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Several locations in region to enjoy autumn-themed fun

By MARGUERITE LANTHIER, Staff Writer 4 min read

It's the time of year for pumpkin patches and corn mazes, with a number of farms in the region ready to offer some fall family experiences.

Some of the sites now open for the season include --

-- PumpkinFest is again underway at Swanson's Big Red Barn, W7484 Valerio Road in Niagara Township, Wis. They have prepicked pumpkins, a corn maze, game zone and unique activities for the kids, including pedal cars, a children's super truck ride, giant jumping pillow and train and tractor-drawn wagon rides. There are also a variety of foods for sale, including hamburgers and hot dogs, chicken strips, pizza, fries and chips, homemade baked goods and candy. Tickler Farm & Forest Products petting zoo will also be on site.

They are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays through October. Cost is $15 for ages 3 to 13; $5 for ages 14 and older and free for children ages 2 and younger.

-- Loud Acres Farm LLC in Crystal Falls has a number of events each year during October.

The annual Field of Screams Haunted Farm takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturdays through October. New this year is total blackout. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Those who attend are asked to not wear costumes for everyone's safety. Food and vendors will be on site. The farm opens at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 cash only.

They will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday for Corn Maze Days, with mazes, hayrides and more. Paul Sundquist and Paul Emerson will perform variety acoustic music from 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and an extra $3 for hayrides. They are at 178 Fisher Road in Crystal Falls Township.

-- The public is invited to the Slagle Family Pumpkin Patch at N7705 Metropolitan Road in Felch Township from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays and 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The farm also offers corn mazes, hayrides, music vendors and more, plus a pumpkin patch scavenger hunt.

Attendees can go to the pumpkin patch to cut their own pumpkins from the vine and pay at the barn. Prices are $7 for carving and decorative pumpkins all sizes; $7 for two pie pumpkins; $1 for mini pumpkins and gourds; and $5 for swan neck and birdhouse gourds. Customers are asked to bring their own cutting equipment.

They also have pick your own cornstalks, 20 for $5; and cabbage and winter squash for $5. Prepicked cornstalks and pumpkins are available in the barn, along with an assortment of fresh produce, meats, soaps and gifts.

-- Larry's Corn Maze, formerly Hayes Corn Maze, at 3474 St. Nicholas 31st Road in Rock features various family-friendly, fall-themed activities until November.

They switched hands earlier this year, but many of the old favorites remain part of the business. It features two corn mazes of varying difficulties, pumpkin patches, a petting zoo, a bounce house, hayrides, food options and more. Attendees are invited to try to find Larry's friend in the corn maze.

The maze is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays, with the last ticket being sold at 5 p.m. Tickets are free for ages 3 and younger, $8 for ages 4 to 8, $10 for ages 9 and older and $5 for veterans.

-- The Hofer Pumpkin Patch at W5567 County Road 346 in Wallace has corn mazes, hayrides and pick-your-own pumpkins. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pumpkins are $3 each or $1 for little pumpkins. Pre-picked pumpkins also available, as well as gourds, squash, corn stalk bundles and hay, straw and mini-bales. They also have homemade maple syrup.

They offer three corn mazes -- a mini-walk-through maze, a longer walk-through maze and a drive-through daytime maze. These are free. On Friday and Saturday nights they have a lighted corn maze, a drive-through-only event, from 7 to 9 p.m. through Oct. 24. Cost is $10 per car. They recommend visiting the longhorn cattle on site as well.

-- Getzloff's Corn Maze at N15891 County Road 551 in Wilson is open 4 to 8 p.m. Eastern time Fridays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. They have hay rides and many activities for children, including farm animals to visit, kittens to cuddle, a goat petting zoo and a bounce house. They also have a variety of food and drinks for sale.

Visitors are invited to pick their own pumpkins. They will be closed today for a private event. Cost is $8 per person, with ages 4 and younger free.

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