• Hike ALLerton

    Challenge yourself, explore new areas, and get motivated to get outside with our third annual Hike ALLerton program happening from now until December 31, 2026! Register by Wednesday, April 15 […]

  • The Farms: Winter Bird Hikes

    Experience Level: BeginnersJoin Allerton Natural Areas staff for Winter Bird Hikes on Fridays, Jan. 3, Feb. 7 and March 7 from 9 to 11 a.m. Meet in the Main Parking Lot. If the starting location changes, participants will receive an email the day before. New location information will also be posted on the Allerton Park […]

  • (SOLD OUT) Murder Mystery Dinner: Silver Screen Scandals

    Immerse yourself in a world of suspense and intrigue at our Murder Mystery Dinner: Silver Screen Scandals on Saturday, Jan. 11 in the Mansion Gallery, presented by the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company’s Seven Corpse Dinner Murder Mysteries. The evening begins with a cocktail half-hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. CUTC will […]

  • The Farms: Hot Chocolate Hikes

    Experience Level: Beginner Get the kids outside this winter at Hot Chocolate Hikes on Jan. 15, Feb. 5 and March 4. See below for times and meeting locations. Children* and their guardians are invited to join mother-daughter team Bridget and Rose Frerichs to discover the joys of Allerton in winter. Each adventure will feature a […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Basket Weaving: Back to Basics

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the process of weaving at Basket Weaving: Back to Basics on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. At this hands-on workshop, instructor Bonnie Rideout will teach students how to make a basket using reed. Each student will leave with their own unique completed basket. $80/person. […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners

    Experience Level: Beginner Whether you want to learn to knit or just need a refresher, enroll in Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners on Thursdays, Jan. 23 and 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Fiber artist Billie Theide will present the basics of knitting, including needle and yarn selection. Students will learn how to […]

  • The Farms: Dances of the Gilded Age

    Experience Level: Beginner Step back in time with turn-of-the-century dances at Dances of the Gilded Age on Mondays, Jan. 27 through March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion. In this elegant setting, instructor Jeanette Watts will teach 1900-era ballroom styles including the waltz and two-step, reflecting the graceful movements that captivated society […]

  • The Farms: Community Yoga

    Experience Level: Beginner Connect with your body in a peaceful environment during one of our winter 2025 Community Yoga classes on Wednesdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, March 5 and April 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Josie Heck with Yoga Off the Square will help you gently flow through a series of poses with the […]

  • Weekend Wind Down — Jan. 31-Feb. 2

    While lodging is available throughout the year based on availability, you can now plan ahead, book a room and get away for a weekend. Spend the night in the Mansion or a guesthouse during our Jan. 31-Feb. 2 Weekend Wind Down! All Weekend Wind Down dates feature a discounted rate of $110/night (+tax), and include two drink […]

  • The Farms: Talking & Tasting: An Intro to Wines of the World

    Experience Level: Beginner Take an enchanting journey through domestic and international vineyards with wine educator Mike Lee at Talking & Tasting Wines: An Intro to Wines of the World on Fridays, Jan. 31, Feb. 21 and March 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Library. These sampling sessions coincide with our Weekend Wind Downs, where you can extend […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Granny Squares

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about crocheting at Granny Squares on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. In this workshop led by fiber artist Billie Theide, students will learn the basics of crochet, create basic stitches, change colors, read work, fix mistakes and bind off. No previous experience is required. $75/person* (Ages 13+; 13-17-year-olds must […]

  • The Farms: Silent Book Club

    Need a good place to relax and concentrate on your latest read? Then swing out to the Mansion for our Silent Book Club from 5 to 8 p.m. on select Mondays. The evening will begin with a brief group discussion of what we are currently reading and to swap recommendations. Then participants will break up […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Barn Quilt Painting (February)

    Experience Level: Beginner No barn? No problem! Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted quilt block to use on the inside or outside of your home at Barn Quilt Painting on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This workshop will start with a pre-primed board with a […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Link it! Chainmaille Jewelry

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to use the pattern originally used in armor for jewelry making at Link it! Chainmaille Jewelry on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in The Studio. Historically, chainmaille was used as protective armor, as the linked rings resulted in a strong, flexible fabric. Jewelers have adopted the […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sunday, Feb. 9 and March 16 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and Carriage House. (Each class will cover the same material). Instructor Hannah Fink will cover the basic biology of a ferment and what it […]

