About Urbana

With the help of four beautiful seasons, a richly diverse population, a Big Ten University, and vibrant arts and entertainment scene Urbana offers a variety of services, recreation, and culture.

Smart, innovative, and globally connected
Urbana is part of the Urbana-Champaign micro-urban community. The term “micro-urban” applies to population centers of 250,000 or less that possess a highly uncommon set of desirable attributes normally exclusively associated with much larger metropolitan centers. Among these are an internationally diverse population, a strong technology base, a vibrant arts/culture/entertainment scene, and a palpably animated public discourse on major societal and global concerns. The presence of such attributes within the context of a smaller population center—the size of which can provide advantages such as ease of transportation, more affordable living, and a stronger sense of community—positions micro-urban communities, like Urbana-Champaign, as an attractive location to live and visit. View the micro-urban video to learn more about Urbana-Champaign.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
This world-class institution boasts 10 programs ranked among the top 10 in the country, including the engineering program. The University is also recognized as one of the top universities in the world offering over 150 fields of study for its 36,000 students.

Nationally Recognized Public Schools
The Urbana School District 116 school district is home to an early childhood center, six elementary schools, a middle school and high school. By providing innovative, comprehensive programs, respecting individual learning styles and cultural differences, and fostering caring and nurturing relationships, teachers and administration strive to engage each student, every family and the entire community.

Award-winning Libraries
The Urbana Free Library founded in 1874, is ranked among the top one percent of American public libraries both statewide and nationally for the fourth time. The University of Illinois Library is the the largest public university library in the world with over 10 million volumes.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation
The Urbana Park District maintains nearly 600 acres, seven recreation facilities and an indoor aquatic center. Park features include re-created tallgrass prairie at Meadowbrook Park, old growth forest in Busey Woods/Crystal Lake Park, the Indoor Aquatic Center and a 10-acre Dog Park. The district offers hundreds of recreation programs for youth and adults such as dance, fitness and wellness, environmental education, sports leagues, summer camps and swim lessons. 

Arts, Culture and Entertinment
Urbana is home to the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Station Theater, Cinema Gallery, Heartland Gallery, Amara Yoga and Arts, and International Galleries. Every year, downtown galleries and businesses open their doors to a community-wide Boneyard Arts Festival. The City of Urbana has established a Public Arts Program to promote and facilitate the development and expansion of public arts in Urbana. Urbana also is home to a unique variety of music and entertainment venues including the Canopy Club, Iron Post, Station Theater, Urbana Independent Media Center, Rosebowl, Crane Alley, Bunny's Tavern, Buvon's Wine Bar, and more!

Special Events and Festivals
Historic Downtown Urbana is home to the annual Sweetcorn Festival, Street Theater Festival, Boneyard Arts Festival, Beer and Chili Cook Off, and Historic Main Street Walking Tour.

The Farmer's Market or Market at the Square in downtown Urbana every Saturday from mid-May through mid-November, with over 130 vendors offering homegrown produce, flowers, plants, homemade baked goods, handmade arts & crafts! 

The Urbana Civic Center is the ideal location for your next reception, fund-raiser, private party or business meeting.

Unique Dining Opportunities
Urbana has some of the finest, award-winning, owner-operated restaurants in downstate Illinois including Courier Cafe, Milo's, Miko, the Great Impasta, Black Dog Smoke and Ale House, Black Rock Pizza Co., Timpone's and many, many others.  Download the brochure below for details!

Great Golfing
Urbana is home to Stone Creek Golf Course, central Illinois' premier golfing facility and the Urbana Golf and Country Club.

A Bike-Friendly, Walk-able Community
Urbana is truly a walk-able community with a high number of bicycle commuters, and one of the best transit systems in the nation.

Trees, Trees and More Trees!
National recognition as "Tree City USA" since 1976, with over 100,000 trees!