Is fall Champaign-Urbana’s favorite season? It’s not hard to see why – when it’s time for corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking fun, we are located in a place that makes it extra easy to enjoy all that fall has to offer.
Thank you to Curtis Orchard in Champaign for presenting this resource for Champaign-Urbana area apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Even thought this is a very different year, there’s still plenty of fall fun to be had in East Central Illinois when it comes to pumpkins, apples and corn mazes. The places listed below are all located within roughly an hour’s drive of the Champaign-Urbana area.
****Please be aware that certain activities and attractions may look different or have specific rules in light of COVID-19 restrictions.
Social distancing, masks and other precautions are in order at most attractions; however, this may look different depending on the location, even though all of these are in Illinois.
When in doubt, call first; this is an early look at the season, and as we all know – everything is subject to change, often!*****
If you’re looking for special events related to fall, don’t forget to check out our calendar and our upcoming Halloween guide.
Looking for more info on apple picking? Check out Where to Pick Apples near Champaign-Urbana.
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Apple Picking: Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Champaign (see a review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: YES
Corn Maze: YES
Open since July 20, Curtis Orchard ramps up its fall fun starting August 24. Entrance is free and so are some attractions; others have fees.
- The corn maze is open on weekends and holidays, and is $5 per person.
- If apple picking is your favorite fall activity, this is the place to visit. On any given day a few rows are open to the general public, with a good variety of snacking and baking apples represented. Don’t want to pick apples? No problem. Buy them in the farm store.
- A host of other pay-per activities are available on the weekend, from pony rides to giant inflatables. Note that for 2020, some attractions are limited; the giant slide is closed, for instance. You can find out all about what is open/closed on the Curtis Orchard website.
- U-pick pumpkins are available from mid-September through October. We love walking out into the fields! Of course, you can get pre-picked pumpkins, too.
- Not to be missed: the apple cider donuts, you probably knew that – but the peach cobbler is really something too.
- The Country Store sells a variety of edibles such as honey and apple butter made on the property.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, Rantoul (see a review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: NO
Corn Maze: YES
Paintball, racing carts, hayrides, and arguably the most elaborate corn maze around are the main fall attractions at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch. Although entrance is free, most attractions cost a fee. The corn maze is $8 for daylight hours, $9 entrance after 5 p.m. Be aware that this maze can take a long time – on the website, they say 1-3 hours. Hours and attractions vary by the month. Visit the website for updated info related to restrictions or activity changes.
Crowley Pumpkins, Mahomet (see a review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: NO
Corn Maze: NO
If you’re looking for a “simpler” option to purchase pumpkins, Crowley Pumpkins in Mahomet is definitely worth a visit. They are predicting a bumper crop this year according to its Facebook page. The family-owned pumpkin patch offers friendly service and quality pumpkins at affordable prices. You can’t ask for more than that! From Facebook: “We will still have the wagon for beautiful family photos and in addition we will have a fun photo area for families too; follow us for a sneak peek soon.”
Negangard Pumpkin Patch, Sidney (see a review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: NO
Corn Maze: NO
We featured this great location in 2011 and it remains a favorite ever since. A no-frills pumpkin patch (not u-pick), this is the place to go when you want to decorate for fall and not break the bank. It is open through Halloween. There’s no admission charge, but there’s also not any organized entertainment. The target 2020 opening date is Sept. 26; watch its Facebook page for updates.
Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm, Clinton (see our full review)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: YES
U-pick Apples: NO
Get pumpkins, gourds, etc. at this farm in the Clinton area. There’s also a corn maze, homemade treats and apple cider, animals to see (including a roaming peacock) and fresh donuts available on weekends. Farm is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Sept. 12 through Oct. 30. “Each year we strive to provide our customers with the best quality and widest variety of pumpkins and gourds in Central Illinois.” Admission and parking are free.
The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur (see a review; note this is not applicable in 2020)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: NO (for 2020)
U-pick Apples: NO
This year will be very different at The Great Pumpkin Patch, as its owners have decided to close its attractions to visitors during this unique time (see the statement on Facebook). Fortunately, the pumpkin patch will be selling pumpkins, gourds, squash, mums and fall decor at what it’s calling the “Cucurbit Market”; no admission fee will be charged. Still available: pumpkin ice cream, cider slushies — not to mention some of the most decadent baked goods fall has to offer. Open to the public Sept. 19 – Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Rader Family Farm, Normal (see a review)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: YES
U-pick Apples: NO
Rader Family Farm is open for the season starting Sept. 12. A festive atmosphere, with a lot of photo ops. There are plenty of activities including pumpkins, corn mazes, food, and even a giant jumping pillow; they are very wide ranging! Some activities may be altered or limited due to Covid-19 restrictions – please see the Rader Family Farm’s website for all the information including event and admission pricing, entrance, fee, map, online pass reservation, and special announcements. There is an admission fee for special attractions and the corn maze. Hint: go on a Thursday to get a reduced rate.
Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, Beason, IL (We have not been to this Orchard – have you? Description taken from Gail’s website)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: NO
U-Pick Apples: NO
Open Sept. 1-October 31. All outside areas will be open this year, and they will be observing “CDC guidelines.” The pumpkin patch has over 60 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, corn, Nate’s honey & apple cider donuts, straw, apples, cider, mums, barrel train, toddler maze, antique tractors, baked goods and lots of crafts. Lots of farm animals can be seen as well. One unique item here: pick your own popcorn straight from the field. Free admission and U-Pick or We-pick pumpkins available. (Roughly one hour, 15 minutes away.)
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