  • The Farms: Needlefelt Ladybug

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the art of needlefelting at Needlefelt Ladybug on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Stephanie Block will teach students how to make an adorable ladybug in honor of the beneficial insect. Participants will work through the process step-by-step and leave with a completed needlefelt ladybug. […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Paint Your Partner

    Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Paint Your Partner on Friday, Feb. 14 in the Mansion from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Inspired by the Paint Your Partner Challenge, guests will enjoy a casual date night with pizza, paint, drinks and laughs. Each table will be supplied with paint brushes, acrylic paints and a canvas. Seated across from […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Morning)

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, Feb. 15 through March 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become […]

  • The Farms: Wedding Cookie Decorating

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about decorating wedding-themed cookies at Wedding Cookie Decorating on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Cookie decorator Jennifer Holhubner will walk students through decorating with royal icing, crusting butter cream and rolled buttercream as they learn wet-on-wet techniques, outlining, flooding how to make flowers. […]

  • New Volunteer Orientation

    You can become an important part of Allerton by volunteering! Allerton’s generous volunteers help serve visitors, preserve the natural areas and improve the spectacular park for future generations. If you want to know more, take part in a New Volunteer Orientation from 1 to 2 p.m.* on one of the following Saturdays in The Studio: […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon)

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Afternoon) on Saturdays, Feb. 15 through March 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. This 5-week class led by Sharon Bowles will encompass all aspects of beginner weaving as students create a table runner. Participants will become familiar […]

  • (SOLD OUT) Valentine’s Dinner for Two

    Get away for a romantic evening in the elegant ambiance of the Allerton Mansion at a Valentine’s Dinner for Two on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery. After a cocktail half-hour, sit down at your table for two* to enjoy a delicious four-course meal, served with a bottle of wine. A cash bar […]

  • The Farms: Public Mansion Tours

    Have you ever wandered around Allerton and wondered what the inside of the historic Mansion looks like? Would you like to hear more about the unique history of Robert Allerton and the creation of his estate? Learn all of this and more during our Public Mansion Tours, which are conducted throughout the year*. Tours last […]

  • The Farms: Wines of the World

    Experience Level: Beginner Take part in a delicious series at Wines of the World on Wednesdays, Feb. 19, March 12, March 26 and April 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium. Renowned wine educator and television personality Mike Lee will lead this delightful and delectable wine class, where he takes students on […]

  • The Farms: Intro to Birding and eBird

    Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Learn more about birdwatching at an Intro to Birding and eBird on Fridays, Feb. 21 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio and outdoors. Allerton Natural Areas Manager Nate Beccue will help students learn about bird identification during the cooler months, when fewer species are on […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Weaving a Mantel Basket

    Experience Level: Beginner Enjoy a day of weaving at Weaving a Mantel Basket on Friday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Greenhouse Auditorium. In this workshop, instructor Bonnie Rideout will start students off with a ‘D’ handle and a woven, filled base and teach the techniques of twining, start/stop weaving, decreased […]

  • Weekend Wind Down — Feb. 21-23

    While lodging is available throughout the year based on availability, you can now plan ahead, book a room and get away for a weekend. Spend the night (or two!) in the Mansion or a guesthouse during our Feb. 21-23 Weekend Wind Down! All Weekend Wind Down dates feature a discounted rate of $110/night (+tax), and include two drink […]

  • The Farms: Beginning Mountain Dulcimer

    Experience Level: Beginner Looking for an easy-to-learn and fun instrument to keep your mind active? Then enroll in Beginning Mountain Dulcimer on Saturdays, Feb. 22 through March 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio. Playing the dulcimer requires only a love of music and a desire to create beautiful sound. It is a […]

  • The Farms: Learn to Bake Scones

    Experience Level: Beginner Level up your coffee and teatime and Learn to Bake Scones on Monday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Scones are the perfect companion for warm beverages, and in this workshop Chef Leah Bodine will lead students through the process of mixing batter for two different […]

  • The Farms: Beginning Pen & Ink

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn to draw, shade and create texture at Beginning Pen & Ink on Thursdays, Feb. 27 through March 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The […]

  • The Farms: Beginning Drawing from Nature

    Experience Level: Beginner Bring nature to life in your artwork at Beginning Drawing from Nature on Thursdays, Feb. 27 through March 20 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in The Studio. […]

  • Hike ALLerton

    Join us for the second annual Hike ALLerton program! Sign-up online by Tuesday, April 22 (Earth Day!) and make the commitment to hike the nine trails at the Park by the […]

