Explore the 9 Best Pumpkin Patches in Nebraska To Embrace The Fall Season

Fall is a great time to experience fall in the state of Nebraska. You can enjoy the bright fall foliage while making s’mores by a fire. The average temperature in Nebraska ranges from high 60s to low 40s depending on the city. You know what that means? It’s cool enough to explore pumpkin patches! There is nothing that screams ‘fall’ more than pumpkin patches and fall festivals, which are everywhere in Nebraska. Here we have the 9 best pumpkin patches in Nebraska, perfect for fall family fun.

1. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard

Starting our list strongly is Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna. While visiting this pumpkin patch and apple orchard, guests can enjoy a long list of activities and events. For example, on select days, guests can go to the Pumpkin Harvest Festival. This lovely festival is held Oct. 13th -15th, 20th – 22nd & 27th – 29th. It’s better to purchase admission tickets online than at the door, just in case it sells out. Not only can you take a scenic trip to the pumpkin patch and choose the best one, but also try different pumpkin-themed food. Some of the best fall foods offered at the pumpkin patch and festival are pumpkin pecan pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin sundae in a pumpkin, and butternut squash soup.

During the last weekend of the event, guests, especially children, are encouraged to dress up and trick or treat. On October 27, 28, and 29, get ready for the Candy Canon and fun haunts around the farm. If you miss this event, you can also visit the Thanksgiving Market on November 21st or 22nd for a fun pop-up market for last-minute fall treats.

2. Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch

Next on our list of the best pumpkin patches in Nebraska is the Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch in Papillion. This family-friendly ranch and farm features many fall events and activities to end the year. It’s a family-owned farm with over thirty years of history as a pick-your-own berry and pumpkin ranch.

The pumpkin season for this location runs from September 16th through October 31st. It’s open daily with varying hours and is available for school tours and weekend fun. If you’re looking for a more haunting pumpkin patch or activity, the Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch also offer the Ranch of Terror. Here you can visit a haunted house and ride a one-of-a-kind Haunted Hayride.

3. Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch

The third pumpkin patch on our list is the Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch in Washington County. Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is one of the newest pumpkin patches in the state, only started in 2008. It’s grown a lot from its humble beginnings as a small patch at the end of the driveway with an old pick-up truck. Now, guests can enjoy JJ’s Corn Maze, the Corn Pool, Market, Rolling Racers, Jeffy’s Pumpkin Patch, Eerie Trail, and the Daisy Train. The Daisy Train is new and pulls up to six people through sprawling fields with gorgeous fall flowers. Daring guests and thrill seekers can also try out the 150-foot Pumpkin Plunge. Another popular activity on the plot of land is to rent a fire pit. You can reserve a large fire pit online. It comes with two picnic tables.

Currently, the Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is open for a small fee, from September 8 to October 31. One day doesn’t sound like enough time to enjoy everything that this family-friendly pumpkin patch has to offer. If you need more time, you can purchase a season pass! The Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is also open for field trips for special rates.

4. Helgoth’s Pumpkin Patch

Also in Nebraska is Helgoth’s Pumpkin Patch on Eagle Road in St. Libory. This wonderful pumpkin patch is open Fridays through Sundays from September 16 to October 29. The pumpkin patch is closed on Halloween. Although admission is required to enter, children two and under can go in for free.

Helgoth’s Pumpkin Patch is a Nebraska-local favorite. It’s been around for over seventy years but as Helgoth’s Produce. The pumpkin patch opened in 2000 and has grown quickly since! So, what is there to do here? While visiting Helgoth’s Produce, guests can ride down the Mega Slide, get lost in the Corn Maze, and meet amazing animals at the Petting Zoo. For those of us who are braver, Helgoth’s Pumpkin Patch also features a Haunted Village! You can also enjoy delicious fall foods like funnel cakes, s’mores, fried Oreos, kettle corn, apple cider, fresh hot donuts, baked apple pies, and more!

5. Roca Berry Farm

Another one of the best pumpkin patches in Nebraska is Roca Berry Farm’s Fall Festival. This gorgeous farm features lots of fun fall activities, like the Ghost Town Putt Putt, Rocamotive Railway, Corn Maze, House of Illusions, Western Jailhouse, Duck Races, Harvest Barn, Pumpkin Land Photo Op, and Bubble Station. Within the fall festival are over 45 fun attractions, some are only available during the morning or at night. For terrifying fun, visitors can brave through the Haunted Hayride, Zombie Hunt, and Haunted Manor.

Not only can you enjoy the multiple attractions at Roca Berry Farm’s Fall Festival, but try delicious foods. The food venues on the farm include the Pumpkin Cafe, Back Porch Grill, Funnel Cake Factory, Corn Dog Hut, Smokehouse, Donut Hut, Saloon, Candy House, Barry’s Burgers, Turkey Leg Shack, and Harvest Barn.

A ticket is required to enter, which you can buy in person or online. Since the spot is cashless, it’s best to purchase admission online.

6. Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch

Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch is a great place to spend the day enjoying cool fall weather. This incredible pumpkin patch has a little bit of something for everyone. While here, guests can pick the perfect pumpkin to bring home and decorate. Also here is the corn pit, face painting for all ages, and an exciting corn maze. Get lost and race your family and friends to the very end! Do you have a competitive spirit? Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch also features a super slide, sports barn, and skee ball attraction. 

There are also delicious foods to eat like caramel apples, pecan and pumpkin pies, pumpkin bars, hot chocolate, kettle corn, and apple ciders. The cafe is open from Friday through Sunday starting at 10 am and ending at 6 pm. Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival runs from September 9th through October 29th. To enter, an admission ticket is required, although children two years old and younger can enter for free.

7. The Scarecrow Patch

Also on our list of the best pumpkin patches in Nebraska is the Scarecrow Patch in St. Libory. This year, the pumpkin patch is open from Sep 16, 2023 to Oct 31, 2023. On Fridays and Saturdays, the pumpkin patch runs from 10 am to 7 pm. On Sundays, the Scarecrow Patch opens at noon and closes at 7 pm. One day is hardly enough to enjoy everything that this pumpkin patch and fall extravaganza has to offer. This works perfectly as the Scarecrow Patch offers guests Season Passes.

Not only can you pick your pumpkins while here, but also participate in activities like the petting zoo, three zip lines, corn boxes, duck races, and the M&M Apple Orchard. Admission to enjoy these activities is required.

8. Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch

Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch is the next pumpkin patch on our list. This wonderful pumpkin patch is located on County Rd 726 in Holdrege. Grandpa’s Punkinberry Patch is relatively new and has only been running for about ten years. To enter this pumpkin patch, an admission fee is required. However, kids two and under can enter for free, and those over 100 years old. Not only can you pick your favorite pumpkin, but also race ducks, take scenic and silly photos, and try out the pumpkin cannon and chunker. You can also try delicious treats at Grandma’s Nook.

9. Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Last but not least is the unforgettable Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm and Pumpkin Patch. This pumpkin patch has run for about 19 years and is open in 2023 from September 23 to October 31. Admission is required to enter and it’s open every day except for Wednesday and Thursday. Not only can you take your time to choose a gorgeous pumpkin, but also participate in the Nature Scavenger Hunt and nature trails throughout the property. This authentic experience also features hayrides, rubber duck races, horse swings, and fun yard games. Fall favorite foods are also available on the farm. In the 1880 two-story barn, visitors can find the Pumpkin Barn and Vintage, Home Market. It’s free to enter the barn and the cafe.