 2024 | The News-Gazette (print edition only)
Three photos of early blooms in the Peony Garden that ran A-10.
Allerton Park hosting series of races, raising money for charity
April 19, 2024 |WCIA-TV
A preview of the Allerton Races, which included a Trail-Glo 5K and 10K and half-marathon through the Park. The event is also a fund-raiser for Make-A-Wish Illinois.
Eclipse Viewing at Allerton Park
April 8, 2024 | News-Gazette
Photos from Allerton’s solar eclipse viewing event were among those in newspaper coverage in print and online.
Allerton Park upgrading accessibility through major projects
March 21, 2024 | WCIA-TV
An update on three projects that will improve accessibility, including a multi-use path, the purchase of three power chairs and the Wandering Woods path.
Top of the Morning, March 12, 2024
March 12, 2024 | The News-Gazette
An article on page 2 outlined a recent deer count at Allerton, which for the first time was conducted by drone. The total came to 362 deer at the park in its first official count since 2016.
A Life Remembered | Professor’s passion for environment ran like clockwork
Feb. 24, 2024 | The News-Gazette
A summary of the impact of environmental activist Bruce Hannon, who helped lead a group that saved a portion of Allerton Park from being flooded as part of an Army Corps of Engineers Oakley Dam Project. Hannah, also a University of Illinois Professor Emeritus, passed away on Feb. 18.
How to Have a Grown-Up Valentine’s Day in Champaign-Urbana
Feb. 7, 2024 | Chambanamoms.com
Allerton Park is mentioned as one of many destination spots to help families spend time together over spring breaks.
Allerton Mansion room once occupied by John Gregg Allerton restored in memory of his niece
Feb. 1, 2024 | WAND-TV
Feb. 6, 2024 | Piatt County Journal-Republican
A bedroom on the second floor of the Allerton Mansion once occupied by John Gregg Allerton has been restored in memory of his niece, Jane Schowalter.
Monticello to host Mudpuppy Day Festival
Jan. 23, 2024 | WCIA-TV
An article on the annual event sponsored by the Land Conservation Foundation included a photo provided by Natural Areas Manager Nate Beccue.
Burton retires after 30 years of service
Jan. 16, 2024 | Piatt County Journal-Republican: An interview and photos of Richard Burton, who retired at the end of 2023 after more than 30 years of service to Allerton!
Let the Sunshine In | Recent renovations have the Allerton Mansion Solarium sparkling like a jewel
Jan. 9, 2024 (online, was in the print edition last fall) | At Home in Central Illinois
A feature on the renovation of the Mansion Solarium in 2023.
Just Askin’ | What’s going on at Allerton?
Jan. 8, 2024 | The News-Gazette
An update on the progress of Wandering Woods, including the start of the Park’s first woodland accessible path.
Name Dropping | Urban planner examines effect of outdoor life on mental wellness
Dec. 16, 2023 | The News-Gazette
A profile of urban planner Kelsey Zlevor and her time spent at Allerton as part of the In-Residence Program.
After losing ability to walk, former UI prof and wife donate power chairs to Allerton
Dec. 10, 2023 | The News-Gazette
Wayland and Brenda Eheart donate to Allerton for the purchase of power chairs with four-wheel drive meant to handle bumps in the road, mud, sand and other difficult terrain.
High School Confidential
Dec. 7, 2023 | The News-Gazette
A photo of the LifeSavers three-day retreat held at Allerton. Students were educated on suicide prevention and mental health.
Where to see holiday lights around Central Illinois
Dec. 7, 2023 | WCIA
Holiday GLOW is featured along with other light shows of Central Illinois.
