Rader Family Farm (Normal, IL)- Who doesn’t love a good, old-fashioned pumpkin patch? Rader Family Farm is the go-to place to pick out the biggest, and sometimes scariest, pumpkins. Once you pick out your perfect orange bundle, visitors are encouraged to venture through the 10-acre corn maze. Then, after all of that running around, you deserve a treat! Lucky you, Rader’s is full of them; make sure to stop in the gift shop for some pumpkin bars, ice cream, and hot cider (yes, all three are encouraged).
Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch (Champaign, IL)- Is it really considered fall if you haven’t picked an apple or two while managing to take a picture of it? I think not! Get into the fall sprit at Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch. Curtis Orchard has a variety of golden, red, and crispy apples. Not a fan of apples? This orchard has stuff for you too! Curtis’s petting zoo, giant slides, and pony rides are always popular stops. Similar to that of Rader’s, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch also has a one of a kind store and bakery. My suggestion to you: get the cobbler, check out the donuts, and definitely purchase a pie!
Terror on Washington Street Haunted House (Clinton, IL)- Ranked as one of the TOP 10 SCARIEST HAUNTED HOUSES in Illinois, the 15-minute drive from campus is well worth your time. Terror on Washington Street is open every Friday and Saturday of October. Enter if you dare because this 11-minute tour will have you spooked from for the rest of the Halloween season!
Haunted Trail (Normal, IL)- If the Terror on Washington Street didn’t get all of the scare out of you, stop by the annual Haunted Trail located on Constitution Trail. This event lasts for two weekends; the first weekend is aimed towards children (less frightening), and the second weekend is fair game to scare! The first Haunted Trail experience will begin this upcoming weekend on Thursday, October 16th. A note to students: The trail will be closed from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in order to ensure customers get the full Halloween experience. If you love goblins, ghosts, and spooky monsters this trail is for you!