Like any good Midwestern state, North Dakota loves itself a good fall season. From corn mazes to pumpkin patches and hay rides, there’s a lot to love about autumn in the Dakotas.
While there are a lot of festivities to get into in the months of September to October, this article will focus on one thing in particular – the best pumpkin patches in North Dakota.
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch
Emerado, North Dakota
The first pumpkin patch we’ll look at is not only one of the best pumpkin patches in North Dakota but one of the best in the country. Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is a true patch in the sense that it’s all they do. They’re only open from early September to the end of October, during the pumpkin season. Once the pumpkins are gone, Nelson’s closes their doors for the year.
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is located in Emerado, North Dakota, and while they’re only open for two months out of the year, they make the most of them. In addition to the world-class pumpkins, here are some of the other things you can experience at the best pumpkin patch in North Dakota.
The Corn Maze
People come to Nelson’s as much for their amazing corn maze as they do for the pumpkin patch. Every year, they come up with a new design for their maze to keep things fresh. The design is always very intricate and unique and usually has to do with the state of North Dakota or with the farm itself.
Field Trips
As one of the best pumpkin patches in North Dakota, Nelson’s is very concerned with education and teaching youngsters the importance of the pumpkin. It’s one of the top spots for local schools to go to on a field trip, and there are fun things to do for people of all ages.
Concession Stand
The concession stand at Nelson’s isn’t the Ritz or anything, but it will keep you fed and comfortable during your visit. They have classic concession favorites such as nachos, hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee, and much more.
Events and Parties
You can also host group outings and special events at this North Dakota pumpkin patch. They see everything from birthday parties to weddings and work outings. They also have daily campfires and bonfires when the weather is nice.
Nelson’s has been a family-owned and operated pumpkin patch in North Dakota for over 25 years. It’s one of the best places in Emerado to head out to for a night of fun and relaxation. You can check out any of the above attractions, then head to the patch and pick your own pumpkin.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch
Bismarck, North Dakota
Next, we’ll head to the capital city for another one of the best pumpkin patches in North Dakota. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is one of the oldest pumpkin patches in the state and the only patch in Bismarck. It’s extremely affordable for families and large groups as they charge just $6 for admission. In fact, Papa’s is so popular that they were named one of the top 10 pumpkin patches in the country by the Travel Channel.
While there are lots to do for the whole family, Papa’s prides itself on being a great place to take your kids. They have train rides, play silos, cart races, and a total of 25 events and attractions geared towards making your visit an unforgettable one. On the pumpkin side of things, Papa’s anticipates a crop of 25,000 to 30,000 pumpkins for 2022. They also have gourds, squash, and anything else that screams autumn.
Make sure to plan your visit carefully, however, because Papa’s is a true pumpkin patch that’s only open from September 10 to October 22.
Lil’ Bitz Pumpkin Patch
Fargo, North Dakota
If you’re a fan of the TV show Fargo, you should definitely check out the only pumpkin patch located in the city. Lil’ Bitz Pumpkin Patch is almost always listed as one of the top three or four pumpkin patches in North Dakota and takes the number three spot on our list. Like the other two patches on our list so far, Lil’ Bitz is a seasonal operation dedicated solely to pumpkins, and they’re only open from mid-September to mid-October.
While they’re only open for a short while, getting out to Lil’ Bitz is an absolute must. In addition to producing thousands of pumpkins year after year, this North Dakota pumpkin patch has a number of other events to occupy your time.
- Miniature golf
- Lifesize tic tac toe
- Fun with chickens
- Hayrides
- Petting zoo
- Old west pumpkin maze
- Bonfires
- Much more
They also have their very own Lil’ Pumpkin Days, where they have special events and extra activities. Lil’ Pumpkin Days are every Friday through Sunday during September and October while they’re open.
A-Maze-N Clown Pumpkin Patch
Jamestown, North Dakota
Let’s continue our journey through the pumpkin patches in North Dakota with the patch that has the most unique name on our list. A-Maze-N Clown Pumpkin Patch is located in Jamestown, ND, and is a weekends-only patch that’s open every Saturday and Sunday from mid-September to mid-October. Although the season is short for A-Maze-N Clown, they maximize the fun for the whole family.
