Illinois Reindeer Ranch Getting National Spotlight on GMA

If you watch Good Morning America as part of your morning ritual, you might want to tune in next Friday, as there will be some Illinois flavor front and center.

Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, about a three-hour drive south of Rockford, was picked as a destination on the America the Beautiful: 50 States in 50 Weeks series of stops, and they will be there on November 21, between 6 and 8 a.m. on ABC.

READ MORE: Experts Say Illinois Has 4 of the Top Xmas Tree Farms in the US

The 30-Year Story Behind the Rantoul Reindeer Farm

The reindeer farm has a really cool backstory, too, as they are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, according to Chambana:

Founded in 1995 by Julie and Mark Hardy, the ranch began with just two reindeer purchased to help draw customers to their Christmas tree farm. Two years later, the couple traveled to Alaska and returned with 13 more reindeer — transported in special crates aboard a 747. As the Hardys like to joke, the trip proved that 'reindeer really do fly.'

Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch Shares the News on Facebook

Hardy's Reindeer Ranch proudly announced Good Morning America would be coming to town on Facebook just yesterday, saying they were "immensely grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of our reindeer."

READ MORE: Experts Say Illinois Has 4 of the Top Xmas Tree Farms in the US

What You Can See and Do at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch

Besides reindeer, their website says the farm also features a fall corn maze, a banquet hall, Christmas trees, and much more.

Their website also says, "the rebuilt and restored 100-year-old barns and 5,000 Christmas trees combine to form a beautiful setting for families, individuals, and groups to get away from the ordinary and hurried pace of city life."

Visit Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch in Rantoul, Illinois

It absolutely sounds amazing. Congrats to the Hardy family, and I look forward to seeing the segments on TV next week. You can see the Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in person at 1356 Country Road 2900 North in Rantoul.