Explore the 6 Best Pumpkin Patches in Iowa To Embrace The Fall Season

With warm days and cool nights and a full display of changing leaves, fall is one of the best times to be in Iowa. One ride through the countryside during October, and you’ll never want to leave this Midwest state. What’s one of the best ways to experience fall? Visit a pumpkin patch! Pumpkin patches are often located on family farms and many provide other attractions, like corn mazes, outdoor games, and concessions. Check out these six picks for the best pumpkin patches in Iowa to visit this fall season and learn about all of their exciting activities.

1. Center Grove Orchard

Sitting north of Des Moines in Cambridge, Center Grove Orchard is a family favorite for a country fall experience. From sunflower meadows in late summer to apple orchards and pumpkin patches in fall, this family-centered attraction has much to offer. Along with a 25-acre pumpkin patch, visitors can enjoy a giant corn pool, jumping pillows, slides, tractor rides, animals, and much more. There is also a little country store on the property, where you can pick up apple pies, jams, salsas, potpies, and their famous apple cider donuts. When you’re done playing outside, sit down, have some donuts, and a hot cup of coffee.

2. Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Nestled in a rural area with acres of green space in Iowa City, Wilson’s Orchard & Farm is all about food and fun, catering to people of all ages and walks of life. If you want fresh, locally grown food with an engaging farm experience, Wilson’s is the perfect place to visit this autumn. Along with the orchard and farm, you will find a farm market, a bakery, a cider house, and a farm-to-table restaurant. You can take a tractor ride to pick your own apples and pumpkins, then check out all of the goodies at the restaurant and market. The pizza, hard apple cider, and donuts are delicious!

3. Bloomsbury Farm

The Bloomsbury Farm sits west of Cedar Rapids in Atkins and runs an annual fall festival in October. There are also haunted house attractions at night for older kids and adults! Along with an excellent pumpkin patch, you will find many photo ops, jumping pillows, slides, and many fall-themed games. There is also a corn maze, apple cannons, and pig races. Rest assured, there are enough attractions to keep your family busy all day. Plus, don’t forget to pick up some ice cream, homemade donuts, and gourmet fall drinks.

4. Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch

Located southwest of Des Moines in Cumming, Iowa, Howells Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch provides a fall experience for the whole family. This friendly and fun pumpkin patch has you-pick pumpkins, festive fall decor, dried florals, corn stalks, gourds, and more. You can take a ride in antique tractors out to the corn maze and patch, then check out the barnyard animals, a farm playground, and outdoor games. With plenty of things to do and see, you can easily spend a whole day at Howells. Don’t forget to stop at the cute little gift shop and pick up some souvenirs.

5. Pride of the Wapsi

Pride of the Wapsi is north of Davenport in Long Grove, where you will find a local farm dedicated to helping families make fall memories. The farm, run by a hardworking Iowa family, features sunflower fields, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze. While it’s children-oriented, the whole family can have fun at this attraction. There are more than 25 activities, including hay rides, jumping pillows, a ropes course, a corn pool, slides, and more outdoor games. There are also barnyard animals, plenty of photo ops, a cafe, a gift shop, and plenty of snack stands. Take home some kettle corn and cotton candy before you leave!

6. Colony Acres Family Farm

The Colony Acres Family Farm is north of Iowa City and Coralville in North Liberty, Iowa. Discover some country life in the city and make some memories you and your family will cherish for years to come. This family farm features a Fall Harvest event every September and October, where visitors can harvest pumpkins, corn stalks, mums, and hay bales. There are also abundant activities, like train rides, slides, jumping pillows, and zip lines. The food is one of the best parts of Colony Acres. Check out the homemade donuts, personal pizzas, and other sweets.

A Recap of the 6 Best Pumpkin Patches in Iowa