Named one of the 7 Wonders of Illinois by the Illinois Bureau of Tourism, Robert Allerton Park offers 1,500 acres of beautiful, outdoor surroundings. This picturesque setting includes extensive formal gardens, more than 100 outdoor sculptures and garden ornaments, natural areas including the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow and a 30-acre demonstration prairie, a century-old, Georgian-style mansion and, best of all, 14 miles of beautiful interpretive hiking/running trails!
For eleven years, however, the park and some of its most beautiful trails were separated by the closing of its historic bridge over the Sangamon. At last, state and university resources came together to construct a replacement bridge and roadway, newly opened in Fall 2012. The trails were joined, and the half-marathon was on! Also, lodging available in the park – contact race director.