The Best Pumpkin Patches in Iowa, According to Iowa Road Trip Followers
A good pumpkin patch offers more than a field filled with pumpkins. The best fall destinations combine corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, seasonal food, photo opportunities and enough activities to keep visitors busy for several hours.
We asked Iowa Road Trip followers which Iowa pumpkin patch offers the best overall fall experience. Center Grove Orchard near Cambridge received the most recommendations, followed by Harvestville Farm, Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins, Deal’s Orchard and Bloomsbury Farm.
This isn’t a formal ranking. The list is based on recommendations from Iowa Road Trip followers, with the most frequently mentioned destinations near the beginning.
Pumpkin patches are highly seasonal, and weather can affect their hours and attractions. Check each location’s Facebook page before making the drive.
1. Center Grove Orchard, Cambridge
Address: 32835 610th Ave., Cambridge, IA 50046
Facebook: Center Grove Orchard
Center Grove Orchard received more recommendations than any other pumpkin patch in the discussion.
The family-owned farm has more than 40 attractions, including a corn maze, jumping pillows, giant slides, pedal carts, farm animals, a corn pool and the CGO Express train. Visitors can also pick apples and select pumpkins during the fall season.
Center Grove is equally well known for its food. The bakery offers warm apple cider donuts, caramel apples, pies, cookies, cider and other seasonal treats.
Admission is required to enter the Farmyard and its attractions. Tickets, dates and hours vary throughout the season, so check the orchard’s website or Facebook page before visiting.
2. Harvestville Farm, Donnellson
Address: 1977 Highway 2, Donnellson, IA 52625
Facebook: Harvestville Farm
Several followers described Harvestville Farm as a longtime family tradition. One noted that she began visiting with her children and still returns now that they’re grown.
Harvestville offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, farm market and changing schedule of fall activities. The farm is also known for its sunflower fields and seasonal festivals.
Food is another part of the experience. Visitors may find cider slushies, apple cider donuts, pumpkin bars and other fall treats.
Harvestville and Appleberry Orchard are both located along Highway 2 near Donnellson. They’re different enough that visitors can enjoy both during the same southeast Iowa road trip.
3. Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins, Decorah
Address: 2475 State Highway 9, Decorah, IA 52101
Facebook: Pinter’s Gardens and Pumpkins
Pinter’s was one of the most frequently recommended destinations in the Facebook discussion.
The Decorah attraction combines a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, corn maze, garden center, bakery and family activities. A newer ninja course was specifically praised by one follower.
Visitors may also find hayrides, farm animals, seasonal photo opportunities and pick-your-own apples. The on-site bakery carries apple cider donuts, fudge and other treats.
Pinter’s operates another candy and gift shop in downtown Decorah. The pumpkin patch, orchard and main fall activities are at the Highway 9 property west of town.
4. Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson
Address: 1102 244th St., Jefferson, IA 50129
Facebook: Deal’s Orchard
Deal’s Orchard is a fifth-generation family farm that has grown apples near Jefferson since 1917.
The farm’s Apple Acres attraction includes a corn maze, jumping pillows, giant slides, a low ropes course, play areas and other activities. Visitors can also pick pumpkins, take a hayride and attend scheduled events throughout the season.
The Apple Barn carries fresh apples, cider, apple cider donuts, caramel apples, homemade pies and fudge. Deal’s also produces traditional and hard cider.
You don’t need to purchase admission to visit the Apple Barn, pumpkin patch or several other public areas. Admission is required for Apple Acres.
5. Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins
Address: 3260 69th St., Atkins, IA 52206
Facebook: Bloomsbury Farm
Followers described Bloomsbury Farm as an all-day experience with activities for children and adults.
The farm’s annual Fall Festival includes more than 30 attractions, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, play areas and seasonal photo opportunities. Food options include apple cider donuts, caramel apples, cider slushies and other fall treats.
Bloomsbury also operates Scream Acres on selected October nights. The haunted attraction is separate from the daytime Fall Festival and is designed for visitors looking for a scarier experience.
The farm is generally open on selected Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the fall. Admission is required, and tickets can be purchased in advance.
6. Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, Cumming
Address: 3145 Howell Court, Cumming, IA 50061
Facebook: Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch
Howell’s is a sixth-generation family farm southwest of the Des Moines metro.
The fall experience includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, farm animals and seasonal displays. Baby goats are among the farm’s most popular attractions.
Howell’s is also known for its greenhouse, dried flowers, farm market and seasonal decorations. One Iowa Road Trip follower specifically praised its popcorn.
The farm is near Cumming, although some visitors associate it with the broader Winterset and Madison County area. Use the Howell Court address when planning your trip.
7. Appleberry Orchard, Donnellson
Address: 2469 Highway 2, Donnellson, IA 52625
Facebook: Appleberry Orchard
Appleberry Orchard is a seasonal farm and pumpkin patch along Highway 2 near Donnellson.
The farm offers pumpkins, apples, a corn maze, petting farm and play area. Weekend attractions can include wagon rides, pig races, food concessions and other family activities.
Inside the farm market, visitors will find apples, cider, fall decorations, Iowa-made products and gifts. The bakery makes apple cider donuts, pies, breads and cookies.
Appleberry is only a short drive from Harvestville Farm, making the two destinations easy to combine.
8. The Community Orchard, Fort Dodge
Address: 2237 160th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Facebook: The Community Orchard
The Community Orchard combines a working apple orchard with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm market, café and family activity area.
