CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Nestled southwest of Champaign along South Duncan Road, Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch is a family-run destination that draws visitors each fall for apple picking, pumpkin fun, food, and fun.
What You Can Do There
Curtis Orchard offers a broad mix of free and ticketed attractions designed for families:
- Apple picking (U‑Pick): Starting in early August through October, guests can pay for admission (around $9/person, with group discounts) and pick from varieties such as Gala, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and more. U‑Pick admission closes at 5:30 p.m. each day.
- Pumpkin patch & squash/gourds: Typically, open from mid-September into early November.
- Outdoor attractions and play areas: Some are free, others token or wristband-based. These include a petting zoo, Munchkinland toddler area, giant corn maze, rope maze, putt-putt golf, giant slide, jump pad, obstacle courses, and more.
- Special Oz-themed attractions: The orchard has expanded its “Land of Oz” activity zone, adding a Ruby Slipper Maze, Glinda’s Zinnia Maze & bouquet pick‑your‑own, slides, and a prominent Wizard of Oz barn mural for photo ops.
- Country store, bakery & gifts: The store sells already-picked apples, fresh cider, donuts, pies, preserves, honey, produce, gifts, candles, and more.
- Group visits, birthdays, school tours: The orchard hosts organized group engagements and private parties.
Flying Monkey Café
On site is the Flying Monkey Café, themed around the mischievous monkeys from The Wizard of Oz. Once just a hot dog grill (until 2004), the café now serves full lunches under the direction of Debbie Graham.
Menu highlights include pulled pork, Italian beef, mac & cheese, chili, au gratin potatoes, green beans, soups, and more. They also maintain classic items like hot dog offerings. During peak season (mid‑September through October), the café can serve up to 600 visitors per day.
Café hours (for the fall period) are:
- Monday–Friday: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Outside food and drink are not allowed in the café.
Hours & Season
Curtis Orchard operates seasonally with varying hours:
-
July 20 – September 30:
Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. -
October 1 – October 31:
Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. -
November 1 – December 23:
Monday–Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. -
December 24 – July 19:
Closed except by appointment — call (217) 359‑5565 to schedule.
Also, in the autumn, the orchard store and bakery remain open through December 23.
Visiting Tips & Notes
- Admission & parking are free, though certain attractions and rides require tickets or tokens.
- Token pricing: individual tokens cost about $1.25; value bundles (13 tokens, 18 tokens, 100 tokens) are also available.
- Wristband option: They offer a Play-All-Day wristband (which gives unlimited use of many attractions) and a weekday punch-card bundle.
- Apple & pumpkin sales: If you prefer not to pick your own, many fruits and pumpkins are pre-picked and available in the country store.
- Best times to visit: Weekdays or early mornings tend to be less crowded.
- Accessibility: The store and café are on flat, level ground and accessible; however, ground in orchard and patch areas can be uneven for those with mobility needs.
