Top reasons to visit Champaign
- Cultural Experiences: Champaign boasts a vibrant arts scene, featuring theaters, galleries, and events that celebrate local culture.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy parks and recreational areas, perfect for family outings and stargazing events.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Visit the Illinois Conference Center and enjoy engaging educational experiences tailored for all ages.
- Charming Neighborhoods: Explore unique shops and cafes in the lively downtown area and picturesque neighborhoods like Champaign North.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: As a college town, Champaign is known for its friendly locals and inclusive community vibe.
Find great hotels in Champaign
Discover a variety of lodging options in Champaign, Illinois, designed to cater to every type of traveler. From business-friendly hotels to cozy motels, you'll find accommodations that welcome pets and embrace the LGBTQIA community. Whether you're searching for the best hotels or specific amenities like the iHotel, Champaign offers a comfortable stay with convenient access to local attractions.
- WoodSpring Suites Champaign near University: Nestled in the heart of Champaign, WoodSpring Suites offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience for both business and leisure travelers. This LGBTQIA-friendly hotel welcomes pets, making it an ideal choice for those traveling with furry companions. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, allowing for a home-like experience during their stay. With a focus on extended stays, the hotel provides a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for guests seeking a mix of work and play.
- Best Western Plus Champaign/Urbana Inn: The Best Western Plus Champaign/Urbana Inn is a welcoming retreat for pet lovers and business travelers alike. This hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, making it easy to start each day right. With a commitment to friendly service and a convenient location, this hotel is perfect for those looking to explore the local area while enjoying the comforts of home.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Champaign North, IL: Ideal for families and LGBTQIA-friendly travelers, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers a cozy atmosphere that feels like home. The hotel is equipped with family-oriented amenities, including free cribs and child safety features, ensuring a safe stay for younger guests. With a complimentary breakfast and a convenient location, this hotel provides a perfect base for exploring the vibrant Champaign area, while its welcoming staff ensures a memorable experience for every visitor.
Where to stay in and around Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, is a vibrant city perfect for family-friendly vacations, offering a mix of culture and charm. Explore the lively downtown area with its unique shops and cafes, or venture into the picturesque neighborhoods like Champaign North. As a college town, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere enriched by friendly people. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly excursions or a delightful family experience, Champaign promises unforgettable memories and a taste of Midwestern hospitality.
- Urbana: Located a mere 3.2km from Champaign, Urbana is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural scene and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors flock to Urbana year-round, with peak seasons in March to April and September. The city is home to a prestigious modern college university and a historic college university, making it an educational hub. Enjoy a mix of arena entertainment and theater performances, ensuring that there is always something to see and do. Don't miss the local stadium, which often hosts exciting events and sports activities.
- Downtown: Nestled around the heart of Champaign, Downtown is a bustling neighborhood that draws visitors for its dynamic blend of culture and urban charm. The area sees the highest visitor numbers in May, August, and October. Here, you can explore a variety of shops and theaters, perfect for a family outing or a leisurely day of shopping. The neighborhood is also conveniently located near a modern college university and a vibrant tourist precinct, making it an ideal spot for those looking to soak up the local culture.
- Savoy: Just 6.4km from Champaign, Savoy is a charming city that welcomes visitors with its cultural offerings and family-oriented activities. With peak travel times in April, July, and September, Savoy offers a relaxed atmosphere complemented by educational venues and arena entertainment facilities. The presence of a modern college university and a state-of-the-art sports facility stadium ensures that there is never a shortage of events and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Things to do in and around Champaign
Champaign offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment perfect for family vacations. Visitors can enjoy educational experiences, explore the lively arena entertainment facilities, and catch a show at the theater. Don't miss out on day trips, campus tours, and the dynamic nightlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of outdoor experiences and opportunities for stargazing events, making Champaign a delightful destination for all types of travelers.
Shopping
For shopping in Champaign, visit Market at the Square, just 3.2km away, offering local goods and crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out Maple Grove Plaza Shopping Center, 24.1km away, featuring a variety of stores and entertainment options for the whole family.
Recreation
Experience the excitement at Memorial Stadium, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere. For family fun, visit Sholem Aquatic Center, a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation. Just 6.4km away, Stone Creek Golf Club offers outdoor sports and a serene golfing experience.
Adventure
Explore the University Research Park Trail for a scenic hike surrounded by nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Venture to the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, located 14.5km away, for a variety of outdoor activities. Don't miss the Bonyark Creek Trail for another adventurous hiking experience in the area.
Nightlife
For an exciting nightlife in Champaign, visit the University of Illinois Observatory for family-friendly stargazing. Catch a show at The Station Theater for a romantic cultural experience. For some fun and adventure, Skateland offers arcade games and activities perfect for families.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Champaign
Champaign is a budget-friendly destination with free attractions like Parkland College, Hessel Park, and Kaufman Lake. For transportation, consider using the local bus system to save money. The best time to visit is during the cheaper months of July and December to January, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find great savings on hotels by sorting results by price or filtering for eco-friendly options. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for more savings through package deals.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Champaign are July and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Champaign is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Champaign is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool empowers you to choose your budget, desired destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results from lowest to highest price, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: Consider saving some money by combining your hotel stay in Champaign with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, is perfect for culture-themed, family-friendly vacations, offering a variety of attractions like the Illinois Conference Center, urban parks, and modern universities. Visitors can enjoy a blend of cultural experiences and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families and those seeking a vibrant city atmosphere. Whether exploring local entertainment facilities or enjoying the city's parks, there's something for everyone in Champaign.
- State Farm Center: Experience an electrifying atmosphere at this premier arena, which hosts a variety of events from concerts to sports. With its family-friendly vibe, it's perfect for creating lasting memories while enjoying thrilling entertainment.
- Parkland College: Immerse yourself in the vibrant city vibes at this modern institution. With its stunning architecture and active campus life, you can explore the educational offerings and engage with students and faculty while enjoying the local culture.
- The Virginia Theatre: Step into a world of culture at this historic arts center. Enjoy a diverse range of performances, from classic films to live theater, all within a beautifully restored venue that showcases the rich artistic heritage of Champaign.
Best time to go to Champaign
The best time to visit Champaign is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Champaign
Traveling to Champaign, Illinois, is convenient with three major airports nearby. Champaign's own CMI (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Willard) is just 9.7km away, offering easy access to hotels like the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center, located 6.4km from the airport. Bloomington's BMI (Central Illinois Regional) is situated 46.4km away, with nearby accommodations such as the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington, a mere 4.8km from the airport. Decatur's DEC airport is 62.8km from Champaign, with options like Holiday Inn & Suites Decatur-Forsyth also around 11.3km away, ensuring comfortable stays close to your arrival point.