Its Back 40 Playground has activities designed for both children and adults. Visitors can also explore the orchard, shop for fall decorations and select pumpkins.
The Apple Orchard Café and bakery offer seasonal food, including pies, apple dumplings, fudge and caramel apples.
The orchard typically opens in August and continues into the holiday season, although its outdoor attractions and pumpkin patch follow a shorter fall schedule.
9. Red Rock Farms & Ruff House, Oelwein
Address: 20856 30th St., Oelwein, IA 50662
Facebook: Red Rock Farms & Ruff House
Red Rock Farms was praised for its large selection of pumpkins and the number of activities available to visitors.
The farm has a 10-acre pumpkin patch along with seasonal attractions, fall displays and activities for families. Its country setting and decorated areas provide numerous photo opportunities.
Because attractions and hours can change from one weekend to the next, check the farm’s Facebook page for its current schedule, admission information and special events.
10. Plain Ol’ Pumpkins, Clear Lake
Address: 4333 260th St., Clear Lake, IA 50428
Facebook: Plain Ol’ Pumpkins
Plain Ol’ Pumpkins offers what it describes as old-fashioned fall fun.
Admission covers many of the farm’s activities, including a corn maze, corn pool, hayrack rides, pedal tractors, pumpkin-themed games and a grain-truck slide. Pumpkins and food are purchased separately.
The farm operates primarily on Saturdays and Sundays during its short fall season. Its 2026 schedule runs from late September through October, with limited additional dates.
Check Facebook for weather-related changes before driving to the farm.
11. Bart’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch, Marion
Address: 7307 Alburnett Road, Marion, IA 52302
Facebook: Bart’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch
Bart’s Farm offers a smaller, family-owned alternative to some of Iowa’s largest fall attractions.
Visitors can select pre-picked pumpkins and gourds or head into the field to pick their own. The farm also has animals, pedal toys, seasonal displays and other activities.
Pony rides are offered during limited weekend hours and cost extra. The farm generally opens later in the afternoon on weekdays and earlier on weekends.
Bart’s usually operates from September through Halloween. Check Facebook for the season’s opening date and daily hours.
12. Colony Acres Family Farm, North Liberty
Address: 1150 S. Front St., North Liberty, IA 52317
Facebook: Colony Acres Family Farm
Colony Acres brings a country fall experience into the middle of North Liberty.
The farm’s Harvest Festival includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, corn maze and expanding collection of family activities. More than 10 acres are devoted to pumpkins, gourds and squash.
The Barn contains a sweet shop and market with drinks, food, fall products and decorations. Colony Acres also hosts workshops, seasonal events and a winter celebration later in the year.
Admission is required for the main Harvest Festival. Parking is free.
13. Papo’s Pumpkin Patch, Centerville
Address: 22433 490th St., Centerville, IA 52544
Facebook: Papo’s Pumpkin Patch
Papo’s Pumpkin Patch gives southern Iowa visitors a full fall attraction close to Centerville.
The farm includes a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, six-acre corn maze, farm zoo, slides, rock wall, duck races and a separate play area for younger children. A paintball target range is available for an additional charge.
The farm store carries fall decorations and products from local vendors.
Papo’s is generally open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from September through October. Admission is required for visitors older than two.
14. Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch, Chariton
Address: 2491 Highway 14, Chariton, IA 50049
Facebook: Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch
Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch has created fall memories in southern Iowa since 1981.
The family farm grows more than 120 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, ranging from miniature decorative pumpkins to giant varieties. Visitors can also explore a large hay-bale maze with animals incorporated into the displays.
The country store carries decorations, costumes and seasonal products. A special Pumpkin Festival takes place during October.
General admission to Pierce’s is free, although pumpkins, food and store merchandise are purchased separately.
Followers sometimes refer to it as being near Columbia, but the farm uses a Chariton mailing address.
15. Scarecrow Farm, Lawton
Address: 1592 Charles Ave., Lawton, IA 51030
Facebook: Scarecrow Farm
Scarecrow Farm is located near Lawton, about four miles outside Sioux City.
The seasonal attraction covers more than 30 acres and includes a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, play areas and numerous photo displays. Food options include apple cider donuts, kettle corn and seasonal drinks.
Scarecrow’s schedule and available attractions vary throughout the season. Some food stands and activities may operate only on Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission is required to enter the farm’s main attraction area.
Honorable mentions
- Fields of Fun, Sioux Center
- Twisted Stalk Pumpkin Patch, Lenox
- Pride of the Wapsi, Long Grove
- Frey’s Pumpkin Patch, Madrid
- Kroul Family Farm, Mount Vernon
- Bass Farms, Mount Vernon
- Owen’s Pumpkin Farm, Algona
Before making the drive
Pumpkin patches depend heavily on weather. Rain can close corn mazes, wagon rides, jumping pillows and other outdoor attractions even when the farm market remains open.
Admission policies also vary. Some farms charge one price that includes most activities, while others offer free admission and charge separately for pumpkins, food or optional attractions.
Review each farm’s current hours, prices and policies before leaving home. Purchasing advance tickets may be recommended or required at the larger attractions.
Which Iowa pumpkin patch is your favorite?
Did your favorite Iowa pumpkin patch make the list?
Leave a comment with the name of the farm and town. Your recommendation may be included when this roundup is updated.
