• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Allerton

Park & Retreat Center

  • Reserve
    • Weddings
      • Wedding Spaces
      • Lodging
      • Request for Information
      • Catering
      • Testimonials
    • Meetings & Retreats
      • Meeting Packages
      • Meeting Spaces
      • Request for Information
      • Lodging
      • Catering
      • Team-building/Breakout Activities
    • Special Occasions
      • Event Spaces
      • Lodging
      • REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
      • Catering
    • Lodging
      • “Weekend Wind Down” Dates
    • The Dome
  • visit
    • Event Calendar
    • McCraw Family Visitor Center
    • Plan Your Visit
      • Park Maps
      • Public Tours & Hikes
      • Accessibility
      • Lodging
        • Glamping Getaway
      • Staff Recommendations
      • Area Attractions
    • Greenhouse Café
    • Concert Series
      • Concert Series FAQs
    • Youth Programs
      • Summer Day Camp 2023
    • Dinners/Special Events
      • Supper Club 2024
    • Holiday Events
      • Halloween Spooktacular!
      • Vendor Application
    • Classes & Workshops
  • THE FARMS
    • About
    • Fall 2023 Session
    • Winter 2024 Session
    • Folk Talk
    • THE FARMS FAQ
    • Instructor application
  • discover
    • About
    • The History
      • Allerton Family
      • Robert Allerton
      • Allerton Park
        • Since 1946
    • The Gardens
      • Formal Gardens Map
      • Public Tours & Hikes
      • Classes & Workshops
      • Bloom Calendar
    • Natural Areas
      • Trail Map
      • Public Tours & Hikes
      • Birding
      • Research
      • Management
    • Artwork
      • Map
    • The Future
      • Master Plan
      • Artisan Village
      • The Wandering Woods
      • ALL IN for Allerton
    • Park Blog
    • Diversity, Inclusion, and Access
    • Sustainability
  • engage
    • Donate
      • ALL IN for Allerton
      • Building the Legacy
      • Memorial & Dedicatory Gifts
      • Sponsorship Opportunities
        • Holidays 2023: Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Wish List
    • VOLUNTEER
      • Become a Volunteer
      • Volunteer News
      • Allerton Park Photography Group
    • SHOP
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Allerton In-Residence
      • Artist-in-Residence Program
      • Naturalist-in-Residence Program
      • Rooting A Deeper Connection
      • Past Residents
  • connect
    • Contact
      • Since 1946
    • ENEWS
      • enews archive
    • Staff

The Wandering Woods

In 2019, we completed a feasibility study for a new children and family space at Allerton, created by W. Gary Smith and the Hitchcock Design Group, with support from DiAnne and Terry Hatch. As funding is acquired over the next several years, the area (pictured, right) between the Main Parking Lot and Fu Dog Garden will transform into a multi-generational, accessible feature to Allerton’s existing upland oak-history forest.

Construction of the first phase began in November 2023, and includes a fully accessible nature trail, the first of its kind at the Park. Whether you’re pushing a  stroller, walking a circuit, or adventuring in a wheelchair – the accessible path will be a useful and safe way to experience nature. Individual donors have had a tremendous impact on making Allerton more accessible for all, and this project provides another opportunity to make a significant difference in the health and well-being of future visitors.

Additional phases will feature immersive elements of a natural play area, many drawing on inspiration from the Park itself. The Teahouse Treehouse (pictured, left), a Fountain Creek, The Stumpery, and many other unique spaces will offer meaningful encounters between people and the natural world. This space will be an ideal retreat in the woods, allowing for birdwatching, nature observation, and fun for both adults and kids.

Thanks to the Friends of Allerton who have donated to bring this project to life! Additional support is needed to endow/name the trail, and complete future phases. Lend your support here! For more information on giving, contact us at allertoninfo@illinois.edu.

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • TripAdvisor
  • Linkedin

515 Old Timber Road

Monticello, Illinois 61856

217 333 3287

allertoninfo@illinois.edu

CONNECT

  • Contact
  • eNews Archive
  • Staff
  • Photog Credits

Sign up for Allerton news

Click to Subscribe


University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign

Copyright © 2023 · allerton on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in