A Perfect Day for Pumpkins

October 26 is National Pumpkin Day, and few states have more reason to celebrate than Illinois.

Pumpkins are one of the unmistakable signs of fall, showing up on front porches, in jack-o'-lanterns and in everything from pies to breads and other seasonal treats. Illinois also has a special claim to the crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Illinois produced more than 532 million pounds of pumpkins in 2025, leading the nation by a wide margin.

Around Springfield, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season close to home.

Bomke's Patch, located just west of Springfield, offers more than 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Visitors can choose from pumpkins already harvested or head into the patch to cut their own. The farm also offers fall activities including corn and bean mazes, wagon rides, a petting zoo and children's play areas.

A short drive south to Chatham leads to the Apple Barn. Established in 1992, the orchard offers pumpkins alongside apples, cider and other locally grown produce. Its bakery adds another taste of fall with items including pumpkin pie, cider donuts, pumpkin snickerdoodles, caramel apples and other baked goods.

Northwest of Springfield, Indian Creek Farmstead near Petersburg offers another way to turn pumpkin shopping into a family outing. Its 2026 pumpkin season runs through the end of October, with a children's barnyard, farm animals, play areas and tractor-pulled wagon rides among the attractions.

Illinois' pumpkin connection extends well beyond the pumpkins used for carving and decorating. A large share of the state's crop is grown for processing into products such as canned pumpkin and pie filling, helping make Illinois a major part of fall traditions across the country.

Whether you pick one straight from the vine, carve one for Halloween or enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie, National Pumpkin Day offers a good excuse to celebrate one of Illinois' signature fall crops — and support the farms that grow them.