A Complete Guide to Pumpkin Patches in the Grand Forks Area: Fall Fun for the Whole Family
Fall in the Forks area means Pumpkin Patches! We’re lucky to have a few different options, and they’re all great! There’s no better way to enjoy the fall weather and colors than a visit and picking up some pumpkins, going through a corn maze, or enjoying a hayride. Grab your family and friends and take a trip!
1. Pumpkin Patches Around Grand Forks
Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch
Location: 2448 20th Ave NE, Emerado, ND
Open Season: September 7th – October 27th
Hours: Monday – Friday 3pm – 7pm; Saturday & Sunday 11am – 6pm
Admission: $15/person (3 and under free)
Highlights: This family run farm has been inviting guests out since 1996, and they’ve got a wide variety of things to see and enjoy! Nelson’s features Spookley the Square Pumpkin’s Storybook Trail, a corn maze, hayrides, a haunted house, a bee train wagon for the kids, the Pumpkin Plunge slide, a Little Farmer Trike Track, Pumpkin Blaster and Corn Cannon, a Pumpkin Bouncy House, a petting zoo, yard games, a Grain Bin Bar, and more!
Patch on the Point
Location: 20753 440th Ave SW, East Grand Forks, MN
Open Season: September 21st – October 27th
Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 5:30pm – 7:30pm; Saturdays 11am – 7pm; Sundays 11am – 5pm
Admission: $5-8/person (under 2 free)
Highlights: The Patch on the Point is a community friendly and engaging event. They have special activities every Saturday including things like vendor events, magic shows, a Just 4 Kix Dance Halloween show, Rescue Animal Adoption Event, and a local high school drumline performance! There are lots of games and activities, and animals such as calves, donkey, lambs, emu’s, goats, a potbelly pig, alpacas, chickens, rabbits, & ponies/horses.
Valley Corn Maize
Location: 42969 160th St SW, East Grand Forks, MN
Open Season: September 7th – October 20th
Hours: Saturday 10am – 6pm; Sunday 1pm – 6pm
Admission: $11/person (kids under 36″ in free)
Highlights: Valley Corn Maize offers two mazes across 15 acres. Offering the largest corn maize in the Red River Valley since opening in 2015. With concessions, a giant slide, ziplines, games, and rides through the corn field, there’s something to do for everyone! They offer a variety of weekend highlights as well, including Sunflower Daze and a Flashlight Dash!
2. Family-Friendly Activities
Each of these pumpkin patches offers something special for families. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best features:
- Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch: Kids love the Haunted House, and adventurous visitors will get a thrill from the giant pumpkin cannon.
- Patch on the Point: A great option for those who want to stay local while enjoying a corn maze and fresh fall treats.
- Valley Corn Maize: In addition to its famous corn maze, this spot offers hayrides and a cozy café for warming up after outdoor fun.
3. Special Events and Fall Festivities
Make sure to mark your calendar for these events happening at local pumpkin patches:
- Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze Challenge: Every weekend, visitors can try to solve the massive corn maze. Bring a flashlight for nighttime visits and see if you can find all the hidden checkpoints!
- Valley Corn Maize’s Annual Pumpkin Drop: Held the last weekend of October, this fun event lets visitors witness pumpkins dropped from high platforms—it’s messy, exciting, and perfect for the kids!
- Patch on the Point Fall Festival: Every weekend in October, you can enjoy live music, games, and a variety of fall treats for sale. It’s a great way to spend the day with family and friends.
4. Tips for a Great Visit
- Arrive Early: For the best pumpkin selection, aim to arrive right when the patches open, especially on weekends.
- Dress in Layers: Fall weather can be unpredictable in the Grand Forks area, so wear layers to stay comfortable during your visit.
- Bring Cash: Some patches have vendors or activities that only accept cash, so it’s best to come prepared.
- Be Ready for Photos: Bring a camera or your phone fully charged, as most patches have beautiful photo ops with fall displays, corn mazes, and pumpkin backdrops.
7. Share Your Fall Experience!
We’d love to see how you and your family celebrate the fall season. Snap some photos at your favorite local pumpkin patch and tag us on social media with #GrandForksPumpkins! Show us your pumpkin carvings, your corn maze triumphs, and all your cozy fall moments.