Steve Hoffman

No matter where you look at Allerton, you can see the impact of David J. Rathje, who passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 1 at the age of 88. The generosity of David and his wife Debra transformed the way that visitors access the Mansion, creating a “grand entrance” and accessible drop-off with their first million-dollar donation for the David and Debra Rathje Drive in 2017. A couple of years later, another gift from the Rathjes brought Robert Allerton’s former bedroom back … [Read more...] about DAVID RATHJE REMEMBERED

MONTICELLO — From blues to alternative rock, Celtic to folk and Americana, the Allerton Park Concert Series presented by Cim-Tek Filtration will feature a wide variety of musical genres in 2025. Beginning with LOVE FOR ALLerton on June 6, the concert series will continue with Reds, Whites & the Blues on July 11, Irish Fest Aug. 1 and conclude with Summer’s End on Sept. 5. Local favorites such as Billy Galt & the Blues Deacons and Urbana-based Sass will take the stage, mixed with … [Read more...] about 2025 Concert Series announced

Our annual Retreat & Review, which gives you a recap of major happenings at the Park in 2024 has been published. Among the items in this year’s Retreat & Review: — The opening of Wandering Woods, the first fully accessible woodland trail at Allerton — A focus on hotel room renovations that were completed last year — Research at Allerton, including the Northern Saw-Whet Owl — A recap of a busy year for the In-Residence Program — The Farms: An Allerton Folk School and a focus on … [Read more...] about 2025 Retreat & Review Released

MONTICELLO — Allerton Park and Retreat Center has another artist on site — the 20th of its six-year In-Residence Program. New York-based painter Patrick Neal will spend time creating art as well as talking about his methods during a public talk on April 17. Neal generally uses oil and watercolor to show his processes in his works, which include a wide range of subjects portrayed in colorful, impressionistic ways. The painter, who also writes prolifically about art, says he often goes into … [Read more...] about New York-based artist plans Allerton residency

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has announced the creation of a new administrative unit — the Division of Parks and Natural Spaces (DPNS) — to oversee Allerton Park and Retreat Center and the Illinois Arboretum. Headed by current Allerton Executive Director Derek Peterson, DPNS will ensure long-term sustainability of these public recreational spaces by focusing on conservation and community engagement. The creation of DPNS means the 160-acre Arboretum near the corner of Lincoln … [Read more...] about New campus division to oversee Allerton Park and Retreat Center, Illinois Arboretum

Our Executive Director Derek Peterson recently issued a heartfelt thanks to those who make Allerton and its myriad of events possible. In a Dec. 26 video post, he expressed appreciation to staff, donors, volunteers and those who visited the park last year. “As the year comes to a close and the staff and myself are already looking forward to 2025, I thought I’d take a minute to thank some of those responsible for making it such a great year,” Peterson said. “First and foremost, I’d like to … [Read more...] about THANKS FOR A GREAT 2024!

MONTICELLO — As fall begins to give way to winter, this is a good time to spot invasive species in yards and forests and try to limit their harm to native plants and wildlife. For homeowners in Central Illinois, bush honeysuckle — identified by its bright red berries — is a common invasive. At Allerton Park and Retreat Center, European privet (maroon-colored berries) has also been a problem since it escaped from the Formal Gardens decades ago, according to Natural Areas Manager Nate … [Read more...] about Fall is a good time to tackle invasives