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Local Ranch Offers Reindeer and Holiday Fun
J.B. Bailey, Program Advisor
With the holiday season just around the corner, students may be looking for ways to get into the festive
spirit. For students looking for these opportunities off campus, one such option is Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
in nearby Rantoul, IL. This nearly 100-year-old working farm provides students the chance to relax and step away from the hurried pace of life on campus. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to enjoy a special day out in the country.
The ranch features a herd of authentic Alaskan reindeer students can encounter and interact with. First purchased by owners Julie and Mark Hardy as a way to help sell Christmas trees, the reindeer soon became the ranch’s main attraction. After seeing success with their first two reindeer, the Hardys returned to Alaska and bought 13 more. The ranch is currently home to 16 Alaskan reindeer that students can walk amongst, pet and even feed.
While certainly
the highlight, the
reindeer are not
the only attraction
Hardy’s Reindeer
Ranch has to offer.
In the fall the ranch
offers a 10-acre corn
maze that students
can navigate both in
the day and at night.
In September and
October students can
see Jack Splat, a giant
cannon, shooting 10”
pumpkins nearly half-a-mile. Other participatory attractions include a paint ball gallery, pedal race cars and hay rides.
Students looking for something to eat can visit the Banquet Hall. A chuck wagon meal served on tin plates with a spoon and bandana is available. Items on the menu include Texas smoked brisket, calico beans, sweet- sour slaw, pulled pork parfaits, nachos and cheese and gourmet hot dogs.
All of which can be enjoyed in the western-style setting of the Banquet Hall where students can sometimes watch bands and other performers while they dine.
For off-campus students looking to decorate their apartments, Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch has over five acres of trees that students can choose
as a Christmas tree. Trees include Michigan Frasers, Douglas Firs, scotches and White Pines. Saws, a tree shaker and balers are available
for students to choose and cut their own trees. In addition, a barn gift shop offers gifts, ornaments and souvenirs celebrating various holidays. While shopping, students can warm themselves at the gift shop’s pot belly stove.
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is open to the public from August through December. However, the ranch caters to groups all year long. Students involved in a registered student organization can reserve
the ranch for a variety of activities. Such activities include group picnics, retreats, receptions, reunions and dinners.
Prices for the various activities vary. Full details, including directions and hours of operation, are located on the ranch’s website, reindeerranch. com. Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding areas have a great deal to offer students who are looking
to celebrate the holiday season. Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is one such opportunity. Whether going alone or as a member of a larger group, it is sure to be an experience any student will remember.
Jack Splat Pumpking Launcher
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