Brown Trail

2.6 miles | 1 hour | Starts from: Death of the Last Centaur parking area

The Brown Trail traverses through bottomland forest containing trees over five feet in diameter, along the Sangamon River and through a small section of upland forest. This hike offers a wonderful approach to the Centaur statue; be sure to also notice the four pillars topped with urns within the open oak-hickory forest. The trail then continues down a slope, along to a point of transition between an upland oak/hickory forest on one side and a bottomland forest on the other. Here spring flowers such as Virginia bluebells carpet the forest floor.

After passing the intersection with the Purple Trail, you may notice trees of great size and diameter. Ash, bur oaks and sycamores represent an assemblage of the impressively sized tree species, including the State Champion Swamp White Oak (53” in diameter and 93’ tall; just north of the trail section that runs along the river and about halfway between the Yellow/Brown and Purple/brown intersections). Views of the Sangamon River and the watchable wildlife are also plentiful as you continue along the trail.

Look for: Virginia bluebells, migrating song birds, and blue-eyed Marys (spring); great-blue herons, wood ducks, and beavers (summer); coyote and white-tailed deer (fall); brown creepers and white-breasted nuthatches (winter)

There may be times of the year when the bottomland portion of this trail may be flooded. Please use caution.

There is one section of this trail that shares the path with the Yellow Trail.

Pathway to the Brick Wall Garden

Capacity: 200

Each of our Formal Gardens creates a unique, magical space, featuring extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures.

Outdoor garden events may be reserved in one of the following 3-hour time slots: 9am–12pm, 1–4pm, or 5-8pm. Because others may be using the same area on the same day, all activities (including photography and decorating) must begin and end within the rental period. If your event requires more than three hours, an additional three-hour time slot should be reserved. All garden events must end by 8pm unless prior approval is granted.

Mansion

Built in 1900, the Allerton Mansion was once the private residence of artist and philanthropist Robert Henry Allerton and his partner John Gregg Allerton. 

Inspired by the Ham House in Surrey, England, and designed by architect John Borie, at the time the Mansion was built each room included a view of earth, sky, and water – either the Sangamon River or the Reflecting Pond. The Georgian Revival style Mansion served not only as a home but as a gallery for Allerton’s extensive art collection and a gathering place for artists and intellectuals. 

Today, the Mansion functions as a lodging facility and event venue, hosting weddings, conferences, educational programs, and public events. Overnight lodging is available in 17 unique rooms, each with their own charm and history.

When it is not being used for a public event, the Mansion’s first floor is available for self-guided tours. (Please call prior to your visit to confirm availability.) Or, plan your visit around one of our Public Mansion Tours, Weekend Wind Downs, or many other events held in the Mansion.

Brick Wall Garden

Capacity: 250

Each of our Formal Gardens creates a unique, magical space, featuring extensive plantings and over 100 ornaments and sculptures.

Outdoor garden events may be reserved in one of the following 3-hour time slots: 9am–12pm, 1–4pm, or 5-8pm. Because others may be using the same area on the same day, all activities (including photography and decorating) must begin and end within the rental period. If your event requires more than three hours, an additional three-hour time slot should be reserved. All garden events must end by 8pm unless prior approval is granted.