The Best Pumpkin Patches to Visit in 2024 

Pumpkin season is upon us! Did you know pumpkins were among the first crops grown for food in the United States? Pumpkins are part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, melons and squash, to name a few. Like the great tomato debate, pumpkins are fruits, not vegetables. There are more than 150 varieties of them out there, so U-pick pumpkin patches often offer plenty of variety. Today, all 50 states produce pumpkins, which means adventurers can appreciate a trip to the local pumpkin patch all autumn long. Check out the list below for a few of the best pumpkin patches across the country this fall.

Pumpkin Picking Tips

When visiting a pumpkin patch this season, follow these harvest tips:

• U-pick pumpkin patches usually provide the necessary tools to harvest. Typically, pumpkins are cut from the vine using sharp pruners.
• It’s best to leave a 3- to 4-inch stem. Pumpkins with stems typically last longer.
• If pumpkin carving is the goal at hand, opt for a pumpkin with a flatter base.
• A carved pumpkin may only last a few days. Check out our tips for keeping carved pumpkins fresh to restrain rotting.

Best Pumpkin Patches to Visit in 2024

Check out the map and list below to discover some of the best pumpkin patches welcoming visitors this fall.

1. Gail’s Pumpkin Patch

Beason, Illinois

Illinois is the largest producer of pumpkins in the U.S. so it’s no surprise that this state has many of the best pumpkin patches in the country. About 45 minutes south of the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” in Morton, Illinois, discover 60 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch in Beason. The 8-arce patch is open for picking daily (except Tuesdays) from mid-September through the end of October.

Gail Apel-Sasse and her husband, David Sasse, are fourth-generation farmers. Back in 2006, their fields started with corn and soybeans before expanding to pumpkins. During fall, Gail’s Pumpkin Patch offers tons of family-friendly activities like a tunnel maze, corn boxes, gourd bowling, potato sack jumping and more.

See more: Top Illinois Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall

2. Stanton Road Pumpkin Patch

Walkerton, Indiana 

The Hoosier State is the second-leading pumpkin producer in the nation, according to the USDA, and likewise home to some of the best pumpkin patches around. Open since 2011, Stanton Road Pumpkin Patch is home to a 4-acre U-pick pumpkin patch full of nine varieties.

Once you’ve had your fill of picking, take to the 7-acre corn maze (which is pet-friendly). Then, when you’re ready to carve your handpicked pumpkins, download a carving pattern from Stanton Road’s website.

See more: 7 Midwest Pumpkin Patches to Add to Your Fall Bucket List

3. Mast Farms

Morgantown, Pennsylvania

The family behind Mast Farms started growing potatoes in 1927 and added in other crops over the years, including pumpkins in 1981. This farm now has 40 acres of pumpkins growing in differing sizes from 3 to 80 pounds. Those interested in spooky pumpkin decor may pick the Warty Goblin pumpkin. Little ones will love the pre-painted pumpkins embellished with silly faces.

4. Sam Mazza’s

Colchester, Vermont

If you’re mesmerized by those record-breaking pumpkins, Sam Mazza’s is the pumpkin patch for you. This place has a pumpkin weigh-in event to celebrate the area’s prized pumpkins – and it’s big-time fun.

Following a stroll through the U-pick pumpkin patch, stop at the onsite farmers market. Here you’ll find plenty of pumpkins, corn stalks, colored mums and seasonal decor galore. Also stock up on delicious cider donuts, homemade fudge and, of course, tons of farm-fresh produce.

See more: 10 Pumpkin Varieties and How to Use Them

5. Mother Nature’s Farm

Gilbert, Arizona

Operated by the Kelsall family, Mother Nature’s Farm has about 40 acres of pumpkins. There are gorgeous gourds of every size, ranging from 1 ounce to 500 pounds. It’s hard to match the awesomeness of this pumpkin patch because there is so much to enjoy. On-site festivities include hayrides, a straw bale maze, a spider web crawl, pedal cars, a bull roping area, tube slides, a tire mountain and more.

6. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm

Wheatland, California

The Bishop family claims to have the largest U-pick pumpkin field in the world! The farm features 90 acres of pumpkins, gourds and squash. Plus, Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm is big on fun too, including carnival-style rides. And aside from the petting zoo, the “Olympigs” is a can’t-miss farm animal event. Also, do treat yourself to Mrs. B’s world-famous pumpkin apple muffins. They’re the perfect blend of autumn’s two iconic flavors.

7. Cox Farms

Centreville, Virginia

Specializing in apples and pumpkins, this family-owned and -operated farm has been going strong for more than 50 years. Their seasonal events are top-notch, including the Cox Farms Fall Festival. For pumpkin enthusiasts looking for a haunting Halloween experience, take to the Fields of Fear at Cox Farms.

Cox Farms has a unique attraction as well. Foamhenge is a life-size replica of Stonehenge, a world wonder, but made entirely out of Styrofoam.

8. Spring Haven Farm

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Spring Haven Farm wants to be the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) when it comes to pumpkin pastimes. You see, farm visitors can book tickets to carve pumpkins alongside playful goats. As you carve your pumpkin, the furry farm friends will feed on the mushy pumpkin scoops and scraps!

9. Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum

Dallas, Texas

Far from a typical pumpkin patch, the Dallas Arboretum transforms into a picturesque pumpkin village during its annual Autumn at the Arboretum. The seasonal space is filled with 100,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash, as well as 150,000 exquisite fall plants throughout the garden.

During this time, the Dallas Arboretum hosts multiple themed events. For example, to please your palate with a seasonal pumpkin beer, snag tickets to Pumpkins and Pints.

10. Andelin Family Farm

Spanish Springs, Nevada

Andelin Family Farm is, as they say, “where memories are grown.” Whether you’re craving recreation or relaxation, Andelin’s is one of the best pumpkin patches with U-pick options and more. During the day, adrenaline seekers can try pumpkin shooting, the corn cannon, lassoing, hamster wheels and a zip line, among other activities. In the evening, heat up date night by renting a fire pit during the Fall Festival.

Once you’ve picked your pumpkins this fall, check out our favorite pumpkin recipes to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

11. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch

Bismarck, North Dakota

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch has long been a favorite of the local community in Bismarck. They even landed a spot on the Travel Channel’s Top 15 Pumpkin Patches in the United States. In addition to this most recent feather in their cap, the patch has been included in several nationwide rankings from companies like Yahoo!, USA Today, Travel & Leisure and more.

See more: How Papa’s Pumpkin Patch Became a Top Agritourism Destination