It is nice that there are places like this in Illinois. It may be a bit of a hike to get here, but I see some trips in the future once the little one is old enough. This is a great place to take kids and the family for a nice day trip. The orchard is very close off the main highway so there isn't a lot of searching and they have their own gravel lot for parking. There is no admission fee to enter or do any of the activities. We did, however, happily pay 25 cents to feed the goats, and they appreciated it very much. Aside from a few animals there are play areas for kids, mazes and they have pick your own apples. It was 9$ for a half peck bag, which was 16 small apples for us. The items in the shop are fairly expensive compared to other similar places. Jams and jellies were between 4 and 6 a jar and their pies were 12.99. They did have an absolutely delicious apple cider slushie for 3.49 and it was totally worth it. They do have a small restaurant that serves food for lunch and of course cider doughnuts all the time. The doughnuts were 89 cents each and I think they were about 7 a dozen, but they were fluffy and delicious. read more

It was entertaining for an afternoon, but all the apples were gone by the time I got the chance to visit. Sad. However, the weather was still awesome enough to take a stab at their corn maze, and play with the goats. I found all those 4 marker things and gave my filled out sheet to a little girl who was looking longingly at the blow-up slide. =) I guess I was expecting a lot more because my friends all rave about this place. True, their store and variety of jams and goodies was pretty neat, but $9 for a little baggie for apples? No thanks. Actually, everything there I would say was overpriced. It was worth going the once to say I did it, but as for going back again? Ehhh... maybe next year.... read more

I live about 45 miles away from Curtis Orchard but really didn't discover it until my daughter had my first grandchild. She lived about 45 miles the other way and we met in the middle at the Orchard for my grandson's first visit. Since then going to Curtis Orchard is a MUST HAVE in the fall - we have been going for nine years now!! They have evolved over the years from a plain orchard and pumpkin patch to a fun and accessible destination. They offer pumpkins already picked to choose from in the front OR you can walk back to the patch, pulling the provided wagons, and pick out one for yourself. The walk is fun, and the kids love roaming around the patch (yes, she added a granddaughter a few years later). Once the perfect pumpkin is located, the kids love to "wash" it off in the provided troughs of water. Then the fun begins for Grandma - they have a lovely store with lots of cooking accessories, kids items, decorative items and the best thing of all - home made apple/cinnamon donuts! They have a cafe that has expanded in the last few years with a great food menu. I love the BBQ. They have home made pies, cobblers, caramel apples. You can eat these things there or you can take them home. I think I made three trips over this year and got the donuts and pies (those come either baked or frozen to be baked at a later time) for everyone in the family. For the kids, on the weekends, they offer a large play area, petting zoo, pony rides, balloon slides and bouncy houses...I'm sure I missed something because the kids love to play and are all over the place. They also offer a hayride that is totally safe. They go through the orchards, out to the pumpkin patch and back and that is also a must have. This year I found out something I didn't know - that they offer guided trips for schools. I went over with the grandkids classes to visit and got a behind the scenes look at how the apples are harvested, washed and pressed for cider, as well as a great presentation on how bees are a vital part of the apple's life. I can't say enough good about the Orchard. I haven't ever tried to pick the apples as I always pick up a bag of honeycrisp that they have picked and are for sale in the gift shop, but I know that is available. We look forward to our trip there every year and will definitely be going back. Best pumpkin patch in Central Illinois! read more

Yes it's pricey, so coming here to pick pumpkins or apples probably will not be your new weekly ritual. But if you have kids or just want to go in a casual outdoors date with activities, Curtis Orchard is a great option. Make sure to try the apple cider and apple doughnuts (only fresh and hot, they lose all their flavor after cooling down). Both are addictive. read more

Oh Curtis Orchard, you are now a "sell out" As nearly all of the farmland around them is now developed, maybe this has been a necessity. Who knows, but it makes me really sad. Went this weekend...1/2 peck u-Pick is now $9? That's Chicago style pricing. I know they have to make a living, and I am glad that people support local food, but I am now on the search for another mom and pop apple orchard that makes their own stuff (not packaged for...) This weekend they had price stickers on zucchini and other food. $1.60 for a zucchini. I guess Curtis is now the sheek place to go. It makes me sad...I bought my 2 bushels and came home. I won't be going back. read more

I had a really nice time when I recently visited this place. I purchased some of the delicious apple cider to enjoy at home. The air smelled truly delicious outside. read more

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch - American Near Me - Champaign, Illinois

