What would October even be without a trip to the Pumpkin Patch? Again, as I am smack-dab in the midst of farm country, I have options galore.

I tend to favor family-owned farms because I want them to continue to exist!

Within fifteen miles of my house there are two in particular that I like to go to. My favorite is relatively small, but they offer a lot on the weekends! Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch in Wyoming, Minnesota has a hayride you can take around the patch. The driver has knowledge about how the pumpkins grow as well as information about the beehives they have around the farm to make honey.  In addition to the hayride, they have cutouts throughout the patches of different Halloween themes for Photo Opps.  My nephews love the playground they offer, including a corn pit with a slide!

You can choose to pick your own pumpkins at Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch or you can visit any of their sheds. They offer pumpkin pie pumpkins, carving pumpkins, and all kinds of squash and decorative gourds. You can also buy Apple Cider donuts and popcorn and make the day a full fall fest.

Just down the road from Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch is Pinehaven. I remember years ago when we would visit Pinehaven and it was a small family owned patch. Now, it is more of a celebration of all things fall and with that comes a little bit of a price.

They charge a fifteen-dollar rate to get to the patch, twelve if the General Admission ticket is ordered online. General admission gets you entry to the farm and most attractions which include trolley rides and photo ops.  Kids who are two and under are free, but if you are looking for a family outing the general admission fees will hold you back.

They offer special events throughout the season, probably to justify the cover charge. There are fall décor sales, dog days, flower festival and even a Halloween festival. I believe every year they do a pumpkin slingshot, but that is not yet advertised for 2024.

What Pinehaven is really known for, however, is their Haunted Hayride…