  • The Farms: Writing Habits: In Three Parts

    Experience Level: Writers of all skill levels Whether you are a writer in the middle of a project or an author who is looking to start a new effort, enroll […]

  • Weekend Wind Down — Feb. 28-March 1

    While lodging is available throughout the year based on availability, you can now plan ahead, book a room and get away for a weekend. Spend the night (or two!) in […]

  • (SOLD OUT) Murder Mystery Dinner: Out to Sea

    Take part in a story of ‘seaside’ suspense and intrigue at our Murder Mystery Dinner: Out to Sea on Saturday, March 1 in the Mansion Gallery, presented by the Champaign Urbana Theatre Company’s Seven Corpse Dinner […]

  • The Farms: Afro-Brazilian Traditions: Samba-Reggae

    Experience Level: Beginner Expand your musical horizons at Afro-Brazilian Traditions: Samba-Reggae on Tuesdays, May 20 through June 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Music Barn. Instructor Mark Becker […]

  • The Farms: Santorini Stone Painting

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn to paint on a beautiful surface at Santorini Stone Painting on Wednesday, March 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Solarium. Mined in Greece, […]

  • The Farms: Intermediate Mushroom Foraging

    Experience Level: Intermediate Those who completed beginner mushroom foraging classes at The Farms or have experience in identification can continue their journey at Intermediate Mushroom Foraging on Saturdays, Aug. 9, […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Sewing a Button-Down Shirt

    Experience Level: Some Sewing Skills Recommended Learn the process of making a shirt at Sewing a Button-Down Shirt on Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Mushroom Foraging

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the magical world of mushrooms at Beginning Mushroom Foraging on Sundays, July 6, 13 & 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in The Studio and […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about the process of making sourdough bread at Beginner Sourdough Breadmaking on Sunday, June 29 and Aug. 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion Kitchen and […]

  • The Farms: Rats, Bats, & Mice of Illinois

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the difference between a shrew and a mole; a mole from a vole; a rat from a mouse; and a weasel from a mink — and […]

  • The Farms: Circular Weaving

    Experience Level: Beginner Create your own unique wall hanging at Circular Weaving on Friday, March 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in The Studio. Macy McCall of TwinFringe will share […]

  • The Farms: Foraging Walks

    Experience Level: Beginner Former Allerton In-Residence naturalist Michael Baker will conduct Foraging Walks on March 8, 9, 29, 30;  April 12, 13, 26, 27 and May 10, 11, 24 and 25 […]

  • The Farms: Puzzles and Pi(e)

    Whether you like eating pie or factoring pi, we’ve got you covered with Puzzles and Pi(e) on Friday, March 14 from 3:14 to 5 p.m. in the Mansion. Join us […]

  • Weekend Wind Down — March 14-16

    While lodging is available throughout the year based on availability, you can now plan ahead, book a room and get away for a weekend. Spend the night (or two!) in […]

  • The Farms: Spring Cookie Decorating

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn how to decorate cookies for spring at Spring Cookie Decorating on Saturday, March 15 from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Greenhouse Café. Learn to decorate […]

  • Music in the Mansion

    Join our current artists-in-residence Tania Arazi-Coambs and Larisa Chasanov for Music in the Mansion on Monday, March 17 and Thursday, March 20 at 2 p.m. in the Mansion Gallery. This […]

  • The Farms: Irish Baked Goods: Barmbrack & Soda Bread

    Experience Level: Beginner Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by taking part in Irish Baked Goods: Barmbrack & Soda Bread on Monday, March 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. In this […]

  • The Farms: Introduction to Pastel Painting

    Experience Level: Ages 10+ Learn about soft pastels and ways to use them through basic mark-making techniques at Introduction to Pastel Painting on Tuesday, March 18 from 12 to 3 […]

  • The Farms: Environmental Art

    Learn more about the creative processes of current artist-in-residence Dodd Holsapple at Environmental Art on Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion Library. Holsapple’s work bridges […]

  • Walk-In Interviews

    Apply to work at Allerton Park this summer as a Summer Day Camp Leader, Grounds Worker or Horticulture Intern during Walk-In Interviews on Wednesday, March 19 from 4 to 6 […]

  • The Farms: Beginning Weaving II

    Experience Level: Some weaving experience needed Continue your journey into the world of weaving at Beginning Weaving II on Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in […]

  • The Farms: Woodcarving for Beginners

    Experience Level: Beginners Join us for Woodcarving for Beginners Monday through Friday, March 24-28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in The Studio. Experienced woodcarver Lance Noone will lead this […]

