Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Eau Claire? Every September and October, pumpkin season takes over the Chippewa Valley, and we lean all the way in. Local orchards and farms throw open their fields for pumpkin picking, corn mazes, wagon rides, and enough fall treats to justify a second cider donut. Somewhere out there is the perfectly lopsided pumpkin destined for your front porch. You just have to go find it. Below, find the best places to pick pumpkins near Eau Claire, Wisconsin, plus what you'll find at each stop.
Maple Harvest Orchard
Pumpkins, apples, and a corn maze make Maple Harvest Orchard in Eau Claire an easy place to check a few fall favorites off the list at once. Head into the patch to pick your own pumpkin, take on the 10-acre corn maze, try the apple slingshot, and stop by the farm store for seasonal treats like cider, caramel apples, pie and apple cider donuts.
Ferguson's Orchards
If you're looking for a classic pumpkin patch experience in Eau Claire, Ferguson's Orchards is hard to miss. Take a hayride out to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch and search through pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, or grab a pre-picked one from the market. Access to the pumpkin patch, Country Store, and Bakery is free, while admission to Apple Blossom Park opens up even more fall fun, including a corn maze, giant pumpkin jumping pad, cow train, corn pit, farm animals, pedal tractors, and more. Come for the pumpkins, and you'll probably leave with an apple cider donut and caramel apple, too!
Bushel & A Peck
Just outside Chippewa Falls, Bushel & A Peck pairs pumpkin picking with the kind of orchard stop that makes it easy to linger. The orchard grows more than 30 varieties of apples along with pumpkins and other seasonal produce, and its fall offerings include a pumpkin patch and corn maze. After finding your pumpkin, head into the Country Store and bakery for locally made goods and scratch-made treats, including apple pie, caramel apples, and fresh cider. It's a good pick when you want pumpkins, apples, and something sweet all in one stop.
Connell's Family Orchard
Pumpkin picking comes with a little Chippewa Valley history at Connell's Family Orchard in Chippewa Falls. The Connell family has been growing on this land since 1858, making it the oldest continuously operating apple orchard in the Chippewa Valley. Today, visitors can shop for pumpkins in September and October alongside the orchard's apples and other seasonal produce. Weekend wagon rides add another reason to slow down and enjoy the orchard, and you'll find cider, caramel apples, mums, and other fall favorites while you're there.
Govin's Farm
Take the short drive to Menomonie for pumpkins with a side of farm babies at Govin's Farm. The family-owned farm celebrates fall on weekends in October with pumpkins and more than 20 activities, including a giant slide, mini golf, corn box, duck races, tractor pull, farm games, and plenty of animals to meet in the barn. You can even test your aim with the pumpkin and apple cannons before grabbing apple cider donuts, kettle corn or hot cider from the concession area. It's an especially fun option for families looking for more than a quick trip to the pumpkin patch.
Pleasant Valley Tree Farm
Don't let the name fool you—Pleasant Valley Tree Farm doesn't wait until Christmas to get festive. Located in Elk Mound, the fifth-generation family farm hosts its pumpkin patch and Fall Festival from September through October, complete with pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and plenty to do beyond picking out something for the front porch. Take a hayride through the tree fields, wander the Spooky Ridge Trail, race around the pedal track, explore themed play areas or grab a seasonal drink from the coffee cabin. With activities for kids and adults alike, Pleasant Valley is especially worth the trip if you're looking to turn pumpkin picking into a full fall outing.
Bonus! The Glass Orchard
This spot has a little different take on pumpkin picking... Rather than wandering through a farm's pumpkin patch, The Glass Orchard offers stunning glass-blown pumpkins and other seasonal decor. The glass pumpkins are available for purchase at the orchard, but you're invited to be a part of the hot glass creation and book your own studio time! The talented staff will walk you through a hands-on glass workshop, and you'll get to take home your pumpkin creations. Learn more about The Glass Orchard here.