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  • 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 and make the commitment to hike all nine trails at Allerton by the end of the year. Earn a limited edition tshirt*, plus bragging rights! […]

  • 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 Studio. Instructor Emily Tackitt will teach the basics of hatching, dots and varied line to help students learn how to create texture and visual interest. […]

  • 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. This course, led by Monticello-based artist Emily Tackitt, is aimed at the beginner who has no drawing experience. Students will learn how to bring items […]

  • 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 end of the calendar year. Hikers will pick up their registration packet at the Bluebell Festival May 2-4. The packet will include a Hike ALLerton […]

  • 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 in Writing Habits: In Three Parts, a three-part online course on Fridays, Feb. 28, March 7 & 14 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. In this […]

  • 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 the Mansion or a guesthouse during our Feb. 28-March 1 Weekend Wind Down! All Weekend Wind Down dates feature a discounted rate of $110/night (+tax) and include […]

  • (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 Murder Mysteries. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail half-hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. CUTC will present the following story: On the […]

  • The Farms: Dances of the Gilded Age: A Fancy Dress Ball

    You won’t want to miss the final class of Dances of the Gilded Age, which will be A Fancy Dress Ball on Monday, March 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Mansion. Led by instructor Jeanette Watts, the evening will be devoted to dance party games called “Germans”, along with mixers, quadrilles, set dances […]

  • 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 will introduce students to the fundamentals of Samba-Reggae, a vibrant musical genre that blends traditional samba rhythms with reggae, creating an energetic and distinct sound. […]