Away from the distractions and noise of everyday life, Allerton Park and Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature, and history amid the quiet Midwestern landscape.
Originally Robert and John Gregg Allerton’s private estate, the 1,500 acre property was donated to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1946 to be used for education, research, and as a public park.
Explore over 15 miles of hiking trails and wander through formal gardens as you marvel at the expansive grounds. Create and learn at a folk school class, gather with friends at the Greenhouse Café (seasonal), or stay overnight in the Mansion or a guesthouse.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Allerton is considered one of the Midwest’s most culturally significant sites.
“This place has a little magic for every person who visits.”
— visitor review
Address: 515 Old Timber Road Monticello, IL 61856
(Please note we are not located in the town of Allerton, Illinois.)
Phone: 217-333-3287
Email: allertoninfo@illinois.edu
Hours:
Open daily, 8am to sunset
(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
Admission:
There is no admission fee — however, donations are encouraged and appreciated to help keep Allerton the free public resource it has been since 1946. Your support is essential to maintaining and improving this century-old estate.
Make a gift in the boxes on-site or online.
Visitor Center
The McCraw Family Visitor Center is open daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The Gift Shop, located in the Visitor Center, is open Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Café
The Greenhouse Café has seasonal hours and offers fresh sandwiches, salads, paninis and wraps, as well as coffee, tea, lemonade, beer and wine. View current hours and menu.
Mansion
The Mansion is not typically open for general admission, but scheduled public tours offer a glimpse inside this historic estate. Find upcoming public tour dates.
Programs and Events
Enjoy a variety of experiences specially designed to enhance your visit and create community:
- Courses at The Farms: An Allerton Folk School
- Concerts
- Youth Programs
- Seasonal Special Events
- Supper Club
- Public Hikes & Tours
Stay at Allerton
Overnight accommodations are available in 33 guest rooms throughout the Mansion, three guesthouses, and a renovated apartment-style Residence. Find the perfect space for you.
Area Attractions
Complete your Allerton adventure by visiting other popular attractions in Central Illinois. Learn more about area attractions.