Adding to the unique nature of this patch and the reason for its name is the fact that it’s hosted by the El Zagal Shrine Clowns of Jamestown. Since it’s hosted and operated by clowns, it only makes sense that there are plenty of fun things to do here. In addition to all things pumpkin related, here are some of the other top things to do at A-Maze-N Clown Pumpkin Patch.
- An American Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course
- Easily one of the best maze/patch combos around
- Petting zoo
- Clown truck rides
- Nature hikes
- Launch your own pumpkins or gourds
Lost in the Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
West Fargo, North Dakota
Lost in the Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is one of the few pumpkin patches in North Dakota that are more fun for adults than for kids. They’re located in West Fargo, ND, and host tons of events and activities throughout the year. In addition to their world-class pumpkin patch, they also have a corn maze that’s one of the toughest in the state.
If you want to make the maze even harder but more fun, make sure to come out for the Dazed in the Maze event, where local breweries, wineries, and cideries will set up shop throughout the maze. If you find all the stops, you have the chance of winning a free prize at the end! Drinking and meandering through a corn maze will never be more fun than at Lost in the Valley Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.
Patch on the Point
Grand Forks, North Dakota
If you love horses as much as you do pumpkins, then Patch on the Point is for you. After picking your own pumpkin out of the massive patch, you have the option of going for a hay ride, a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a ride on horseback. There are also lots of animals to see, pet, and feed, and no shortage of things to do for the whole family.
It’s also one of the most special needs friendly pumpkin patches in North Dakota, due in large part because the patch is hosted by Paradise Stables of East Grand Forks.
Berry Acres
West Minot
For our next North Dakota pumpkin patch, let’s head to Berry Acres in West Minot near the Boys and Girls Ranch. Berry Acres is one of the smaller pumpkin patches in North Dakota and the smallest on our list. Like most of the other pumpkin patches in North Dakota, they’re open seasonally, and their hours fluctuate, so plan your visit accordingly.
Although Berry Acres is small, they’re packed with fun things to do for the whole family, some of which you can’t do at other pumpkin patches in North Dakota. They have a pumpkin cannon where you can propel massive pumpkins at incredible speeds, and they also have pumpkin patch laser tag. You’ll play the game while roaming through pumpkin and hay obstacles, making it one of the most unique games of laser tag you’ll ever play.
Grafton Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Grafton, North Dakota
We’ll wrap up our list of North Dakota pumpkin patches with the Grafton Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Grafton, ND. This maze and patch combo is operated by the Grafton parks and recreations department. As such, there’s a small admission fee, but all proceeds go towards funding local community projects and developments.
Picking your own pumpkin at the Grafton pumpkin patch is just one of many things to do and can sometimes become an afterthought with everything else going on. The Grafton corn maze is one of the biggest and best in the state, and visitors come from all around to have a go at it. There are also wagon train rides, a corn cannon, a straw bale maze for kids, and so much more.
There’s even a sports zone where you can test your baseball, basketball, golf, and football skills. After all the fun you’re sure to have, odds are you’ll have quite an appetite. Luckily, there are plenty of local food trucks and vendors that set up shop around the Grafton Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.
Visit the Best Pumpkin Patches in North Dakota This Fall!
Whether you’re in the mood to pick your own pumpkin or roam through a corn maze, you can do either or both at most of the pumpkin patches in North Dakota. The state truly loves autumn and makes the most of the season by finding new and traditional ways to emulate the fall spirit. Whether you’re looking for something to do yourself or somewhere you can take the whole family, look no further than any of these awesome pumpkin patches.
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- About the Author
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Jalin Coblentz was born and raised in northeast Ohio in the heart of farming country and grew up working in the family garden growing corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and a wide range of vegetables.
Canning and preservation were also a way of life for Jalin growing up, and he spent countless hours helping his mother, grandmother, and aunts with these duties. It’s now his passion to share his skills and knowledge with others to help them achieve their own growing goals.