Discover
From lively eateries to welcoming shops, special events and public amenities, there’s something for everyone in Champaign Center. Comprised of the three historic commercial districts of downtown, midtown, and campustown, there are countless small businesses and community members who keep the heart of Champaign beating.
Remember to shop small this holiday season. Find gifts for everyone on your list when you shop at local businesses. For every $100 you spend at a local business, $68 stay in the community.
Enjoy a big-city feel on a micro-urban scale in the heart of Champaign Center. Downtown Champaign boasts over 100 locally-owned restaurants, retail shops, and services, where you’re certain to find your next favorite book or glass of beer. Enjoy entertainment at the historic Virginia Theatre or at community-wide events like the Parade of Lights, Friday Night Live, Champaign Farmer’s Market, and more. Downtown is the central transportation hub in C-U at the Illinois Terminal, where MTD buses and Amtrak trains both pick up and drop off. While Downtown’s beautiful historic storefronts are a cornerstone of the district, Downtown is always growing, always changing, and always a vibrant and inviting place to be!
Midtown’s eclectic feel is unmatched by any other district. Quickly growing and developing, Midtown’s business offerings vary from coffee to tattoo shops. Explore Champaign’s past at the Champaign County History Museum or connect with a little slice of nature at the Boneyard Creek. Midtown bridges the gap between Downtown and Campustown with the Boneyard Walkway, accessible to both bikes and pedestrians. Whether you’re looking for an interesting retail shop or a place to locate your business, Midtown’s potential is unparalleled.
Always bustling with activity and change, Campustown has grown from a student hub to a diverse place where all ages can find an event or fast-casual eatery to enjoy. Campustown is made for easy accessibility, connected to Downtown by Midtown’s Boneyard Greenway along with MTD bus stops. Enjoy the perpetual excitement in the air during the academic year or visit during the summer for a quieter experience. Throughout Campustown’s immense changes over the past decade, tradition remains strong among students, alumni, and C-U residents who count on Orange and Blue to bind our community together.
