Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET
Where is Champaign Located? - Champaign is a city located in the Champaign County of Illinois, United States. Champaign lies between 41.6150 Degrees North latitudes and 93.8722 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Champaign, Illinois
Champaign Map, Illinois, USA
Where is Champaign?: The Google Map showing the location of Champaign in the U.S. state of Illinois.
Where is Champaign Located?
Champaign is a city located in the Champaign County of Illinois, United States. Champaign lies between 41.6150 Degrees North latitudes and 93.8722 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Champaign city is 88302 people and the city has a total area of 22.83 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.
Transportation and Connectivity in Champaign, Illinois
Transportation
Details
Airport Name
University of Illinois Willard Airport
IATA Code
CMI
Port
No commercial port
Major Highways
Interstate 57, Interstate 72, Interstate 74, U.S. Route 45, U.S. Route 150
Train/Amtrak Service
Illinois Terminal (Amtrak City of New Orleans, Illini, Saluki)
Local Bus/Transit Service
Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD)
Interstates 57, 72, and 74 intersect near Champaign, providing excellent highway connections across Illinois and the Midwest.
University of Illinois Willard Airport offers scheduled passenger service and supports general aviation.
Amtrak trains at Illinois Terminal connect Champaign with Chicago, Carbondale, Memphis, and New Orleans.
The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) operates an extensive bus network serving the twin cities and the University of Illinois campus.
Champaign is best known as the home of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a major center for education, research, healthcare, and technology in central Illinois.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Champaign, Illinois
Landmark Name
Type
Krannert Art Museum
Art Museum
Spurlock Museum
World History Museum
University of Illinois Arboretum
Botanical Garden
Memorial Stadium
College Football Stadium
State Farm Center
Sports and Events Arena
Hessel Park
Community Park
Meadowbrook Park
Nature Park
Japan House
Cultural Center and Garden
Virginia Theatre
Historic Theater
Allerton Park and Retreat Center
Historic Estate and Park
Colleges and Universities in and near Champaign, Illinois
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Public
University
Engineering, computer science, agriculture, business, and world-class research
Parkland College
Public
Community College
Transfer programs, aviation, healthcare, and workforce education
Danville Area Community College
Public
Community College
Career training and associate degree programs
Lake Land College
Public
Community College
Technical education, agriculture, and transfer studies
Eastern Illinois University
Public
University
Education, business, psychology, and liberal arts
Waterbodies in Champaign, Illinois
Boneyard Creek, Saline Branch, Embarras River, Sangamon River, Kaufman Lake, Crystal Lake, Homer Lake, Lake of the Woods
Golf Courses in and near Champaign, Illinois
Stone Creek Golf Club, Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois, Lake of the Woods Golf Course, Lincolnshire Fields Country Club, Urbana Country Club, Orange and Blue Golf Course, Willow Pond Golf Course, Harrison Park Golf Course
Champaign, Illinois - Key Historical Facts
Champaign was founded in 1855 after the Illinois Central Railroad selected the area as a station along its expanding rail network.
The establishment of the University of Illinois in nearby Urbana in 1867 transformed the community into a nationally recognized center for higher education and research.
Throughout the twentieth century, Champaign grew into an important regional hub for agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, and transportation.
The city became a leader in scientific research, engineering, and technology through innovations developed at the University of Illinois.
Downtown revitalization, technology startups, and research parks have strengthened the local economy while preserving the city's historic character.
Today, Champaign is known for its diverse population, vibrant arts scene, Big Ten athletics, research institutions, and thriving technology sector.
