Did you know the fields surrounding Morton in Central Illinois supply much of the nation’s canned as well as ornamental pumpkins? The area is so well known it is commonly referred to as the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.” With an amiable climate and high-quality soils needed for pumpkin growth, Illinois produced a record 278,000 tons of pumpkins in 2013, making up 90 percent of the nation’s pumpkin production.

In celebration of pumpkins, the Morton Pumpkin Festival is held every year and draws more than 75,000 attendees to a four-day celebration offering all kinds of pumpkin-inspired treats as well as the infamous Punkin Chuckin’ Contest.

Learn more:
Read more on the impact pumpkin production has on Illinois’ economy
Illinois: The Great Pumpkin State