What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 7pm Tuesday 8am - 7pm Wednesday 8am - 7pm Thursday 8am - 7pm Friday 8am - 7pm Saturday 8am - 7pm Sunday 8am - 7pm

Allerton Park and Retreat Center

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Monticello, IL
Allerton Park and Retreat Center

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www.allerton.illinois.edu Overnight accommodations are also available. Allerton is open 8am to sunset. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. to 5 p.m.

“This place has a little magic for every person who visits.” –review of Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center offers a unique opportunity to experience art, nature, and history away from the distractions of everyday life. The estate contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a Mansion and Reflecting Pond, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a 10-acre Meadow, a Café, and several lodging facilities. Allerton, which is affiliated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is available to host a wide range of events including weddings, meetings, conferences, retreats, and special events. If it is not rented for a private event, the Mansion’s first floor is available for self-guided tours. Quarterly public tour dates can be found on our website. The McCraw Family Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. daily. The Gift Shop in the Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

11/06/2026

Calm your mind and body at New Moon Yoga on Monday, November 9 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Music Barn. 🌙

Instructor Josie Heck from Yoga Off the Square will guide you through strength poses with options for all levels.

Learn more and register: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/new-moon-yoga-nov/

11/06/2026

Have you ever wondered why some numbers repeat throughout your life? Now is your chance to find out at Mystic Mondays: Intro to Numerology on Monday, Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. in the Mansion Library!

In this lively and informative class, Charlie Rainbow Wolf will teach you what the different numbers mean when it comes to their significance in your life and the lives of those close to you. You’ll learn about your life path number, your soul path number, your heart’s desire number, and more!

Grab a notebook and pen and join us for this fun class. Let’s unlock the secrets of your numbers!

Learn more and register: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/intro-to-numerology/

11/06/2026

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon celebrating the generosity of Susan and Steven Zumdahl at the Library Dedication yesterday!

The Zumdahls have graciously endowed the Library, creating a functional space that is reminiscent of Robert Allerton's original design. Over the past few years, the historic room has undergone a transformation with updated furniture, audio-visual equipment, window treatments, paint, and lighting. Additionally, the Library Terrace has been updated to provide a welcoming outdoor space, paving a path that will eventually make the Koi Pond accessible.

We are continuously grateful for their confidence in our staff and enthusiasm for Allerton! Please join us in thanking Susan and Steve Zumdahl!

11/05/2026

FARMS CLASSES CLOSING SOON! 📣

Don't miss out on the fun! Check out our Farms classes with registration closing soon.

🌷Paper Flower Art: Amaryllis: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-paper-flower-art-amaryllis/
🧘‍♂️New Moon Yoga: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/new-moon-yoga-nov/
🧶Advanced Knitting Entrelac & Color-Stranding: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/entrelac-color-stranding/
📑Zine Workshop: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/zine-workshop/
🐦Backyard Bird Feeding: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/backyard-bird-feeding/

Learn more about other events and Farms classes: https://allerton.illinois.edu/events/

11/05/2026

We have new hoodies in our Gift Shop, just in time for the fall weather to settle in! 🍂

Get yours during Gift Shop hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.!

Check out more of our merch here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/shop/

11/04/2026

Love the vibe at the Illinois Arboretum!

We think the Arboretum is the best place to just chill. 🍂🌰

11/04/2026

Students at our Needlefelt Goldfinch class had a blast creating their own tiny Goldfinch out of locally sourced alpaca fiber from Sundrop Alpacas!

Our next Needlefelt class will guide students through making their own whimsical owl. Students will walk through the needlefelting process and are able to customize their owl as they please. This class is perfect for those who are wanting to learn a new art form!

Learn more and register: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/the-farms-needlefelt-owl/

11/04/2026

Join our current Hood Artist-in-Residence for a Sketch Walk on Monday, November 9 from 12-1:30 p.m. meeting at the Studio. 🥾

Artist, librarian, and maker Megan Lotts will lead this informal guided drawing experience where students explore a place by observing and sketching what they see in real time. Rather than focusing on “perfect” drawings, students are invited to create quick, simple sketches that capture moments, spaces, and details of Allerton as they experience them.

Learn more and register: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/sketch-walk/

11/03/2026

Turn your backyard into a birding hotspot at Backyard Bird Feeding on Friday, November 13 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Studio. 🐦

Learn how to choose the right birdseed and feeders to attract a wide variety of Central Illinois birds, along with tips for feeder placement and keeping squirrels and raccoons off your feeders. Improve backyard setup, and leave with practical tips to bring more birds to your feeders!

Learn more and register here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/event/backyard-bird-feeding/

11/03/2026

Shop, eat, drink – and be merry! — at the Holiday Showcase presented by Sterling Wealth Management on Friday, December 4 from 5-9 p.m.! 🎄

Grab a drink from the Solarium Bar and stroll through the decorated Mansion as you shop from specially selected artisans and businesses. Stop by the Carriage House for natural-ornament making with the Monticello Area Art Council, where you can make an ornament for our courtyard tree and one to take home!

Don’t miss an enchanting stroll through the illuminated gardens and woodlands of Holiday GLOW presented by U of I Community Credit Union, with added entertainment from the Monticello High School Madrigal singers in the Mansion Courtyard from 6-8 p.m. (breaks every 30 minutes) and the Quest Church Handbell Choir in the Brick Wall Garden from 5-8 p.m. (performances at the top of every hour). 🎶

Complete your visit with an overnight stay in the Mansion or one of our guesthouses. View rooms and make a reservation online here: https://allerton.illinois.edu/lodging/ or call 217-333-3287.

Address

515 Old Timber Road
Monticello, IL
61856

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 7pm
Tuesday	8am - 7pm
Wednesday	8am - 7pm
Thursday	8am - 7pm
Friday	8am - 7pm
Saturday	8am - 7pm
Sunday	8am - 7pm

Telephone

(217) 333-3287

Website

http://allerton.illinois.edu/

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