Allerton Park ... An Illinois Treasure
 

My wife and I took a drive over to a place called, "Allerton Park," today. Allerton is the 5,000 acre former estate of Robert Allerton which he donated to the University of Illinois. It's located just south of Champaign, Illinois. About 3,500 acres are used by the University Department of Agriculture and the crops they grow help support the estate. About 1,500 acres are his former home and it's surrounding woodlands. Mr. Allerton enjoyed creating gardens near the home and locating statuary in the woodlands and by the home creating great visual focus points.

Thought I share some of the pictures from our visit. First, some of the entrance to the property and the home.

Next, some of the grounds near the home.

thanks for the pics DB, I always enjoy seeing different parts of the world

Along the wooded trails ... beginning with a 30 foot (+/-) statue called the Sun Singer.

Just a few more ...

Oh, yeah, we did see a couple friends ... :)

And ... a couple of parting shots.

Thanks, Grumble and Sharni. Glad you enjoyed.

Very nice db! TY for sharing!

And I "bitch" about cutting my grass!DB,you,definetely,have a knack with a camera! Irish

The squirrel looks like the one who dive bombs into the tree in front of my building. :)

A beautiful park, DB! Thanks for the pics. Er, was the first critter a butterfly?

Yep, it was. Most beautiful shade of blue on it. Not sure if you could see it well. Lot's more to see at Allerton, but those were some of the neat sights, anyway. I think they said there were some 20-30km of trails ... what about 10-15 miles. Amazing place. (And, it's FREE!!!!) :)

It's beautiful there DB. I'll have to remember that place if I ever get over your way.

Took my daughter to one of our local parks here a couple of weeks ago and her and a friend had sour skittles, found out the local squirrel's seem to like them real well. After the 4th one I made the girls stop feeding them, hope the little guys did'nt get sick.