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    Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

    4.1 (30 reviews)
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    Betty W.

    This was such a cute place! There's a gift shop, a play area for kids, corn maze, hay ride & feeding the reindeer. I would definitely plan on spending 2-3 hours here max, maybe more if you have kids. It was fun to shop & learn about the reindeer.

    Apple pie
    Eric B.

    One of my favorite travel memories from years ago is the "Flying W Ranch" near Colorado Springs. It features a petting zoo, chuckwagon dinner, and Wild West-style entertainment. Golly, I didn't know there was a place sort of like it only a few hours from Chicago. Hardy's Reindeer Ranch is a one-of-a-kind homespun tourist attraction. It's reminiscent of the multitude of unique roadside curiosities that existed before the Interstate highway system and glitzy theme parks became ubiquitous. Personable hosts Julie and Mark Hardy rolled out the red carpet for our bus group. The reindeer were remarkably docile and friendly. We were permitted to hand-feed them (they didn't bite or stomp on anyone). The gift shop and chuckwagon lunch were excellent, and afterwards we were treated to an hour of enjoyable entertainment with plenty of belly laughs. We look forward to returning!

    Some of the pumpkin carvings we did with the pumpkins from Hardy's Ranch
    Heather B.

    My fiancee and I had yet another great time going through the corn maze this year! These guys are always doing something different. This year it's in the shape of a train! They have an awesome selection of things to do for kids as well like their go carts, pellet gun range, and playground. They also have a pumpkin cannon that they shoot off periodically. My fiance and I have been coming here annually for the last 3 years and plan to continue :) Their gift shop has all shorts of neat items as well. And they have pumpkins as well you can purchase. This was our first year buying pumpkins and they were in great condition. I even attended a wedding reception in their recreational building. These guys offer just about anything!

    Emily R.

    This place is sooo cool! I was visiting Illinois for family reasons and we came here for one of the events. I got to feed the reindeer (there is a fee), and there is a pumpkin canon, and hay to crawl around on, and lots of things to look at in the gift shop. There is a dining hall where we had a group dinner, that included all kinds of good wholesome food. If I ever go back to Illinois, this is a place I am going to visit again.

    Lunch

    Went through the nearby parks department for the day. When the bus pulled up the ranch didn't look like much. We were greeted by the owner. Once everyone got off the bus and was able to see the Alaskan reindeer the fun began. The owner took us over to "kiss the reindeer". Place a graham cracker between your teeth and bingo a reindeer would come over, take the graham cracker out of one's mouth. The kiss! The owner told us all about how the ranch got started. How they retrieved the reindeer from Anchorage, Alaska and the care they receive. The reindeer were adorable. There is a cute gift shop, a maze, pumpkin cannon, and an adorable dog. Our group had so much fun. We were served a cowboy lunch of bbq brisket, coleslaw, potatoes, beans and cornbread. Apple pie was served for dessert. Entertainment consisted of 2 gentlemen, one played accordion, guitar, and keyboard. He took us down memory lane with his songs and stories. The other gentleman played the harmonica. The owner had audience participation. It was a hoot! When it was time to leave everyone commented about the fun they had. I certainly would go back. Goes to show you one can't judge a book by its cover. The ranch was a lot of fun!!!

    ShaLyn D.

    Every year this wonderful destination just gets better and better when you don't believe it's possible! I have not been here during the fall for for the corn maze but several friends highly recommended it. During the winter at Christmas, it is like a magical wonderland. I always go when there is snow on the ground because it just feels so festive to me and my granddaughter says its like going to the North Pole. Hardy's has tons of great places to get those special pictures. The reindeer are up close and easy to see. The tours are well worth the small fee. They have a restaurant with a fixed menu and the food is always good. You can buy your Christmas tree there as well. I can not really find the words to describe the gift shop but I will try. It is everything whimsical, traditional, and off the beaten path. You can get hot cider to drink while you browse and try to absorb every little thing. There are all different kinds of Santa's, strings of lighted miniature mason jars for your tree, angel wings to hang on your wall, hot sauces, snowmen, fireplaces, crowns, and theme decorated trees. Waiting for your tour to start but it's cold outside? Come into the center of the gift shop and have a seat around the potbelly stove. They make announcements when the tour is getting ready to start. If you are worried about your kids getting restless? There are swings, a slide, and large rolled hay bales for them to play on. Exploration is unlimited and the owners are always walking around and conversing with each and everyone of their visitors. Handicap parking is available as well as full toilet and facilities. Don't miss experiencing Hardy's Reindeer Ranch with your children or grandchildren!

    Nix G.

    I just stumbled across this place while doing a google search for a kid or family attractions in central IL. I was looking for place to stop with my 2 & 4 year old to break up our 5 hour road trip. This place was perfect. They played in the sand, climbed the straw bales and could have cared less about the reindeer. We did not take the tour and from what I saw, the reviews are pretty accurate. Still we loved the hay ride. But again my kids are young and the resident dog, huckleberry, came along for the ride and that helped. Afterward we got to witness the pumpkin launcher in action. Only one pumpkin though : / we are spoiled and used to at least 3 when one of those launchers are fired up. Overall we had a nice time, it was better than a park.

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    5 years ago

    Super fun family attraction. Kids had fun in the corn maze, the Reindeer are super sweet and they have hay rides!

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    9 years ago

    Great fun! Kids and adults will love it Nice gift shop too..

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    Ask the Community - Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

    Review Highlights - Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

    I have not been here during the fall for for the corn maze but several friends highly recommended it.

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    You go here for the steak, and it is delicious! Oh and get those yeast rolls!…read more I was finally able to come visit this place while I was passing by the area, and I was very satisfied by my experience here. The staff here was very welcoming and I did enjoy the fact you see a lot of the meat on display when you enter! The interior also looked great as I took a picture with the bull in front! I started this meal the best way, with their yeast rolls. OMG they were so warm, fresh, and delicious! They also provide their homemade apple butter, which I HIGHLY suggest using. This apple butter made the rolls even better. For an appetizer we got the Combination Platter, which includes a bunch of their fried appetizers, Onion Rings, Fried Mushrooms, and Zucchini Fries. From this, I enjoyed the onion rings the most. I ended up getting the bone-in Ribeye with sautéed mushrooms. This steak hit the spot, with the right amount of marbling and flavor. The meal overall was very satisfying. For dessert, I got a cheesecake with strawberries on top. This was not too sweet, which is my preference. Overall, it was great to stop by here on my trip and would come by again!

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    $

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    The Reuben at Martinelli's Market sets the bar. House-roasted Angus beef brisket arrives tender,…read morejuicy, and generously stacked, layered with Grand Cru Alpine Swiss, sauerkraut, and a house-made Russian dressing that ties everything together. Served on their rye, the sandwich is rich yet balanced, showcasing the quality and care behind every ingredient. Quite simply, the top sandwich in Champaign.

    Hardy's Reindeer Ranch - ranches - Updated May 2026

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