In the heart of central Illinois, between Peoria and Bloomington, sits the small town of Morton—a quiet place with tidy streets, grain silos, and about 17,000 residents. But when fall arrives, Morton transforms into a sea of orange, earning its nickname: “The Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
This title is well-deserved. Morton is home to Libby’s Pumpkin processing plant, which makes about 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin. Each autumn, farmers bring in thousands of special Dickinson pumpkins—smaller, denser, and sweeter than the regular ones used for carving. These pumpkins are what make the smooth purée found in pies and other fall treats around Thanksgiving.
Since 1967, the town has celebrated its pumpkin roots with the Morton Pumpkin Festival, a four-day event that attracts more than 75,000 visitors. The festival includes parades, live music, pie-eating contests, pumpkin chili, doughnuts, and lattes—and even a pumpkin weigh-off to find the biggest pumpkin of the year. What began as a small harvest event has become one of the Midwest’s favorite fall festivals.
Even when the festival isn’t happening, Morton has plenty to explore. The downtown area is filled with family-owned shops and cozy cafés, and Memorial Plaza honors local veterans.
For food, locals love Schooner’s of Morton for hearty American meals or Aunt Ginny’s Café for a warm cup of coffee. If you’re staying overnight, there are familiar hotels like the Holiday Inn Express & Suites or Best Western.
No matter where you go, Morton’s love for pumpkins shines bright. When the air turns crisp and the fields glow orange, this small Midwestern town proves that big traditions can grow from the simplest roots. 🎃
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