Champaign: The Heart of Illinois' Cultural and Educational Hub

• HelloHey
  [hey]
• GoodbyeBye
  [bai]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNope
  [nohp]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/noh prah-bluhm]
• Thank youThanks
  [thaynks]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [iks-kyoos mee/sor-ee]
• How are you?How are you?
  [haw ahr yoo]
• Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [gud. yoo]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speek ing-glish]
• I don't understandDon't get it
  [dohnt get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu, please
  [meh-nyoo, pleez]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [noh meet fohr mee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [chek, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go away!
  [goh uh-way]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [kahl thuh cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get uh dahk]
• I'm lostLost
  [lawst]
• I'm illSick
  [sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ah wah-nuh buy...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [juhst brah-zing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [haw much]
• That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too prahy-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do better?
  [kan yoo doh bet-ter]

• What time is it?What time?
  [wut tahym]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its wuhn]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [haf ten]
• MorningMorning
  [mawrn-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [ee-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yess-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [toh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [toh-mah-row]
• 1One
  [wuhn]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [for]
• 5Five
  [fahyv]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-uhn]
• 8Eight
  [eyt]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres thuh]
• What's the address?Address?
  [uh-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Show me (on map)?
  [sho mee (on map)]
• When's the next (bus)?Next (bus)?
  [nekst (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (to ...)
  [tik-it (to)]

Champaign, Illinois was founded in 1855 when the Illinois Central Railroad laid its tracks two miles west of the nearby city of Urbana. Initially known as West Urbana, the settlement grew rapidly due to the influx of settlers and businesses following the railroad. In 1860, it was officially renamed Champaign after Champaign County, Ohio.

In 1867, the Illinois Industrial University was established in Champaign County. Today known as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, it has grown into a world-renowned institution for higher education and research. The university has played a significant role in the development and culture of Champaign, contributing to its reputation as a hub of innovation and learning.

The Champaign Race Riot of 1969 was a significant event in the city's history, highlighting the racial tensions of the time. The disturbances began in response to perceived injustices and discrimination faced by African American residents. The event led to increased awareness and subsequent efforts to address racial inequality in the community.

Founded in 1959, the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra has been a cultural cornerstone of the community for over six decades. It has brought classical music and world-class performances to the residents of Champaign and the surrounding areas, enriching the local arts scene and fostering a deep appreciation for music.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, downtown Champaign underwent a significant revitalization. Efforts included the restoration of historic buildings, the introduction of new businesses, restaurants, and cultural venues, and the creation of vibrant public spaces. This transformation has made downtown Champaign a bustling and attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

The Orpheum Children's Science Museum, housed in a former vaudeville and movie theater built in 1914, has been a beloved institution in Champaign since its opening in 1994. The museum offers interactive exhibits and educational programs that inspire curiosity and a love for science in children and families.

Opened in 1969, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts is a premier venue for the performing arts in Champaign. Located on the University of Illinois campus, the center hosts a wide range of performances, including theater, music, and dance, and serves as a cultural hub for the university and the wider community.

Champaign is located in east-central Illinois. The nearest major airport is the University of Illinois Willard Airport (CMI), situated about 5 miles south of the city. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Indianapolis International Airport (IND), both of which are approximately two hours away by car. Amtrak also provides train services to Champaign via the Illinois Terminal, connecting it to Chicago, Carbondale, and other major cities.

Champaign has a well-developed transportation system. The Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) operates an extensive bus network that covers most of the city and its neighboring areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Renting a car is also an option, particularly if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside. Biking is popular, with numerous bike lanes and trails throughout the city.

The official currency in Champaign is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in downtown and near the University of Illinois campus. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in places where cards may not be accepted.

Champaign is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, particularly in neighborhoods like Garden Hills and parts of North Champaign, which have higher crime rates. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe visit.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Champaign has several hospitals, including Carle Foundation Hospital and OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available throughout the city to purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and casually, as Champaign has a relaxed dress code. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect places of worship, such as churches and synagogues, by dressing modestly and being quiet. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a bus pass for the MTD buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Midwesterners are known for their friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local eateries and the diverse food options available. Don't forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20%.

To experience Champaign like a local, visit the Urbana's Market at the Square on Saturdays for fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll through the University of Illinois campus to see its beautiful architecture and visit the Krannert Art Museum. Enjoy a night out at one of the many local breweries or catch a live performance at the Virginia Theatre. For a quieter experience, explore the natural beauty of Meadowbrook Park or Crystal Lake Park.