As the leaves start to fall, it’s time to soak up the breeze and spend an evening at one of these top-rated pumpkin patches. Every year, the peak time to see the leaves at their proudest of colors is late October. Now, what sounds better than spending time with friends, enjoying vibrant orange views, and getting a treat? Here are the top four best pumpkin patches to visit this fall: Wing Farm, Wiard’s Orchards, Dexter Cider Mill, and Jenny’s Farm.
If you’re looking for the overall fun experience at a pumpkin patch, this is the one for you. From the moment you come in you are surrounded with plenty of activities to do.
Petting Farm: Animals from
pigs to alpacas are available to feed and pet. The farm is well-kept and big enough to watch the animals interact and play. The goats are specifically playful and full of energy.
Store: On the way out is where you can buy or pick a pumpkin and get a treat for the way out. Grown straight from the farm, you can buy things to eat like caramel apples, apple cider, pies, or donuts. The atmosphere in the store is so calm and cozy making for a great place to buy a gift for a family member or friend.
Corn Maze: The maze is huge, having to weave through well-crafted paths with tall stalks and many turns. It’s perfect for a big group with many signs to help you navigate your way out. Inside the maze is a beautiful spot to take pictures especially under the stars at night. Then, nothing beats that rewarding feeling once you make it out.
There is something for everyone here with activities for all ages. “I always end up coming back to this pumpkin patch,” says Ov Serlin (‘28). “You could come just to get some food or stay all day enjoying all the things they have to offer, even at night.”
As one of the largest pumpkin patches in Michigan it is so impressive attracting large groups of friends. “One time I came with my friends to go at night,” says Serlin (‘28). “So we could go to the corn maze. It was so fun and pretty scary.”
The farm on the list closest to Skyline, you can go without having to manage big crowds. It’s not the most flashy or touristy feel, but you can really sense the hometown feel.
Patch: Countless acres of pumpkins wrap around the patch with so many pumpkins different in size, shape, or texture. You have the option of picking one of their fresh best looking pumpkins in the front or go on the hunt to find it yourself.
Store: While Wing Farms store is one of the smaller ones to go to it is still super fresh and worth trying. Apple cider that is refreshing every sip you take along with a warm cinnamon donut.
Stop by when you are in a hurry or know exactly the kind of pumpkin you want to get. “My friends and I made this plan the day of to go paint pumpkins before Halloween,” says Josie Lovelace (‘28). “It was a super easy and cheap way to buy one and still have a fun time getting it.”
Throughout the year they curate their freshly made cider along with juices and wines. “I noticed that when we were buying something to drink,” says Lovelace (‘28). “It looked like they had cider being processed and filtered in the back.”
Since 1886, this pumpkin patch has been the hit spot to visit because of the family business oriented feeling. So many different options and variations of the best fall treats.
Store: As the oldest up and running cider mill in Michigan, the smells and tasty desserts are worth the visit. You can tell the authenticity through the labels including all the products used and the amount of options to pick from. This is one of the only pumpkin patches that has gluten-free desserts to try.
Process: Before you head into the store you can get a view for yourself exactly how the cider is being made and the donuts are being cooked. Watching the machines do their jobs and seeing the entire process makes you really know how much effort is being put into their products.
It’s a town favorite destination and perfect for that aesthetic fall feeling. “When I first went to Dexter Cider Mill,” says Sophie Younkman (‘28). “I loved the way that it looked before we went in cause they had pumpkins surrounding the outside and really pretty trees.”
“I was surprised to see the line so far out the door,” says Younkman (‘28). “I knew I had to go inside.”
This is the prettiest of all the farms with a nice place to sit down and enjoy the locally made foods you purchased.
Store: As you walk through the store you can pick from many different foods ranging from classics like apples and donuts to others like tomatoes and pickles. It’s less crowded than the rest of them, which makes it easy to talk to the workers and ask for help picking the best of the best pumpkins and snacks.
Aesthetics: To the back of the farm there is a small pond with swings and chairs surrounding it so you can enjoy the views and soak in the nice fall weather.
This is one of the only farms that has a variety of foods, not just the classic fall foods.“I love going to Jenny’s,” says Amara Reddy (‘28). “Since they always have the best things to bring home.”
It’s the most perfect place for anyone who loves local farms and authentic flavors. “I can buy organic foods and products there,” says Reddy (‘28). “Like honey or jam.”
If you want to participate in a fun fall activity, want something to drink, or just want to enjoy a day with friends, these pumpkin patches are definitely for you.
