Explore the 5 Best Pumpkin Patches in Alaska to Experience Autumn

As the temperature outside begins to drop and leaves start to turn golden, yellow, and red, pumpkin patches are great places to experience autumn. Pumpkin patches offer the chance to enjoy many of fall’s finest pleasures: breathing in the crisp air, walking through crunchy leaves, sipping on a hot beverage, and finding the best pumpkin to carve into a spooky masterpiece. Keep reading to discover the five best pumpkin patches in Alaska.

1. Reindeer Farm

On this working farm in Palmer, Tom and Gene Williams manage a herd of around 100 reindeer, bison, Tibetan yaks, alpacas, Rocky Mountain elk, and a moose named Lucy. Reindeer Farm offers events throughout the year that allow visitors to feed the reindeer and learn about the workings of the farm.

In October, Reindeer Farm is hosting its annual Fall Family Fun event. Tickets are not required, but they are highly recommended. Walk-in guests will only be admitted if there is space. Attendees can pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and then explore the hay maze or watch the reindeer. There will also be chances to take tractor, reindeer, or pony rides. 

Remember to bundle up since the farm is located a short distance from the Knik Glacier. Admission is free for children under two, making this one of the best pumpkin patches in Alaska.

2. Tanana Valley State Fair

In October, feel the fall spirit by exploring the Fall Festival hosted by the Tanana Valley State Fair. In addition to picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch, this event will feature food trucks, hay rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of activities and games.

3. Presbyterian Pumpkin Patch

With hundreds of pumpkins to choose from, you can find the best ones for carving or turning into pie. The Presbyterian Pumpkin Patch takes place in October at the Skagway Presbyterian Church. 

Once you’ve turned your pumpkin into a Jack-o-lantern, you can share a picture on the church’s Facebook page for a chance to win a prize for the best, funniest, or spookiest carving. Don’t forget to pack your camera. The mountain ash berries and sitka roses will provide a beautiful backdrop for candid shots as well as family photos. 

4. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm

This farm can trace its history back to the earliest Alaskan colonists, and today, Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm provides farm-fresh produce, educational courses, and events for the whole family to enjoy. 

Their annual Fall Harvest Festival is one of the best pumpkin patches in Alaska, with everything you need for a day of autumnal fun. Along with pumpkin picking, this event includes hay rides, barnyard animals, mini golf, a bonfire, and more. 

5. Arctic Harvest

On weekends in September, this distillery celebrates fall with a family-friendly pumpkin patch. Events at Arctic Harvest include a corn maze, hay rides, and food trucks. They recommend bringing a knife to cut your pumpkin stem free from the vine and looking to make sure your pumpkin doesn’t have any rotten areas or holes. 

Bonus Pumpkin Activities

If you’re looking for indoor (and warmer) fall activities, then check out the Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage. In October, the garden will host a needle-felting workshop to make felted pumpkins. In this workshop, students will transform a fluffy pile of wool into a delightful pumpkin craft. This class is great for beginners and will cover the basics of needle felting techniques.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Local Favorite Photography/Shutterstock.com