“Visitors should definitely head over the Orange Trail to see the Gorilla and Bear statues! They are impressive and dramatic. The setting of natural areas is the perfect background for viewing this art.”
Mindy Brand
Public Engagement Coordinator
“Walk the McDonald Family Trail in spring or fall and take a winter full moon hike. Sled down the Centaur steps after a big snow!”
Nate Beccue
Natural Areas Manager
“I always tell people that they must go see the Sun Singer as the sun is setting. This is one of my favorite spots and it’s such a cool view!”
Fraya Replinger
Sales Associate
“I like to recommend the Yellow Trail for a nice two mile hike. The trail takes you through beautiful upland forest, along the Sangamon River and through many of the Formal Gardens and past the Mansion. A number of statues are seen along this route as well and it starts and ends right at the Visitor Center with the Greenhouse Café!”
Micah Putman
Assistant Facilities Manager
“Sun Singer, for sure! You can’t come to Allerton and not see the Sun Singer.”
Stephanie Shonkwiler
“Attending the Holiday Showcase, our largest event of the year. Mansion decorated, light walk, carriage rides, awesome shopping.”
Hannah Dole
Event Coordinator
“Death of the Last Centaur » Take the Yellow Trail along the Sangamon River and approach it from the bottoms. It’s the way Allerton would have wanted you to do it.”
Derek Peterson
Director
“It is a must to view the gardens in the spring, summer and fall.”
Richard Burton
Associate Director of Park Operations
“During spring time, take a walk down the trail that leads to the Centaur to view the beautiful bluebells and other spring wildflowers.”
Jan Gill
Business Manager
“I would have to say visiting Allerton during the holidays. Not only do we offer some great dinners, shopping experiences, visits with Santa, and overnight accommodations -- you can view the Park in a way that you have never seen before. Guests get to visit after dark and see the statues, gardens, and natural areas highlighted through a lighting experience.”
Jordan Zech
Retreat Center Manager
“Staying overnight on the estate. The experience of Allerton at night, spending extended time in one of the historic guest rooms, and drinking morning coffee in the Solarium is not to be missed!”
Bridget Frerichs
Associate Director of Advancement
“A definite must-do would be to go on one of the full moon hikes where we call for different species of owls and have them come in overhead and call back to us.”
Alex Lourash
Natural Areas Manager
"See the Virginia Bluebells when in bloom (sometime in April), and visit when the Peony Garden is blooming (mid to late May)."
Peter Lichtenberger
Park Attendant
