CHAMPAIGN SELF-GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Plan your own autumn field day: pumpkins, a maze, and snacks on your schedule
Self-guided group visits at Curtis Orchard let you preregister for discounted sugar pie pumpkins and reserve donuts and fresh-pressed cider to round out a hands-on fall outing.
Plan your own autumn field day: pumpkins, a maze, and snacks on your schedule.
Adventure brief
Plan your own autumn field day: pumpkins, a maze, and snacks on your schedule
Curtis Orchard’s Self-Guided Group Visits distill the season into a single, easy day: students get up close with pumpkins on the vine, pick apples straight from the trees, feed goats, and wind through a zinnia maze that doubles as a monarch fact trail. The site pairs tactile learning with play — corn mazes, a giant jumping pillow and a low ropes course await — while onsite food options like apple donuts and fresh-pressed cider make for a snug finish to an active morning or afternoon.
Celebrate autumn in Champaign, Illinois, with a delightful self-guided group visit to Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch. Perfect for groups looking to enjoy the season at their own pace, this experience offers discounted sugar pie pumpkins when you preregister online, making it easy to plan a fun and affordable outing. Wander through the orchard paths, pick pumpkins, and soak in the crisp fall air surrounded by vibrant colors. To add to the festive feel, you can reserve fresh, delicious donuts and refreshing cider in advance, ensuring your group’s day is both tasty and memorable. The orchard’s friendly atmosphere and variety of activities make it an excellent choice for families, friends, and community groups looking for a relaxed yet spirited autumn adventure. Whether you're capturing perfect photos, exploring the scenic grounds, or simply savoring seasonal treats, this self-guided visit invites you to enjoy the charm and flavors of fall on your own terms.
Route Schematic
Route schematic & key stops
Follow the orchard’s flow from arrival and check-in to picking, play areas and pickup.
North Gate arrival & bus parking
Enter through the North Gate (look for the truck and bus entrance). Buses may park long ways in the grassy lot; for a flat, firm drop-off pull up to the asphalt parking lot near the store.
Check-in at the main store
Check in with cashiers inside the main store; a manager will meet the group, accept payment, and hand out directions and any purchased items or tickets.
Pumpkin patch and apple picking
Pumpkins can be chosen from the patch (about a 1/4 mile walk) or from bins behind the store; pumpkins are limited to volleyball size. If apple picking, each student may pick two apples — turn in tickets on return for bagging.
Land of Oz, wagon rides and picnic pavilions
Visit the Land of Oz area and animal pens; tractor-drawn wagon rides run on Thursday and Friday at 10 am and 11 am (and more as needed). Sack lunches can be kept in party pavilions on a first-come, first-served basis; if you purchase cider or donuts the orchard can hold them until you’re ready.
Expect a short walk (the pumpkin patch is about 1/4 mile); buses may need grassy long‑way parking unless you use the asphalt lot for drop-off — plan accordingly for mobility needs and vehicle access (itinerary).
What the day feels like
What a self-guided group visit feels like
A visit unfolds at your pace: buses enter through the North Gate, groups check in at the main store where a manager meets you and issues directions and tickets, then disperse to stations — a supervised maze and ropes course, the animal areas, apple- and pumpkin-picking spots, and picnic pavilions where sack lunches can be stored until mealtime.
THE PLAY ZONE
New low-ropes course and classic farm games
The orchard’s Land of Oz area has expanded with a Flying Monkey Training Course (a low ropes element), new wall games and duck races, offering supervised activity stations that keep groups moving and engaged.
THE LIVING CLASSROOM
Animals, a monarch trail, and hands-on picking
Beyond goats and chickens, the farm hosts rabbits, kittens and pigs, while a zinnia maze carries a monarch fact trail; students can pick apples (two per student) and see pumpkins growing on the vines for direct, curriculum-friendly encounters with farm life.
THE RIDE & TASTE
Tractor wagon tours and seasonal treats
Tractor-drawn wagon tours return on Thursdays and Fridays, and groups can reserve cider and homemade apple donuts in advance; the orchard can hold purchased snacks until your group is ready to enjoy them.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should plan alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack sack lunches if needed (they can be stored in party pavilions on a first-come, first-served basis). If visitors need a firm drop-off point, use the asphalt parking lot to unload close to the store.
Preregister online to access discounted sugar pie pumpkins and reserve donuts and fresh-pressed cider; purchased snacks can be held until your group is ready to eat.
Pumpkins may be selected from the patch (about a 1/4 mile walk) or from bins behind the store; maximum pumpkin size is volleyball sized. For apple picking, each student may pick two apples and must turn in tickets at return.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do groups get the discounted sugar pie pumpkins?
Groups receive the discounted sugar pie pumpkins by preregistering online.
Can we reserve donuts and cider for our visit?
Yes — you can reserve donuts and fresh-pressed cider in advance; the orchard can hold those purchased items until your group is ready to enjoy them.
What are the rules for pumpkin size and picking location?
Pumpkins can be chosen from the patch (about a 1/4 mile walk) or from bins behind the store; maximum pumpkin size is volleyball sized and pumpkin tickets must be turned in to the cashier when exiting.
How many apples may each student pick?
Each student may pick two apples; groups should turn in apple tickets upon returning and the orchard will have bags ready.
When do the tractor-drawn wagon rides run?
Wagon rides run on Thursday and Friday at 10 am and 11 am and additional rides are scheduled as needed; line up about 10 minutes before your desired time.
Where do buses check in and park?
Enter through the North Gate (truck and bus entrance). Buses may park long ways in the grassy lot; if you need a flat, firm surface you can pull up to the asphalt parking lot and drop people off close to the store.
Who do I contact with questions before our visit?
For questions, email the orchard at [email protected].
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:50.956Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.