There’s nothing quite like a visit to the pumpkin patch on a crisp fall day—trekking out into the pumpkin fields, going for hayrides, petting farm animals, and drinking a cup of warm apple cider. Of course you have a lot of great options for this here in Oregon, but one of the best is without a doubt the French Prairie Gardens located right in between Woodburn and St. Paul.
This 500-acre family-run and operated farm was first started back in 1987 and has been providing top-notch farm experiences for the whole family to enjoy ever since. Throughout the spring, summer, and fall they have fantastic events like the Sunflower Festival, Tulip and Flower Festival, Fight for Your Life 5K Run, and Berries, Brews & BBQs. However, the most popular is the upcoming Pumpkin Patch Festival that runs from October 5th to the 29th.
You can purchase tickets to the event ahead of time on the farm’s website (and this is highly recommended since it’s very popular, plus you’ll have to pay $5 more if you buy them at the door). Weekday passes are $17.99 per person and weekend passes are $18.99, with kids two and under free. This price may seem steep at first blush, but you get so much with your admission that you can truly spend the whole day here and you and your kids will remember it forever!
Here’s just a taste of what you get with your admission in addition to the pumpkin patch: entrance to both the bigger six-acre corn maze and the kids two-acre corn maze, unlimited rides down the “Double Super Mega Ride N' Slide,” tractor wagon rides, pig barrel train rides, farm ninja course, corn cannon, farm animals, jump pad, bubble station, and the apple slingshot! Seriously, you should plan on being here for a minimum of two hours, but even then you won’t be able to see everything.
Additionally, there’s an adorable farm store with so many items to choose from including tons of locally-made crafts, flowers, and gifts, and the Farm Bar Taproom that has 12 different beers on ciders on tap and they also sell delicious lunches on the weekends like pulled pork nachos.
Another thing that the French Prairie Gardens is known for are their apple cider donuts (and Instagram-worthy apple cider donut milkshake!) and other delicious baked goods like pies, marionberry scones, jams, and cookies all made onsite at their Scratch Bakery. The pies are all made with two pounds of fruit that’s grown right on the farm and you can buy these ready-to-eat, or pre-assembled to take home and bake yourself.
You can go to the Pumpkin Patch Festival any day of the week except Monday, but do note that some of the activities are only open on the weekends like the tractor wagon ride, pig barrel train rides, and “Pig-tucky Derby Pig Races,” so plan accordingly. And if you become totally obsessed with visiting this fantastic farm with your family throughout the year, you can sign up for an annual membership for only $6.99/month per person.
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Address: 17673 French Prairie Road, St. Paul
Phone: 503-633-8445
