It’s pumpkin-picking season in Southwest Michigan! Instead of sorting through grocery store bins, bring the family straight to the farms where pumpkins are grown. It’s an outing they’ll look forward to every fall.
Here you’ll find an incredible variety from tiny pumpkins, easy-to-carve classics and jumbo giants. There is a range of colors and textures too, from traditional orange to white, greenish-grey, striped, smooth and those spooky warty varieties that are perfect for any porch or indoor fall décor.
Where to Find Pumpkins
Dinges Fall Harvest | Three Oaks
The folks at Dinges Fall Harvest pour their hearts into creating fun for all ages. There is a small patch of u-pick pumpkins plus a yard packed with a big variety of pumpkins and gourds. In September, you can also pick Concord and Niagara grapes to make homemade juices, jams and jellies. For family time, there is a Jr. Express Car Ride, a Jurassic corn maze, puzzles and games, a haunted trailer, face painting and finding a dinosaur that attempts to hide on the farm. The Dinges also try to have hot dogs, brats and bake sales when you come during the peak picking season.
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Jollay Orchards | Coloma
One visit to Jollay Orchards during their Harvest Festival from late August to early November and you will know why this has been a family tradition for generations. Their pumpkin patch has the big, small, tall and short pumpkins you are looking for. Embrace being out in the country-fresh air picking apples, daring to enter their haunted house, taking a hayride, finding your way out of a corn maze, burning off excess energy on the playground or fishing in the stocked pond. This is also one of Southwest Michigan’s top picks for hot or cold cider, apple cider slushies and oh-so-good fresh donuts.
Piggott’s Farm Market & Bakery | Benton Harbor
Ahhh, pumpkins! There are lots to pick from on this long-time family farm: carving, baking and decorating pumpkins in all sorts of sizes and colors. The market is also chock-full of delicious and nutritious apples, raspberries, squash, onions, plus brilliant shades of mums. And oh, the fresh cider, mouthwatering donuts and homemade pies that are baked or ready to stick in the oven when you get home.
Stover’s Farm Market & U-Pic | Berrien Springs
Here’s a local pumpkin patch that today’s grandparents remember going to as kids. They can’t wait to return with their families (or on their own) every fall. You can’t miss Stover’s Big Red Barn and smiling, round bales of hay on M-139. Take a hayride to pick pumpkins and apples. Visit the market for squash, jams, honey, maple syrup, fresh cider and can’t-stop-eating-them apple cider donuts. The Stovers encourage you to take your time while you’re on the farm. Bring a picnic, hunt for arrowheads and look for wildlife. The fresh country air is wonderful!
Twin Maple Orchard | Galien
Southwest Michigan’s family-owned farms love sharing their country life with other families, so bring yours here (add in a few cousins, too). Twin Maple Orchard offers u-pick pumpkins beginning in mid-September. Add to the outdoor memory making with a corn maze, play area, farm animals, a bakery, as well as other family activities. You will be back!
Amazing Acres | Edwardsburg
All ages will have a blast at Amazing Acres — 90 acres of farm fun with nearly 100 activities to fill your time. Their pumpkin patch is one of the best. The photo opportunities for your kids and their pumpkins are endless! Choose from: Grey Ghost, Cinderella, Fairytale, Jarrahdale, Autumn Buckskin, and, of course, the famous Knucklehead Pumpkin (Mr. Warty) and Red Warty Thing pumpkin varieties. Then it’s off to the corn mazes, outdoor games, the barnyard to pet the animals, hayride, Punchin’ Pumpkins Race, climbing wall and more. Your kids, and you, will sleep well tonight!
Favorite Fall Festivities
St. Joe Farmers Market | Lake Bluff Park, St. Joseph
On Saturdays from September to mid-October, area farmers bring in homegrown pumpkins, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, jams, cider, fall decorations and more. You can walk from the market to St. Joseph’s charming, Victorian-era downtown, restaurants, craft beverage tasting rooms, the beautiful St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Check the St. Joseph Today website for market dates.
Pumpkins on Parade | Throughout Southwest Michigan
Hunt for the best decorated pumpkins displayed in businesses and restaurants throughout Southwest Michigan and cast your vote for your favorite. Local artists try to outdo each other with their whimsical, scary, funny and artsy designs. The contest runs from mid-October to October 31. Visit StJoeToday.com for the starting date and participating locations.
Glass Pumpkin Patch, Water Street Glassworks | Benton Harbor
Some of the most beautiful pumpkins in Southwest Michigan won’t ever spoil. Each year, glass blowers at Water Street Glassworks create one-of-a-kind pumpkins bursting with autumn spirit. The toughest part is picking your favorites from the classic harvest orange to dazzling new color palettes. Your purchase will help support this art gallery and studio to keep the fires burning.
How to Choose the Right Pumpkin
When there are so many pumpkins to pick from, how do you know which ones are good for carving, baking, making soup or decorating your porch or table? Check out these 10 Tips for Picking the Perfect Pumpkin or ask the farm staff when you arrive. And before you come, book a place to stay overnight — more fall fun will be here in the morning.
More Fall Fun
Let’s Go Apple Picking and Cider Sipping in Southwest Michigan
With so many orchards and cideries to explore, use this guide to find the best places for your first visit or a return fall getaway.
