Harvest Gold: Autumn Adventures in the Champaign-Urbana Area
Ok, so it's like 95 degrees as September arrives, BUT! When the evenings turn cool (and they will), the Champaign-Urbana area shifts into its best season. The air smells crisp. The sunsets look impossibly filtered. And the distant melodies of the Marching Illini provide a vibrant soundtrack.
It also happens to be the best time for our agricultural experiences—from pumpkin patches and apple picking to and reindeer and restaurants!
Ag experiences
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Named "The World's Greatest Pumpkin Patch" by Bloomberg TV, this seasonal spot in Arthur grows over 300 varieties of cucurbits (squash and gourds) from around the world. In fact, the Great Pumpkin Patch has been featured by Martha Stewart Living and the White House for their creative passion for these wonderful crops. Go beyond the typical orange pumpkin—pick up something unique, and learn about different ways to enjoy cucurbits, from soups to baking and even decor. Make a day of it by navigating their various mazes, walking the beautiful grounds, and for the adults, indulging in their signature Apple Pie Slushie at Patches Pub. Don't forget to stop in the Homestead Bakery to take some fresh-baked Amish goods home!
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
Apple pie, apple crisp, apple crumble...there's no better time than fall to visit Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch. Grab one of their bags and pick delicious apples right from the trees for your next culinary creation! Kids will love the activities, wagon rides, and farm kitties, while you can shop at their store for apple donuts, cider, and award-winning honey. And don't forget the pumpkins and gourds!
Negangard Pumpkin Patch
Enjoy all the fall feels by stopping by this small, family-owned farm in Sidney. It's where picking pumpkins is a joyful experience for all ages and an annual tradition for many locals!
GREEN MEADOW FARM
Near The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Green Meadow Farm offers a quieter farm experience. Enjoy a horse-and-buggy ride on this Amish farm that mills their own wheat, then take in the serenity of the area by staying in their on-site camper.
Animal Adventures
PRAIRIE FRUITS FARM & CREAMERY
What's cuter than a little goat? A whole herd of them! At Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery, you can visit with the goats, walk around the farm's nature paths, stay in their gorgeous farmhouse, and even take a cooking or art class! Buy their award-winning cheese to take home with you, or dine at their on-site restaurant, Caprae.
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Experience the season's magic with over a dozen Alaskan reindeer, ready to kiss you in exchange for a graham cracker. Don't miss their 10-acre corn maze, a perfect spot to get lost.
Sundrop Alpacas
Get to know these irresistibly soft alpacas, known for their gentle nature. Tours at this farm in Bement, near Monticello, are by appointment only, and they're super educational! Along with discovering the charm of these fluffy creatures, you can browse through a selection of luxurious alpaca fiber socks, gloves, hats, and scarves.
AIKMAN WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
In Arcola, you can see exotic animals like zebras, camels, and bison from the comfort of your car or an open-air wagon. This sprawling wildlife park offers a safari-style experience that blends adventure with conservation education. You can even book an overnight cabin stay.
Ironhide Bison Ranch
A working bison ranch just outside Villa Grove, Ironhide offers overnight stays and safari-style Hummer EV tours through their open pastures.
Field to Fork
Caprae
As mentioned above, Caprae is Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery's on-site restaurant, where every meal is a love letter to local and regional growers. The very definition of "farm-to-table," Caprae harnesses the freshest produce, meats, and dairy from their own fields and neighbors' farms.
Maize at the Station
Maize puts fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas center stage. Working with local farmers to access grains to make said tortillas, this go-to Mexican restaurant—with Champaign locations on Neil Street and downtown—is a favorite among students and the community alike.
The Space
The Space in downtown Champaign consistently leans into local sourcing. And because of that, their menu changes often (of course, that's part of the fun). Visit, and they may serve dry-aged local pork chops with black fig-basil butter, steak and duck-fat fries, and crispy brussels sprouts. Or not!
Riggs Beer Company
A family-owned and operated production brewery, tap room, and beer garden on the eastern edge of Urbana, Riggs offers easy-to-drink German and American style beers made from wheat, barley, and corn grown from their own farm. Yard games and food trucks enhance this refreshing, laid-back experience.
CU on the farm!
Visit the farms that make our community brilliant—and get rewarded. The CU on the Farm Experience Pass spotlights nearly 20 working farms—including all the ones featured here—that offer tours, tastings, u-pick, classes, special events, and even overnight stays!
Visit five or more, and you’ll win a limited-edition, CU on the Farm vinyl sticker set!
Plan Your Visit
Need help planning your autumn adventure in the Champaign-Urbana area? Check out our Experience Guide, or contact us for more information! Don’t forget to book your stay at our area hotels, located conveniently throughout the community.