7 Pumpkin Patches to Add to Your Fall Bucket List
Did you know pumpkins are one of the most popular crops in the United States? The country produced a whopping 1.2 billion pounds of these beloved gourds in 2023. Even more surprising? About half of them were grown in only six states. Illinois often leads the pack, producing nearly 40% of the U.S. pumpkin production by weight.
With thousands of pumpkin patches around the country, there are plenty of destinations to consider when pumpkin-picking season arrives. But how do you know which are worth the trip? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re carving them or using them as decor, these pumpkin patches can’t be missed.
In This Article
The Great Pumpkin Patch
Arthur, Illinois
With more than 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from dozens of countries around the world, there’s no doubt that The Great Pumpkin Patch lives up to its name. This beautiful agritourism destination, which began as a homestead in 1859, offers visitors and families the opportunity to spend a crisp fall day winding through decorative mazes, strolling through the gardens and purchasing an assortment of brightly colored mums, all while filling your wagon with enough autumnal goodness to last the entire season.
Sinkland Farms
Christiansburg, Virginia
Does the idea of a fall road trip to the beautiful Virginia countryside make you smile? Well then, you might just want to add this exciting pit stop to your travels! Voted by USA Today as having the 4th best Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in the Nation, Sinkland Farms has a sole focus on family and a dedication to fun. Their legendary Pumpkin Festival lasts from September 25th until November 2nd, and no two festival weekends are the same. From bake-offs and live music to petting zoos and hayrides, this charming farm has something for the whole family to enjoy – all autumn long! The price of admission to the farm includes parking, one hayride and even a chance to try the corn maze. Bring a wheelbarrow for your pumpkins and your game face for some post-picking cornhole- a day spent here is one well spent, indeed!
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
Homer Glen, Illinois
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm is a family-owned and operated business that has served the community of Homer Glen for going on 40 years. With sprawling pumpkin patches, rides and mouth-watering carnival food, this is the perfect destination for friends, couples or families. Get spooked in the haunted barn, peruse the petting zoo, stop by the pony rides or cheer on your top pick in the pig races. No matter how you want to celebrate the arrival of autumn, you will never run out of options here.
Leeds Farm
Ostrander, OH
If you want to feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful and exotic pumpkins around, look no further than Leeds Farm. In addition to finding the classic carving pumpkin, you can explore everything from blue and fairytale pumpkins to mini pumpkins, pie pumpkins, white pumpkins and the Galeux d’Eysines, a remarkable French heirloom variety. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities to keep the kids engaged, including hayrides, farm animals, miniature zipline rides and mountain slides.
Louisburg Cider Mill Family Farm
Louisburg, Kansas
An incredible 10-acre maze and pumpkin patch are just the start of the fall fun at Louisburg Cider Mill. Opened in 1977, this farm has everything you could want in a classic autumn pumpkin patch with the added bonus of their renowned Ciderfest Festivities. This free event takes place over the course of two weeks each fall and features activities such as pony rides, an inflatable slide and cider and donut making. There are also craft booths and opportunities to indulge in pancake breakfasts and sample freshly dipped caramel apples.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
Gretna, Nebraska
Even though Vala’s Pumpkin Patch began as a small business with a simple vision for creating family-friendly fun, it has since become a community favorite. Each season, thousands of guests eagerly explore the 400-acre operation, which includes upwards of 55 acres of pumpkins planted every year. Visitors can enjoy delicious caramel apples, fun-filled hayrack rides and the famous Pigtucky Derby pig races. And with pumpkins going for only $0.49 per pound, you can fill your wagon (or car trunk) with as many beautiful gourds as your heart desires.
Wiards Orchard
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Founded in 1837 by George Wiard, this gorgeous operation began as an orchard, cider mill, vinegar mill and vineyard before expanding to include a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Today, visitors can enjoy u-pick apples, u-pick pumpkins and delicious cider fresh from the mill. You can also spend an autumn afternoon roaming the corn maze, taking a hayride, shooting the apple cannon, or playing on giant inflatables. The farm even offers miniature golf, a haunted barn and a petting farm. If you add Wiard’s to your fall bucket list, make sure to go by the Country Store and Bakery to stock up on some Michigan cider, donuts, pies, jams, jellies, honey and apple salsas.