Champaign is situated in the heart of Central Illinois, a region historically dominated by the Grand Prairie. The city's geography is defined by its incredibly flat terrain and deeply fertile soil, a direct result of historical glaciation during the last Ice Age (specifically the Wisconsin glaciation).
While the original tallgrass prairie has largely been replaced by agricultural fields and urban development, the city maintains numerous parks and green spaces. Several small waterways, notably the Boneyard Creek, meander through the city and the university campus, having undergone significant restoration to manage stormwater and create scenic public walkways.
