Pumpkin Picking Guide to Milwaukee: Fall 2025
Discover authentic farm experiences within 20 minutes of most north shore communities
Quick Overview
Best Times: Early morning (9-10am), weekdays, late September through early October
Price Range: Free to $80 for families
Ages: Activities for children 3-14
What to Wear: Closed-toe shoes (boots recommended in wet conditions)
Payment: Most accept credit cards, bring cash for small activity fees
Budget-Friendly Farms (Under $20 for families)
🆓 Cedarburg Creek Farm
Location: 649 Highway 60, Cedarburg
Phone: (414) 333-5600
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm (Sept 21 - Oct 31)
Admission: FREE + FREE parking + FREE hayrides
What's Included:
Corn maze
Petting zoo with barnyard animals
Barrel train rides
Bounce houses
Weekend live entertainment
Antique tractor demonstrations
Individual Activities: $2-6 each
🆓 Silver Spring Pumpkin Farm
Location: N56W18884 Silver Spring Drive, Menomonee Falls
Hours: Daily 10am-7pm
Admission: FREE
Highlights:
Wisconsin's most diverse pumpkin selection
Pie pumpkins, carving varieties, white pumpkins, ornamental types
Most pumpkins $5 or less
Authentic growing operation, no commercial distractions
Mid-Range Options ($30-50 for families)
🎯 Creekside Valley Farm
Location: 13101 N Wauwatosa Road, Mequon
Phone: (414) 852-5752
Hours: Daily 9am-7pm (Sept 21 - Oct 31)
Admission: FREE (Corn maze $6)
Unique Features:
8-acre corn maze with agricultural trivia
Theater room with free popcorn and movies
Packers games on Sundays
Giant "Goliath chair" for photos
Petting zoo: pygmy goats, donkeys, miniature ponies, peacocks
Free pedal tractors and swings
Hidden pony "Socks" scavenger hunt
🐄 Cozy Nook Farm (Authentic Working Farm)
Location: S11 W30780 Summit Ave, Waukesha
Phone: (262) 968-2573
Real Farm Experience:
6th-generation dairy farm
65 registered Brown Swiss and Guernsey cows
Daily cow milking demonstrations at 5pm
40+ pumpkin varieties (white, green, tan, red)
Weekend hayrides: $5 adults, $3 under 10
190-year farm history
🍎 Barthel Fruit Farm
Location: 12246 N Farmdale Road, Mequon
Phone: (262) 242-2737
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm (Sept - Oct)
Established 1839:
75+ apple varieties
Fresh apple cider donuts daily
Extensive pumpkin selections
Corn mazes
Annual Oktoberfest celebration
Drive-through checkout
🍯 Honey Creek Orchard
Location: 8210 Pioneer Road, Cedarburg
Phone: (414) 788-0765
Hours: Varied daily (Sept 7 - mid Nov)
Family Amenities:
Western Town play area
Climbing tractors
Farm animals
75+ apple varieties
Fresh apple cider donuts
Children under 3 free
Playground equipment
Premium Experience ($60-80 for families)
🎢 Basse's Taste of Country (65+ Activities)
Location: 3190 County Line Road, Colgate
Phone: (262) 628-2626
Admission: $14.78 weekdays, $19.49 weekends
Payment: CASHLESS ONLY (credit, debit, mobile)
All-Inclusive Activities:
Signature "Barncade": Vintage arcade games in barn
8-acre corn maze
Pumpkin cannon
Jumping pillows
Inflatable obstacle courses
Duck races
Train rides
Mechanical bulls
Ropes course (17 obstacles)
Giant Connect 4 and pumpkin checkers
Weekend Specials:
Pig races
Live entertainment shows
5pm candy drops
Beer barn for adults
Best For: Families with older children (ages 8-14)
Planning Your Visit
🕘 Best Times to Visit
Optimal: Early morning (9-10am)
Less Crowded: Weekdays
Sweet Spot: Late September through early October
Avoid: Mid-October weekends (peak crowds)
💰 Budget Planning
Free Farms: Under $20 total
Mid-Range: $30-50
Premium: $60-80 (but includes everything)
📋 What to Bring
Closed-toe shoes (boots if wet)
Cash for small activities
Camera for family photos
Earth-tone clothing for best photos
Community Fall Events
🎃 Coordinating Festivals
Whitefish Bay Great Pumpkin Festival: October 23-26
Cedarburg Wine & Harvest Festival: September weekends
Port Washington Fall Street Festival: Early October
Quick Reference by Location
Closest to North Shore Communities
Creekside Valley Farm (Mequon)
Barthel Fruit Farm (Mequon)
Cedarburg Creek Farm (Cedarburg)
Honey Creek Orchard (Cedarburg)
Best for Different Needs
Tightest Budget: Silver Spring Pumpkin Farm, Cedarburg Creek Farm
Educational Experience: Creekside Valley Farm, Cozy Nook Farm
Maximum Entertainment: Basse's Taste of Country
Authentic Farm Life: Cozy Nook Farm
Apple Picking + Pumpkins: Barthel Fruit Farm, Honey Creek Orchard
Photography Tips
Best Clothing: Earth tones (dark greens, browns)
Optimal Lighting: Golden hour (early morning/late afternoon)
Props Available: Seasonal decorations, hay bales, themed displays at all locations
Call ahead during uncertain weather - most farms operate weather permitting