Open year-round, the Red Oak Rain Garden is located between Allen Hall and McKinley Health Center on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.
Tours: Want to explore the rain garden with a guide? Just fill out this form to set up a tour!
Directions: From Lincoln Avenue, turn west onto West Pennsylvania Avenue, and then north on Dorner Drive.
Vehicle Parking:
- Weekdays: Metered spaces are available along Dorner Drive and can be paid for using the MobileMeter app. Meters along Dorner Drive are enforced 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Evenings: Parking is free after 5:00 PM at the meters in the F29 parking garage just west of the rain garden or in the F28 parking lot to the southwest. Meters along Dorner Drive are free after 6:00 PM.
- Weekends: Free parking is available at all meters or in the F29 parking garage at 1201 S. Dorner Drive, Urbana.
Bicycle Parking: Bike racks are just north of the garden, near the Allen Hall parking lot, and in front of McKinley Health Center to the south.
Exploring: When you’re at the rain garden, learn about RORG’s plant species by using our virtual map. Please remain on the sidewalks to keep our plants happy and healthy.
Other things to keep in mind
Are dogs welcome?
Yes! The Red Oak Rain Garden welcomes leashed dogs to the garden. Many people walk their dogs on campus and we love seeing them. We kindly ask that dog and human visitors stay on the walkways and off the plants for everyone’s safety.
Smoking and littering are not welcome.
It’s no fun to find cigarette butts or litter in the garden. Please comply with the campus’ smoke and tobacco-free policy. Trash and recycling receptacles are located on the west side of the rain garden.
Red Oak Rain Garden 