The first day of September begins the peak season for fall agritourism. Whether you are looking to hunt for the perfect pumpkin or find your way through a corn maze, Discover Downstate Illinois has numerous places to get you into the spirit. With multiple locations open for apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and wagon rides, step outside and enjoy what this season has to offer. It’s time to slide into a comfortable pair of boots, gather up the family, and head out to a farm nearest you!
Known for their pick-your-own apples, Eckert’s Belleville Farm has been attracting visitors to their orchards for decades. Stop by during Apple Fest, taking place the last two weekends of September, for live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, and pony rides. Starting late September, guests can begin their hunt for the perfect pumpkin. Eckert’s Belleville Farm is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily for pick-your-own apples & pumpkins. To ensure you get the time slot of your choice, visit eckerts.com to purchase a field pass. Happy picking!
Braeutigam Orchards is a family favorite. They offer diverse seasonal apples, fruits, and vegetables to choose from, making this farm’s pick-your-own experience one of a kind. Starting the third week of September, guests can pick from their large selection of decorative pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns. The bakery offers apple cider donuts, frozen apple cider slushies, and a variety of freshly made desserts. You can find them on Facebook for up-to-date information.
Offering both Pre-Picked and You-Pick apples and berries, Schwartz Orchard in Centralia is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are most known for their award-winning apple cider and apple cider donuts!
Pick your own pumpkins are available at Pumpkin Blossom Hill, and admission is FREE, but they request that all purchases be made with cash or check. The entire playground area is open featuring an all new four-car train. For fun the whole family can enjoy, stop by on the weekend for fresh kettle corn, mechanical bull riding, and a pumpkin cannon. For more information on hours and other details, visit pumpkinblossomhill.com/
Schoenbeck Ranch in Ellis Grove has pick-your-own pumpkins and food available for purchase weekends only. Admission is six bucks, and they are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They offer loads of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy such as a corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin bowling, corn box, and a hay bale playground. On select weekends they have pony and wagon rides that are available from 12-5 p.m. for $5. For more information, find Schoenbeck Ranch on Facebook.
There are not many places that celebrate fall fun like Possum Patch Farms in Olney. They officially open for their 2022 season on September 17th, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission for adults is $9 and children ages 3 to 12 are $6. Admission includes access to the bounce pad, petting zoo, play areas, pellet maze, pedal car racetrack, and their walking trails. Pumpkins are plentiful, and there will certainly be activities available for purchase such as the barrel train, hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin decoration kits, paint ball, and more. For additional info, you can find Possum Patch Farms on Facebook.
Looking for pre-picked pumpkins, apples, or other fall goodies? Grissom’s Lost Creek Orchard in Cumberland County is the place to go. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please visit their Facebook page for more information.
Pick-your-own pumpkins or in season pre-picked produce are available at Scharf Farm in Millstadt. The farm location is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Country Kids Pumpkin Patch in Hoyleton is the perfect place to take the kids for some fall fun! Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $6 per person and includes unlimited access to over 20 activities to play. They have a large inventory of pick-your-own pumpkins and mums available for purchase. Plan to stop by on the weekend for a chance to watch the pig races. For more information, go to countrykidspumpkinpatch.com.
For exciting new experiences Happy Hollow Family Farm in Saint Elmo is just the place to be. With big new additions the “Happy Barnyard” has many kids friendly activities. They are open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission includes access to hayrides, corn maze, and the new additions. For more info you can find Happy Hollow Farms on Facebook.
Open for the fall 2022 season on September 16th, 2022, Streif’s Country Market in Flora offers assorted colorful mums, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn and much more. Admission is FREE and includes access to the straw maze and corn maze. Please find Streif’s on Facebook for any other up to date information.
Shreve's opened for the season at the beginning of September, and await your next agritousim adventure! Admission is FREE and they have pick-your-own pumpkins for purchase. The uniquely designed corn maze makes this farm a family favorite. You can follow Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch on Facebook.
Open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, Taphorn Orchard has pre-picked apples, peaches, and pumpkins ready to go. Enjoy their fresh pressed apple cider and honey from hives with the family. For more information be sure to find Taphorn Orchard on Facebook.
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