Meet friendly reindeer at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch. You don’t need to visit the North Pole these approachable antlered animals are in the heart of the United States. The farm also has Christmas trees, a corn maze, pedal race carts and a paintball shooting gallery.
Reindeer were first brought to the ranch in 1995 to help the Hardy family sell their Christmas trees. Since then, more reindeer have actually flown here after being purchased in Alaska. They flew by airplane, however, rather than Santa’s sleigh. Join the Reindeer Experience Tour to see, feed and pet the reindeer. You may even get a kiss.
In fall, the farm’s giant corn maze offers a fun family outing with physical exercise and an intellectual challenge. Run along paths cut through the field of tall corn to find multiple checkpoints in the 10-acre (4-hectare) design. Spend an hour or two on this quest during the day or on a Moonlight Madness evening journey with flashlights guiding the way. Buy a pumpkin to take home to make a jack-o’-lantern and watch the launch of a 10-inch (25-centimeter) pumpkin through the Jack Splat pumpkin cannon. Take a hayride and end your outing with a weenie roast and s’mores.
As Christmas approaches, bring the family for a traditional holiday pursuit. Tromp through 5 acres (2 hectares) of evergreen trees to find the perfect one to bring home to decorate. Cut it yourself with the saws provided and the staff will shake and bale it for easy transport. Alternatively, select from the fresh pre-cut fir and pine trees from North Carolina, Michigan and Indiana.
The farm is in Rantoul, about a 20-minute drive north of Champaign, Illinois. Check the website or call before you visit, as open days and hours change throughout the year, with special appointments needed for visits from January to July.
Make a reservation to join the weenie roast or reserve the banquet hall for a group chuckwagon dinner with Western entertainment. Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch has no gate admission, but activities have individual fees. Parking is free. Visit the gift shop to purchase ornaments and treats.
