Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors BureauBN Life
Fall Activities in the Bloomington-Normal Area
There’s so much fun to be had in McLean County this Fall! The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and the fall activities are coming to life! There’s nothing better than putting on a sweater, grabbing a warm drink and going outside to enjoy fall activities. Wondering what you can do in the Bloomington-Normal area this upcoming season? Here are a few ideas:
Rader Family Farms
The classic fall destination, Rader Family Farms, is open for the season! This agritainment space offers a lot of fun for the entire family. Shoot apples out of their Apple Blasters, fly high on their giant jumping pillow, and climb the tire tower. Visitors can also pet goats, ride down barrel slides, dive into a corn bin, and play corn ball. Rader also has an amazing 10-acre corn maze for you to get lost in. No trip to the Farm is complete without buying a delicious pumpkin donut or their famous apple cider slushy!
Ropp Round Up
On October 2nd, head to Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm for a fun day on the farm! Activities for the Ropp Round Up include wagon rides, facility tours, face painting with The Zoo Lady, balloon creations by Aaron’s Balloons, food trucks and more! All farm activities on this day will be free!
Wild Harvest Honey Farm
This honey farm is a buzzing good time! Their boutique will be open for visitors to shop fall decor as well as taste their raw honey at the honey bar. It’s a perfect fall adventure for the entire family. Shop and try out their honey Thursdays & Fridays 1pm-5pm and 2 Saturdays a month. Check out Wild Harvest Honey Farm’s website to see what upcoming events they are having this fall.
Get a Taste of Our Fall Flavors
Read our Fall Flavors blog and try out some amazing fall-themed treats that are popular in the Bloomington-Normal area. From coffees and teas to beers and ice cream, BN is serving pumpkin and apple flavor in all different types of food and drink.
Downtown Bloomington Farmers’ Market
September and October are the final months of the outdoor Farmers’ Market. The Market is open from 7:30am-Noon every Saturday in the Museum Square. Pickup fresh vegetables, meats, locally grown flowers, and more before the season is over! Learn more about the Farmers’ Market here.
Third Sunday Market
Third Sunday Market is an event devoted exclusively to the finest in antiques, collectibles, crafts, and garden. A Bloomington tradition since 1988, the indoor/outdoor sale features more than 450 top dealers, representing 17 states. Whether you’re looking for the finest in antique furniture, Americana, folk art, vintage advertising, sport memorabilia, or antique linens & clothing you’re likely to find it here.
Constitution Trail
Looking to be more active this fall? The Constitution Trail makes for beautiful autumn scenery as you walk, jog, or bike! Head out on the 45+ mile hard surfaced trail as a family or on your own and explore Bloomington-Normal. You’ll discover so much of BN by traveling this trail.
ISU Horticulture Center
Explore, educate, and engage at Illinois State University’s Horticulture Center. There’s no better place to enjoy the colors of fall than at the gardens of the horticulture center. Get lost in nature as you wander their sunflower maze or their wide range of gardens. The children’s enchanted garden is perfect for your little ones to explore, play in fairy houses, or find a quiet place to sit!
photo by: @kz_captures
Explore Local Nature Areas
McLean County is home to so many beautiful parks, trails, and nature areas. With the fall season comes breath-taking views at these local parks. Hike the trails, see the changing leaves, and feel the cool crisp air. Comlara Park, Moraine View State Recreation Area, and Lake Bloomington all make magnificent backdrops for fall Insta-worthy pictures.
