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How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin in West Michigan

The west side of Michigan has long been known for its agricultural roots, which means that there is no shortage of Michigan pumpkin patches by the time fall arrives each year. And picking a pumpkin at the local pumpkin patch is one of the best fall things to do in West Michigan!

Both the young and the young at heart enjoy heading to these you-pick pumpkin patches, where they can walk around the wines and select the perfect pumpkin to bring home for carving, decorating, or cooking. 

Our guide will introduce you to the best West Michigan pumpkin patches

The Best Pumpkin Patches in Grand Rapids

As one of the largest communities in West Michigan, it comes as no surprise that there are several pumpkin patches to check out in Grand Rapids. Not only are these you-pick pumpkin patches beloved by locals, but they attract visitors of all ages from across the entire state. 

Wells Orchards | Grand Rapids Pumpkin Patch

While September begins the apple picking season at Wells Orchards in Grand Rapids, October is all about pumpkins. This orchard opens its you-pick pumpkin patch the first weekend of October every year, and it is renowned for its large, round pumpkins that are ideal for carving. 

Moelker Orchards | Grand Rapids Pumpkin Patch

Another Grand Rapids pumpkin patch that is particularly popular is the one located at Moelker Orchards. This pumpkin patch opens up on October 1 and closes down for the season on October 31.

It has become known as the place to go to get the exact type of pumpkin you are looking for — whether it’s a tall and skinny pumpkin or a unique one streaked with green. It’s one of the best places for those with creative carving ideas to go.

As an added bonus, this orchard will clean your pumpkins for free on Saturdays. 

Moelker Orchards, Grand Rapids - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Moelker Orchards | photo via @iamsamrott

Ed Dunneback and Girls | Grand Rapids Pumpkin Patch

Ed Dunneback and Girls is a family-owned farm in Grand Rapids that specializes in you-pick produce throughout the entire growing season, with pumpkin season being its last hurrah.

There’s no charge to come to the pumpkin patch, you only have to pay for the pumpkin that you pick at this farm that is owned and operated by women.

Ed Dunneback And Girls, Grand Rapids - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Ed Dunneback and Girls | photo via @photoairfalcon

Where to Pick Your Own Pumpkins in Hudsonville

Hudsonville may be a favorite summer destination because of its flavorful homemade ice cream, but that doesn’t mean that you should pass this community by on your fall tour of Michigan. In fact, one of the best farms for you-pick pumpkins is located in the heart of Hudsonville.

Post Family Farm | Hudsonville Pumpkin Patch

Post Family Farm is an 80-acre farm that was established in 1969, and many families have made it a fall tradition to visit the farm’s pumpkin patch each year in September or October.

Fun Farm Days begin in early September and run through early November, and visitors are able to take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch in order to find the perfect pumpkin.

After you have found your future Jack-o-Lantern, you can then walk around the farm’s nature trail, ride a pig or pumpkin train ride, meet the farm animals or complete the rope maze.

If you plan to visit this farm for a day of fall fun, be sure to manage your time accordingly. You are likely going to need most of the day in order to see and do everything!

The Most Exciting Grand Haven Pumpkin Patch

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is a breathtaking fall destination. Not only can you wander through this community’s charming downtown or spend a day admiring the fall colors reflecting off the water, but you also can visit a local farm in order to pick a pumpkin to display at your home throughout the entire fall season.

Bethke Farms | Grand Haven Pumpkin Patch

Bethke Farms opens in late September each year, and families enjoy heading to this farm because it’s an idyllic place to enjoy an entire day of fall fun. You can take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, where you are going to discover a variety of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and even colors.

After you have picked the pumpkin that is just right for you, you can head over the three-acre corn maze for an exciting challenge at the end of the day. The farm itself does not charge admittance, so it’s a great place to go if you are looking for a day of affordable fun.

Bethke Farms, Grand Haven - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Bethke Farms | photo via @mhilferty2

Fennville Pumpkin Patch with Fun Fall Activities

Fennville has long been known as a farming community, with people from around Michigan coming to the area in order to pick fresh cherries, peaches, and apples throughout the year. However, when fall arrives in Fennville, it is all about the pumpkins.

The pumpkins are often the last crop to be ready in the season, making it the perfect time to pay homage to another memorable spring and summer of growing. 

Crane Orchards | Fennville Pumpkin Patch

One of the best places to pick pumpkins in Fennville is Crane Orchards, which is known for its you-pick experiences. Pumpkins are generally available at Crane Orchards by October when they are ripe and ready for picking.

In addition, this orchard also has a corn maze and hayrides available, which are beloved by people of all ages who visit the farm.