This place is ridiculous. Maybe it's worth the premium if you have kids, but I can't get on board. A pumpkin that costs $4 at Meijer is $16. A $5 gallon of cider is $9. I used to work at farmer's markets in heavily gentrified areas of Baltimore and Washington DC and people would have laughed in my face if I tried to charge this much. The apple doughnuts were the only thing I found worthwhile. read more

Were back this past weekend-- first time in YEARS-- and the place is still just as lovely (but OMG, so much HUGER!!) as always. Watched my little niece as she fed the goats, played with other kids, and pretty much enjoyed every single piece of playground equipment, then a whole pile of pumpkins, before we spoiled the heck out of her with stuffed animals! I'm revising my earlier comment about the store being heavily overpriced. We got two of the CUTEST stuffed animals (one of them a Gund Teddybear) for such great prices. A fox, named Sophia, had a hole big enough to put your finger in, but she was just too precious not to buy. They offered to replace it for us once they got their new shipment in! That's right! They let her keep it (I bought it, of course), and are going to replace it for her in under a week. I thought that was tremendously generous! On top of it, the woman who made such decisions was gone at the time (when I went through the line), but the staff at the cash register got with her upon her return, found us on the farm, and took our details so they could let us know when new Sophia's were in! Spectacular service! After a hot few hours, we all sat around a huge table, refreshments in hand (again, very affordable), in a half-darkened (by our choice, they offered to turn on the lights) part of the restaurant, and laughed and gabbed the afternoon away. All in all, what a lovely trip it was with family and friends in such a special place! read more

Took the grandkids last week and had a great time. Everyone had masks on for those that are worried about being outside or in. They are required inside and definitely suggested anywhere outside except where you can sit and eat. It was the first time It wasn't too crowded to eat at the restaurant since we went through the week. The kids absolutely loved the train in the dining room! Not all the attractions are open but there was still plenty for four kids 5 and under to do. They had a great time and it was very relaxing for the adults. I'm already out of apple butter so will need to go back very soon! read more

We used to love it here and I still think there are great aspects... but they took away a lot of the fun things for the kids to play and jump in( the hay barn) so we just do not go back as it is depressing when things go downhill for the sake of what? Maybe it is expensive to run this place and they needed to raise all their prices? But anyway... read more

The corn maze is not a corn maze it is a corn path. Do not pay for it at $5 a person it is a joke. They do have a nice assortment of pumpkins in different colors. read more

Busy on weekends with ppl of all ages and ethnic groups. Kid friendly. Pricey rides, kettle corn, food, and store products. The hot and canned foods are delish - and the apples, peaches are awesome everytime. The kids enjoy the rides and bouncy patch. 2-yr olds are free to enjoy all! The tractor ride tour of the grounds is rather lame but is an opportunity to sit and take a short ride to the pumpkin patch. Music may be provided during the weekend afternoons, which is nice. 3.5 stars. read more

MAJOR disappointment. It seems that each time I've visited this place it gets worse. I honestly can't understand why people go there and especially bring their kids. The playground "apparatus" is filthy and in disrepair. I didn't want my grandkids touching much of anything. One play area is free and another is for "Paying Customers," people foolish enjoy to buy tokens to gain entry. Duh? The so-called miniature golf is a joke and costs you money. At least today the poor ponies/horses that walk in circles were spared that indignity. The Flying Monkey Cafe is a rip-off, selling substandard food at quality prices. The famous cider has declined over time while its cost has risen. The donuts are still okay but not for the price. Apple fritters are great but also pricy. They have expanded the shop and everything in it -- toys, foodstuff, etc. -- is over-priced. $10 for a bag of chocolate covered pretzels? So many things looked or sounded good until one looked at the price. Give me a break. I'm far from being a tightwad but I draw the line at being ripped off. $3.49 for a caramel apple that most of the caramel stuck to the wrapping and the apple was a soggy mess. The ones at Schnuck's are vastly superior and this is an apple orchard. Feed the goats? For 25 cents you get a few pellets of feed if you're lucky, or none if you're not. Two wash stations exhort you to wash up after feeding the animals but provided no water. At every turn, this place offered one disappointment after another. The more this place has expanded over time, the worse it has become. It seems that they have spread themselves too thin to adequately maintain the facilities and have be coasting along on their past reputation to bring in customers, although that reputation has long since been tarnished. How very sad. Sadder still is the fact that people patronize it blindly, giving them no incentive to make improvements or offer reasonable prices. Goodbye, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, not everyone is gullible. By the way, I just saw a coupon for Curtis offering $5 off for a $20 day pass. Day pass?? To what?? Dirty and dilapidated playground equipment? A joke of a miniature golf course? Folks, they should be paying us money to even go there. Seriously, if you don't believe me, go ahead and waste an afternoon there and tell me I don't speak the truth. read more

