Picking during the pandemic
These southeastern Wisconsin pumpkin farms are open this fall
Spring in 2020 was weird. So was summer. Now we’re ready to head into a weird fall. When plans change day-to-day, emotions are fragile and nobody is sure of anything, it’s more important than ever to hold on to the traditions we can still do safely. For a lot of families this fall, that will include taking a trip to the pumpkin farm. Granted, those pumpkin farm excursions won’t necessarily be the same as usual, as many of the usual activities and gatherings have been canceled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But, as long as you social-distance properly, wear masks and keep your hands clean, there are still lots of places to pick your own pumpkins. A few things to note: Open dates and hours are subject to change quickly due to weather and the coronavirus pandemic. The same holds true for required safety precautions and activities that are available. It’s best to call the farm before you head out.
Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Road, Elkhorn 262-728-3266
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; pumpkin patch opens Oct. 3
COVID-19 precautions: Due to social distancing considerations, there will be no tractor rides, bounce house, firetruck or outside games this year.
Appleland Farm Market
4177 Highway 57, Fredonia 262-692-2560
Hours: Open daily through Oct., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
COVID-19 precautions: Face masks are required in the market, and guests should social distance everywhere. There will be no wagon rides this year.
Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N. Farmdale Road, Mequon 262-242-2737
Hours: Opens for pumpkin season toward the end of September, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. every day September through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in November.
COVID-19 precautions: Only pick pumpkins
with the people you drove with to avoid large gatherings. Maintain social distance in the patch, in the sales room and waiting in line for the bakery.
Basse’s Taste of Country Farm Market
3190 County Line Q, Colgate 262-628-2626
Hours: 1:30-5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekends, during Pumpkin Fest, Sept. 19-Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: Certain activities on the farm have been canceled, including wagon rides to the pumpkin patch. Masks are required indoors and strongly encouraged outdoors when 6 feet of social distancing is difficult. There are more than 60 hand sanitizers throughout the farm, and transactions are cashless. The farm will have a lowered capacity and will close to new visitors when those caps are reached every day; check Facebook or site before you go the farm.
Bear Den Zoo & Petting Farm
6831 Big Bend Road (Highway 164), Waterford 262-895-6430
Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays in September, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays in September; 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Fridays in October, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in October.
COVID-19 precautions: Face coverings required in admission building and outdoors when social distancing is not possible
Busy Barns Adventure Farm
W7675 Highway 12, Fort Atkinson 920-691-6742
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends Sept. 19-Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: Masks required on hayrides to the pumpkin patch
Cedarburg Creek Farm
649 Highway 60, Cedarburg 414-333-5600
Hours: open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. starting Sept. 19
Cozy Nook Farm
S11-W30780 Summit Ave., Waukesha
262-968-2573
Hours: 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily, Sept. 26-Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: Weekend hayrides have been canceled, and guests are asked to maintain social distance (about one cow-length apart).
Creekside Valley Farm
13101 N. Wauwatosa Road, Mequon 414-852-5752
Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk daily, Sept. 19Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: Hay rides have been canceled this year.
The Elegant Farmer Jim’s Pumpkin Farm
1545 Main St., Mukwonago 262-363-6770
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 12-Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
N124-W17781 Lovers Lane, Germantown
262-305-7951
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, last weekend of September through Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: There will be no hayrides to the pumpkin patch and no corn maze. Masks are recommended.
Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm
11823 Durand Ave., Sturtevant 262-886-6690
Hours: Opens Saturday, Sept. 26, noon-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Lindner Pumpkin Farm
19072 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin
262-549-5364
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Sept. 19Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: The number of people on the premises will be monitored to avoid crowding and encourage social distancing; also, people are advised to visit the farm on weekdays when there are typically fewer crowds. The playground, train ride and kids games will be closed this year.
Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm & Market
2970 Mile View Road, West Bend 262-338-3649
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, last weekend of September through Oct. 31
COVID-19 precautions: Masks are required on the wagon and inside the store. There will be distancing between groups enforced in the haunted cornfield, in the store, while picking pumpkins and in the animal park.
Schuett Farms
Highway 83 and Road X, Mukwonago
262-968-4348
Hours: Open daily Sept. 26-the end of October. Check site for hours.
COVID-19 precautions: The farm’s layout has been rearranged to promote social distancing.
Swan’s Pumpkin Farm
5930 Highway H, Franksville 262-835-4885
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. MondayThursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday
Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 8759488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or Facebook at WisconsinFamily.