Is fall Champaign-Urbana’s favorite season? When it’s time for corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple picking fun, we have it all
If you are looking for apple picking, pumpkin patches or corn mazes close to Champaign-Urbana, we have options in every direction
There’s so much fall fun to be had in Central Illinois when it comes to pumpkins, apples and corn mazes. We’ve put all our favorite spots to visit in one place. Visit one or visit many, your family will make great memories at these fall destinations!
Thank you to Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Champaign for presenting this resource for Champaign-Urbana area apple picking, pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Curtis Orchard is an 80-acre family-owned entertainment farm in Champaign offering apple and pumpkin picking, cider, a bakery, restaurant, and specialty food and gift store. Their goal is to provide exciting on-farm activities for the whole family. These include a corn maze, playground, petting zoo, inflatables, orchard shootout, wagon tour, and weekend pony rides. The season runs from July 20-Dec. 23.
For More Information: website
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Champaign (see our full review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: YES
Corn Maze: YES
Open July 20 – Dec. 23, Curtis Orchard ramps up its fall fun starting Aug. 26. Entrance is free and so are some attractions; others have fees.
- Tokens and wristbands are key here when it comes to enjoying the activities at the orchard. Get the scoop on pricing here.
- If apple picking is your favorite fall activity, this is the place to visit. On any given day a few rows are open to visitors, with a good variety of snacking and baking apples represented. U-Pick prices are $8 per person, with kids under 36″ free with a parent. You’ll get a 1/4 peck bag included with what you pay to go apple picking. 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. You can find out all about what is open/closed on the Curtis Orchard website.
- U-pick pumpkins are available from mid-September through early November. You will love walking out into the fields — acres of them! Of course, you can also get pre-picked pumpkins. Be sure to take a wagon to pull your children along, tote your pumpkins back, and get some adorable photos.
- Best kept secret: the Zinnia field — make your own bouquet and get some great Instagram-worthy shots.
- Not to be missed: the apple donuts and apple cider slushes – but the homemade pumpkin bars really are something too.
- The Country Store sells a variety of gifts and edibles such as toys, candles, decor, honey, apple butter, and maple syrup.
- The Flying Monkey Cafe offers a variety of home cooked comforts such as pork BBQ, mac and cheese, and chili.
Visit the Curtis Orchard website for more info.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, Rantoul (see our full 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 have 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 — the website says 1-3 hours. Hours and attractions vary by the month. It typically opens for the season on Labor Day. Note that the corn maze usually closes for the season in mid-November, but the Ranch remains opens throughout December.
Visit the Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch website for more info.
Negangard Pumpkin Patch, Sidney (see our full review)
Pumpkin Patch: YES
Apple Picking: NO
Corn Maze: NO
We featured this great location first in 2011 and it remains a favorite. 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. There’s no admission charge, but there’s also not any organized entertainment. It typically opens for the year in late September and stays open through Halloween. Remember to bring cash or check; no credit cards here!
Visit the Negangard Pumpkin Patch Facebook page for more info.
Crowley Pumpkins, Mahomet (see our full 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. The family-owned pumpkin patch offers friendly service and quality pumpkins at affordable prices. You can’t ask for more than that!
Visit the Crowley Pumpkins Facebook page for more info.
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 homemade treats and apple cider, a corn maze, animals to see and fresh donuts available on weekends. Farm is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. typically starting in mid-September. Admission and parking are free.
Visit the Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm Facebook page for more info.
The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur (see our full review)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: YES
U-pick Apples: NO
There’s just nowhere else like it in the area. There are admission fees to visit The Great Pumpkin Patch; season passes are also offered. That tells you something about how elaborate the setup is. Pumpkins, gourds and squash in every shade of the rainbow — literally; check out the pumpkin rainbow — are displayed in fanciful ways around the property. The “Maize Maze” can be toured for an additional $3 per person (on weekends). Yummy food abounds, from burgers to pumpkin ice cream — not to mention some of the most decadent baked goods fall has to offer. Open to the public Sept. 20 – Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday (and Columbus Day).
Visit The Great Pumpkin Patch website for more info.
Okaw Valley Orchard, Sullivan (see our full review)
Pumpkins: NO
Corn Maze: NO
U-pick Apples: YES
We stumbled upon this orchard in search of summer peaches, but it makes a great spot to visit for fall family fun, too. U-pick apples are available and the store is full of delicious baked treats and refreshments. Play in the large play area while you visit, and you can grab fruit from the shelves of the store if you don’t want to venture into picking yourself. Free admission; U-pick may have an additional fee.
Visit the Okaw Valley Orchard website for more info.
Rader Family Farm, Normal (see our full review)
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: YES
U-pick Apples: NO
A festive atmosphere (with a lot of photo ops) make this a great place to make family memories. There are plenty of cross-generational activities including pumpkins, corn mazes, food, and even a giant jumping pillow. Rader Family Farm is open for the season from Sept. 9 until Oct. 29. It is open Wednesdays through Sundays and Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission starts at $18.95 per person; senior citizens are $10. Kids 4 and under are free. Detailed pricing here. The corn maze is an additional fee. Check the website for additional information including map, online pass reservation, and special announcements.
Visit the Rader Family Farm website for more info.
Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, Beason
We have not been to this Orchard – have you? Description taken from Gail’s website
Pumpkins: YES
Corn Maze: NO
U-Pick Apples: NO
Typically open Sept. 1-Oct. 31. Last year, the pumpkin patch was open Sunday to Friday from noon to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The pumpkin patch has over 60 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, corn, Nate’s honey and 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. This year the Popcorn Wagon ride will take you to the popcorn field to pick your own popcorn. Free admission and U-Pick or We-pick pumpkins available.
Visit the Gail’s Pumpkin Patch Facebook page for more info.
Find everything related to fall in Champaign-Urbana:
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- 21 Things to Do During Fall (on a Budget) in Champaign-Urbana
- Fantastic Fall Festivals a Short Drive from Champaign-Urbana
- Champaign-Urbana Area Fall Fairs and Festivals
- Apples, Pumpkins and Corn Mazes in Champaign-Urbana
- Fall Fun for Families in Champaign-Urbana
- Where to Pick Apples Near Champaign-Urbana
