I recently visited a local gem known as the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch in Glyndon, Minnesota and had the perfect autumn day wandering the grounds and enjoying the beautiful weather. I almost missed the patch, however, because it’s somewhat hidden behind the treeline as you travel east on the highway. If you head out to see the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch for yourself, be on the lookout for the Welcome sign fluttering in the breeze.
After pulling off from the highway, just follow the road to the main parking area. It’s a little tight, so watch for other cars coming your way.
I found a parking spot easily enough, but the lot certainly fills as the day goes by. There’s no fee for parking.
There is a nominal fee to get into the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch, but I think it’s worth it, especially if you’re bringing the kids for a fun day trip. Once you’re inside the patch grounds, there are quite a number of things to see, beginning with the “general store”.
Here you can buy a souvenir or a snack. I almost bought some local honey on offer in the store but resisted the temptation. There are also portable toilets close by and a fun spot for taking pictures.
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The pumpkin “patch” is also close by this area, although I would suggest waiting until you’re done exploring to pick one out!
Right by the pumpkin patch there is a fun little forest village designed to walk through. It’s silly, but a cute idea.
As you walk along there are little setups featuring the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch’s “inhabitants”.
There is even a cute little school house, “jail”, and a homestead!
The forest walk also features larger characters made from hay bales like these cute pigs and not-so-cute spider:
Just past the forest village, the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch’s youngest visitors can enjoy a train ride that, honestly, looked like something I would have enjoyed when I was smaller!
For something a bit more traditional, there was also a pony ride offered. I resisted the urge to get in line.
Seemingly everywhere you look at the pumpkin patch there are cute little displays made from cleverly painted pumpkins.
I really appreciated the variety of attractions at the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch and the way that each section of the property was clearly designated with festive signage.
Little cowpokes can even practice their lasso skills!
Now, there was an “enchanted forest” section of the patch that proved to be a pleasant walk through another small wooded area, but I have to say that even for a primarily children’s attraction, this forest left a lot to be desired. To be fair, the map at the general store described it as “not-so-scary”. They weren’t kidding.
Pretty much the only displays were painted Disney characters. Aside from the one murder scene, of course.
Now, one part of the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch that I did enjoy was the little “petting” zoo. It was a basic barnyard of small animals, but was well done and enjoyable for everyone.
The goats were certainly eager to meet new people. Well, some of them, anyway.
This fella let me rub his nose and head for a bit. Seemed to have a sweet disposition.
I couldn’t quite say the same for the piglets or the chickens.
And of course these two were engrossed in their own private conversation, but honestly, it was a fun display.
The Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch was a beautiful spot to spend a couple of hours exploring, with plenty of fun photo ops and a general atmosphere of relaxed fun and family adventure.
If you want to visit the Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch, take Highway 10 east from Interstate 94 in the direction of Glyndon. There will be a sign on the right side of the road indicating the turnoff for the patch. The patch is open from late September through the end of October. You can learn more by visiting their website here.
By the way, before you leave, make sure to stop by the incredible doughnut truck! This may have been my favorite part of the whole afternoon!
