What to do in Urbana, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois
Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois
Open gardens with a variety of flower, fruit, and spice specimens.
Spurlock Museum which includes interior views
Spurlock Museum showing a statue or sculpture and interior views

Urbana Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Urbana has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Urbana, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Urbana with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Urbana

Urbana is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Urbana, and make it a breeze to explore Urbana and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Urbana to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Urbana, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Urbana.

Urbana attractions

Urbana has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Urbana to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Urbana.

Looking for things to do in Urbana can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Urbana or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Urbana attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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What to do in Urbana

Popular places to visit

The University of Havana in Cuba

Alma Mater

You can learn about the history of Urbana with a stop at Alma Mater. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Alma Mater
Spurlock Museum featuring interior views

Spurlock Museum

With a focus on cultural history, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s museum gives visitors a window into civilizations around the world.

Spurlock Museum
Champaign showing a park as well as a couple

University of Illinois Arboretum

Wander this living museum of trees and other plant life, a manicured space that is educational, visually striking and a lovely place to enjoy the sun.

University of Illinois Arboretum
Champaign showing signage

Crystal Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Crystal Lake Park, a lovely green space in Urbana. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Crystal Lake Park
A beautiful astronomical observatory against the sky with clouds.

University of Illinois Observatory

Enjoy a stop at University of Illinois Observatory, an entertaining place to visit in Urbana. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Illinois Observatory
Champaign showing signage

Anita Purves Nature Center

An impressive nature complex offers different ways to experience this woodland area. Follow trails or listen to wildlife inside the center.

Anita Purves Nature Center

Carle Foundation Hospital

If Carle Foundation Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Urbana.

Carle Foundation Hospital

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

You can enjoy a show at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts during your stay in Urbana. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Illini Union Rec Room

Enjoy a stop at Illini Union Rec Room, an entertaining place to visit in Urbana. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Illini Union Rec Room

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Urbana

URBANA, ILLINOIS/USA - June 13, 2022: McFarland Bell Tower on the South Quad on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Savoy

Champaign featuring heritage elements and signage

Champaign

Frequently asked questions

Is Urbana worth visiting?
Famous for its festivals and markets, discovering fun things to do in Urbana is easy. Be sure to add Krannert Centre for the Performing Arts to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Urbana?
Start your day with a visit to University of Illinois Observatory and Champaign County Historical Museum. Then, tour different parts of Urbana for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Urbana?
The top tourist attraction in Urbana is Krannert Centre for the Performing Arts, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Urbana?
Three days will give you time to check out the leading city attractions, such as Krannert Centre for the Performing Arts, University of Illinois Observatory and Krannert Art Museum. The average stay in Urbana is two days. If you have the time to extend your break, Champaign isn't far away.
Is Urbana a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Urbana is a great place to discover on foot. Wander between Krannert Centre for the Performing Arts and University of Illinois Observatory. Then take a stroll around Campustown, located 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, and Hill Street East, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Urbana with kids?
Deciding what to do in Urbana with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights to keep them happy here.

What to do in Urbana for adults?
Mount Hope Cemetery is one of the top things to do in Urbana. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Urbana?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Urbana is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching into your pocket. University of Illinois Observatory is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.