Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch, but Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch in Liberty might be the most fall of them all.
Carolyn Raasch started her pumpkin patch in 1991, setting aside 20 acres of her family’s farm for the endeavor. When the highway opened, it seemed like a great way to bring in extra revenue and have fall fun with her family. Today, it’s grown exponentially, and this year will see tens of thousands of visitors eager to get their fall fix.
“We love fall,” Carolyn says. “It’s the culmination of a year of hard work on the farm, and spending it celebrating with our family and the pumpkin patch visitors is so special.”
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch is a perfect way to spend a fall day with the family. Kids of all ages can enjoy wagon and train rides, and even take a spin on a former Worlds of Fun carousel. Farm-loving kiddos will especially love interacting with animals at the petting barn, rooting for their favorite swine at the pig races, hearing a song from Zack the Singing Tractor, and making the brand new crank tractor roar and sputter.
Picking isn’t the only thing you can do with pumpkins at Carolyn’s. A visit to the Red Barn Bakery, country store, or The Depot will greet you with dozens of pumpkin treats to choose from, including the famous fresh pumpkin donuts. On weekends, the coffee cart will give you a quick boost and your annual dose of pumpkin spice.
Looking for a bit more of a thrill? Pop by the Pumpkinator. Every half hour on weekends, this show will treat your family to high-flying pumpkin fun, as the pumpkinator launches gourds into the air and across an open field. If that doesn’t scratch the itch, you can take aim yourself with apple cannons or the paintball gallery.
You don’t need a carload of kids to have fun at Carolyn’s, though. There’s plenty of fun to be had for the kids at heart, too. Grown-up visitors can stop by the depot for a glass of wine, beer, or a wine slushie. Then, head to the sports barn to go head-to-head in basketball shots, skeeball, baseball throwing, or wall ball. On your way out, you can stop by the gift shop for tasty treats, fall-themed home decor, or accessories made by local artists.
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch has become a multi-generational tradition for Northland families. People who came to the patch as small children now return with small children of their own, eager to share their favorite fall memories.
The farm isn’t short on photo opportunities to capture the majesty of autumn with your own family. The patch itself is a perfect place to snap a photo of your little ones nestled among the bright orange pumpkins, but to be fully surrounded, make sure to take a quick stop at the pumpkin house. This quaint wooden frame is laden with pumpkins, creating a perfect backdrop to showcase your family’s best autumnal outfits. There are plenty of cutouts, trucks, and wagons throughout the patch to get the right shot. Don’t forget to stop by the “How Tall This Fall?” photo stop. Countless Northland families make it a tradition to take a photo with the sign, tracking the growth of their kiddos across the years.
No matter who you are or what you’re looking for, Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch provides the best fall has to offer, all in one spot. Fall just isn’t complete without a trip (or two!) to Carolyn’s.
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch
17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty
Instagram: @carolynspumpkinpatch
Season starts September 19