Fall Fun Awaits at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland, Michigan
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Some places just feel like fall. The moment you step through the gate at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland, Michigan, it hits you — the scent of cinnamon and cider, the hum of laughter echoing across the fields, the swirl of red and gold leaves tumbling through the crisp air.
Located at 8544 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083, Gull Meadow Farms is a short drive from Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and less than an hour from Grand Rapids!
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date day, or a cozy weekend tradition, Gull Meadow Farms has a way of wrapping you up in everything wonderful about autumn.
A Southwest Michigan Tradition That Grows With the Season
For over 75 years, the Wendzel family has invited visitors to their working farm northeast of Kalamazoo. What began as a small produce stand has now become one of Michigan’s most beloved fall destinations — an experience that blends rustic charm, family fun, and just the right amount of nostalgia.
Each year brings new reasons to visit. The 2025 season celebrates the Western Michigan University Hockey National Championship with a themed corn maze that winds through six acres of tall stalks and laughter. You’ll find yourself twisting through turns and dead-ends, shouting clues and high-fiving when you finally make it to the viewing deck.
But the maze is only the beginning. Over 30 attractions stretch across the property, giving everyone — toddlers, teens, and grown-ups alike — something to enjoy. From classic hayrides and pig races to giant jumping pillows and low ropes courses, this is the kind of place where you can play all day and still not do it all.
The Flavors of Fall: Donuts, Cider & Fresh-Picked Apples
Let’s be honest — part of the magic of fall is the food, and Gull Meadow’s bakery delivers. The smell alone is reason enough to visit. Rows of golden-brown donuts glisten under sugar and glaze, made fresh throughout the day so they’re still warm when you grab them. Pair one (or three) with a steaming cup of hot apple cider, and you’ve officially entered autumn bliss.
In the farm market, shelves brim with homemade pies, local honey, jams, caramel corn, and jars of apple butter that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. And if you’ve been waiting all year for orchard season, you’re in luck. Gull Meadow’s U-Pick apple orchard opens in early September and runs through October, with varieties changing as the weeks go on.
Hop on a wagon ride to the orchard, fill a bag with crisp apples straight from the tree, and soak in the view — a patchwork of rolling fields and color-splashed trees stretching toward the horizon.
Pumpkins, Photo Ops, and Playtime Galore
By late September, the farm transforms again as the pumpkin patch opens. Rows of orange, white, and even speckled gourds scatter across the vines, ready for carving or decorating. Pick your own, load up the wagon, and make sure to snap a photo or two — it’s one of the most scenic spots on the property.
Back near the activity area, laughter fills the air as kids race rubber ducks, pedal karts, and pumpkins down slides. Parents can grab a cider slushie and relax under the trees while the little ones bounce on the jumping pillows or visit the petting farm to feed goats and giggle at the piglets.
Everywhere you turn, there’s something worth lingering over — a tire mountain to climb, a combine slide to conquer, or a corn crib to dive into. And if you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the pig races or the new apple cannon range, both guaranteed to spark grins from kids and adults alike.
Special Weekends & Seasonal Highlights
Gull Meadow’s event calendar runs like a greatest-hits album for fall.
- Grandparents Weekend (Touch-a-Tractor) kicks off early September, giving kids a chance to climb aboard the big rigs that make farm life possible.
- Western Weekend brings trick-roping, line dancing, and western-themed fun to the fields.
- The All-Star Stunt Dogs show wows crowds throughout the season with high-energy canine performances.
- And for those who love an unforgettable finale, the Giant Pumpkin Drop and Candy Cannon (November 1) is the perfect way to send fall out with a bang — literally.
Then, just when the pumpkins have been carved and the cider jugs are empty, the farm flips the switch to holiday cheer. Starting November 29, Walk Through the Lights turns the property into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling bulbs, followed by Visit Santa weekends beginning December 6.
If you’re looking for a tradition that bridges the seasons, Gull Meadow might be the rare place where you can go from pumpkin patches to peppermint cocoa in just a few weeks.
Planning Your Visit
Gull Meadow is designed for relaxed exploration, not rigid schedules — but a little planning helps make the most of your day.
Hours & Admission (2025 Season)
- Mon–Thu: 4 pm – 7 pm
- Fri: 4 pm – 8 pm
- Sat: 10 am – 8 pm
- Sun: 10 am – 6 pm
Tickets are available online (save when you prepay!) or at the gate.
Local Tip: The farm keeps a “Today’s Update” on its website — check before heading out to see which attractions are open and which apple varieties are ripe for picking.
How to Spend a Perfect Fall Day at Gull Meadow
Morning: Start early with donuts and cider from the bakery, then take a wagon ride out to the orchard for apple picking. If you’re visiting later in the season, swap apples for pumpkins.
Midday: Tackle the corn maze while energy is high — it’s an adventure that turns teamwork (and a little competition) into a highlight of the day. When you find your way out, grab lunch from the on-site BBQ stand or one of the rotating food trucks, then let the kids burn off steam in the play areas.
Afternoon: Meander through the market for souvenirs, local goods, and take-home treats. If you’re here near sunset, linger for that perfect golden-hour photo in the fields — the light streaming through the corn is pure magic.
Evening: On select nights, stay late for the lights or weekend festivities. By the time you leave, your car will smell faintly of cider, and you’ll already be planning your next visit.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Buy tickets online. You’ll save a few dollars and skip the gate line.
- Dress for the weather. Michigan fall can mean sunshine or chilly winds — layers and closed-toe shoes are your best bet.
- Bring a wagon or stroller. The paths are farm-friendly but unpaved, and little legs tire quickly.
- Plan for photos. Between the orchard, pumpkin patch, and themed displays, there are Instagram-worthy backdrops everywhere you look.
- Visit on weekdays if you can. Monday through Thursday evenings are quieter and perfect for soaking it all in without the weekend crowds.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
At Gull Meadow Farms, fall unfolds in the best way possible — slowly, sweetly, and full of moments that make you pause. Leaves crunch beneath your boots, laughter carries from the maze, and warm donuts disappear before you even realize it.
It’s a place where kids proudly show off their first pumpkins, couples steal quiet moments on hayrides, and friends trade city noise for the sound of wind through the corn. Every visit feels a little different, but the joy is always the same: fall in full color, lived out loud, and savored in simple moments.
So whether you’re driving in from Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, or farther across the Mitten, make time for a day at Gull Meadow Farms this fall. Bring the family. Bring friends. Bring your appetite.
And when you leave, with sugar on your sleeve and apples in the backseat, you’ll understand why so many people come back year after year — because this isn’t simply a small-town farm. It’s Michigan’s fall magic, captured in one perfect place.