Did you know there is a castle in the corn? The estate is not surrounded by a moat, but rather thousands of acres of ancient forest. The only remaining subjects magically appear around every corner, standing guard like long forgotten sentinels of steel and stone.
Allerton Park and Retreat Center is the name of this other-worldly place. Here you will be entranced by a magnificent palace, elegant gardens and miles of wilderness. This stately gift was bequeathed by Robert and John Allerton in 1946 to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This last remaining parcel of the farm baron empire now opens its granite gates to the vassals of Illinois, for free! A visit will bring you closer to royalty than you have ever been.
When planning your day trip visit, consider visiting at different times of the year. Depending on the season, the formal gardens rolls out the visual red carpet for its guests. Daffodils, peonies, surprise lilies, wisteria, grape vines and many more varieties of blooms and blossoms will provide your Instagram with a photographic backdrop in all seasons. Allerton staff have been working hard to please your ears as well. Consider visiting during their summer concert series. Your ears will not be disappointed!
No Kingly or Queenly garden stroll or forest ramble would be complete without a pre-ordered take-out lunch from Bergies or a heavenly slice of pie by Inge at the Brown Bag in downtown Monticello. No day-trip crown would be complete without adding these jewels!
Visit: Allerton Park & Retreat Center, 515 Old Timber Road Monticello, Illinois 61856 http://www.allerton.illinois.edu
Eat: Bergie’s To Go Takeout Service: https://bookbergies.com/bergies-to-go/
Pies by Inge: https://www.piesbyinge.com/
Enjoy!
