Years ago, when our family was much smaller, just two little ones, ages two and four, we bundled up for a road trip and made the two-hour drive from Indianapolis to a place that would change how we think about Christmas forever: Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, Illinois. Our kids could barely believe that real reindeer existed outside of storybooks, and when one leaned in to give my daughter a “reindeer kiss,” her giggle was electric.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and we’ve been back — this time with all four of our kids, the oldest now teenagers — and guess what? They’re still lining up for those same silly, slobbery reindeer kisses. Some things just never lose their magic.
Meet the Reindeer (and Yes, They’re Real!)
Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is home to a herd of Alaskan reindeer, originally flown in on a 747 from the North Pole (well, close enough). Visitors can walk right up to the fenced area, feed the reindeer graham crackers, and even take part in the famous “reindeer kiss,” where you hold a cracker in your lips and wait for one brave reindeer to take a nibble. It’s funny, a little weird, and makes for great photos and great memories.
There’s something timeless about this place. When our oldest kids were preschoolers, Hardy’s felt like a living Christmas storybook. Now, visiting again as a family of six, it’s something that I really wanted all of my kids to have an opportunity to do. Watching my teens laugh and dare one another to get the “sloppiest kiss” was proof that being silly and having fun is still something they want to do, even though sometimes they pretend to be too cool.
What Else to Do at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch
It’s not just about the reindeer (though they’re the stars of the show!). The ranch is a working farm with:
A Christmas tree lot where you can choose and cut your own tree or pick from fresh, pre-cut trees.
A gift shop filled with unique ornaments, cozy holiday décor, and sweet treats like homemade fudge and cocoa.
Friendly staff and tours that make learning about reindeer fun for all ages.
In the fall, the ranch also hosts a corn maze and pumpkin patch, making it a great stop for families any time of year.
Know Before You Go
Location: 1356 County Road 2900N, Rantoul, Illinois — about a two-hour drive from Indianapolis.
️ Admission: Free to visit the ranch; the guided reindeer tour and feeding experience are about $10 per person (prices subject to change, check the website before you go).
☕ Extras: Grab hot cocoa or cider at the snack counter and warm up by the fire pit after meeting the herd.
We visited Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch while visiting Champaign/Urbana, Illinois, and then again when we participated in the Magical Santa Experience in Mahamout, Illinois. I also shared our visit to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch on Fox59.
1 thought on “Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch is a Fun Holiday Stop | Illinois”
How fun! I’ll never forget my first encounter with a reindeer here in CA. It was summer and I previously had no idea that the antlers started covered in fur. I was squealing with delight more than my sons!
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