For the kids, however, it’s all about the cow train. This unique attraction allows kids to sit in their own handcrafted cow car and be pulled around the grounds of the farm. It’s a memorable and unique fall experience that will perfectly complement an afternoon of pumpkin picking.

Crane Orchards, Fennville - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Crane Orchards | photo via @marlene.lou

Find Your Future Jack-o-Lantern in Lowell

For an authentic pumpkin picking experience on a family-owned farm, look no further than Olin Farm in Lowell.

Olin Farm | Lowell Pumpkin Patch

This farm has been owned and operated by the Olin family for more than 70 years, and it has become an iconic fall destination for both local residents and visitors from across the state. Rooted in the tradition of agriculture, this 120-acre farm features not just one, but two pumpkin patches.

You will find that it’s easy to wander around the patch for hours, checking out each pumpkin and trying to decide which one will make the best Jack-o-Lantern at your house this year. 

The farm opens each year in late September remains open through October 31. In addition to its large pumpkin patches — which also are ideal backdrops for family photo sessions — this farm has a corn maze and tractor-pulled hayrides to complete the experience. 

Olin Farm, Lowell - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Olin Farm | photo via @gnourtydna

The Top Kent City Pumpkin Patch

Just north of Grand Rapids in the community of Kent City is a place where you can go in order to enjoy good, old-fashioned farm fun in the fall.

Fruit Ridge Hayrides | Kent City Pumpkin Patch

Fruit Ridge Hayrides is a farm that opens up its pumpkin patch in mid-September and allows visitors to stop by and select a pumpkin through the end of October.

The farm prides itself on having pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, from miniature varieties that are perfect for decorating to massive pumpkins that are sure to be transformed into prize-winning Jack-o-Lanterns. Its carving pumpkins generally range in size from 20 to 45 pounds.

While this farm has a magnificent pumpkin patch, it is perhaps best known for its horse-drawn hayrides. In the fall, visitors can enjoy a charming hayride on a horse-drawn wagon. You will find that there’s nothing quite as peaceful as listening to the horses’ hooves hit the earth as you enjoy the fall colors that are on display around you.

Fruit Ridge Hayrides, Kent City - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Fruit Ridge Hayrides | photo via @jessanncaraway

Search for a Perfect Pumpkin in New Era

For a pumpkin picking experience at a place that feels more like an amusement park than a farm, head to Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo in New Era.

Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo | New Era Pumpkin Patch

This attraction celebrates the fall season from September 4 through October 31 each year, and the possibilities are quite literally endless.

Of course, those looking for classic fall activities will enjoy picking apples, wandering through the pumpkin patch, and taking a trip through the corn maze. However, this adventure park also has many other exciting activities that will surely make your pumpkin picking experience more memorable.

Additional activities that you can enjoy include riding on a bump along barrel train, rubber duck races, gem mining, riding roping ponies, and visiting animals at the petting zoo. This is a favorite destination for families, as there are options for children of all ages.

Lewis Adventure Farm And Zoo, New Era - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo | photo via @mhicks72

Go Pumpkin Picking in Kalamazoo

Perhaps one of the most convenient places to get your annual supply of pumpkins in Kalamazoo is the Husted Farm Market, which is located in the heart of the city’s downtown area.

Husted Farm Market | Kalamazoo Pumpkin Patch

This farm market specializes in fresh produce from the Kalamazoo region, and it’s one of the top places to get a locally-grown pumpkin. It is open until November 30, giving you plenty of time to find what you need.

In addition to grabbing a hayride on the weekend and picking a pumpkin, you can also purchase a fresh, homemade caramel apple for an afternoon treat or a gallon of sweet apple cider to bring home with you. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of fall, all while taking advantage of the opportunity to select the right pumpkin to display on your porch step.

Gull Meadow Farms | Richland Pumpkin Patch

Gull Meadow Farms is Southwest Michigan’s fall family fun destination, whether you are stopping by to pick apples in the orchard, pumpkins from the patch, visit the furry friends at the petting farm, or are just looking to enjoy a day in the farm-fresh air with your friends and family.

Stop by and try the delectable donuts, award-winning cider, or some freshly baked bakery treats. Don’t forget about the Corn Maze and other family-friendly activities. Gull Meadow Farms has something for everyone.

Gull Meadows Farm, Richland - West Michigan Pumpkin Patches
Gull Meadows Farm | photo via @elizabethdally

More Fall Fun in West Michigan

Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin, want to enjoy a cup of fresh-pressed cider, or are looking forward to a scenic fall color tour in West Michigan, we have you covered! Our fall in Michigan articles are full of the best fall things to do in Michigan as well as tips for viewing fall colors in Michigan.

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