Wander through Wisconsin’s 10 biggest pumpkin patches

Spend the day at one of the biggest pumpkin patches in Wisconsin and enjoy acres of fall fun. 

It isn’t a proper autumn until you’ve visited a pumpkin patch—and Wisconsin has many. You can easily spend a half day at a pumpkin farm as these are about so much more than picking out a pumpkin to take home. There are corn mazes to get lost in (only temporarily lost, of course!), apple- and pumpkin-themed drinks and eats to enjoy, wagon rides to take, and family-friendly games and activities.

By visiting a Wisconsin pumpkin patch, you’re also supporting a family-owned agri-tourism business—and many of these have been in business for decades, as true icons of the state’s autumn season.

Note: Because pumpkin patches have become so popular, it’s important to do some research before you plan a trip. Many require admission tickets to be purchased in advance.

1. Waldvogel’s Farm, Juneau

Known as Wisconsin’s largest pumpkin farm, this is a 90-acre farm with an on-farm bakery selling pastries and other sweet treats focused on fall fruits and—of course—pumpkins. There are 80 attractions that are family-friendly—including a barn and silo playhouse, and 150-foot slide—as well as wagon rides.

Price: $16.99

Hours: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday

2. Cuff Farms, Hortonville

Among the events and activities at this farm—which dates back to 1849—are wood-fired pizzas (Fridays only), pulled-pork nachos, apple cider donuts, ice cream, wagon rides (to the pumpkin patch), a children’s play area, and, of course, picking out a pumpkin (or several) to take home.

Price: $12 for a wagon ride; play area is free

Hours: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

3. Creek Bed Country Farmacy, Poynette

This family-owned farm dates back to 1871 and is now in its fifth generation of ownership. It features a six-mile corn maze (plus a two-mile version for younger kids), a playground, a straw-bale theater, and farm animals. Pumpkin patches are also available for picking.

Price: $14-$16

Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

4. Basse’s Taste of Country, Colgate

This farm’s Pumpkin Fest includes a lot more than pumpkins, although you can indeed pick out a pumpkin to take home. On a visit, you can also take in performances such as dog shows, pig races, cowboy and lumberjack shootouts. Pick-your-own apples is another activity offered at the farm, which debuted in 2000.

Price: $13.99 on weekdays, $16.99 on September weekends, and $20.99 on October weekends

Hours: 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays 

5. Swan’s Pumpkin Farm, Franksville

At this Racine County farm, you can expect a corn maze, pumpkins to pluck from the patch, a barrel train ride, a hayride, the Big Green Slide, peddle carts, and more.

Price: $6 corn maze, $12 adventure wristband (includes access to hayride), and free farm admission

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

6. Schuster’s Farm, Deerfield

On the farm’s 14 acres are a 7-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, bakery, haunted forest, wagon ride, bonfires, farm animals, and live entertainment (after it’s dark). Come hungry as the farm serves cider donuts, beer, brats, caramel apples, and pumpkin-spice coffee, too.

Price: $10 weekdays, $14.45 weekends, free farm entrance

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday

7. Enchanted Valley Acres, Cross Plains

Not only is there a corn maze and a pumpkin patch, but this farm also has a giant pumpkin jump pad and pumpkin bowling, plus a huge slide, wagon rides, yard games, a rubber-ducky race, a trike track, “human hamster wheels,” an obstacle course and a fairy house. Carving kits are also sold here to use with the pumpkin you buy and take home.

Price: $14-$15

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, plus Fridays in October and two Thursdays (Oct. 17 and Oct. 24)

8. Mommsen’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard, Rice Lake

As this is both a pumpkin patch and an apple orchard, both pumpkins and apples are available for purchase. If you’re looking for a low-key, quiet farm in which to score these items, this is the perfect place. The 36.4-acre farm has been in the same family for 31 years.

Price: Free

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily 

9. Treinen Farm, Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, Lodi

Guests to this farm are invited to pick out their own pumpkins and feed the farm’s animals. Food for the goats, turkeys, pigs, and a mini horse is sold onsite. The cost of admission includes access to a corn maze, pumpkin patches, playgrounds, and other activities, like a climbing wall and tube slides. USA Today ranked its corn maze among the top 10 in the country!

Price: $13.99 admission, $8 pumpkins, $8 gem mining, and $1 animal food

Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday

10. Country Bumpkin Farm Market, Wisconsin Dells

Since 1997, this market has been a mainstay in the Dells during the autumn season. It’s a year-round farm but very popular this time of year. Activities include a petting farm, a bakery, a play village, a hay wagon ride, and a corn maze. There’s even a zipline and family-friendly games like bean bag toss, ring toss, tether ball, and tug-of-war. Or, you can just chill in a tire swing.

Price: $16

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.