It’s fall (in Madison), y’all!
That means it’s time to deck out your digs with pumpkins, gourds and fall-flavored treats. Hit the highway or cruise the back roads to get the family to a pumpkin patch. Many offer hayrides and pick-your-own. At some of the spots, you can energize with an apple cider donut to make it through a corn maze or haunted forest. And, don’t forget those beautiful fall colors – a perfect backdrop for snapping some photo memories.
Here are 7 farms and orchards with pumpkin patches and plenty of fall family fun.
1. EPLEGAARDEN – FITCHBURG
Open: September and October; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays; closed on Mondays
What You'll Find: Selv Plukk (U-pick) fresh apples and pumpkins. Plus, fresh cider, caramel apples, apple cider donuts and tons of Norwegian influence.
2. ENCHANTED VALLEY ACRES – Cross Plains
Open: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through September; Fridays through Sundays in October with a special bonus days October 17 & 24
What You'll Find: Two giant slides, wagon rides, eight acres of corn mazes, pumpkins (of course) and many more activities.
3. SCHUSTER'S FARM – DEERFIELD
Open: weekdays and weekends (activity schedules vary; see site for details)
What You'll Find: An eight-acre corn maze, more than 14 acres of pumpkins, barnyard animals and play space for kids. Reserve a bonfire space at night or visit the Haunted Forest.
4. TREINEN FARM – LODI
Open: Days and schedules vary; see site for details
What You'll Find: Award-winning corn maze, named one of the best in the nation. There’s also a smaller maze for younger kids. Plus, outdoor play areas, hiking trails, goats and plenty of pumpkins.
5. ANDERSON’S PLEASANT PATCH PUMPKINS – COTTAGE GROVE
Open: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October
What You'll Find: An enjoyable country experience with wagon rides, pick-your-own pumpkin, haunted house and a hiking trail – all free to use. (Please note there is no bathroom available on site).
6. SUTTER’S RIDGE FARM – MOUNT HOREB
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays
What You'll Find: Pumpkin patch and an apple orchard with sweet treats like caramel apples and apple cider donuts. Activity area for all ages and a six-acre corn maze.
7. EUGSTERS-'S FARM MARKET – STOUGHTON
Open: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day (closed on Tuesdays)
What You'll Find: The annual Fall Festival where the whole family can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, 3D haunted house, U-Pick apples, pumpkins, of course, and so much more.
