Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin - Image 1
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Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin

4.6
ยท8 reviewsยทChampaign, United States

A unique stormwater basin offering vast open spaces for peaceful walks, photography, and wildlife observation, especially ducks.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet

CrowdLow
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Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin - Image 1

Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and quiet

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique stormwater basin offering vast open spaces for peaceful walks, photography, and wildlife observation, especially ducks.

4.6
(8 reviews)

"Wonderful place to take pictures or to go on a walk with or without company!"

Vertical photo
TIP

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Enjoy a leisurely walk

Perfect for a peaceful stroll, especially with company or for quiet reflection.

๐Ÿ“ธ Capture the scenery

Great for photography with its unique landscape and open spaces.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 ยท 8 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Basin's Expanse

The Basin's Expanse

Vast open fields perfect for a stroll or quiet contemplation. Enjoy the unique, engineered landscape.

Reddit
Wildlife Watching

Wildlife Watching

A surprisingly good spot for observing ducks and other local birdlife. Bring binoculars!

Reddit
Photography Opportunities

Photography Opportunities

The unique landscape and open skies offer a great backdrop for photography, especially during golden hour.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during drier periods to fully enjoy the basin's open spaces. Weekday mornings offer a peaceful experience, while late afternoons provide beautiful lighting for photos. Reddit

What to Expect

This is a large stormwater retention basin, not a traditional park. It's an engineered landscape designed for water management, offering open fields and walking paths. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and quiet
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Re: recent post about the large storm water retention basin on Healey near the RR tracks - here's a photo of the Boneyard creek & basin project.

Looking west along Green street you can see (center right) 4 pipes being installed to carry the water under the new bike path we use today. And the retention basin in the distance (looks like a light green field just past some 3 story apartments) at the end of Healey st. No tallโ€ฆ

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Enjoy a leisurely walk

Perfect for a peaceful stroll, especially with company or for quiet reflection. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Capture the scenery

Great for photography with its unique landscape and open spaces. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for Hidden Gems and Scenic Walks Around Campus

I've been working on campus for over a year now, and recently I got tired of spending my lunch breaks just scrolling through TikTok in my car. So, I started taking walks around campus to get some fresh air and explore the area. Itโ€™s been a great change, but my usual route isโ€ฆ

reddit.com

Best yearning locations?

Put me onto peak locations on campus to yearn please ๐Ÿ™ been going through it

๐Ÿฆ† Birdwatching spot

Keep an eye out for ducks and other local wildlife. Reddit

reddit.com

Any rock formations around CU area?

I've seen people using the landscape boulders at the Second Street Basin (Boneyard Creek) for RC cars.

Tips

from all over the internet

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Enjoy a leisurely walk

Perfect for a peaceful stroll, especially with company or for quiet reflection. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ Capture the scenery

Great for photography with its unique landscape and open spaces. Reddit

๐Ÿฆ† Birdwatching spot

Keep an eye out for ducks and other local wildlife. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a wonderful spot for walks and photography. It's also noted as a good location for observing ducks and enjoying the open, engineered landscape. While it lacks traditional park amenities, its unique character offers a tranquil escape.

"Wonderful place to take pictures or to go on a walk with or without company!"

Micah Mills

"Good place to spend time watching ducks."

Aulia Agassi

""

Foul Turd

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Good for walks
Photography opportunities

What People Dislike

Lacks amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

๐Ÿš‡ ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Getting There

The basin is located near Healey Street and the railroad tracks. Access is often via Green Street, with paths leading to the basin. Reddit

While specific parking lots aren't always highlighted, street parking may be available in the surrounding areas. Check local signage. Reddit

Yes, there are bike paths that run near the basin, making it accessible for cyclists. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐ŸŽซ Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin is generally free as it's an open public space. Reddit

As an open outdoor area, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no official closing times posted. Reddit

๐ŸŽซ ๐Ÿž๏ธ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, photography, birdwatching, and simply relaxing in the open space. It's a place for quiet enjoyment. Reddit

It's a good spot for a walk or to observe nature, but it lacks traditional playground equipment. Best for families who enjoy open spaces. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned for this specific basin, so plan accordingly. Reddit

While there are no dedicated picnic areas, you can bring your own blanket and enjoy a picnic in the open fields. Reddit

It's primarily a stormwater retention basin, designed to manage water runoff. The landscape is engineered for this purpose. Reddit

๐Ÿ“ธ ๐Ÿ“ธ Photography

Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, ideal for capturing the expansive landscape. Reddit

Landscape photography, nature shots (especially of ducks), and even abstract shots of the engineered features work well. Reddit

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Boneyard Creek Second Street Basin (2026) โ€“ Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide