Rader Family Farms
Rader Family Farms
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Rader Family Farms is a fourth generation working farm located in Bloomington - Normal, Illinois. We open a portion of the farm to the public in the fall, giving people the opportunity to spend a day outside and get a feel for agricultural life. Tons of outdoor activities like hayrack rides, a jumping pillow, apple cannons, acres of u-pick and fresh picked pumpkins, fresh made food, specialty coffees and drinks, live animals and so much more to help you make memories, just on the edge of Normal.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
46 within 3 miles
Attractions
39 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
57 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
11
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Mia O
12 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We spent about 4 hours here on a Sunday, it was busy but not overly crowded. LOVE their barn shop, so many cute things! Great snacks here too! Lots of activities included in admission, apple cannons is extra but was $20 for 55 apples which took about 10-15 mins and was a fun experience with our 8 year old. A few nice photo opportunities around the place too. Will definitely visit again!
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quinaulter
Lincoln, IL18 contributions
Oct 2017 • Family
This is a good place for kids to run and play. There are plenty of activities that don't cost extra. Food's not cheep. Has a good gift shop. I enjoyed the ball throwing challenges: football, baseball, basketball. The time of year is important to consider. Dress warmly, as there can be a cold north wind without much shelter.
Written June 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy M
Normal, Illinois 25 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
Rader Family Farms has blossomed into a McLean county gem for autumn family time. The outdoor activities are creative, fun, well-maintained, and the entire property is very clean. New attractions are added every year and older ones are often improved. The bakery and drink cafe in the gift shop are a tasty distraction. The quality of products are top-notched and quite delicious so who minds paying a premium price for the pumpkin donuts and pumpkin cake? For the last couple of years, we have attended a closed-gate event by our employer and the meal by Rader's is well-done and quite yummy. The corn maze is Ah-mazing and we look forward to doing the flashlight tour when our child get s a bit older. You can pick-your-own pumpkin from the field or select one from the sea of orange nearby the gift shop. Certainly you can purchase a pumpkin cheaper at a superstore, but the memories made with your child during the search for the perfect jack-a-lantern in the field where it was grown is simply worth the extra couple of bucks. The staff is friendly, kind, and want to help make your experience enjoyable.
Written January 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy K
Illinois3 contributions
Oct 2022
I took my 3rd grade class on a field trip to Rader's Farm this past week and was very disappointed in their customer service. Through the website, I scheduled the trip for 11 students. I ordered 11 students' admission, 11 pumpkins, and a case of water. The total cost came to $153.
When I went there to pick up the wristbands and pay for the field trip, the lady told me that she was too busy and couldn't help me. She told me to come back. I asked her when would be a good time for me to come back. She couldn't tell me. She was very frustrated and overwhelmed, but then finally agreed to help me.
Then, she continued to tell me that I was short money and that they had a minimum amount of $189. She said that Amy -who I believe is the owner - would have to help me. She said that she would just take the money and write up something so that it would reflect the amount of $153. She calculated 11 pumpkins at $3 each and 12 student admission at $10 each which totaled $153. I told her that I had 11 students' admission, 11 pumpkins and 1 case of water (which they charge $10) totaling $153. Therefore, the total was correct, but what she was charging me for was wrong. She said Amy would take care of it. Also, she couldn't give me the wristbands because she didn't have them.
On the day of the field trip, Amy was there and said that I paid for exactly what the receipt had said. So, I told her that I only had 11 kids and was supposed to have a case of water for the kids, but she said no that I didn't pay for it, and that she was already waiving the extra $30. She also said that I could pay an extra $10 for the water if I wanted it. I was frustrated, but I didn't want to argue with her because I had kids and their parents with me, so I told her that I would pay another $10 for the water, but they ignored that and wouldn't take the money. Then they told me to move over and put the wristbands on the kids, then make my way to the back of the field.
So, we never received the water, and I was treated poorly. In my opinion, if there is a minimum payment, then the website should flag it and send a message before the scheduling is complete. I also want to add that I received a confirmation email a couple of days before the field trip and it didn't say anything about owing extra money nor a minimum amount.
This is very disappointing! I can't believe that they wouldn't give us a case of water for the students. I only have 11. They seemed to only care about the money and not the kids!! Needless to say, I will never go back to Rader's Farm for any reason! They have completely lost my business!
When I went there to pick up the wristbands and pay for the field trip, the lady told me that she was too busy and couldn't help me. She told me to come back. I asked her when would be a good time for me to come back. She couldn't tell me. She was very frustrated and overwhelmed, but then finally agreed to help me.
Then, she continued to tell me that I was short money and that they had a minimum amount of $189. She said that Amy -who I believe is the owner - would have to help me. She said that she would just take the money and write up something so that it would reflect the amount of $153. She calculated 11 pumpkins at $3 each and 12 student admission at $10 each which totaled $153. I told her that I had 11 students' admission, 11 pumpkins and 1 case of water (which they charge $10) totaling $153. Therefore, the total was correct, but what she was charging me for was wrong. She said Amy would take care of it. Also, she couldn't give me the wristbands because she didn't have them.
On the day of the field trip, Amy was there and said that I paid for exactly what the receipt had said. So, I told her that I only had 11 kids and was supposed to have a case of water for the kids, but she said no that I didn't pay for it, and that she was already waiving the extra $30. She also said that I could pay an extra $10 for the water if I wanted it. I was frustrated, but I didn't want to argue with her because I had kids and their parents with me, so I told her that I would pay another $10 for the water, but they ignored that and wouldn't take the money. Then they told me to move over and put the wristbands on the kids, then make my way to the back of the field.
So, we never received the water, and I was treated poorly. In my opinion, if there is a minimum payment, then the website should flag it and send a message before the scheduling is complete. I also want to add that I received a confirmation email a couple of days before the field trip and it didn't say anything about owing extra money nor a minimum amount.
This is very disappointing! I can't believe that they wouldn't give us a case of water for the students. I only have 11. They seemed to only care about the money and not the kids!! Needless to say, I will never go back to Rader's Farm for any reason! They have completely lost my business!
Written October 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chimi93
Hudson, IL10 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
Just the fact tht it is so small and they charge is ridiculous. You can drive to Peoria and go to Tanner's Orchard, which is HUGE, and it doesn't cost anything. Everything inside Rader's is overpriced. Will keep my money for something better.
Written September 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marianne C
Mw52 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
The best pumpkin patch with so many activities...it will take the whole day and you will leave tired! We had been here two years ago and enjoyed it so much, we had to come back!
Written October 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg_Dianne_Mc
Normal, IL628 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Rader Family Farms is located just west of Bloomington Normal and is a great place to go in the fall for a couple hours on a weekend. Even if you are just browsing, you'll enjoy the variety of sights, sounds, and scents. Besides pumpkins, you'll find farm products and baked items. Lots to see really. Give them a visit.
Written September 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LissaJ41
Bloomington, IL298 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Our family has gone to Rader's for several years and always have a lot of fun. The corn maze is large and intricate. You can use the map and punch your card at the stations scattered throughout or you can wander. Beyond the corn maze, there are several places to play, and they are always adding new attractions. We particularly enjoy the "jumping pillow" which is a sort of air-filled trampoline. There are also slides, swings, animals to pet, straw bales to climb on, corn in corn cribs to play in, a hayrack ride, and other fun! The store has crafts, pumpkins, gourds, etc. I highly recommend Rader's for family fun.
Written August 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NormalGramof7
Normal, IL16 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
This is a fun place for children in the fall. Great activities, games, rides, animals, etc.
Don't miss it.
Don't miss it.
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meems2205
Hudson, IL44 contributions
Oct 2014
Fun for the whole group especially in the fall! Great gift shop for holiday gifts! Good food and staff is very kind. A great day.
Written June 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jliston77
Bloomington, IL
Are there a gift shop, wreaths, mums. etc. for purchase?
THOMAS P
Bloomington-Normal, IL11 contributions
Yes, there is a gift shop with gifts including wreaths available. Mums and pumpkins are also available for purchase. The gift shop and outdoor products such as produce (pumpkins, gourds, and mums) are accessible to the public without having to pay an activity entry fee.
Please visit their website at Raderfamilyfarms or their Facebook page. Please feel free to call them with any additional questions and to view their hours and specials.
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Claim your listingRader Family Farms - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Rader Family Farms
- Rader Family Farms is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Rader Family Farms:
- (4.48 mi) Vrooman Mansion
- (3.08 mi) Hyatt Place Bloomington / Normal
- (6.21 mi) Residence Inn Bloomington
- (4.63 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Bloomington-Normal
- (5.65 mi) Eastland Suites Hotel & Conference Center
- Restaurants near Rader Family Farms:
- (4.11 mi) Epiphany Farms Restaurant
- (3.87 mi) Lucca Grill
- (4.38 mi) Fort Jesse Cafe
- (3.06 mi) Medici
- (4.58 mi) DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works
Rader Family Farms Information
Excellent Reviews | 39 |
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Very Good Reviews | 11 |
Rader Family Farms Photos | 49 |