Curtis orchard is a special place in the community. It's the staple of fall and the season of pumpkins and colorful leaves. Everyone who works at the orchard are extremely nice, and the activities for kids is quite impressive! read more

This place is way overpriced with not much to do. It one token to go down a large inflatable slide. Each token is one dollar. Some of the activities are as much as 3 or 4 dollars. The sign said that every person that does the you pick apples needs to pay $5 to go into the orchard. We only want one half peck of apples. We don't eat more then that before they are bad but didn't want to pay $20 to pick 1/2 a peck. In fact it cost $.25 to watch a toy train make a loop around the room. I will not be back. I can drive to Bloomington Normal and take the kids to Rader Family Farm for less money and a ton more activities. Or drive another hour to tanners orchard to another place with way more activity and better food products and apples. read more

This place was an amazing slice of hometown autumn joy when I was a child. I visited Curtis Orchard for the first time in over a decade a few weekends ago..... and I am sad to say that this place has taken a turn for the worse. What happened?!?!????? It has turned into an over-commercialized sorry excuse for a pumpkin patch. The children attractions are gimmicky and over priced. The donuts are dry and lack a decent coating of cinnamon sugar that they once had. They even put a quarter machine on the little train that travels around the ceiling of the store dining area.... that thing used to travel around the entire store for free, NO MONEY REQUIRED!!!! Shame on the owners and what they have let it become. read more

Odd experience...this is a locally owned orchard/business that has great apple cider, pumpkins and pies. The ambience is great if you like autumn in the midwest and I do. Now here is where it gets weird...just about everything but the apple products were manufactured somewhere else. I just wanted stuff made right there or at least locally or at least in the USA. Tons of stuff made in China. Worth the visit but if you go you might want to ask them about the China thing. read more

Admittedly, this displaced Socal girl wouldn't have thought going to an apple orchard would be "fun," but Curtis Orchard is definitely a cute place =) (that, or the Midwest is slowwlllyyy growing on me ;)) Think wholesome, family/date-friendly (a la Disney) little apple orchard complete with Wizard-of-Oz theme, petting zoo, hay mazes, face painting, and at this time of year, a pumpkin patch! Oh, and of course the requisite shop and cafe with their (expensive) produce...perhaps I should mention that this place IS a wee bit commercialized (also like Disney, ha!). Didn't get to pick any of their famous (-ly expensive?) apples this past blustery Sunday, but did procure a few very impressive pumpkins and a gallon of their fresh apple cider. I do want to go back and try out their apples at some point (and eat more of their godly apple donuts), but until then, can't wait for a night of pumpkin carving and (spiked ;)) spiced apple cider! read more

I love everything about this place. I go at least once a week to get donuts and an Italian Beef sandwich at the Flying Monkey Cafe.

I wasn't wearing cutoff shorts and a wifebeater and therefore was completely overdressed. The apples cost too much (the pick your own is highway robbery!). The cider is overpriced and mediocre and the doughnuts are fine. If you're going to make a day of it, drive up west 1 hour and north another 2 hours to find several classier orchards. read more

I enjoy going here once and awhile but honestly, I think this place is more for young kids. The ambiance is pretty hokey. And it can get really crowded with terrible lines. The price of the apples is ridiculous, especially for picking apples. For about a large ziplock bag full, it costs $10! And the apples are covered with pesticides. That being said, it's kind of a "fun" place. I can't comment on the food here because I don't eat it (I have Celiac Disease and cannot have anything with gluten) although before I was diagnosed, I remember the doughnuts were quite tasty. I think I'll be going out to Wolfe Apple Orchard in Montecello in the future, even though it's a bit further of a drive. read more

Cool place. Fun activity for the family. Face painting was enjoyable my 4 year old. The bouncy house lines were disappointing, not really set up for multiple kids at the same time, poor flow. There is lots to do for kids, but my son seemed to get bored with the activities much quicker than other places. Reasonable prices. read more

