Sidell IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sidell, Illinois.
1. The Virginia Theatre
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Virginia Theatre is a beautifully restored historic theater that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Visitors can enjoy various performances including concerts, films, and theatrical productions in this architectural gem. The theater features ornate details and provides a glimpse into the golden age of cinema and live entertainment.
2. State Farm Center
PREMIER SPORTS ARENA
State Farm Center is an impressive 15,500-seat arena that opened in 1963 and serves as home to University of Illinois basketball teams. The facility hosts not only sporting events but also concerts, ceremonies, and other major community gatherings. Its distinctive dome shape makes it an architectural landmark in the region.
3. Champaign Public Library
MODERN LITERARY HAVEN
Champaign Public Library offers light-filled, open spaces featuring wonderful Peter Sis murals and numerous amenities for visitors. The library includes a colorful TeenSpace, fun makerspace, quiet meeting rooms, Library Café and Friendshop Bookstore. Visitors can enjoy both the extensive collection and the building's modern design.
4. Antiques & More at Staley Road
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
Antiques & More at Staley Road is a massive 8,000 square foot antique mall featuring items from 80 different vendors. The diverse offerings include vintage clothing, mid-century furniture, retro items, Amish-made candies, candles, soaps, and advertising signs. This treasure trove provides something for every collector and curious shopper.
5. Memorial Stadium
FIGHTING ILLINI BATTLEFIELD
Memorial Stadium is the impressive home field for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini football team. The historic stadium, built in 1923, honors Illinois alumni who died in World War I and continues to be a central gathering place for fans and alumni. The electric game-day atmosphere provides visitors with a quintessential college football experience.
6. Krannert Art Museum
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
Krannert Art Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 11,000 works of art from the 4th century B.C. to the present. As the second largest fine art museum in Illinois, it features floors of classic oil paintings and varied works by contemporary artists across multiple galleries. The museum offers free admission, making it accessible to all who wish to explore its cultural treasures.
7. Meadowbrook Park
NATURE AND SCULPTURE GARDEN
Meadowbrook Park is a sprawling 130-acre natural area featuring ample walking trails through vibrant tall grass prairie landscapes. The park includes the Wandell Sculpture Garden, established in 1999, which displays various artistic sculptures along the trails and in green spaces. Visitors can also enjoy a working farmstead, playground, and other recreational areas throughout this urban oasis.
8. Activities and Recreation Center
CAMPUS FITNESS HUB
The Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) at the University of Illinois is a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facility. The center offers numerous fitness areas, an indoor track, multiple swimming pools, and various courts for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. Visitors can enjoy drop-in recreation or participate in organized fitness classes and activities.
9. Champaign Park District
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACES
The Champaign Park District maintains numerous parks, facilities, and recreational areas throughout the city. Visitors can enjoy everything from playgrounds and sports fields to walking paths and picnic areas across the district's various locations. The park system hosts regular community events, concerts, and seasonal activities for all ages.
10. Art Coop
CREATIVE SUPPLY HAVEN
Art Coop is a unique artist-focused store where visitors can find supplies for various creative pursuits. The shop offers a wide range of materials for painting, drawing, crafting, and other artistic endeavors. Art enthusiasts appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the opportunity to connect with the local creative community.
11. American Football House
MUSIC HISTORY LANDMARK
The American Football House is an important cultural landmark for indie music fans, known as the place where the influential band American Football lived and created music in the late 1990s. The unassuming house gained fame through its appearance on the cover of the band's self-titled debut album, which has achieved cult status among music enthusiasts. Visitors often make pilgrimages to see and photograph the exterior of this modest home that has become an iconic image in independent music.
12. Atkins Tennis Center
PREMIER TENNIS FACILITY
The Atkins Tennis Center is a top-quality tennis facility that serves as home to the University of Illinois tennis programs. The center features both indoor and outdoor courts, allowing for year-round play regardless of weather conditions. Visitors can watch collegiate matches or potentially use the facilities during public hours.
13. Robert Allerton Park
HISTORIC GARDEN ESTATE
Robert Allerton Park is a magnificent 1,500-acre park and retreat center featuring formal gardens, woodland areas, and a historic mansion. The property, often called the "Versailles of Illinois," showcases numerous sculptures, themed gardens, and picturesque hiking trails through diverse landscapes. The estate was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946 and now serves as both a public park and event venue.
14. Champaign County Balloon Festival
COLORFUL SKY CELEBRATION
The Champaign County Balloon Festival fills the skies with colorful hot air balloons during its annual celebration. Visitors can enjoy balloon glows, rides, and the spectacular sight of dozens of balloons launching simultaneously. The festival typically includes additional entertainment, food vendors, and family-friendly activities on the ground.
15. Homer Lake Forest Preserve
NATURAL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Homer Lake Forest Preserve offers a serene natural setting centered around a beautiful 80-acre lake near Sidell. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking trails, and picnic areas throughout the 892-acre preserve. The site also features the Interpretive Center where guests can learn about local wildlife and natural history through interactive exhibits.