All About Allerton Park

(and the home of 4-H Memorial Camp)

Allerton Park and Retreat Center, originally the private estate of artist and philanthropist Robert Henry Allerton, was built in 1900 and donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. Known as “The Farms,” it was part of a 12,000-acre agricultural enterprise established by Robert's father, Samuel, in the late 1800s.

While managing his father's Central Illinois farms, Robert Allerton's true passion was art. Educated in Europe, he traveled widely and became a dedicated art collector, philanthropist, and artist who saw nature as his canvas. He believed that art could connect people to the natural world, which inspired his lifelong commitment to caring for the land.

Along with his protégé and adopted son, John Gregg, Robert spent decades transforming the Illinois farmland into beautiful landscapes that showcased the region's natural beauty, including woodlands, prairies, and formal gardens that served as an outdoor gallery for their sculptures collected from around the world.

On October 24, 1946, Robert officially gifted his house, grounds, and an additional 3,600 acres of farmland to the University of Illinois. The deed specified that the property should be used as an education and research center, a wildlife and plant reserve, a landscape gardening example, and a public park. This was the most generous gift the University had received at that time. Robert also set aside 250 acres of land within the estate for the Illinois 4-H Memorial Camp.

For those who are interested, please feel free to check out the Allerton Park website at https://allerton.illinois.edu/. You can also check our our maps in the Staff dining hall located right next to the kitchen.

Allerton Park - McCraw Family Visitor Center

Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The Gift Shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sunday