Park Blog

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

A substantial lead gift from Joan and Peter Hood will help “get the ball rolling” on improvements in Allerton Park and Retreat Center’s Artisan Village. Their donation will support programming and long-term facility care for The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, in addition to serving as a contingency to supplement initial construction costs. The Hoods, who live in Urbana, are longtime supporters of the University of Illinois, where both had distinguished careers. The gift is in memory of … [Read more...] about Lead gift to name and support MacFarlane Artisan Village

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