October officially means pumpkin picking, apple harvesting and corn mazes are here, and Illinois promises a plethora of autumn experiences for family travelers. From hayrides to fresh cider to fall foliage, you won’t want to miss out on these standout spots across the state this season:
Eckhert’s Country Store & Farms © Illinois Office of Tourism
Southern Illinois
Eckhert’s Country Store & Farms
This Belleville-based property offers pick-your-own fruits, seasonal festivals and a massive country store. The family-run store and farms are also home to full-service restaurants, cooking classes for all ages and concerts.
In the town of Alto Pass within Shawnee Hills is Randleman Orchards, a family-run operation beloved for its apples, peaches and farm market. Seasonal activities and scenic surroundings make it a popular fall stop.
Central Illinois
Open between July 20 and Dec. 20, this bakery and orchard country store in Champaign sells delicious pies, fritters, apple crisp donuts and award-winning cider. Outside, families can take part in seasonal apple and pumpkin picking, as well as enjoy the giant slide, kids’ play structures, several mazes (including a corn maze), petting zoo and toddler area. On weekends, the property hosts live entertainment, seasonal pony rides and an orchard wagon.
Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze © Illinois Office of Tourism
In the heart of Illinois Amish Country is Illinois’ largest pumpkin patch. The Arthur-based patch also features several corn mazes, a petting zoo, wagon ride, and fall food and drinks (you really don’t want to skip the iced pumpkin cookies).
Northern Illinois
Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze
You’ll find the world’s largest corn maze at this Spring Grove farm, as well as an all-ages pumpkin patch, slides, pedal carts, jumping pillows, a carousel, wagon rides, pig races and a 50-foot-tall observation tower.
All Seasons Apple Orchard © Illinois Office of Tourism
This family-run and -operated orchard and farm in Woodstock spans more than 11,000 apple trees across 12 varieties. Visiting families also love the hay rides, petting zoo, country farm market, indoor grill restaurant and 6-acre corn maze paying tribute to the late Dolly Parton.
Explore 65 acres of farm and orchards at this Malta property, from hayrides to a 10-acre corn maze to a kids’ activity area with a barn, bale pile and tractor cab. Let kids pick their own apples from any of the farm’s 5,000 trees, and stop at the store on your way out for apple donuts, caramel apples, pies and fresh-baked bread.
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