Originally called West Urbana, Champaign, Illinois was founded in 1855 when the Illinois Central Railroad laid its track in the area. When the new town acquired a city charter in 1860, it was renamed Champaign after Champaign County. The first Farm Aid concert took place in Champaign in September of 1985. The concert took place at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium and drew over 80,000 people, raising over $7 million for farmers in the process.
These days, Champaign has a population of around 90,000, which makes it the 10th-most populous municipality in the state. In addition to being home to the University of Illinois, the city is known for its wonderful art museums, impressive sports venues, and diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and breweries. One of the first places many visitors head to is the downtown area, where there are a variety of sidewalk cafés, independent stores, and cultural venues. Many also take time to visit the university to tour the campus or take a walk through the serene arboretum.
While in the area, it's definitely worth checking out at least a couple of the diverse museums. A few to consider are the Krannert Art Museum, the Spurlock Museum, and the Champaign County Historical Museum. Or, if museums aren't to your taste, you could stop by the William M. Staerkel Planetarium or catch a live show at the historic Virginia Theatre.
If you're visiting during spring or summer, there are quite a few nice destinations for outdoor fun as well. One example is Crystal Lake Park, where you can spend the day fishing, boating, hiking, or just enjoying a picnic on the shores of the lake. Alternatively, you could take a peaceful nature walk or take advantage of the excellent bird-watching opportunities at Busey Woods.
Dark History and Horror Con - Champaign's annual Dark History and Horror Con event takes place in mid-August at the I Hotel & Conference Center. The convention showcases history's darker elements, as well as artwork, authors, horror, and more!
Urbana Sweetcorn Festival - This annual festival draws around 50,000 attendees each year to celebrate Illinois sweetcorn. The event is happening in downtown Urbana in mid-August.
Springfield Pridefest - All are welcome to attend Springfield's annual festival celebrating the LGTBQ+ community. Taking place in downtown Springfield in mid-May, the festival features vendors, live music, food, drinks, a drag show, and lots of fun!
You'll find Indiana Dunes National Park in northern Indiana, right beside the southern shores of Lake Michigan. While the park is named for its rugged dunes, it's also an excellent destination for water-based activities, such as fishing, boating, and watersports. Alternatively, visitors can go hiking or horseback riding through the scenic forests, wetlands, and prairies.
One of the most iconic national parks in the country is Gateway Arch National Park, which lies in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. The park is known for its incredible arch, which stands 630 feet tall above the Mississippi River. For the most memorable experience, you can take a tour to the very top of the arch. From there, you can enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the region. You can also explore some of the other historic buildings found around the urban park, including the Old St. Louis Courthouse.
Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is a unique, amazing destination for any adventurous traveler. Although the exterior of the park features lush forests and beautiful rivers, the main attraction lies underneath the ground. There, you'll find over 400 miles of explored caverns, which together make up the longest known system of caves on the planet. You can take a guided tour to explore the incredible caverns and visit the most impressive chambers, such as Frozen Niagara, the Rotunda, and Gothic Avenue.
Kickapoo State Park is a scenic natural haven that covers 2,842 acres of lush forests and lakes. The park features 35 miles of beautiful hiking trails, which can also be utilized for mountain biking and horseback riding. Visitors can also go boating, fishing, or scuba diving in the park's lakes or head to the Vermilion River for a day of kayaking or canoeing.
Located near the town of Oakland, Illinois, Walnut Point State Park is a serene stretch of land where visitors can camp, hike, hunt, or fish. If you decide to cast your line in the nearby lake, you may reel in a few catfish, brown bullheads, or bluegill. If you visit during winter, you can also enjoy some ice skating on the reservoir.
Weldon Springs State Park is another recreation area in central Illinois with abundant opportunities for water-based fun. During spring and summer, the 550-acre park is excellent for fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. Alternatively, during winter, you can spend your visit ice fishing, cross-country skiing, sledding, or tobogganing.
While traveling the region, you may want to visit some of Illinois' most interesting monuments and landmarks. Many of the coolest destinations are found in and around Chicago, and one prime example is Willis Tower. The impressive building towers over the city at 1,729 feet high, and it was at one point the tallest building in the world. Visitors can head to the Skydeck and enjoy the unbelievable view.
Another worthwhile landmark in Chicago is Millennium Park, which is home to the fascinating Cloud Gate sculpture. The park covers 24.5 acres in the heart of downtown Chicago, and it's a pleasant and unique place to spend an afternoon.
If you travel to Springfield, Illinois, you can visit the Dana Thomas House. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright around the turn of the 20th century, the house was home to Susan Lawrence Dana, who was the heir to the Rocky Mountain silver fortune. The landmark is open to the public and features a large collection of Wright objects.
Lots of excellent camping areas are found around Champaign, and one example is the Tincup RV Park. The campground offers 84 RV campsites available for $20-$35 per night, some of which include full hookups. There's also a beautiful golf course found only a few miles from the park.
Alternatively, you could enjoy a stay at Prairie Pines Campground, where you can rent one of the 95 full-hookup RV sites for only $26.50 per night. The campground also features a nice playground, and each campsite comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.
Another lovely camping option is Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, which boasts 308 RV campsites available for $10 to $35 per night. You can choose a site with full hookups if you like, and you'll also have nearby access to a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities during your stay.
In most areas, the price to rent a motorhome is around $200 a night and the price to rent a towable trailer is around $120 a night.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Champaign, IL RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance and free towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What do I need to know before renting an RV in Champaign, IL?Champaign has plenty of freeway and highway access to make RV driving a breeze. The city has ample parks and open spaces to visit. Be sure to include time in your plans to explore the Krannert Art Museum, Crystal Lake Park, or downtown Champaign.
What are the RV rental requirements in Champaign, IL?There is no special license needed to rent an RV, but it never hurts to check state websites. if you are unsure about traveling there and any regulations they may have, double checking with the state will provide some peace of mind!
What are some tips for first-time RV renters in Champaign, IL?Renting an RV in Champaign, IL means endless blue skies and wide open roads. With all the wide open space between destinations, make sure you have a full tank of gas and plenty of food before you hit the road. You'll find RV campgrounds with showers, laundry, and other amenities. Busy season is in the summer so book early to get your spot, or go off-season to avoid crowds.
What are the minimum age requirements for renting an RV in Champaign, IL?The minimum age requirement for renting an RV is 25.
What is included in my Champaign, IL RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Are there pet friendly RVs for rent in Champaign, IL?Looking for a pet friendly RV rental? Use the pet-friendly filter when searching on RVshare.com to find the perfect one for you!
Can I have my Champaign, IL RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
Are there one way rental options from Champaign, IL?One way rentals can add flexibility to your trip, but there are typically costs associated with returning the RV back to the owner. Learn more about one way rental options at rvshare.com/one-way-rv-rentals.
