Pile of pumpkins

Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin Patch in South Dakota

Written by: TravelSouthDakota.com Staff Writer

What is fall without a pumpkin? Finding your perfect pumpkin is easy in South Dakota, where producers across the state offer all shapes & sizes. Bonus: Many places offer plenty of ways to have some extra autumn fun, whether it’s a corn maze, wagon ride, harvest festival, or even a train ride! Check out some of our favorite patches and celebrations below.

Swift Family Enterprises

34860 281st St., Burke

What began as a retirement hobby has transformed into a family affair that offers a variety of pumpkins, squash, and gourds. Between early September and the end of October, a roadside stand is usually set up, but guarantee your perfect pumpkin by making an appointment via email, phone (605-775-2947) or Facebook.

Riverview Christmas Tree Farm

48392 278th St., Canton

Since Halloween is like Christmas to a lot of folks, it makes sense that Riverview Christmas Tree Farm throws a pumpkin festival during the first three weekends in October. Head to this family business outside of Canton and find your perfect pumpkin. Scouting for Christmas trees is optional but not unusual.

Big Stone Pumpkin Patch

48587 148th St., Big Stone City

Select a pre-picked pumpkin or pick your own at Big Stone Pumpkin Patch, but don’t forget to enjoy a hayride, barrel-train ride, a trip through the corn maze, or one of this farm’s other activities designed to get you in the autumn spirit.

Dry Creek Farm & Ranch

23630 Wisehart Rd., Caputa

Pumpkins? Check. Corn maze, honey, eggs, and farm tours? Yep. It’s a full and fun experience at Dry Creek Farm & Ranch. where the corn maze and pumpkin patch are open weekends in September and October.

Hours: Friday & Saturday (noon to dark) and Sunday (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

Country Apple Orchard

27249 Highway 115, Harrisburg

Forget about a traditional orchard. This is more of an autumn amusement park. Pumpkins are available for purchase, but it's the 6,000 apple trees that are the main delicious draw. Plus, every weekend between mid-August and late October features pony and children’s train rides as well as inflatables, live entertainment and vendors. Kids can also dive in the corn kernel pit and ascend the tractor-tire mountain! If you’re looking to make some fall magic, Country Apple Orchard is the place.

That Pickin Patch

45472 268th St., Parker

Part of being a true South Dakotan is having trust in your fellow humans. That—along with a bunch of pumpkins—is on full display at this self-serve pumpkin patch located 7 miles north of Parker (or 14 miles west of Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s biggest city). Swing by That Pickin Patch for chemical-free pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.

Lil’ Harvester’s Pumpkin Patch

8680 S Highway 16, Rapid City

Just outside of one of South Dakota’s biggest cities is all sorts of rural fun. Lil’ Harvester’s Pumpkin patch offers a variety of pumpkins, gourd and more as well as the option for a pony party!

Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch

30851 433rd Ave., Yankton

Ever been in a corn pool? Answer “yes” after visiting Mazing Acres Pumpkin Patch, where a pit of shelled corn brings squeals of delight from every “swimmer.” You can also wander the corn maze and, of course, pick your own pumpkin.

Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch

10784 Chicken Creek Rd., Spearfish

The folks of Spearfish Valley Produce offer almost unlimited fun, including a corn maze, kids’ activities and, of course, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes.

Cherry Rock Farms

48105 264th St., Brandon

Five generations have helped Cherry Rock Farms become one of the most revered produce farms in the state. Find your perfect pumpkin and more after enjoying a wagon ride and a trip through the farm’s corn maze.

Black and white illustration of pumpkins

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About the Author
TravelSouthDakota.com Staff WriterThis article was authored by Travel South Dakota's team of writers and editors. We’re passionate about sharing the best of South Dakota, whether it's exploring national and state parks, road-tripping, diving into local culture or uncovering hidden gems. Some of us grew up here, others got here as fast as we could — but we’re all on the lookout for the best spots to eat, stay and experience in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.