Feed Giraffes, Ride Camels at Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm

Thousands of people are flocking to in South Barrington to take advantage of the unique and exciting Fall Festival.

The festival isn’t your typical pumpkin patch. In addition to the traditional pumpkins, gourds and other fall items for sale, festival-goers also can get up close and personal with some pretty exotic animals.

There are few other places in America where you can pet and feed two giraffes at eye level, but that’s exactly what you can do at Giraffe Barn.

“It’s been our biggest hit,” said marketing manager Holly Peterson, “just because honestly you don’t get to have that up-close experience with giraffes anywhere else. It’s just a neat thing to get that close to them.”

The Giraffe Barn was built in 2010. Those with tickets to Animal Land have the chance to walk up a ramp to see the giraffes face to face. The gentle animals love to eat carrot sticks right out of your hand, which can be purchased at the attraction.

Another popular animal attraction is the camel ride. Saddling up on top of these big animals, which range from Africa through Asia, is something riders won’t forget.

“The camel ride is really popular as well just because you don’t have an opportunity to ride a camel anywhere else,” Peterson said.

For the younger crowd and perhaps for those afraid of heights, the pony ride is always a big hit. For a small fee, little ones can hop on top of a miniature pony for a short trot around the ring.

“The pony ride is really popular with the young kids. We have two pony rings on the weekend and there is constantly a line going.”

If animals aren’t your thing, try out the not-so-scary haunted house. 

“It’s for school-age children, so it’s a little bit scary, but there’s no live people and nothing jumping out at you,” Peterson said. “It’s not bloody or gory. It’s the perfect first haunted house for a lot of kids to go into.”

Many enjoy taking a wagon ride around farm to learn about the history and catch some of the scenery of the South Barrington lot.

Another favorite is the apple cider doughnuts, which Peterson describes as a “must have.”

“We are famous for our apple cider doughnuts,” she said. “Apple cider doughnuts are huge here.”

Be careful about waiting to purchase the doughnuts on your way out. They are shipped in daily from other location in Hampshire, and sell out very quickly. Grab yours while they’re still hot!

, 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with attractions closing at 6 p.m.

Weekend hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Fall Festival runs through Oct. 31.