Fun Outdoor Fall Activities in C-U
Here in Central Illinois, fall often greets us with a dazzling display of colors. It’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy the scenery, as well as discover some local activities that celebrate the season. There is no shortage of things to do in the fall in the Champaign-Urbana area. Below we’ve listed some of our favorite local outdoor activities for fall. What are your favorites?
Activities
Savor Apples and More
Curtis Orchard
It wouldn’t be fall in Champaign-Urbana without a trip to Curtis Orchard. Pick apples, pumpkins, and enjoy the atmosphere. Grab a cart and head out to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect one. Don’t forget your dozen Apple Cider Donuts!
Click here to visit their website.
Get Lost
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch Corn Maze
Time to get a little lost! Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch has a massive Corn Maze with a new theme every year. You can also try the “Moonlight Madness” and navigate the maze with only a flashlight and the moon to guide you!
Click here to visit their website.
Pick a Pumpkin
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Just a short drive away, Arthur’s Great Pumpkin Patch has lots to offer. This giant pumpkin patch has unique pumpkin displays (think pumpkin towers!) and has a stage for live music. There’s lots to see here!
Click here to visit their website.
Eat Seasonally
Farmer's Market
The local Farmer’s Markets are still going strong through October! Check out the Land Connection’s market in downtown Champaign on Tuesdays 3:30-6:30, and Urbana’s Market at the Square outside of Common Ground Co-op on Saturdays 7 am - 12pm.
Click here for the Land Connection's market and click here for Urbana's Market.
Hiking and Camping
Take a Morning Walk
Allerton Park
Mornings are a great time for a hike! You can join us on one of our Rise & Shine Hikes weekly on Wednesdays, or create your own adventure. Might we suggest Allerton Park? The morning light is beautiful there.
Click here to visit their website.
Hunt for Leaves with Us
Fall Colors Hike & Brew
If seeing the fall colors are your thing, you can join us for a day full of it! Join our Flatlanders Club to come with us to Peoria Forest Park Nature Center on October 19 to find the best and brightest trees. After we’ll head to Bearded Owl Brewery for some local craft beers.
Click here to visit our event page.
Find an Urban Autumn
Busey Woods
Busey Woods is a park right in the middle of Urbana, but you won’t remember that’s the case when you start walking. The wooden trail makes for great hiking even in bad weather, and the Autumn colors look amazing there.
Click here to visit their website.
Go Camping
Kickapoo State Park
Get a true taste of Fall in the Flatlands and spend a weekend outdoors at Kickapoo State Park. You can hike, kayak,
canoe, and enjoy the scenery. Bring a tent and some games to play by the fire. Don’t forget to roast some s’mores!
Click here for their Website.
Events
Prairie Gardens
Fall Festival
Get ready for fall at Prairie Gardens during their Fall Festival September 21st. This is a family event with a petting zoo, face painting and kids' games! You can get some of their great fall home decor while you’re there as well.
Click here to visit their Facebook event.
Get Your Plaid Ready
Flannel Fest
If you love flannel as much as we do, then you have to check out the Flannel Fest on October 11 from 5-9 pm at Hessel Park. Timberworks Lumberjack Show will perform demonstrations throughout the evening. While true Lumberjacks will be strutting their stuff, and you can don your very best plaid and pretend to be one for a day.
Click here to visit their event page.
Grab a Beer
C-U Oktoberfest
Enjoy all that German beer has to offer at CU Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 5. Grab your lederhosen and head to downtown Champaign to have a good time! There will be live music and lots to see. Local breweries will be featured as well as traditional German ones.
Click here to visit their Facebook event.
11th Annual
C-U Folk and Roots Festival
Let the beautiful fall colors be your backdrop as you Support local artists, musicians and folk arts organizations. The Folk & Roots Festival in Urbana on October 24-26 is sure to be a weekend of fun. This event does require tickets, which you can purchase by clicking below.
Click here for their Facebook event.