Discover Why Urbana's Escape Room is Ranked Among the World's Best and Unmissable Adventures

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Central Illinois boasts a hidden gem that is gaining international recognition for its unique blend of mystery and excitement.

CU Adventures in Time and Space, based in Urbana, has achieved impressive accolades in the escape room industry. Their room, “The Forest of Fables,” has earned the distinction of being ranked 2nd in the United States and 37th worldwide.

Just a year into its operation, “The Forest of Fables” offers a captivating 75-minute adventure complete with a live actor, which co-owner Chris Lukeman describes as feeling more like participating in a movie than an escape room. This innovative experience was developed in collaboration with the University of Illinois’ Department of Theatre.

The project began with students crafting an immersive theatrical performance, which ran for several weeks. Afterward, they left behind elements of the set for CU Adventures to transform into an escape room. Lukeman explains that the theme revolves around a fractured fairy tale world, filled with unexpected twists and turns, challenging players to restore order to the whimsical chaos.

He added that all the surprises are what led to its worldwide recognition. Because the European escape room market is so big, Lukeman said that only a dozen from the United States made the list. Cracking the top 50 was a dream come true.

“It was absolutely a surprise and delight that we were ranked that high,” Lukeman said. “We knew we were up there, we’ve had enough people tell us that this room is great, we know this room is great. We’ve put a lot of time and talent into it. But it really speaks to the expertise of our staff and our wonderful team we’ve developed of game masters and fabricators over the years.”

Lukeman added that the room is designed to be more like an immersive adventure, rather than a challenge of racing the clock to get out.

Their next adventure, Lukeman said, is Parcadia, an immersive mini-golf tavern with an indoor course, full bar and cafe. He said that they’re taking the tips, tricks and secrets they’ve developed for the escape room world and applying them to mini golf.

They are hoping to open it in early 2026.