Rantoul sights always start for me with a short historical material: The city grew from the old Camp Grant, a former Air Force Base from the 1910s, which was transformed into a civilian center after World War II. To be honest, the military heritage is to be felt everywhere – from the wide, slightly weathered streets to the quiet monuments that hardly anyone observes because they smell too much like “Altlast”. I don't understand the hype about the old field, but the small museum in the former officer's casino is a real secret tip if you want to push the dust aside.
If you come from Champaign by car, simply follow the I‐57 north; the exit Rantoul is hardly overlooked, because it is projected by a huge advertising sign for the local “Rantoul Brewing Co.” – a bit cheesy, but really great for a first stop. In Rantoul Township, which extends over the entire city, there are surprisingly many green areas; Lake Park is my favorite place to relax because it is not overrun by tourists and the water is almost always clear enough to observe the ducks who hold their morning yoga session there.
A short trip to Champaign County leads you to the typical Mittwest Corn fields that shape the image of the region. I like to drive to the quiet suburbs after a long day in the city centre, where people say “good morning” before they climb into their tractors. And yes, that's exactly what Rantoul's sights are for me: a mix of history, local character and a pinch of dry humor that makes the whole thing liveable.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey was the extensive campus site of the University of Illinois in Urbana – a place where the typical college feeling was mixed with a pinch of academic self-being. I have entered the Illini Union there, because the huge atrium is almost like a mini-city port, and had to admit that free Wi-Fi is actually faster there than in some larger metropolis. Parking is usually a children's game on campus, as long as you don't come on Friday night after a football game – then the car park chaos turns into a small battlefield of upcoming cars.
Just a short walk away Crane Art Museum, which with its blend of classic modern and contemporary sculpture looks almost a bit overrated if you are not accidentally a fan of minimalist installations. I remember standing there on a rainy Tuesday and suddenly being hypnotized by an installation of mirrors and neon light – a real contrast to the dusty lecture rooms I otherwise know. Admission is free, and the café on the ground floor serves the best espresso in the area, at least after my verdict.
A few blocks further, hidden between the trees of the campus, lies the Japan House – a tiny but incredibly quiet retreat that reminds me every time I live in Illinois and not in Tokyo. The tea ceremony that I was allowed to live there was a bit too formal for my taste, but the artistically arranged gardens are a real eye-catcher. If you want to go there, just take a few minutes; the building is open as long as the staff is there, and parking is practically right outside the door.
A jump to Champaign leads me to the Champaign County Historical Museum, which is housed in a charming old building from the 1920s. There are more than just dusty artefacts here – interactive displays about agriculture and the railway history of the region make it surprisingly live. I discovered an old photograph of Chanute Air Force Base, which immediately reminded me of the military past of Rantoul. The museum has a small parking lot behind the building; on weekends it can be something full there, but a short walk from the main road is no problem.
Looking for a cultural treat, the Orpheum Theatre in Urbana is a must. The historic theatre from the 1920s has more than just a few worn seats – it offers an impressive program of live music, comedy and classic pieces. I was there at an impro show that was so bad that it became good again – a real proof that not all that is old is automatically great. Parking is free in the vicinity of the theatre as long as you arrive early enough; After 7 p.m. it becomes more difficult to find a free space.
A short trip to the south leads to the Kickapoo State Recreation Area, one of the few real nature paradises near Rantoul. The lake, the hiking trails and the possibility to fish a bit, make this place my favorite place if I want to escape the city noise. I once made a picnic there, while a swarm duck fought loudly for my bread – a picture I don't forget so fast. The entrance is free, and parking is generous at the main entrance, except on hot summer days when the families with children flood the area.
Another green jewel is the Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, located just 15 minutes from Rantoul. The well-marked trails lead through dense forests and along a small but picturesque lake. I spent a few hours there to just walk and enjoy the silence – a rare luxury in this area. Parking is virtually unlimited at the entrance of the Preserve, as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with a group of school classes.
Whether you are looking for a fan of academic architecture, modern art, historical museums or just a bit of nature – the surroundings of Rantoul offer a surprisingly diverse range of experiences. My personal highlights range from the peaceful elegance of the Japan House to the wild paths of Kickapoo, and each of these goals has its own, slightly self-contained charm. So next time after Rantoul Attractions search, not only should the city itself, but above all keep in mind the colorful offer in the surrounding communities.
So, next time you climb over Highway 17, take a trip to Rantoul – yes, exactly where the old Chanute Air Force Base terrain now looks a bit like a mini-airport. I like to call that Rantoul National Aviation Centerbecause it is the heart of the city and I have seen a real jet tractor there for the first time, which swirls more dust than a fall wind. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because the weekly Fly-In-Show event will start and everyone will touch with their own barbecue.
Directly next to the airport is the Rantoul Historical Museum. I don't understand the hype about old military uniforms, but the exhibition about the time when the base area was still active has really surprised me – especially the old radar that had more buttons than my first car. The entrance is free, and the staff will make you feel almost like an old mate when you ask about the way to the café. I even found an old camera there, which I tried later in the park to make some crazy snapshots of the planes.
If you have enough of metal and history, go to Rantoul Community Park. This is not only a bit of green space, but a real collecting pool for locals who bring their dogs, children and occasionally a few overmotivated joggers. I once made a picnic with a friend, and we were almost cleared out of the way by a group of seniors in the Bingo club – no joke, who designed their cards faster than we could open our sandwich. The playground is not the latest, but the swing is stable enough to catapult you a bit back into childhood.
A short walk leads you to Rantoul Public Library. I must admit, I was skeptical because libraries in small towns often have more dust than books, but here there is a modern media center that even has a 3D printer. I printed out a small keychain there while I waited for the next bus – practically if you should run later in the city centre. Wi-Fi is reliable, so you can also upload your Instagram story about the “Rantoul Sights” here, without the image becoming constantly pixelated.
A bit further north, almost on the edge of the city, this is Rantoul Golf Club. I played there for the first time, because a mate persuaded me, and I have to say that the fairways are surprisingly well maintained for a field that used to be part of the military area. The clubhouse serves a burger that tastes better than most gourmet chains, and the staff knows every name – at least until you get the 18th. Hole fails and suddenly a new “profess” appears that explains why you should always hit the ball in the water.
If you're in town on weekends, you should be Rantoul Farmers Market visit. I tried a local honey there for the first time that was so sweet that I almost forgot that I was actually looking for fresh vegetables. The market is small, but the stands are full of character – from handmade ceramics to self-made jams, which you would probably never find again if you were not here. Parking is a bit tricky here because most places are occupied by the vans, but a short walk from the main station is worth it.
Finally, if you still have a little time, take a look at the Rantoul Arts Center. This is a small but fine place where local artists exhibit their works – from abstract paintings to sculptures made of recycled metal, which somehow remind of the old Air Weapons heritage. I saw an exhibition that was composed of old aircraft parts, and that was kind of poetic: a little nostalgia, a little future. The entrance is free, and the staff will even let you try some brushes if you feel spontaneously as an artist.
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