Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Public Programs & Events

The growth of public outreach at Allerton has been exponential over the last 10 years. From our Concert Series and youth day camps, Plant Sale and public hikes, to Holiday Showcase and GLOW, we’ve continued to fill our calendar, and yours, with more reasons to visit Allerton. Providing recreational and educational programs that celebrate art, nature, and history has become a cornerstone for what Allerton is and who we are. The combination of event sponsors, public attendance, and a dedicated staff has proven to be a formula for success. In addition, partnerships with the University of Illinois School of Music and Lyric Theatre, Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, local chefs, Monticello Area Arts Council, and many area instructors and experts have expanded our reach and offerings.

Mansion Updates

As we opened up the Mansion doors to the public over the last several years, our staff knew it was time the décor and furnishings matched the grandeur of Robert Allerton’s original home. Local interior designer and Allerton Committee member Anne Carlson utilized historic photos, information about Robert’s travels abroad, and a few remaining original pieces to inspire a plan for each space. With the vision in place, investments from donors made significant improvements possible: Deborah and Michael Westjohn (Butternut Room), Debra and David Rathje (Robert Allerton’s Room & Solarium), Susan and Steven Zumdahl (Library), The Schowalter Family (John Gregg’s Room), and the Friends of Allerton (third floor guest rooms & Marble Hallway). These generous individuals have helped create historically inspired spaces, along with more comfortable and consistent amenities. We hope that these updates, along with future investments, will encourage guests to return again and again, creating much-needed revenue to maintain our 120-year-old property.

Garden Renovations & Endowments

Robert Allerton and John Gregg created 14 formal gardens on their estate between 1902 and 1946. Now nearing 100 years since installation, many are in need of significant updates or complete renovations. Thankfully, visitors and supporters of Allerton see the long-term benefit of restoring these spaces so that future generations can experience Allerton as we have. Christie Roszkowski (Bulb Garden), Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann (Triangle Parterre Garden), Deborah and Michael Westjohn (Brick Wall Garden & Peony Garden), and David and Debra Rathje (Fu Dog Garden) have supported not only new plantings, plant materials, and accessible sidewalks, but have funded endowments to ensure the gardens are well-cared for in perpetuity. Yearly income will be used for seasonal help, replacement plants, and supplies to maintain these historic and beautiful spaces.

Artist In-Residence Program

One of the most intriguing ideas in the 2015 Master Plan was converting Robert Allerton’s former ice house to serve as lodging for a resident to live and create while living at Allerton. Thanks to the support of two couples, five years later our In-Residence Program became a reality! Long time visitors Joan and Peter Hood donated an endowment which provides yearly funds for a resident stipend and public outreach, while Central Illinois natives and Allerton enthusiasts Dana Brehm and Larry Baumann supported the ice house renovation and endowment.

In addition to highlighting the meaningful work of creators and researchers and making their professions more accessible to the public, the program re-creates the intimate experience Robert Allerton provided his guests, great thinkers and makers, who found inspiration while visiting the estate. Since December 2020 we have welcomed John Bannon (multimedia artist & educator), Aumaine Rose Smith (poet), Simiya Sudduth (multidisciplinary artist & art educator), Jose Gobbo (jazz guitarist), Barber (painter), Latrelle Bright (theatre maker & professor), and Nicole Anderson Cobb (creative writer & researcher).

Natural Areas Restoration

Our 1,500 acres of woodlands have been called the “soul” of Allerton. It seems this has never been more true than now. The natural areas at the park are literally working to heal people. Not only mentally, but by being a carbon reduction area. With the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, 50 acres of prairie, and over 14 miles of hiking trails, our forest is one of the most valuable in Illinois.

Allerton’s healing properties will continue as our community continues to appreciate and invest in our natural areas. Gifts from Diana and Ward McDonald, Chris and Mark Golden, David Taylor, Jan and Ted Gill, and Dennis Killian will ensure that Allerton’s natural areas are not only preserved, but celebrated. Their support allows our Natural Areas Managers to focus on invasive species control, prescribed fire, and wildlife management, as well as collaborating with researchers and providing environmental education programs to the public.