  • (SOLD OUT) Candlelight Concert

    Experience the music of artists-in-residence Tania Arazi-Coambs and Larisa Chasanov at a Candlelight Concert on Tuesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mansion Gallery. Join this talented piano/vocal duo […]

  • Weekend Wind Down — March 28-30

    While lodging is available throughout the year based on availability, you can now plan ahead, book a room and get away for a weekend. Spend the night (or two!) in […]

  • The Farms: Pop-Up Art Show

    Come see the artwork created by Dodd Holsapple during his current residency at a Pop-Up Art Show on Friday, March 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Mansion Library. […]

  • Zoo Improv Show

    Get ready for a delightfully unpredictable time at a Zoo Improv Show on Friday, March 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Mansion Gallery. The show — free* and […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Morning)

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, March 29 to April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the […]

  • The Farms: Beginning Weaving I (Morning) Copy

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the basics of working with a loom at Beginning Weaving I (Morning) on Saturdays, March 29 to April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the […]

  • The Farms: Teen Art Studio: From Realism to Abstraction

    Experience Level: Beginner Inspired by nature and the bountiful natural elements found at Allerton, budding artists ages 13 to 18 are invited to learn and create at our Teen Art Studio: From […]

  • The Farms: Intro to Beekeeping

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn about honey bees, one of the most unusual insects in the world, at Intro to Beekeeping on Sunday, March 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. in The […]

  • The Farms: Spring Migration Bird Hikes

    Join Allerton Natural Areas staff on a unique bird-focused hike each Friday in April and May. As spring migration progresses, the species of birds that can be seen changes almost […]

  • The Farms: Youth Art Studio

    Experience Level: Beginner (3rd-8th grade) Allerton Park and the Monticello Area Arts Council are partnering to offer 3rd through 8th graders a Youth Art Studio on Saturday, April 5 from […]

  • The Farms: Soap Making Demonstration

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn to make your own soap at a Soap Making Demonstration on Sunday, April 6 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the Mansion Carriage House. Artist Sally Walsh will […]

  • Online Plant Sale

    Allerton’s Plant Sale Fundraiser will once again have an online option so you can order your plants online (until April 26 at 5 p.m.) and pick them up during Plant […]

  • Allerton Races: Half-Marathon, 10K & Trail-Glo 5K

    Registration is open for the Allerton Races: Half-Marathon, 10K & Trail-Glo 5K on Friday and Saturday, April 11-12. Options include a Trail-Glo 5K on Friday evening, and a 10K or […]

  • The Farms: Needlefelt Bumblebee

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn the art of needlefelting at Needlefelt Bumblebee on Tuesday, April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. in The Studio. Instructor Stephanie Block will teach students how […]

  • The Farms: Intro to Mosaic Art

    Experience Level: Beginner Learn a unique art form at Intro to Mosaic Art on Wednesday, April 16 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in The Mansion Library Kari Keller will teach students […]

  • The Farms: Indigo Dyeing with the Environment in Mind

    Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Use plant-based materials in an environmentally-friendly process at Indigo Dyeing with the Environment in Mind on Wednesday, April 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. in […]

  • The Farms: Knitting 201: Mittens

    Experience Level: Knitting experience required; must be proficient knitting garter stitch Put your knitting experience to use at Knitting 201: Mittens on Thursdays, April 17 and 24 from 1 to […]

  • The Farms: Knitting 101 (April)

    Experience Level: Beginner Whether you want to learn to knit or just need a refresher, enroll in Knitting 101: Knitting for Beginners on Thursdays, April 17 and 24 from 2 to […]

  • (SOLD OUT) The Farms: Barn Quilt Painting (April)

    Experience Level: Beginner No barn? No problem! Join the barn quilt movement by creating your own painted quilt block to use on the inside or outside of your home at Barn […]

  • The Farms: Third Saturday Garden Tours

    Allerton Park has 14 formal gardens, created by Robert Allerton between 1899 and 1946. Join us for one of our Third Saturday Garden Tours (April through October*) and experience the […]

  • The Farms: Beehive Observation

    Experience Level: Beginner (all ages) Get a first-hand look at how honey bees manage hive activity at Beehive Observation on April 19* and 27, May 11 and 25, June 8 […]

  • The Farms: José Gobbo Trio featuring Mitch Towne

    Join us for an evening of jazz at a concert by the José Gobbo Trio featuring Grammy-nominated keyboardist Mitch Towne on Saturday, April 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. in […]