Best locations to pick pumpkins near DeKalb

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Northern Star File Photo

Kuipers Family Farm pumpkin patch

By Madelaine Vikse, Editor-in-Chief

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to a pumpkin patch. Whether one is looking for some fun activities for family or friends to enjoy, these pumpkin patches have many activities available to choose from.

Here are some of the best local pumpkin patches to visit and embrace the fall weather.

Jonamac Orchard: 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta

Jonamac has a selection of pumpkins for visitors to choose from the patch.

Pumpkins are available for purchase for either 3 for $20 or 1 for $10. There is a hayride available to take visitors out to the pumpkin patch and wheelbarrows that can be used to transport the pumpkins back to the front, according to the orchard’s website.

Jonamac Orchard opened their pumpkin patch on Sept. 21. Going forward, the patch is open Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., according to the orchard’s website.

Kuipers Family Farm: 1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park

Kuipers Family Farm is known for having a variety of activities available, with something for everyone to enjoy. They have a pumpkin patch where visitors can pick their pumpkins, as well as having pumpkins for sale in their shop.

In addition to the farm’s pumpkin patch, there are activities such as a corn maze, pig races, a haunted forest, Jed’s scream shed, a playground, a woodland walk and more. 

Prices vary and can be bought either online or at the gate. For a list of the different admission prices and activities available, visit the Kuipers Family Farm website.

The pumpkin patch is open from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31 Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closes at 4 p.m. on Halloween. “The Kuipers family opened their 71-acre pumpkin patch to the public in 1998,” according to their website.

Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm: 4S041 Merrill Road, Sugar Grove

The Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm is known for having a diverse selection of pumpkins that visitors can pick from. 

The farm has a corn maze open for visitors to enjoy and a list of activities including bags, yard Jenga, a ring toss and more for children 10 and under to use, according to the farm’s website.

The Sugar Grove Pumpkin Farm is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm will be closed on Halloween. Admission is free and the prices for the pumpkins vary. For more information, visit the farm’s website.