Allerton Park 515 Old Timber Road, Urbana, IL 61856, Monticello, 217-762-2721 , A 1,768-acre country estate offering native flood-plain forests and unplanned woods, a park which contains an outstanding collection of sculpture and statuary from Cambodia, Thailand, and China, which are placed among beautiful flower gardens, greenhouses, and sculptured hedges.

Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden North Route 47 (1 mile north of I-74) in Mahomet, 217-586-3360, Boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse flora in east central Illinois. Its All-American Display Garden features the newest and best bedding plants and vegetables. more...

Arboretum, The Lincoln Avenue, between Kirby and St. Mary's Road, 217-244-1679, Offers many opportunities to learn and experience nature's four seasons in a single setting. The Arboretum's gardens, collections, and habitats transform 160 acres of farmlands into an exceptional "living laboratory" for studies in plant sciences, and fine and applied arts.