What Makes a Great Iowa Pumpkin Patch
Every family has a different idea of the perfect pumpkin patch. Some want a field to wander, some want a full day of fun, and some just want great cider donuts. Here's what to look for when you're choosing, and how we do it at Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, Iowa.
The Short Answer
The best pumpkin patch in Iowa is the one that fits your crew. Look for a real field where you pick your own pumpkin, enough to do once the pumpkin is in the wagon, food worth staying for, and a farm that makes the day easy for every member of the family.
Center Grove Orchard is a family-owned farm in Cambridge, about 35 minutes from downtown Des Moines, 25 from Ankeny, and 20 from Ames. Pumpkin picking runs late September through October.
1. You Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Half the fun of a pumpkin patch is the hunt: wandering the patch, rolling a few over, and carrying your pick back like a trophy.
At Center Grove, the hayride carries you out to the pumpkin patch, and picking pumpkins is wheelchair accessible. Pumpkin picking runs late September through October, so check the patch status before you head out.
2. There's More to Do Than Pick Pumpkins
A great pumpkin patch keeps the fun going after you've found your pumpkin. At Center Grove, admission covers 40+ attractions across the farm, including:
- A four-acre corn maze, cut in a new design every fall. See the corn maze guide.
- A 20-acre apple orchard with more than 34 varieties, so apples and pumpkins are one trip. See our apple picking guide.
- The big favorites: the Corn Pool, Jumping Pillows, Black Gold Super Slide, CGO Express Train, and the farm animals.
Plan at least two to three hours with kids. Exploring the whole farm can easily take all day.
3. Food Worth Staying For
Nobody leaves a good pumpkin patch hungry. We have thirteen food stops on the farm: scratch-made pies and apple cider donuts at the Bakery, homemade fudge and hand-crafted caramel apples at the Candy Kitchen, kettle corn, and a sit-down meal at the Hay Cafe. See all of our food venues.
The Bakery is inside the Country Store, and you can shop the Country Store without paying admission.
4. Events That Fit Your Crew
Pumpkin Fest runs October 1 through November 6. Pumpkin Nights keeps the farm open until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings from October 2 through 24, with lit-up paths, s'mores at the fire pit, and fireworks every Saturday night.
Costume Weekend, October 24 and 25, is trick-or-treating across the farm. And Pumpkin Destruction, November 7 and 8, closes the season. Every date is on our events page, and our week-by-week fall guide helps you pick the right weekend.
5. Know What You're Paying For
Look at what admission actually covers. At Center Grove, online admission is $14.95 on weekdays and $19.95 on weekends, and it includes the attractions and the corn maze. Ages 2 and under are free.
Weekdays are the better deal, and Thursdays after 2 PM, gate admission is buy one, get one free. Coming back more than three times this fall? The Fall Season Pass at $69.95 covers every visit, including Pumpkin Nights. See tickets.
6. Easy for the Whole Family
- Free parking, with plenty of it, and accessible parking at the front of the main lot.
- Wheelchair accessible hayride, CGO Express, barn shows, and picking apples and pumpkins. Some paths are grass and gravel.
- Strollers and wagons welcome. Bring your own; the farm spreads across 25 acres.
- Rain or shine. The farm stays open in rainy weather, and tickets can be moved to another date up until one hour before closing on your ticket's date.
- No dogs, though service animals are welcome.
7. Listen to Other Families
Reviews tell you what a farm is really like on a busy Saturday. Center Grove Orchard has a 4.7-star rating from more than 2,000 Google reviews. We've been family-owned since the Black family planted our first trees in 1986, and we opened to the public in 1994.
Getting Here from Des Moines, Ankeny, and Ames
We're at 32835 610th Avenue in Cambridge, five miles east of I-35 at Exit 102. That's about 35 minutes from downtown Des Moines, 25 from Ankeny, and 20 from Ames. The directions page has drive times from 26 towns.
Pumpkin Patch Questions
What's the best pumpkin patch in Iowa?
It depends on your family. Look for a real pick-your-own field, plenty to do beyond picking, good food, and a farm that's easy to visit. Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge has all four, about 35 minutes from Des Moines.
When are pumpkins ready to pick?
Pumpkin picking runs late September through October. Check the patch status on our pumpkin patch page before you head out.
How much does it cost?
Online admission is $14.95 on weekdays and $19.95 on weekends. Ages 2 and under are free.
How long should we plan to stay?
Plan at least two to three hours with kids. Exploring the whole farm can easily take all day.
Is there a corn maze too?
Yes. Our four-acre corn maze is cut in a new design every fall, and it's included with admission.
Can we bring our dog?
No pets, but service animals are welcome.