University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering
Viscoplastic Fluids Workshop

Travel/Lodging

Allerton Mansion

Venue

The Allerton Park & Retreat Center
515 Old Timber Road
Monticello, Illinois 61856

The conference is held at the secluded Allerton Retreat Center, which is surrounded by formal gardens and nature areas. Located 26 miles southwest of the Urbana-Champaign campus, Robert Allerton Park and Retreat Center has been designated as a national natural landmark.

In October in central Illinois, the weather will start to cool and the leaves will start to change. Average highs are 68-70F and average lows 44-46 F for the dates of the workshop (link). More details, which acknowledge the wide statistical variation, can be seen here.

Sun Singer statue at Allerton

Lodging

Lodging is included with your full registration. Room assignments will be communicated upon your arrival at the workshop.

Possible rooms include those in the original Allerton mansion, known as Allerton House; the Gate House, about 100 meters from Allerton House; the Evergreen Lodge near Allerton House; and the House in the Woods about 0.5km from Allerton House.

NOTE: Shared rooms in the mansion and associated buildings may be used to maximize on-site participation. Please make any accessibility needs or room sharing preferences known in your registration form.

Travel

Allerton is an easy 30-minute drive from the University’s Willard Airport (CMI), or an accessible drive from major airports such as Chicago O’Hare (ORD) (2h40m), Indianapolis (IND) (2h20m), or St. Louis (STL) (2h30m); note that traffic can increase these drive times to/from major cities. Depending on your airline preference, you might consider other regional airports that are within about one hour drive (airport codes BMI and DEC).

Bus option from ORD: Peoria Charter is a private bus company serving Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Champaign. In Champaign, we suggest using the "Illinois Terminal" location which is the main bus and train station in Champaign. Once in Champaign, it is easier to get to the venue by taxi. 

Public transportation to Allerton is not available. A rental car, taxi, or ride share service like Lyft or Uber will be necessary.

Visitor Information

In case you are interested to make time before, during, or after the workshop to explore: