Reporting by A.J. Kaufman, Special to the St. Cloud Times
Whether you’re looking for the ideal jack-o’-lantern or just a refreshing day outside the house, there are several pumpkin patches and similar places to enjoy the fall climate across central Minnesota — specifically not far from the St. Cloud area. The region offers a large variety of seasonal pick‑your‑own pumpkins, corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos, apple orchards and more for families of any size.
A quick rundown of pumpkin patches and autumn-area entertainment in the St. Cloud area
Collegeville Orchards – St. Joseph
www.collegevilleorchardsmn.com
Open daily 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 320-356-7609.
Fun for the entire family, with tractor wagon rides, petting zoo, gift shop, pick-your-own pumpkins, squash, gourds, grapes, homemade honey, maple syrup, jams and a variety of garden produce.
Stoney Brook Farms – Foley
Open weekends from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m., starting in October. 320-333-7736.
The location has an 8-acre corn maze, considered Minnesota’s largest, with a jack-o-lantern theme, several varieties of hard squash, other farm-themed activities and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
Triple S Pumpkins – Royalton
http://www.triplespumpkins.com
Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 320-360-6490.
Pre‑picked pumpkins, produce, corn stalks, hay bales, gourds with a cornwalk, wagon rides, animals and more.
Fairhaven Farm – South Haven
Open daily through Halloween from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. for self-serve. 320-236-7685.
A fruit farm with pre‑picked pumpkins, an extensive apple orchard, jack-o’-lanterns and a corn maze theme for 2026 featuring Dolly Parton.
Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch – St. Stephen
Grandpa’s Pumpkin Patch / Boulder Crest Farm | Facebook
Open during daylight hours. 612-214-8853.
Offering pumpkins, squash, gourds, Indian corn, corn shocks, straw bales and local raised honey.
J.Q. Fruit Farm and Orchard — Princeton
www.Jqfruitfarm.com, 763-389-2567.
The apple orchard will not open this autumn due to a freeze that took out 90% of its apple crop in May. They will still sell the 10% of apples they have at the Princeton Farmer’s Market from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Information about apples will post on the website each week.
Hidden Cover Orchard — Cold Spring
Open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays until the Sunday before Christmas. 320-685-3186.
Located along Big Fish Lake between Cold Spring and Avon, they have orchards apple trees bursting with delicious red, yellow and green apples.
About your visits
Experts say it’s also wise to check seasonal hours since many patches close after the first frost or, more likely, by early November. Another good idea is reserving ahead for popular spots, especially during weekends and holidays. You will want to wear comfortable shoes for mazes and hayrides.
And even though credit and debit cards are seemingly the best and only way to pay for items sometimes, cash often remains king at these fall haunts, so bring cash for some attractions.
This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times.
Related: Inspiration Space Port to open in St. Cloud, complete with shuttle mock-up
