This Enchanting Reindeer Farm In Illinois Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn
By Linze Rice|Published November 02, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Take a step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Can you feel it? It’s the crisp autumnal season between September and December that makes up the fall and early winter. It’s my favorite time of year, and I know many Illinoisans share my end-of-year enthusiasm. So whether you’re looking to pick a pumpkin or get a smooch from one of Santa’s reindeer, the best autumn day trip in Central Illinois is just a drive away.
Located in the small East-Central Illinois town of Rantoul, Hardy's Reindeer Ranch has been a beloved fall and early winter destination for nearly 30 years.
The family farm, owned by a husband and wife duo, offers a pumpkin patch through October, plus other fall classics like hayrides, weenie roasts, cider, paintball, pedal carts, and more.
Visitors also love stopping by the Klondike Cafe, which slings favorites like hot dogs and nachos, plus delicious concoctions of their own. Try their famous Pulled Pork Parfait — tender bulled BBQ pork layered between mashed potatoes with a BBQ drizzle and cherry tomato on top — and finish it off with a Jack Splat — a piece of pumpkin pie squished between layers of whipped cream with sprinkles on top.
Of course, a must-try here is the annual corn maze, which transforms a cornfield into a beautiful, and challenging, work of art. The corn maze is available to do day or night usually through early November.
Originally brought onto the farm to help the couple sell their Christmas trees, the reindeer at Hardy's are now part of the family. These gorgeous creatures were flown in straight from Alaska, these furry friends are affectionate and a perfect way to usher in the holiday season. For $8, you can take a reindeer tour that includes a treat to give them in exchange for a kiss.
While you're there, cut down your own fresh Christmas tree! Across five acres you can choose the very best Fraser, Douglas Fir, White Pine, or Scotch tree in large and table top sizes. The farm has saws, a baler, and a tree shaker available to use. You can also get garland and wreaths made from fresh clippings, keeping that heartwarming evergreen smell lingering all season long.
Don't forget to take a tour around the farm's cherished gift shop, which features an array of gifts and crafts from local vendors. The building is made from salvaged barns and heated by an antique pot-belly stove. It's a fantastic place to grab a unique and one-of-a-kind gift or treat — for someone else and for yourself!
Are you ready to embark on the best autumn day trip in Central Illinois? Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is a great choice from fall to the start of winter. Start planning your trip by checking out the Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch website and the Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch Facebook page. While you’re there, don’t forget to take lots of pictures! The ranch is full of gorgeous photo ops that are perfect for couples, families, kids, friends, and groups. My tip: Download this best-selling “golden hour” filter preset to have all your pictures glow a stunning sunset glow just like a professional!
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