Visiting Allerton

Named one of the 7 Wonders of Illinois by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, Allerton offers 1,500 acres of beautiful, outdoor surroundings. The picturesque setting includes:

  • Extensive formal gardens
  • More than 100 outdoor sculptures and garden ornaments
  • Natural areas including the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, and a 30-acre prairie restoration site
  • 14 miles of interpretive hiking trails
  • A century-old, Georgian-style mansion with reflecting pond

With National Natural Landmark and National Register of Historic Places designations, it is a destination unlike any other. It is also on the American Institute of Architects' List of 150 Great Places in Illinois.

An ideal place for public enjoyment and outdoor recreation, Allerton is also a unique venue for meetings, conferences, and retreats as well as the perfect place for weddings and special events.

You're invited to explore, discover, and enjoy all that Allerton has to offer between festival events. The park is open to the public from 8 AM until sundown (gates close at dusk) and there is no admission fee.

NOTE: You will have to drive to the north side of the park on Old Timber Road to access the formal gardens since the bridge from the south entrance (by the Music Barn) is closed.

Don't miss these popular gardens and sculptures:

  • House of the Golden Buddhas and Fu Dog Garden,
    featuring 22 Fu Dog sculptures
  • Brick Wall Garden, featuring Girl with a Scarf sculpture
  • Peony Garden, featuring The Three Graces sculpture
  • Chinese Maze Garden
  • Hosta Display Garden
  • Sunken Garden
  • Adam sculpture
  • Death of the Last Centaur sculpture
  • Sun Singer sculpture

Allerton is located just 25 miles southwest of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus near Monticello, Illinois. With easy access from I-72, it's a short drive from the University's Willard Airport and a simple excursion from Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, or the Quad Cities.

Please visit the Allerton Web site for more details.

Getting to the Festival

The Allerton Music Barn is located on the south side of Allerton Park off Allerton Road in Monticello. Do not use GPS or Web directions based on Allerton Park's main address.

Directions

From Chicago/North of Monticello:

  1. Take I-57 south to Champaign
  2. Take Exit 235, I-72 West to Decatur
  3. Continue approximately 20 miles on I-72 West
  4. From I-72, take Exit 164 Bridge Street
    and turn south into Monticello
  5. Turn right at the first light
    at Market Street
  6. Turn right at the four-way stop at Marion Street
  7. Turn left at the T on Allerton Road
  8. Continue 3.5 miles to the Park's south entrance
  9. The Allerton Music Barn is just past
    the south entrance, on the south side
    of Allerton Park.

From Springfield/South of Monticello:

  1. Take I-72 north to Champaign
  2. From I-72, take Exit 164 Bridge Street
    and turn south into Monticello
  3. Turn right at the first light on Market Street
  4. Turn right at the four-way stop
    at Marion Street
  5. Turn left at the T at Allerton Road
  6. Continue 3.5 miles to the Park's south entrance
  7. The Allerton Music Barn is just past
    the south entrance, on the south side
    of Allerton Park.

See Google Maps for additional instructions.

Download PDF directions

Click the map for a larger version.