Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois

Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois Welcome to the official page for the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism in the College of Applied Health Sciences!

https://linktr.ee/rstillinois

Catch up on recent department news, student experiences, faculty accomplishments, alumni updates, and opportunities happ...
06/05/2026

Catch up on recent department news, student experiences, faculty accomplishments, alumni updates, and opportunities happening across Recreation, Sport and Tourism at Illinois.

Read the Spring 2026 newsletter - http://go.ahs.illinois.edu/RSTspring26

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour has officially come to an end. 🚎The final two legs of the journey included visits to the Pro F...
06/02/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour has officially come to an end. 🚎

The final two legs of the journey included visits to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, the historic site of the first NFL game in Dayton, and the The Ohio State Reformatory MRPS, best known as the filming location for The Shawshank Redemption. The final day concluded with Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where students experienced the iconic Kiss the Bricks Tour.

Over the past two weeks, students traveled extensively exploring some of the nation’s most significant sport, recreation, tourism, and cultural destinations. Along the way, they examined how attractions preserve history, shape community identity, create memorable visitor experiences, and generate economic impact.

More importantly, students built friendships, created lasting memories, and gained firsthand experience connecting classroom concepts to real-world recreation, sport, and tourism settings.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the 2026 RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour an unforgettable experience. Until next year! 🧡💙

Congratulations to RST alumnus Chris Wurl on being featured in a recent CBS Morning News segment highlighting his nation...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to RST alumnus Chris Wurl on being featured in a recent CBS Morning News segment highlighting his nationally recognized work in collegiate sports!

Chris’s commitment to excellence, innovative approach, and contributions to sport performance continue to earn recognition on a national stage. We are proud to see him providing such strong representation of the University of Illinois. 🔗 Link in Bio!

RST Croatia Study Abroad trip continues to provide students with hands-on learning across the recreation, sport, and tou...
05/29/2026

RST Croatia Study Abroad trip continues to provide students with hands-on learning across the recreation, sport, and tourism industries. 🇭🇷✈️

Recent visits included Plitvice Lakes National Park, a meeting with Joško Stella, Deputy Director of the Split Tourist Board, and a tour of Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Students also traveled to the island of Brač, where they explored the Olive Oil Museum and learned how cultural heritage can be transformed into a tourism experience.

The group toured the Adriatic Queen production facility to gain insight into Croatia’s seafood industry before enjoying time at Bol Beach, one of the country’s most iconic coastal destinations ☀️

Through each perspective, students explored how natural resources, cultural heritage, local industries, and destination management contribute to successful tourism development.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made its way to Pittsburgh, a city where industry, sport, arts, and culture intersect.Students...
05/29/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made its way to Pittsburgh, a city where industry, sport, arts, and culture intersect.

Students explored how Pittsburgh has transformed from its roots as the “Steel City” into a vibrant destination known for its professional sports, cultural attractions, and unique local identity. Highlights included a tour of Acrisure Stadium, a visit to the Andy Warhol Museum, experiencing the city’s renowned food scene at Primanti Bros., and taking in a game at PNC Park.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour continued with meaningful visits to Gettysburg National Military Park and the Flight 93 Nation...
05/28/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour continued with meaningful visits to Gettysburg National Military Park and the Flight 93 National Memorial. 🇺🇸

At Gettysburg, students reflected on one of the most significant battles in U.S. history while exploring how historic sites preserve memory, educate visitors, and shape national identity through tourism and interpretation.

The group also visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, honoring the passengers and crew whose courage and sacrifice on September 11, 2001, helped prevent further tragedy.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made a sweet stop at Hersheypark!Students explored how Milton Hershey transformed a company to...
05/28/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour made a sweet stop at Hersheypark!

Students explored how Milton Hershey transformed a company town into one of the country’s most recognizable tourism and entertainment destinations with focus on destination development, visitor experience, and the long-term economic impact of attractions on regional tourism.

From roller coasters and arcade games to learning how recreation and entertainment spaces evolve into major tourism drivers, the visit provided another immersive experience connecting classroom concepts to real-world industry operations.

And a special birthday shoutout to Forrest Reyes for celebrating with what may be an RST 180 theme park record — 11 straight baskets at the Hershey arcade! 🏀🎉

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour spent Memorial Day Weekend in Cooperstown, New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fam...
05/27/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour spent Memorial Day Weekend in Cooperstown, New York, home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

While exploring one of the most iconic sport destinations in the country, students examined the role baseball has played in shaping American culture, tradition, tourism, and sport history. Discussions focused on the debated “myth of Abner Doubleday,” Hall of Fame selection criteria, and how athletes’ legacies are preserved and celebrated across generations.

The group also had the opportunity to meet several baseball legends, including Fergie Jenkins, Todd Helton, Tony La Russa, Scott Rolen, Wade Boggs, Jack Morris, and Rollie Fingers, providing students with unique insight into the impact and reach of professional sport.

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour keeps rolling 🚌Recent stops included Lake Placid, Saratoga Race Course, and Saratoga Spa State...
05/24/2026

RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour keeps rolling 🚌

Recent stops included Lake Placid, Saratoga Race Course, and Saratoga Spa State Park, where students explored the impact of sport and tourism destinations on regional identity, visitor experiences, and local economies.

From stepping inside the site of the “Miracle on Ice,” to gaining an insider perspective on the horse racing industry, to experiencing the history and influence of Saratoga’s natural attractions, students continued engaging in immersive experiences!

The RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour continues ⛰️Recent stops have included Niagara Falls, Buffalo’s iconic Anchor Bar, and Whi...
05/23/2026

The RST 180 Hall of Fame Tour continues ⛰️

Recent stops have included Niagara Falls, Buffalo’s iconic Anchor Bar, and Whiteface Mountain, where students explored the role attractions and destinations play in tourism, regional identity, and the visitor experience while connecting course concepts to real-world settings.

A special shoutout to Avery Flactiff for setting a new RST 180 class record — 28 wings in one sitting! 🌶️👏🏻

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1206 South Fourth Street
Champaign, IL
61820

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Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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