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Learn the 8 Ultimate Pumpkin Picking Spots in Iowa

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When fall comes to Iowa, folks leave their homes to seek a pleasant place to find that perfect pumpkin. Not all pumpkin-picking places are the same, though. Some add a little bit of extra fun to make sure you’re not in a hurry to grab your gourd and rush off too soon. That’s what makes these our favorite pumpkin picking places in Iowa.


Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, Cumming, IA

Perhaps the premier pumpkin picking place in the Des Moines area, Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming is much more than a place to wait for the arrival of the Great Pumpkin. Along with horse-drawn wagon rides, visitors enjoy a cafe, a petting zoo, a corn maze—and can even relax with goat yoga.

Colony Acres, North Liberty, IA

Folks searching for a fall fix in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area need look no further than Colony Acres With features like a 10-acre corn maze, as well as hayrack rides, and the Lil’ Pumpkin Playground, families can do much more than gather future jack-o’-lanterns at this pumpkin patch.

Buffalo Pumpkin Farm and Market, Buffalo, IA

Quad Cities-area folks who find fall to be among the most festive of seasons have a nearby reason to celebrate. Buffalo Pumpkin Farm and Market boasts bushels of autumn fun for the whole family. Take advantage of the kid’s train, a sunflower maze or the petting zoo, before heading out to the patch to pick your perfect pumpkin. 

Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Council Bluffs, IA

The best pumpkin patch in Southwest Iowa is perched above the bluffs over the Missouri River, just outside Council Bluffs. Yes, you can pick out a pumpkin at Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch, but don’t stop there! Pioneer Trail also boasts a haunted house and regular karaoke and open mic nights. 

Pumpkinville & Cornmaze, Mitchellville, IA

With its centralized location between Des Moines and Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Pumpkinville and Cornmaze is an easy autumn escape for many folks in Eastern Iowa. Test your mettle in the large or mini corn mazes, and then pick the perfect pumpkin to adorn your porch, stoop or table. 

Harvestville Farm, Donnellson, IA

If you’re looking for a little more than “just a pumpkin patch,” you can’t get much fancier than Harvestville Farm. Located in the southeast corner of the state, this farm has it all when it comes fall festivities, starting with a cafe and mercantile. During the fall season, this year-round farm offers tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, family play areas, bonfires and even a build-your-own scarecrow station.

Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch, Chariton, IA

For pumpkin-picking people in the Pella/Oskaloosa area, Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch is a good bet. The pumpkin farm offers family fun like a hay bale maze, food, vendors, crafts, a country store with Halloween-themed goods and more than 120 varieties of pumpkins and gourds.

Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson, IA

People looking for a fantastic pumpkin farm in west-central Iowa should check out the Deal’s Orchard near Jefferson. In additional to plenty of pumpkin picking, gourds, cider and apples, the orchard boasts a corn maze, a corn pool, giant slides, and an orchard store, along with lots of other pumpkin season agritainment.

Key Insights at a Glance

  • Fall in Iowa brings pumpkin picking season
  • Not all pumpkin patches are the same, some offer extra fun activities
  • Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming offers horse-drawn wagon rides, a cafe, petting zoo, corn maze, and goat yoga
  • Colony Acres in North Liberty features a 10-acre corn maze, hayrack rides, and a playground
  • Buffalo Pumpkin Farm and Market in Buffalo offers a kid's train, sunflower maze, and petting zoo
  • Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Council Bluffs has a haunted house, karaoke, and open mic nights
  • Pumpkinville and Cornmaze in Mitchellville has large and mini corn mazes
  • Harvestville Farm in Donnellson offers tractor and horse-drawn wagon rides, corn maze, family play areas, bonfires, and a build-your-own scarecrow station
  • Pierce's Pumpkin Patch in Chariton has a hay bale maze, food, vendors, crafts, and a country store
  • Deal's Orchard in Jefferson offers pumpkin picking, gourds, cider, apples, corn maze, corn pool, giant slides, and an orchard store

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