While there are a plethora of things to love about autumn—Northern Michigan fall color tours, local apple orchards, cozy cideries—family-friendly pumpkin patches rise to the top of the list. We asked for our readers’ favorite Northern Michigan pumpkin patches, and 15,349 of you told us the best places to find plump gourds in our annual Red Hot Best competition.
Pahl’s Country Store, Buckley
Pick out your favorite pumpkin, go for a wagon ride and see adorable baby animals! End your fall trip with homemade cider and donuts.
Gallagher’s Farm Market, Traverse City
There’s a reason this family-run farm has a line before they open on the first day of pumpkin donut season. You can smell the warm, freshly baked goodies from the pumpkin patch!
Jacob’s Corn Maze, Traverse City
While it hasn’t always been a 10-acre space exploration themed corn maze, Jacob’s Corn Maze has been a family farm since 1892. Experience the centennial farm in fall for pumpkins, apples and more.
Pond Hill Farm, Harbor Springs
You’ll want to spend the entire day at this expansive fall wonderland. Your family will love the U-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, squash rocket (fun for adults, too!), produce, picnic area, petting zoo and winery/brewery. The list goes on!
Clark’s Family Farm, Lake Ann
Have fun picking out your pumpkin, squash or gourd at this laid back and fun family farm. Purchase straw bales and bundled corn stalks to outfit your home and take the kids through the corn maze.
9 Bean Rows Farm and Bakery, Suttons Bay
Featuring fresh produce from their farm as well as neighboring farms, this Leelanau County staple offers a wide variety of fruits and veggies. (Did you know pumpkins are a fruit?) Note: do not leave without a bakery treat!
King Orchards, Central Lake
A tried and true Northern Michigan U-pick and farm market, King Orchards produces some of our favorite cherry and apple products. In the fall, they transform into a charming pumpkin patch.
Boltz Farm, Ellsworth
Make your way through the corn maze, find your prize pumpkin and reward yourself with a treat from the market!
Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm and Cider Mill, Rogers City
Not only does this beautiful farm have pumpkins galore, but they also stay open later for adults, offering hard cider and wood-fired pizza.