As autumn nears midseason, it is of the utmost importance to soak in what’s left of the cool breezes and colorful leaves. Fortunately, the Champaign-Urbana area offers a handful of nostalgic, family-friendly (and spooky) locations to embrace that time of the year.
Curtis Orchard, Champaign, IL
Known for its delicious apple donuts and cider, family-owned Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is located on Duncan Road in southern Champaign. A trip to Curtis will give you a chance to navigate a corn maze, sift through hundreds of pumpkins, pick apples, feed goats, pet roaming kittens, and grab a picture in an oversized rocking chair.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch, Rantoul, IL
Though perhaps misleading in name, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is a great fall attraction. This gem hidden in the countryside of Rantoul, IL offers hayrack rides, go-karting, paintball, and a tricky corn maze whose theme this year is mythical maze.
For more background information on the attraction check out the previous article by Kassidy Scott.
Urbana’s Market at the Square, Urbana, IL
A fan of shopping locally? Your perfect autumn morning may include having a look around Urbana’s farmer’s market at Lincoln Square Mall! A C-U staple since 1979, the Sunday market provides fresh produce, baked goods, homemade trinkets, decór, food trucks, and a great sense of community.
Haunted Houses, Rantoul, IL
For those who like to indulge in all things spooky (and adrenaline rushes), Baldwin Asylums and Necrosis Haunted House are sure to be right up your alley. Located in Rantoul, IL, both haunted attractions are highly-ranked in the state of Illinois!
Harvest Moon Drive-In Theatre, Gibson City, IL
Nothing screams fall quite like an authentic drive-in. Though technically not in Champaign County, Gibson City is about 30 minutes north of the C-U area, home to a vintage, two-screen drive-in theater, and a snack bar. Showing new thriller, Halloween Ends and Hotel Transylvania, the last weekend of the season will be October 21st and 22nd so be sure to get your tickets!
For more background information on the attraction check out this previous article by Kassidy Scott.
Hike Local Trails!
Champaign County boasts seven great forest preserve locations home to great hiking trails; perfect for nature-lovers and for those who simply want to bask in the vivid, fall hues of nature. Locations include Lake of the Woods, River Bend, Sangamon River, Heron View, Middle Fork River, and the Kickapoo Rail Trail!
C-U Cafès
Not only can you get your pumpkin spice fix, but cafes also double as the perfect fall study spot. Here are some of our top-rated cafes in the area: Cafe Kopi, Cafe Paradiso, Caffe Bene, BrewLab, and more!
Riley Parks
Prospectus Reporter
