Nothing thumps like a plump, round pumpkin.
That deep resonance gives us sweet, sumptuous pies and salty seed nibbles, seasonal decor and leering Halloween grins. Every year when the air turns crisp, the pumpkin joins the apple, crimson leaves and frost-rimmed corn stalks as an enduring herald of fall.
Illinois produces nearly 40% of all pumpkins grown in the United States, so it's the perfect place to explore pumpkin patches in September and October.
What To Expect at a Pumpkin Farm in Illinois
During a fall visit to a pumpkin farm, you can expect to find everything from a pumpkin patches to pick your own pumpkin events, corn mazes and apple orchards. Often you'll find animals for the kids to meet including goats, rabbits and llamas. You can also explore delicious foods from freshly baked bread to pumpkin and fall-themed treats like ice cream, doughnuts, pies and more!
Each farm offers something a little different, and we have found the best for you to explore.
Pumpkin Patches in Central Illinois
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Champaign
At Wizard of Oz-themed Curtis Orchard, the Yellow Brick Road leads to apple donuts, says Store Manager Rachel Coventry. “We make them fresh every morning and people stand in line to get them.”
The Great Pumpkin Patch, Arthur
The famous 200 acre farm is visitor-friendly with around 300 types of pumpkins, squash and gourds. You can explore the pumpkin displays, purchase pumpkins, meet farm animals including goats, pigs and rabbits, and enjoy some of the best pumpkin-flavored food around! Read more about The Great Pumpkin Patch.
Pumpkin Patches in Southern Illinois
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms, Belleville
"Humble Pie stands proud at Eckert’s," says family member Angie Eckert. “It’s a small, individually baked pie that we offer when people come up and want a slice. It’s about 4.5 inches wide and delicious.” Kids especially love Eckert’s take on the classic caramel apple dipped in peanuts, pecans, M&Ms, Heath bar crumbles and chocolate chips.
Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass
Visitors line up for distinctive apple butter and apple sauce at Rendleman Orchards. Regular apple butter is made with the classic Jonathan apple, sugar-free apple butter features Golden Delicious, and a new offering is tangy apple butter with the taste of the Suncrisp apple. “We also have a pecan apple butter that people are really enjoying this year,” says co-owner Michelle Sirles.
Pumpkin Patches in Northern Illinois
The Lindberg Pumpkin Patch, Caledonia
Explore the 7-acre pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin. Enjoy the fall colors on a wagon ride (weekends only), or take stroll around on your own. The farm offers 50 different varieties of pumpkin. You can also buy some pre-picked pumpkins in the Harvest Barn, or try some delicious food during your visit.
Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park
"Do not miss the donuts at Kuipers Family Farm," says co-owner Kim Kuipers. Cinnamon sugar, vanilla glaze, apple spice glaze and chocolate varieties are available, and all cause traffic jams at the orchard. “People will come and pick apples so they don’t feel too guilty,” she laughs, “but they really love the donuts.”
Jonamac Orchard, Malta
Fans of Jonamac Orchard insist that it tops the competition in toppings, with jellies, country mustards, jams and apple butters. Most—okay, maybe not the mustards—delightfully complement Jonamac’s signature donuts that draw visitors by the thousands. There’s no fudging on the popularity of the orchard’s fudge, deliciously crafted from the freshest butter and cream. And pick up a bottle of Jonamac’s sweet apple wine, sold only at the orchard.
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