First published 10/16/14.
It’s fall ya’ll! Normally, I would be excited about the cool weather, sweaters, plaid shirts, and pumpkins. But, the weather has been so hot lately. I’m talking over 90 degrees out! Whew! It feels more like summer than fall.
Oh well. I won’t complain! Instead, I’m going to re-share our visit to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch a few years ago!
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is located at 1356 County Rd. 2900 North in Rantoul, IL.
When I first heard about the Ranch, I couldn’t believe that there were reindeer seriously living here in the middle of the Midwest on this Ranch. Because, normally, when I think of reindeer, I think of Christmas time; not fall or Halloween.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Alaskan Reindeer in the Midwest
Well, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is unlike any other attraction I have seen in the state of Illinois because it features a live heard of authentic Alaskan reindeer.
I mean seriously, check out this reindeer below!
Admission and Activities
General admission into the Ranch is free, however there is a small fee of $3-$4 associated with each activity. However, we were able to roam around the Ranch, watch the reindeer, fed the bunny, and visit inside of the country store for no admission price at all.
Pumpkin Launch and Hay Bales
We were also able to watch an amazing pumpkin launch for the first time and the boys played around in a large playground that consisted of hay bales, a sand lot, wooden trains, and swings. My mom even had fun on the swings with them!
The only thing we did not do was visit the Klondike Café.
Reindeer Tour and Paid Activities
As for as paid activities, we took the hayride, walked through the reindeer tour, fed the reindeer, and the boys raced around the track in the pedal cars.
Feeding the reindeer was definitely an experience because we were not sure how to approach reindeer. The great thing is – is that you are given plenty instructions prior to the tour starting to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Final Thoughts
Spending an afternoon at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch was one of the coolest, Midwestern Fall things to do. So, this is definitely a place you want to add to your Fall Bucket List this year!
Will you be visiting any time soon?
For more information on Halloween activities,
visit the National Fall Festival and Halloween Guide.
