Champaign-Urbana: The Heart of Agriculture
Here in the Champaign-Urbana area, we’re home to some of the richest soil in the world—supporting a thriving agricultural economy and a brilliant array of farm experiences, food destinations, and cutting-edge innovations.
From traditional farming to groundbreaking AgTech, we have something for everyone to explore!
FARMS TO VISIT: HANDS-ON AG EXPERIENCES
Fresh air, fresh flavors, and endless fun for all ages.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
1356 County Rd 2900 N, Rantoul | reindeerranch.com
Have you ever kissed a reindeer? Get up close with a friendly herd of Alaskan reindeer, then get lost in a sprawling corn maze for a one-of-a-kind adventure!
Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign | prairiefruits.com
Visit, hike, or do yoga with the farm’s beloved goats, and be sure to sample award-winning cheeses and gelatos at this nationally recognized goat dairy.
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
3902 S. Duncan Rd., Champaign | curtisorchard.com
Pick apples, find the perfect pumpkin, and enjoy fresh cider slushies and donuts at this family-friendly farm.
The Great Pumpkin Patch
1749A E County Rd 1900 N, Arthur | the200acres.com
Experience a fall wonderland with over 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from over 30 countries; 5,000 mums; and various mazes, gardens, and artisanal treats in the heart of Amish Country.
Negangard Pumpkin Patch
1883 County Rd 700 N, Sidney
A must-visit for fall lovers—choose from a variety of pumpkins, squash, corn stalks, straw bales, and more at this charming, family-owned destination.
Okaw Valley Orchard
724 CR 1750 N, Sullivan | okawvalleyorchard.com
Located in Amish Country and run by three generations, Okaw Valley Orchard features over 1,500 fruit trees that grow 27 varieties of apples, peaches, plums, and pears.
Clearview Farm
3605 N. Mattis, Champaign | clearview-farm.com
Focused on regenerative agriculture and biodiversity, Clearview Farm is home to a unique, Illinois-shaped pollinator garden featuring 1,000 pollinator plants native to our state and a stunning sunflower maze.
FARMERS MARKETS: FRESH, LOCAL, & SEASONAL
With farmers markets happening Tuesday through Saturday from May through October, you can buy fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and handcrafted artisan goods—directly from producers—five days a week!
Tuesday: Champaign Farmers Market
Wednesday: Rantoul, Homer, and Sullivan Farmers Markets
Thursday: Monticello Farmers Market, University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm Market
Friday: Mahomet Farmers Market
Saturday: Urbana’s Market at the Square
From November through March, you can stock up at the Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market every Saturday, too.
FARM-FRESH FOOD & DRINK: ENJOY THE BOUNTY
Savor the flavors of Champaign-Urbana with gourmet meals, artisan brews, and locally grown meat and produce.
Caprae at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery
4410 N. Lincoln Ave., Champaign | prairiefruits.com/caprae-restaurant
Using the freshest produce, meats, and dairy from their own fields and neighbors’ farms, Caprae offers year-round dinner, Saturday lunch, and Sunday brunch.
The Wheelhouse
109 N. Main St., St. Joseph | atthewheelhouse.com
This farm-to-fork favorite celebrates the region’s freshest ingredients—enjoy their seasonal menu and take advantage of our local farms’ bounty.
Cedar Oak Farms
56 N 2100 E Rd, Paxton | cedar-oak-farms.com
A working farm, Cedar Oak Farms hosts elegant, monthly 3–4-hour dining events that blend local flavors with storytelling on the origins of every dish.
Riggs Beer Company
1901 S. High Cross Rd., Urbana | riggsbeer.com
Sip on locally crafted German-style beer made with wheat, barley, and corn grown right on the family farm surrounding the brewery.
Common Ground Food Co-op
300 S. Broadway Ave., Ste. 166, Urbana | commonground.coop
This cooperatively owned grocery store promotes local and organic production, with a spotlight on locally grown vegetables fruits, herbs, grains, flowers, dairy, eggs, and meat.
SPECIAL EVENTS
AgTech Week: Celebrating the Future of Farming
Annually in March | cuagtechweek.org
Explore how technology solutions are addressing some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. Every March, Champaign-Urbana’s AgTech week celebrates our robust AgTech ecosystem, including the University of Illinois, Parkland College, corporate innovation partners, startups, state-of-the-art facilities, student organizations, local ag companies, the Illinois AgTech Accelerator, and iFAB Tech Hub.
Historic Farm Days
Annually in July | historicfarmdays.com
Located in Penfield, this yearly event of farm festivities includes tractor pulls, collector edition tractors, daily parades, fireworks, food, and more!
Half-Century of Farm Progress
Biennial (odd years) | halfcenturyofprogress.com
This is the premier working vintage farm show in the US! Held the weekend before the Decatur Farm Progress Show, the Half Century of Farm Progress allows visitors to experience what farming and agriculture was like 50 years ago and beyond with live demonstrations, attractions, and fellowship.
International Agronomy Day
Annually in August | aces.illinois.edu
Agronomy Day is a collaborative field day hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Crop Sciences in partnership with several academic units in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES). The program is packed with a wide range of topics and speakers. Enjoy tent tours with additional field demonstrations and sponsor booths.
Download itinerary HERE.