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As the leaves begin to change here in Minnesota, the air is crisp, school is in session, and the cider is hot.
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy, pumpkin patches are the crowd-pleaser of the season. Add in corn mazes, hayrides and haunted trails, and you may find yourself a few ghosts along the way – just in time for Halloween!
Add one (or more) of these six Minneapolis-area pumpkin patches to your weekend itinerary this season.
1. Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn
Married couple Peter and Carmen expanded Peter’s Pumpkins & Carmen’s Corn in 2001 from sweet corn, pumpkins, and watermelon, to more than a dozen different types of produce. Today, they own an authentic pumpkin patch open to the public in October. They offer free hayrides each weekend, a corn maze and canned goods for purchase. Be sure to bring cash – credit cards are not accepted at this pumpkin patch!
Admission: Free
Open all of October, Monday – Thursday from 11am to 6:30pm; Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
2. Barten Pumpkins
This family-owned patch is filled with more than just pumpkins. Barten Pumpkins has over 45 varieties of squash corn, and gourds with thousands of pumpkins to choose from, most ranging from $4 to $6. They offer custom fall displays, pumpkin bowling and other kid-friendly games for the entire family. Check out their Family Fun Saturdays event on October 5th and 12th offering free hayrides, face painting, pony rides and more.
Admission: Free
Open Wednesday – Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until October 31st.
3. Whistling Well Farm
The much anticipated Fall Apple + Pumpkin Festival has finally arrived at Whistling Well Farm! Pies, caramel apples, and concessions are available to munch on while picking apples and pumpkins on this family farm. Hang with the farm goats and chickens or head to the Market Store for a selection of pre-picked pumpkins, apples, Indian corn, and mums while you enjoy live musical performances.
Admission: Free
Open on weekends from 9am to 6pm through October 20th.
4. Pinehaven Farm
Voted Best Pumpkin Patch in Minnesota by Reader’s Digest and Farm Fest, Pinehaven Farm has an endless supply of entertainment (and pumpkins!) for the entire family. Originally started as a Christmas Tree farm, the family-owned Pinehaven Farm grew to providing what they call “agritainment” in 1996. From the Straw Bale Mountain to the Tug-of-War event and a visit from Captain Jack Sparrow on Saturdays in October, you’re sure to find an activity that “wows” everyone in your group.
Admission: Varies by date. Admission and hours are listed on the Pinehaven website
Open through October 31st.
5. Fall Harvest Orchard
Known for their large variety of delicious apples, Fall Harvest Orchard also hosts an equally large selection of pumpkins, gourds and squash in the fall months! Activities include wagon rides, a corn maze and a large bounce pillow for all ages. Be sure to check out the animals to feed and pet, and head to the retail store for bagged apples and fall decor. Best of all, your four-legged friends are welcome at this pet-friendly orchard.
Admission: Free
Open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October 27th.
6. Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch
With pumpkins stretching for 40 acres, you’ll be sure to find your favorite pumpkin at Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch! Painted pumpkins, giant pumpkins, gourds, various squash and honey are just a few of the products this “family favorite” patch offers. Reserve a hayride during the week or head there on a weekend for non-stop hayrides, corn pit fun, and pumpkin-picking.
Admission: Free
Open 7 days a week through October 31st from 9 a.m. until dusk.
Be sure to stop by The Cookie Cups in Wayzata or Chanhassen for treats and coffee after an afternoon at the pumpkin patch. Let us know if your favorite made our list!