Check out 2023’s top pumpkin patches in Iowa.
It’s the coziest time of the year again, so carve out some time to explore the endless Iowa pumpkin patches in search of the perfect pumpkin. Fall in love with these elevated fall experiences surrounded by changing leaves and the crisp, autumn breeze.
Scarecrow Farm
Lawton
It’s pumpkin time, and Scarecrow Farm is sure to put a pep in your step with unique experiences from start to finish. What makes this Iowa pumpkin patch so special is its beloved Fall Festival, which will be running every weekend throughout October. The fun starts with giant slides, apple blasters and hay bale swings. There are plenty of authentic forms of transportation available at the farm, including hayrack rides, tractor trains and even combine slides. You also can’t miss out on the 70-ft. pirate ship, complete with nets and cannons. With over 20 different attractions and a massive pumpkin patch to explore, the fun is never-ending. Needing a break from the action is understandable. It’s a good thing that Scarecrow Farms offers everything from apple cider doughnuts to sweet and salty kettle corn to scrumptious cherry chiller slushies and everything in between. Tickets are available for $14.95. For more information, visit scarecrowfarm.com.
Harvestville Farm
Donnellson
Fall is in full force, and Harvestville Farm has plenty of interesting activities in store to help celebrate autumn’s arrival. Hundreds of gorgeous pumpkins, squash and gourds are waiting for you to bring them new life. The farm also comes alive in the fall, with 35 acres of pumpkins, a 12-acre corn maze, wagon rides and family play areas filled with all the fall-themed entertainment you can dream of. Who knew that pumpkins could be transformed into checkers, tic-tac-toe and even a game of bowling? And at Harvestville Farm, pumpkins can also be made into works of art or creative centerpieces with the help of local designers who are keen on autumn décor. The best way to scope out the perfect pumpkin is on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the scenic farm grounds. If you work up an appetite, visit the Pitchfork Café to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on a lovely terrace. After all, nothing is better than cheese fries and a BBQ pulled pork sandwich on a chilly day. As an added bonus, daily desserts rotate between everything from gooey pumpkin bars to Scotcheroos to crumbly cobblers. This Iowa pumpkin patch is open through Oct. 31 every day for $12 a person. For more information, visit harvestvillefarm.com.
Enchanted Acres
Sheffield
Just like the name suggests, this Iowa pumpkin patch enchants its guests with themed weekends all throughout the fall season. From Fiesta at the Farm to Goats & Goblins weekends, Enchanted Acres transports its guests to a world of whimsy and wonder. Pick your own pumpkins, feed the baby goats and enjoy the beautiful outdoors when you head to Enchanted Acres. The pumpkin patch also offers entertainment opportunities. A kids’ playground, pumpkin cannons and a massive corn pool, perfect for a funny photo opp, are sure to please. After taking a spin on the hayrack ride, be sure to recharge your batteries with fire-roasted marshmallows. You also can’t miss the large, red barn that is brimming with seasonal decorations, as well as sweets and souvenirs. Enchanted Acres will be open through the end of October every day, offering free admission to all visitors. For more information, visit enchantedacresia.com.
Colony Acres
North Liberty
Spend the entire day at Colony Acres, an urban family farm that shows off the stunning Iowa countryside setting on a cool October day. For starters, at the farm’s Fall Harvest, you can expect a variety of freshly harvested pick-your-own pumpkins, a crazy corn maze and many not-so-spooky photo opportunities all across the farm. Guests of all ages will be amused by everything from corn cob cannons to zooming ziplines. Additionally, a nighttime flashlight maze will be available on select evenings this fall. So, for an even more unique evening at an Iowa pumpkin patch, be sure to look into this one-of-a-kind, luminescent adventure. Fall Harvest will be open every day through the end of October. Weekday tickets are $12, and weekend tickets are $14. For more information, visit colonyacres.farm.
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins
Decorah
Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins goes above and beyond to provide what they call agri-tainment. By combining agriculture and entertainment, this farm offers an experience that is far more than just a pumpkin patch. A huge slide, pedal go-karts, an inflatable jumping pillow and adorably competitive rubber duck races are some of the agri-tainment stars of the show. You can also step aboard a tractor ride to pick your own pumpkin to take home and make your own. Be on the lookout for the farm animals and goat walk, where you may make some new fuzzy friends and witness the climbing goats. And follow your nose to the bakery for a sweet treat, like cupcakes with a twist of caramel pecan streusel, or homemade pumpkin or maple fudge. No matter how full you are, there is always room for popcorn, especially with mind-blowing flavors like creamy dill, hot jalapeño and blue raspberry. Pinter’s Gardens & Pumpkins is a must-try Iowa pumpkin patch. It welcomes guests every weekend in October with admission of $15. For more information, visit pintersgardensandpumpkins.com.