My family was in town for a football game, and we went here to pick apples. We had a great time. The apples were plentiful and there were several varieties we could choose to pick. The only weird thing is that they tell you not to eat any apples without washing them. What kind of orchard frowns upon sampling the apples as you pick? The store is very cute and the little cafe served cinnamon donuts that were delicious. The live music outside gave the whole place a festive atmosphere, and it looked like there was lots of activities for little kids. I hope to go back every Fall. read more

I LOVE Curtis Orchards...and after spending $39.95 at Apple Holler, $9 a 1/2 peck sounds JUST fine. The apples are good quality and the place isn't totally picked over. I had a great time here and love Champaign...would definitely go back! read more

Looking for ssomething to do in Urbana-Champaign in the fall? Pick some apples...pick a pumpkin...HUGE orchard and patch. A few activities for kids such as playground, there is also a corn maze. Drink delicious apple cider and eat phenomenal apple donuts. read more

Its a great place to take your kids. They learn about how fruits grow. My daughters enjoyed picking apples and it is not pricey as well. It can be crowded sometimes but it is fine if you plan to go to the orchard. There are some other kids activities (like pony riding) that get affected by the crowds. read more

This place is always good, and super crowded, esp. on weekends when the Fall hits. Apples, cider, and doughnuts are all excellent, though somewhat expensive. During the fall there is a cafe that serves hot dogs and the like, and often outdoor bbq stands with pork chop sandwiches, which I enjoy getting. The place does a booming business. I hope the feeling of the area won't change too much now that an interstate interchange and its attendent retail/commercial development will be a stone's throw away! read more

Love going here to pick apples and get cider! The apple donuts are really really good! Those go so fast in my home!

This place is so cute, I regret having one here just once while going to school here. Actually, I went here AFTER graduation during Homecoming. Free admission! It's definitely a very family friendly place, but it makes a cute cheap date too. Must get a cider donut, I guarantee you buy 1/2 -1 dozen for the trip home. Their shop inside is humongous too, you can spend ages inside and buy some really nice gifts inside. read more

HONEYCRISP WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!! Seriously these are really good! And the apple donuts? Good enough to start a fight over. These is a great orchard close to the UIUC campus. Lots of fun activities for kids too (hay rides, mazes, etc) but the apples are where its at. Everytime I'm down there its a must visit. read more

Cool place. Fun to go to. Great for kids and family. Amazing donuts and caramel apples! If you have nothing to do one day, stop by. It never gets boring here. read more

I had a great time here. I came with my girlfriend, brother, and mom. We did the 'U pick' and picked from the 3 types of apples they had available. The store inside is really cool too. Lots of preserves, mixes, etc to choose from that they make. The staff was really friendly too and prices are affordable. The petting area and moon bounce are good for kids. read more

Quality stuff. Awesome pies! A little pricey. Worth every penny! Playground looks like a blast for anyone under nine. Very busy during the fall season so plan trips carefully and expect a full parking lot during peak hours. WARNING: Cruelly placed fudge case by register. read more

We've been going here every year for the past 10 years with our children. It's become a tradition that my 10 year old looks forward to every year. The highlight is the Upick. I enjoyed walking the orchard carefree, having fun choosing the best apples for our bag. I've always had a great experience. But, this year they have a guard on a golf cart riding up and down the orchard paths watching for people eating apples. I can understand not wanting the customers to eat apples while picking, but to stop and accuse my 1 year old son of 'stealing' because he picked an apple of the ground and took a bite. This doesn't reflect the family atmosphere I've come to expect from the orchard. Even my ten year old was upset by this and wanted to leave. I made a complaint to management. He was friendly and gracious about it, and gave my one year old a free slushie. It was appreciated, but I dont think we will be doing any U-picking under these circumstances. Other than that, everything else I like. There's a nice play area for toddlers and the wagon ride is always fun. I always buy tons of Honeycrisp apples and salsa. read more

Okay, central IL needs an apple orchard and this is one. So that is why I'm giving 2 stars. Unfortunately, I can't stand it when places "sell out" and I'm sad to say this has occurred here. The first time I visited Curtis was a weekday morning with my 5 month old and it was lovely. There were kittens wandering around and baby swings. Mind you, during this first visit I actually didn't venture any farther than the "Three Billy Goats Gruff Bridge". I continued to visit once or twice a season since then and now its been 3 years. Gradually it has sickened me more and more each and every visit. And 2 weeks ago, I just couldn't believe what I saw: A noisy, junky trailer set up by the goat bridge that offers the opportunity to "sluice mine" sorting a bucket of rocks for $5. Two gigantic inflatable things hiding the apples trees that kids can waste $1 per jump. U-Pick now costs by the bag, not the pound - and its $9 per bag! We are not talking big bags here, its the size of gallon ziploc. Let alone the apple juice they pass off as apple cider. The whole experience is just a money-making gimmick. Its sad. read more

