If your family is looking for a delightful day trip in Oregon, French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul is one of those heartwarming places that feels like a hug from the countryside. It's part garden center, part working farm, and all family fun wrapped into one. Located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the farm spans about 500 acres and is family-owned and operated.
An Autumn Extravaganza at French Prairie Gardens in St. Paul, Oregon
Fall on the farm is an absolute treat. From the lively pumpkin patch that draws families for some delightful pumpkin-picking to the myriad of activities, there's something for everyone. And the talk of the town? The Pigtucky Derby Pig Races! An exhilarating spectacle that has kids and adults alike cheering with glee. The Barnyard play area too, complete with seasonal additions, promises endless entertainment.
The patch features 12 acres with 20 different varieties of pumpkins, a six-acre corn maze complete with games inside, and a 175-ft. double super mega ride & slide.
A Bit of History and Spirit
The year is 1987. Beside a quiet roadside, the Pohlschneider family sets up a modest stand. This small gesture was the seedling that grew into the sprawling French Prairie Gardens we adore today. By 1995, the Pohlschneider's dream blossomed further with the establishment of a farm market. Over the years, they haven't just rested on their laurels, but expanded, adding a scratch bakery, a comprehensive garden center, and numerous delightful agri-tourism events.
That Apple Cider Float Is A Showstopper
If you visit in the fall, you absolutely cannot miss their Apple Cider Float. This decadent treat features fresh-pressed apple cider, an icy cider slush base, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, topped with a freshly baked apple cider donut. Imagine biting into a warm donut, then sipping the sweet cider float underneath, all in one glorious mouthful. If you love fall flavors, this is the kind of treat that makes a farm visit feel magical.
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What to Do When You Visit
Depending on when you go, French Prairie Gardens offers a wide variety of seasonal treats and family-friendly activities:
Flower & Garden Center
Walk among rows of blooming plants and flowers in the garden center. Since about 95% of the plants are grown right there, you get locally grown quality and a strong connection between what you see and what’s grown behind the scenes.
The Scratch Bakery & Farm Market
The scents wafting through the bakery are hard to resist. Fresh pies, breads, apple cider donuts, and more are baked using fruits and ingredients from the farm. Traditional recipes handed down over generations come to life every day. Favorites? Fresh cookies and the scrumptious marionberry scones. But that's not all. From apple pies brimming with 2 lbs of farm-grown apples, to an array of delectable fruit pies, apple cider donuts, and various scones and breads, the list is endless and delicious. The best part is that all the fruit is grown right on the farm. The farm market also carries produce, wreaths, seasonal goods, and garden supplies.
Want to know the magic behind their Strawberry Rhubarb Pies? They've got a video showing the process! Each baked item showcases the family's commitment to blending age-old recipes with fresh farm produce, ensuring a burst of authentic flavors in every bite.
Thirsty or hungry from your garden stroll? The Farm Bar, with its 12 taps of beer and hard cider, awaits, serving cherished family recipes. And for those with a penchant for the gourmet, the Farm Market brims with tantalizing food items, unique gifts, a buzzing Espresso Bar, and a tempting Ice Cream Bar.
Fall Favorites: Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze & More
In autumn the farm really shines. The pumpkin patch covers about 12 acres and features around 20 varieties of pumpkins. There's a six-acre corn maze with games inside, plus giant slides, obstacle courses, and even a “farm ninja” challenge. The pig races, called the Pigtucky Derby, are a longtime favorite and tend to draw big crowds excited to cheer on their favorite porcine friend.
If you choose the all-inclusive wristband for your visit, it unlocks extra attractions like slides, obstacle courses, rope mazes, and more.
Seasonal Events & Celebrations
Beyond the regular offerings, French Prairie Gardens hosts special events. In spring, there's a Tulip & Flower Festival that includes photo ops, obstacle courses, tire swings, and farm animals. For the hot summer months, there’s “Berries, Brews & BBQ,” a fun mix of music, farm vibes, and food. During fall, the farm turns into a full harvest celebration with pumpkins, photos, animals, rides, and more. Come winter, Santa is always dropping in for gifts and photo-ops.
More than Just a Garden
Beyond the gardens, the Pohlschneider family's agricultural prowess extends to a sprawling 500-acre farm where they produce grass seed, wheat, clover, and hazelnuts. Today, the torch of tradition and passion is carried forward by John and Karren Pohlschneider, along with their children Eric, Katey, Stacy, and their son-in-law, Albert.
Why Families Love It
There’s something inherently relaxing about spending time on a family farm. Kids run, explore, laugh, and get messy. Parents breathe in fresh air and take a break from screens. French Prairie Gardens offers a mix of adventure and calm. Because everything is on site or locally produced, the connection to the land feels real.
The combination of garden, farm animals, mazes, and food gives many entry points for different interests in your group. Someone might love picking a pumpkin, another might prefer browsing plants, while a third is all in for pig races. And at the end? A sweet treat to tie it all together.
Where is French Prairie Gardens Located?
Address: 17673 French Prairie Road, St. Paul OR 97137
Phone: 503-633-8445
Website, Information, and Tickets: fpgardens.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FrenchPrairieGardens
Instagram: instagram.com/frenchprairiegardens
