Recent Stories
Monarch Brewing Company
“If you want to do something different outside of Champaign-Urbana, hop on the interstate and come on over “expressed Matt Miller on a Friday evening. Matt is the owner of Monarch Brewing Company in downtown Monticello, Illinois. He knew that when…
25 O'Clock Brewing Company
If you pass by 208 West Griggs Street in Urbana, you might think it was just another warehouse, but inside is the newly budding 25 O’Clock Brewery. Co-owner Tom Sheehan thinks that “every county should have a brewery.” Luckily for Champaign County,…
The Blind Pig Brewery
Walking into The Blind Pig is like walking into a classic British pub: lowly lite, dark wood, cozy bar and booth seating, no T.V.s, and faint background of music. It’s not just an aesthetic feeling, but it’s also the friendly, welcoming environment…
Riggs Beer Company
“I wouldn’t put my name on something that I wasn’t proud of,” expressed Matt Riggs on a brewery tour one Sunday afternoon. Brothers Darin and Matt Riggs dreamed of opening a brewery back when they were studying at the University of Illinois at…
DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works
Situated near the intersection of Church and Neil is Destihl, an independent and privately-owned brewery and restaurant. Destihl has two locations: one in Normal, IL and another in downtown Champaign. Destihl is not just a brewery, but also a family…
J.T. Walker's Brewery
About 15 minutes northwest from Champaign-Urbana in Mahomet is JT Walker's Brewery. The Village of Mahomet had been a dry city since World War II, but the Village Board passed the liquor license ordinance in 2007 to allow the sale of alcohol inside…
Featured Stories
Memorial Stadium
In February 1919, a special committee was appointed by the University War Committee to “undertake a preliminary consideration of a permanent memorial at the University of Illinois” to commemorate the…
Campus Squirrels
Though it may be hard to believe, squirrels weren't always as prevalent on campus as they are today. In fact, in 1901, squirrels were in such scarcity that the university payed $250, which is about…
Hallene Gateway, 1871
The Hallene Gateway was originally the entrance to University Hall, which was also known as New Main Hall or the New University Building. Built in 1872, University Hall was the the fourth building on…
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Historic Downtown Champaign
18 Locations ~ Curated by T.J. Blakeman and Monique LassereFood & Drink
12 Locations ~ Curated by KayLee ScottRailways and Electric Transit
5 Locations ~ Curated by ExploreCU TeamBrewery Tour
6 Locations ~ Curated by Chrissy O'GradyLandmarks and Lore: a Snapshot of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
15 Locations ~ Curated by Explore CU staffExploreCU
A project by University Library, University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignExploreCU is a free web and mobile platform about the arts, culture, and history of Champaign-Urbana and its surrounding area. Developed by the University Library at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, ExploreCU puts the people, places, and events that have shaped this region's history at your fingertips. Learn about Champaign-Urbana through layered, map-based, multimedia presentations, use social media to share stories, and experience informative tours of Champaign county. Read more About Us