Okay, I've always loved this place. I was born and raised in Danville, Illinois. I'm proudly living here in Champaign. And I remember the big beautiful Indian. Kind of nostalgic for me. Now as for Curtis Orchard take my niece's there. Yes, it's overcrowded. On the weekends but it's a really nice place to go. It gives kids. That wonderful big amazing smile. That everyone loves to see on their face. Of pure joy and happiness . Some people in the reviews say it's really expensive. Well Nothing in this world is free. And one has to understand that for a business this small to actually stay alive. They actually have to charge normal prices. So no, they're not price gouging. They're actually trying to survive. They have amazing activities for the kids. Amazing kettle corn great apples and pumpkins Even somebody there will give you a hint on how to make a pumpkin pie and an apple pie. And as for the cats roaming around well I'm a cat person. So Oh, well, there's cats. Kind of hard not to want to take them home. Parking free admissions free there's a cute little paved brick road That's yellow. So the kids will want to sing it to Yellow Brick Road. You can have a good day with your family and friends. Even the adults can have fun because there's food. Cider, sometimes they have little bluegrass music. They have hot food. It's not that bad. Picking your own apples Only complaint is during the weekends, especially at certain times of the year. It's so busy. You can't be an Arm's Reach away from people. But what's a good like everything else in life plan ahead? read more

We used to come to Curtis Orchard all the time, and it was a great place to be outside, have a nice meal, and do fun activities together while being active. The $5/bag charge isn't the worst bit, it's that you can't enter the orchard without one. My partners family was in from out of town and obviously couldn't take two bags of apples home to Michigan with them (plus...Michigan apples. Why would they?!). We just wanted to pick apples together, and would have bought two bags. However, their new policy is that you must buy a bag per person in order to enter the orchard. I felt bad for the employees who had to deliver the message. Overpriced, crap policy for a place that used to be a cornerstone of community life. Protect the trees and the products, of course! But don't turn away business because of inflexible policies!!!! Why not one bag per couple? Did four adults (two of which were over 50) really pose a logical threat to your apple trees? Were we really going to climb over things and make a mess? Overall, disappointed and won't be going back. Going to Bloomington normal from now on for u pick needs and a fun day out. The donuts are still amazing, though. read more

i absolutely love Curtis Orchard! my grandparents use to take my twin & i all the time when we were younger. they cute animals like kittens, ponies, goats etc! i use to love to do the corn maze, inflatables. now that i am older i take my niece there every summer she loves pumpkin picking in October, she loves getting an apple donuts with apple cider. i would recommend this place for family activities/summer fun. read more

My family and I got to pick our own Ginger Gold and William's Pride apples today. The price was $10 for a U-pick bag or $9 each for two or more bags. We were also able to sample the apples so we could pick which apple we would like to pick more off. I thought that was very nice of them to offer samples. There is also a small petting zoo with a miniature horse and some goats and chickens. I would absolutely love to come back and pick apples here next year. It was not crowded at all. The apples are delicious! read more

I love pumpkin and most of all i love pumpkin pie here is how i make it Pastry 1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 to 4 tablespoons fat-free (skim) milk Filling 3 egg whites or 1/2 cup fat-free egg product 1/2 cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) 1 can (12 oz) evaporated fat-free milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1. Heat oven to 425°F. In medium bowl, mix flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and the oil with fork until well mixed. Stir in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with fork until all flour is moistened and pastry almost leaves side of bowl. Shape pastry into a ball, using your hands. Press pastry in bottom and up side of 9-inch glass pie plate; flute as desired or press pastry to top edge of pie plate with fingers or fork. 2. In medium bowl, beat egg whites slightly with wire whisk or egg beater. Beat in remaining filling ingredients. Pour filling into pastry-lined pie plate; carefully place on oven rack. Bake 15 minutes. 3. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Cover edge of pie crust with 2- to 3-inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake about 45 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on cooling rack at least 1 hour before serving. After cooling, pie can remain at room temperature up to an additional 5 hours, then should be covered and refrigerated. High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Use 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate. Increase fat-free (skim) milk for pastry to 1/4 cup. Enjoy read more