Champaign, Illinois

The city of Champaign is located in eastern Illinois, just two miles (three kilometers) west of Urbana and 85 miles (137 kilometers) northeast of Springfield. It is part of Champaign County, and home to 67,518 residents.

Local attractions include the Champaign County Historical Museum and the Orpheum Children's Science Museum. The Staerkel Planetarium is another family-friendly destination, and its educational programs and light shows attract almost 40,000 visitors each year. To experience the bounty of the Illinois countryside, try a visit to local orchards, farms, or vineyards.

Champaign and Urbana are located only minutes apart, and the two cities share the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as well as many cultural attractions. The university's Krannert Art Museum houses more than 8,000 works, including excellent collections of European and American paintings, decorative art, and contemporary art. Want to watch a murder mystery unfold or take up acting yourself? Then check out the latest offering from the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company. The Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is a hub of cultural activity, and offers everything from symphony concerts to jazz and blues, from ballet performances to cutting-edge theater.

If the arts don't hold your interest, rest assured that Champaign has a sporty side as well! Golfers can choose from a number of outstanding area courses, including the 18-hole Stone Creek Golf Club, which has hosted several PGA tournaments. The Champaign Park District oversees a variety of sports teams and programs, along with excellent parks and facilities. One of the city's newest additions is a multimillion dollar aquatic center, featuring large pools, water rides, and water sprays to help you beat the summer heat. For those who'd prefer to stay on the sidelines, the Assembly Hall seats almost 16,000, and hosts college basketball games, the state wrestling finals, and other exciting sports events.

Whether you're looking for a pampered getaway or an escape into nature, you'll be sure to find it in the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve. Highlights include the Early American Museum, the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Gardens, and an 18-hole golf course. The preserve also offers excellent fishing, boating, and hiking in the summer, and cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter. The Eagle Creek State Recreation Area is another fantastic outdoor destination. 11,000 acres (4,452 hectares) of water offer plenty of space for boating, fishing, and water sports, while the surrounding woods are ideal for hunting and hiking. Those who want to stay close to nature will find plenty of campsites, while those who want a softer bed can book a room in the park's luxurious resort.

See our 3 Jobs in Champaign, Illinois