Explore the 8 Best Pumpkin Patches in Louisiana To Embrace The Fall Season

Agriculture and tourism are one of Bayou State’s most important industries. So, most locals know there is no shortage of great pumpkin patches in Louisiana. And new ones seem to pop up every year as interest in these fun family outings grows.

For many people, as soon as the weather turns cool, they can’t wait for everything the autumnal season brings. Flannel, hot chocolate, fires, and falling leaves are a comforting reminder that the season is ramping up. But why have pumpkins and, mainly, carving faces in them, become such an enduring tradition?

The custom is actually Celtic.

As the summer harvest came to a close, the Celtic people prepared for a long, cold, and dark winter by celebrating with big bonfires in the fields of western Europe. After a few glasses of mead, the shadows in the outskirts of the woods around the fire would look a bit suspicious. To guide their way home (without the evil forest spirits haunting them), they would carve faces in the ripened pumpkins to scare evil off and light the way.

Hundreds of years later, the tradition endures, and Jack O’ Lanterns are used to celebrate fall and protect homes.

Picking the perfect pumpkin for your friendly squash talisman can be as fun as carving it. Many pumpkin patches offer more than just crops and photo opportunities. Hayrides, corn mazes, and other fun activities are available, so be sure to check out all of the best pumpkin patches in Louisiana before you decide.

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch, Hammond

Open Sept. 23 through Nov. 8 and seven days a week, Mrs. Heather’s has made a name for itself with locals. The farm features sip lines, duck races, jumping pillows, nature trails, and Mrs. Heather, who will give educational talks about growing pumpkins and owning a farm. Weekend activities are even more fun; families can paint pumpkins together or picnic.

The Great Pumpkin Patch, New Orleans

Open from September through the end of October, this pumpkin patch is hosted by St. Augustine. You can get more than just squash here, too. The church sells jewelry, crafts, and home-baked pastries like pumpkin bread and cookies.

Sugar Roots Farm’s Pumpkin Fest, New Orleans

On Oct. 29, Sugar Roots Farm hosts a festival for the community that many look forward to every year. The event includes a pumpkin patch, hay and pony rides, costume contests, and more.

Sugar Roots Farm is famous in the area for being a non-profit urban farm that fosters physical wellness and a positive environmental impact. It highlights farm-to-fork education and sustainable food sourcing.

Curry Farms, Rayville

From Sept. 23 to Nov. 5, Curry Farms will be open to the public. The farm hosts over 20 activities, including a tractor tire carousel, sluice mining, a corn maze, hay rides, and more. If you miss the pumpkin patch, don’t worry. The farm transforms into a winter wonderland and the perfect place to buy your Christmas tree when the fall festival is over.

DixieMaze Farms, near Shreveport

DixieMaze opened in Sept., and it’s one of the area’s hidden gems. Not only does it have all of the pumpkin patch favorite activities, but the corn maze is one of the best in Louisiana. Braver tourists can check out the Fright Night adventure tour, or those interested in intrigue can opt for the Murder Mystery Dinner.

Barn Hill Preserve, Ethel

Open throughout October, Barn Hill Preserve is a beautiful pumpkin patch with a positive environmental message. The preserve supports conservation efforts and features educational keeper talks with their many exotic animals.

Additionally, attendees can experience hayrides, a seasonal corn maze, face painting, and more.

Poche’s Patch & Maze, Lafayette

Open until Halloween, Poche’s Patch & Maze is one of Lafeyette’s most well-known fall experiences. It is full of great photo opportunities and features themed events every weekend (so plan ahead!).

The patch features a giant hay maze, a book walk, many selfie photo stations, obstacle courses for the kids, a zoo jump zone, culvert slides, and more.

Jefferson United Methodist Church, Baton Rouge

Open seven days a week from Oct. 11 to Oct. 28, the Jefferson United Methodist Church patch is perfect for those interested in supporting their local missionary organization.

All proceeds from the pumpkin patch are donated to the church’s local missions and annual youth mission trip. Additionally, the Jefferson United Methodist Patch holds a yearly Picnic of the Patch event after service on Oct. 28 for those interested in meeting community members and dining among the pumpkins.