It’s officially Fall! I don’t know about you, but nothing says Fall to me like heading to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch with my family to pick my own produce and enjoy some yummy treats! Whether you prefer to pick your own or pick up something pre-picked, there are several terrific orchards and farms in the Corridor that can provide just what you’re looking for! As a bonus, many offer family activities as well, ranging from corn boxes and hayrack rides to corn mazes and petting zoos. Check out this list and then pack up the family for a day of outdoor family fun!
Allen’s Orchard, 5801 N 10th Street, Marion, Iowa 52302. Allen’s Orchard offers 30 varieties of apples, plus home-grown produce. Pick your own apples from the orchard on weekends. Admission: Free.
Bart’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch, 7307 Alburnett Rd, Marion, Iowa 52302. Bart’s Farm is a family-owned farm. In addition to pumpkins, they also offer pony rides on the weekends from 10-2!
The Big Apple Orchard, 1117 Hwy 30 W, Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52314. The Big Apple Orchard offers apples, homemade baked goods, and other local culinary favorites!
Bass Family Farms, 840 Bass Lane, Mt Vernon, Iowa 52314. Bass Family Farms grows and harvests vegetables using a chemical-free process. In addition to offering CSA opportunities, they also sell pumpkins as well as locally-sourced, gourmet food items in their store. Admission: Free.
Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St, Atkins, Iowa 52206. Bloomsbury Farm offers a huge pumpkin patch as well as numerous other activities including 2 corn mazes, hayrack rides, jumping pillow, zip line, petting zoo, store, and lots more! Cost: $8.50/person Mon-Fri, $12/person Sat-Sun. Kids under 3: Free.
Colony Pumpkin Patch, 2780 Front St NE, North Liberty, Iowa 52317. Colony Pumpkin Patch is located within North Liberty city limits and offers a chance to get a pre-picked pumpkin or pick your own. They also offer a corn maze, hayrack rides (on the weekends), playground, and fall décor. Cost: Admission: Free. $5/corn maze, $3/Hayrack Ride, $4/wristband for the playground.
Genoa Bluffs Pumpkin Farm, I-80 Exit 211 (Directions HERE). Open weekends. Features a pumpkin patch, corn box, hayrack rides, corn maze, games, bounce house, and more. Cost: $5/person. Kids under 3: Free.
Kroul Farms, . Kroul Farms offers pumpkins, a corn maze, family activities, and a chance to get an up-close view of farm animals. Admission: Free
Sass Family Farm, 3060 160th St, Riverside, Iowa 52327. Sass Family Farm offers pumpkins, as well as other freshly-grown produce. They also have a corn jump, sand box, playground, petting zoo, straw maze, hayrack rides, haunted barn (suitable for young children), and other activities. Admission: Free.
Shima Pumpkin Patch, 4080 Highway 382 NE, Solon, IA. At Shima Pumpkin Patch the produce is already picked and washed and ready for you to take home! Just stop by and pick out what you want!
Wilson’s Orchard, 4823 Dingleberry Road NE, Iowa City, Iowa 52240. Wilson’s Orchard offers a chance to pick-your own apples in the orchard and pumpkins in the pumpkin patch (in October). They also offer a store where you can find a variety of apple treats and fresh-baked goodies!
**Always call ahead or check each business’ website to confirm when they are open!
If you want to take advantage of a few teachable moments with your kids while you’re out at the orchard or patch, be sure to check out Melissa’s post about Putting Some Fun {While Learning} into Fall before you go!
{Recipes}
If you’re looking for a way to use those newly-purchased apples and pumpkins (or the canned version!), check out these tried and true ICMB recipes!!
Pumpkin Blondies and Pumpkin Surprise Muffins
Apple Fritters, Apple Cinnamon Grilled Cheese, Sherri’s Apple Pie
Applesauce (Tips for canning your own!)
What’s your favorite orchard or pumpkin patch? Know of one I missed? Please leave a comment and let me know!
SaveSave
Also check out hunted rails at old threshers!