A Pumpkin Patch Like No Other: Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm, a family-owned farm in the Chicago suburbs, holds a fun, festive annual fall event each autumn. This popular local favorite, which has been going strong for over 40 years, has been voted “Best Pumpkin Farm in Chicago” by viewers of My Fox Chicago. I always make it a point to visit Bengtson’s on any fall visit to Chicago (and you should too!).
Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch
The highlight of this fall fest is a “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch. Hundreds of different sizes and shapes are available. Pumpkins are priced by the pound. Although they used to have a fun hayride that took you out to an actual field to pick your own pumpkins straight from the vine, it’s a bit more commercialized now with a pre picked patch and a separate hayride. Nevertheless, it’s still a great time and one of the better pumpkin patches you will find in Illinois.
Fall activities & attractions
In addition to the patch, an assortment of fall activities are included with general admission. These include a twisted tunnel, a fun slide, a haunted barn, a fun barn, pumpkin launchers, a petting zoo, pig races, and so much more! And don’t forget the sweets! Apple cider donuts, candy apples, and other tasty seasonal favorites will be there to tempt you as you stroll around enjoying the decor and festivities.
One of the great aspects about Bengtson’s is that they retain that old-fashioned charm. Most of the attractions and activities (minus the hayride out to the field) are identical to those found 20+ years ago. Almost everything is just as I remember it long ago. Anyone from the area will be hit with an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia as they walk in and see all the familiar sights from years past. It’s truly a refreshing step back in time compared to our modern world of technology everywhere. Although they did add one funny new addition that absolutely relates to our world today…
Another cute new addition is 2 giant corn kernel play areas (a much less messier alternative to sand) featuring over 56,000 pounds of corns! For both the kids and the kids at heart!
The perfect fall day in the Burbs
Spending an afternoon at Bengtson’s is the perfect fall activity in the Chicagoland area. There really is nothing that says fall in the Chicago suburbs quite like an afternoon out enjoying Bengston’s Pumpkin Festival. There are plenty of festive decorations, including cute dancing Halloween animatronics & various pumpkin displays, as well as seasonal decor.
Take a look at a few scenes from around the farm!
These dancing skeletons have been here since I started visiting 25+ years ago!
One of the most unique aspects of this farm has to be the pig races! I have never seen anything like it! 10 times daily, 3 different pig races take place across the track. Visit the Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm website for the full schedule.
Bengtson’s is the perfect kickoff to both the fall and Halloween season. I like visiting in early October to get into the Halloween spirit. Keep Bengtson’s in mind if you are visiting Chicago this Halloween season! What better way to get into the fall spirit then by picking out your pumpkin, enjoying seasonal treats and gorgeous fall weather, and enjoying a wide range of festive fall activities that the entire family can enjoy?
Fall photo opps
And the best part of all is that you have endless fall photo opportunities…perfect for fall greeting cards and Facebook background photos. Here’s just a few of the festive photo opps located throughout the grounds. They also have a new free family photo area, so you will find more than enough places to take photos. Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to obtain crowd-free photos!
Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm Additional Info
The farm is open from mid September through early November, from 11:00am-8:30pm (10am on weekends). Admission prices vary from $20-36 based on your date of visit. Your admission ticket includes entry into all attractions (extra fee for pony rides and gem mining). Parking is free!
I highly recommend visiting on a weekday morning or afternoon for cheaper admission tickets, not to mention less crowds. This place is very, very busy on the weekends and you will be waiting forever for the attractions! Yes, it is that great! So plan your visit to Bengston’s (on a weekday of course) and get ready for a festive visit to a pumpkin patch like no other in the country.
*Do be sure to check the website for next year’s date/times/admission prices as they are subject to change.
Address: 13341 151st. Street Homer Glen, IL 60491
