Pumpkin Patch 2017: Midwestern round-up

Labor Day is behind us. Kids are in school. That can only mean one thing – it’s pumpkin patch season. Believe it or not, pumpkin patches around the country will be opening within the next week or so.

In the Midwest, one of the nation’s best pumpkin patches opens its doors, err, maze, this weekend. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch – named as one of the Top 10 pumpkin patches in the United States – starts its season Sunday and runs through Oct. 21. We visited Papa’s in Bismarck, ND, last season and fell in love with the place. It’s a great deal financially for families and offers many activities, including a zipline and maze made of prairie grass.

Opening Sept. 15 is Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Neb. Another Top 10 pumpkin patch, according to Travel Channel, Vala’s continues to grow and offer new activities annually. The most recent attraction – Egg Scramble – is an indoor foam ball play area. The area surrounding Egg Scramble provides a plethora of poultry-related activities.

Down the road near Lincoln, JK’s Pumpkin Patch continues to grow each year. JK’s offers a variety of fun activities, including a corn box (instead of a sandbox) and farm animals. A ride through the field is a fun activity. JK’s is open Friday-Saturday Sept. 15-Oct. 29.

In Iowa, Enchanted Acres opens for the fall season Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 29. While Enchanted Acres has a lot of activities and treats, the thing I like most about visiting is the variety of pumpkins they have. During our first visit, we saw about 20 types of pumpkins. Who knew there so many? Visitors can also feed goats and check out other farm animals.

We visited Beasley’s Orchard in Danville, Ind., last year. The orchard is currently open, as it’s primarily an apple orchard. Hayrack rides to the seasonal pumpkin patch begin Sept. 22. Beasley’s also hosts a giant corn maze. This year’s feature is the ever-popular Minions. Beasley’s is a great place to visit throughout its working season, not just fall. Apples, hay bales and games make Beasley’s a great place to visit.

In addition to pumpkin patches, pumpkin art will be on display around the Midwest. A new attraction kicks off its second season in the Twin Cities, beginning Oct. 13. “Pumpkin Nights” feature displays created from polyurethane pumpkins. Artists create a variety of pieces, including some representing the Hispanic holiday “Day of the Dead,” as well as Minnesota-related attractions or events.

Regardless of where you get your fall fix with pumpkins, enjoy the season. We are scouting places for us to visit this season. Maybe we’ll see you at a pumpkin patch. Gourd hunting!