New Resident Resources

New to the greater Champaign County area? We're here to help you settle into this Outside of Ordinary community so that you love it as much as we do from the moment you arrive. Check out our list of resources or contact us with any questions! We'll guide you in the right direction for the best local resources so you can be proud to call Champaign County home.

 

 

 

CHAMBANA WELCOME CREW

New to Champaign County or considering a move to our area? Take advantage of our new community ambassador program, the Chambana Welcome Crew. This program is designed to help new and potential Champaign-Urbana area residents navigate their new home, connecting newcomers to one of our knowledgeable Ambassadors serving as a community champion who can authentically share their stories about living and working here. Learn more and connect with an ambassador today!

 

Experience Guide

Each August, Visit Champaign County releases our annual Experience Guide. Here you can discover what makes our community #OutsideOfOrdinary, from our award-winning culinary scent, our thriving arts & culture, ample boutique shopping, and the great outdoors.

Download Guide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly Checklist

Summer: July–September 2021

Looking for things to do, places to eat, and just general information on the area? Download our quarterly checklist with helpful hints for the season. Come back every January, April, July and October for new ideas!

Past issues:

Spring: April–June 2021

Winter: January–March 2021

Fall: October–December 2020

Summer: July–September 2020

Spring: April–June 2020

Winter: January–March 2020

 

 

Virtual Tour

Check out our virtual map tour of the greater Champaign County area, featuring attractions, major parks and forest preserves, as well as business districts.

 

VIDEOS

Outside of Ordinary Branding Video	Music Scene	Outside of Ordinary Memories
Maker Videos Prairie Fire Glass Hopscotch Bakery & Market Wood N' Hog Riggs Beer Company The Great Pumpkin Patch Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch	Virtual Experiences Arts & Culture Museums Outdoor Spaces Agriculture Adventures Breweries Culinary Scene

 

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Neighborhood Services

Get connected to our area neighborhood associations and homeowner's associations, provided by the cities of Champaign & Urbana.

 

Grocery, Markets & Specialty Stores

Not sure where to find those ingredients for that family recipe? Or want a list of area farmer's markets & CSAs? We've got you covered. Download our list of area specialty stores so you can find everything you need to create those delicious home-cooked meals. 

 

Park Districts & Forest Preserves

Our landscape may be flat, but it provides plenty of opportunity to play and explore under our big, blue skies. Check out our area park districts for programming and parks available throughout the community.

• Champaign Park District
• Urbana Park District
• Champaign County Forest Preserve District
• Mahomet Parks & Recreation
• Monticello Parks & Recreation
• Rantoul Parks & Recreation
• Savoy Park District

 

Area Schools

If you need help finding information on the schools, both public and private, in Champaign County, look no further than the experts on all things kids, ChambanaMoms.com. Their comprehensive Champaign-Urbana Schools Guide will give you the insights needed to start your child's education. You can also download information from the following school districts:

• Champaign Unit 4
• Urbana District 116

 

Accessibility

The University of Illinois has long been a leader in disability resources. Several of the innovations that have come from over 50 years of advocating for accessibility include research that led to the development of the first architechtural accessibility standards that would become the American National Standards Institute Standards, the first wheelchair-accessible fixed route bus system, the first accessible university residence halls, and the first collegiate adapted sports and recreation program for students with disabilities, which also produced the first wheelchair athlete in the world to win an Olympic Gold Medal.

• Access Urbana-Champaign—Ranking the accessibility of area restaurants

 

Religious & Cultural Organizations

We've put together a directory of non-Christian religious centers, non-English speaking churches, and cultural resources. For Christian churches, ChurchFinder.com has a comprehensive list with profiles of area churces.