Pumpkin Patch Roundup

11 northern Michigan stops for pumpkins, cider, and fall fun

By Abby McKiernan | Oct. 10, 2026

If your ideal October includes crisp air, sticky cider donuts, and at least one photo where everyone is pretending they’re not cold, you’re in the right place.

We know that in the North, pumpkin patches are so much more than a quick “grab a gourd and go.” Think live music, corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, and the kind of wholesome chaos that becomes a core memory and annual tradition to pass on for generations.

Below are a handful of pumpkin-forward destinations worth the drive, plus a few can’t-miss events to put on your calendar for this fall season.

PUMPKIN PATCHES & FARMS

Pond Hill Farm
5699 S Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs
pondhill.com

Pond Hill’s Fall Fest Weekends run from September through the end of October, and they’re built for lingering: live music on the farm stage (with rotating local favorites), great food, and a laid-back “make an afternoon of it” energy that is sure to slow you down so you can focus on the fun. Kids can feed the farm animals up close, play human foosball, check out the fish in the trout pond, and even tackle a seasonal hike that includes 12 gnome houses, complete with a mystery to solve and a prize at the end.

Gallagher’s Farm Market & Bakery
7237 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City
gallaghersfarmmarkettc.com

Gallagher’s is a Traverse City fall staple for picking out pumpkins, browsing a huge variety of apples, and sipping hot cider as you wander. They grow and sell fun pumpkin varieties that are perfect for carving or decorating, and with plenty of space for kids to roam, it’s an easy, low-lift autumn outing. Come hungry: their in-house bakery is known for seasonal treats that go well beyond the usual donuts, with favorites like strawberry shortcake and cherry pie (and yes, pumpkin donuts too).

Pahl’s Pumpkin Patch
11168 N M-37, Buckley
pahlscountrystore.com
Sept. 22–Oct. 31 (daily 10am–6pm)

Pahl’s is a fall day done right: a U-pick pumpkin patch, a country store stocked with seasonal goods, and plenty to keep kids moving and outdoors. Weekends bring extra fun from hayrides, barrel train rides, and even apple cannons (adults are allowed to be excited about that too). You don’t want to leave without trying the coveted homemade cider and donuts, and if you’re decorating at home, grab gourds, straw, and corn stalk bundles while you’re there.

Nugent Orchards
5581 Demerly Rd., Benzonia
nugentorchards.com
Fall U-Pick Season: Sept. 19–Oct. 31 (Sat–Sun 10am–5pm)

A family-owned orchard on 100 acres just south of Benzonia, Nugent Orchards makes you take a deep breath as soon as you step out of the car. Their Fall U-Pick Market includes pumpkins, apples, wagon rides, and fresh baked donuts. If you’re the “turn a day trip into an overnight” type, Nugent also offers on-site stays at Woodland North Glampground, tucked into a stand of hardwoods so you can truly wind down and enjoy the area.

Dick Family Farm (pictured)
7710 S 7 Mile Rd., McBain
dickfamilyfarm.com

A centennial dairy farm with serious fall energy, Dick Family Farm offers more than 20 pumpkin varieties, a corn maze, hay bale mountain, corn bin play area, and animals to pet. The pumpkin patch and corn maze run from the last weekend of September through the last weekend in October, and the second Saturday in October is “Dairy Fest,” featuring a hayride and a tour of their robotic milking facility!

Jacob’s Farm
7100 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City
jacobsfarmtc.com

Owned and operated by the Witkop family since 1892, Jacob’s Farm is a Traverse City-area staple with a long agricultural legacy and plenty to do once you arrive. Expect corn mazes, U-pick orchards, a pumpkin patch, a large children’s playground, live music, and even a full restaurant and bar. Bonus points for being dog-friendly, which means your fall photo lineup can include the whole crew…even those with fur.

PUMPKIN-SEASON EVENTS

Crystal Mountain - Fall Fun Weekends
Every weekend in October; times vary be event
Thompsonville | Pricing Varies

Looking for an event that has something for every age this fall? Crystal Mountain’s Fall Fun Weekends are sure to deliver with a variety of activities to keep everybody happy and engaged. Soak in the autumn colors with a chairlift ride, go on a friendly scarecrow walk (and vote for your favorite), rent bikes, play laser tag, create sand art, or even try your hand at archery. Be sure to check the list of events and reserve spots online for any activities you have your heart set on before you head over.

Apple Days at Farm Club TC
Oct. 17, 11am-4pm (rain or shine)
Farm Club | Traverse City | Free

Want to try something new and create nostalgia at the same time? You can join in on the creation process with Farm Club in Traverse City by helping them press apples, complete with an old-style crank cider press! There will be an apple tasting with more than 20 different varieties to explore, ranging from wild apples and heirlooms to the classics (and some you probably haven’t heard of). Hot cider and hard ciders, apple cake, and freshly milled buckwheat donuts will be available alongside Farm Club ciders to complete a truly delicious day.

Halloween For All at Dennos Museum
Oct. 24, 10am-2pm
Dennos Museum | Traverse City | Free *Sensory Friendly*

Join The Dennos Museum, Children’s Therapy Corner, Children’s Advocacy Center, TADL Youth Services, and Oryana for the fourth annual sensory-friendly Halloween event. Enjoy activities like pumpkin decorating, playdough creations, a Halloween treat scavenger hunt, and more—each designed to be mindful of diverse sensory needs and accommodations, creating an inclusive environment where all are welcome.

SpOoOoky Hike at Postle Farm Preserve
Oct. 23, 5pm-7pm
Postle Farm Preserve | Boyne City | Free

Bring the kids to Postle Farm Preserve for a fun, family-friendly Halloween evening hiking the beautiful trails on the preserve and taking in the fresh crisp air. Enjoy candy stations along the way and end your adventure by a warm fire with a pumpkin painting activity back at the preserve’s historic red barn. This event is free and open to the public.

Halloween Costume Party
Oct. 30, 5–8pm
Pond Hill Farm | Harbor Springs | Free

Costume season gets a farm-style finale at Pond Hill with a Halloween Costume Party featuring live music by RPM Band. Come ready to dance, snack, and show off your best spooky (or silly, or wildly over-the-top) look. Food, beer, wine, and hard cider will be available for purchase.