Exploring Urbana, ILs Spiritual and Sacred Spaces

Urbana, Illinois is a city known for its lively culture and vibrant spirit. But did you know that it also has an array of sacred spaces that reflect the deeprooted religious traditions of the area?

Starting off with the University of Illinois Arboretum (1800 S Lincoln Ave), visitors can find peace amidst nature in this sprawling garden. The bonsai collection here is particularly impressive.

Next, head over to Allerton Park & Retreat Center (515 Old Timber Rd) for a stunning blend of art and spirituality. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails or take in sculptures crafted by artists from all around the world.

For those interested in Eastern spirituality, visit Krishna Temple (503 E John St) where you can experience Indian culture through food, music, and dance. And just down the street is Dhamma Pakasa Vipassana Meditation Center (10076 Fishback Rd), offering meditation retreats as well as courses on Buddhist teachings.

If youre looking for a more traditional worship space, check out McKinley Presbyterian Church (809 S 5th St) with its beautiful stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes or First Mennonite Church (902 W Springfield Ave) which offers services entirely in Spanish on Sundays.

Dont forget about Chabad at UIUC (509 S Fourth St), where students gather to celebrate Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Passover while enjoying freshbaked challah bread.

Finally, pay a visit to Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center(206 W Park St.) Here one will find sand volleyball courts but beyond these sporting amenities there are two small hidden gems: A stone circle designed by Native American landscape architect Terry Bonace; it provides peaceful respite surrounded by native flowers including blackeyed susans traditionally thought to symbolize justice according to Cherokee loreand purple coneflowersthought to symbolize strength, health and healing.

Urbana is a city of contrasts, where religion and spirituality coexist with the dynamic energy of an academic community. These sacred spaces are just a few examples that reflect this harmonious balance.

Websites:

University of Illinois Arboretum: https://arboretum.illinois.edu/

Allerton Park & Retreat Center: https://allerton.illinois.edu/

Krishna Temple: http://krishnabalaramchicago.com/welcometokrishnabalarammandirinchampaignil

Dhamma Pakasa Vipassana Meditation Center: https://www.pakasa.dhamma.org/

McKinley Presbyterian Church: http://mckinleypresbyterian.org/wp/

First Mennonite Church: http://www.firstmennonitechurch.net/

Chabad at UIUC :https://uiucscholars.chabad.edu/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/110463/jewish/WorshipattheUofI.htm

Twitter handles:

Terry Bonace @TBonaceLandscapeArchitect

Krishna temple @ISKCONMILWC

Chabad at UIUC @ChabadUIUC