It’s officially fall, and to (loosely) quote the brilliant Colin Nissan from McSweeney’s, “It’s decorative gourd season.”
We may be biased at Signal Akron, but no one does fall quite like the Midwest. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, terrifyingly vast corn mazes, military-grade looking apple canons — you can’t beat it.
Whether you’re looking for a farm with all the fall activities or prefer a more laid-back visit to a local orchard for apple picking, we’ve rounded up 14 local places that are here to fulfill all your fall needs — decorative gourds included.
One quick note: Hours for many of the farms and markets change based on the season. We’ve noted that when possible, but if you’re unsure, call the location or check its website for more information.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our roundup of more than 40 fall events happening in Akron and Summit County.
Discover farms and orchards across Northeast Ohio
Maize Valley
6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville
330-877-8344
maizevalley.com
October hours
- Fall activities: Thursday – Monday: noon to 7 p.m. (last admission is 6 p.m.)
- Market: Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m – 10 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (The market is open year-round, but the hours change seasonally. The kitchen always closes one hour before the listed time.)
Admission for fall activities: $15; seniors: $10; children younger than 2: free
Families will appreciate the mix of fall-centric activities offered at Maize Valley. Get lost in the 8-acre corn maze and take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect jack-o’-lantern. Other activities include a pumpkin cannon, duck races, a straw bale mountain and more. For those looking for some more relaxed fall fun, stop by the farm market for a bite to eat or to try one of Maize Valley’s craft beers or wines. The year-round market also features a bakery and deli and carries gourmet specialty foods.
Rittman Orchards and Farm Market
13548 Mount Eaton Road, Doylestown
330-925-4152
rittmanorchards.com
October hours
- Market: Tuesday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (The market is open year-round, but the hours change seasonally.)
- U-pick: Varies by availability; the website is updated every week with a u-pick apple schedule. U-pick pumpkins are only available Saturday and Sunday.
Admission: Free
This Wayne County orchard grows a variety of apples available for picking through late October. The cost is $17 for a peck or $30 for half a bushel. On the weekends, visitors can also pick their own pumpkins. The cost is 55 cents per pound for pumpkins. The farm market sells apple cider, corn stalks, pumpkins, squash and other local seasonal produce.
Szalay’s Farm & Market
4563 Riverview Road, Peninsula
330-657-2727
szalaysfarm.com
Hours (last day of the season is Oct. 31)
- Market: Daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Corn maze: Daily 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Outdoor food stands: Saturday and Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Free (Corn maze is $6; children 3 and younger are free)
While there isn’t a pumpkin patch at Szalay’s, there is a truly impressive variety of autumnal gourds in all shapes, sizes and colors. The fourth generation family farm sits right off the Towpath Trail. The farm market sells local seasonal produce, flowers, baked goods and more. The 3-acre corn maze will take about 30 minutes to complete. Szalay’s is cash only.
Richardson Farms
6984 Lafayette Road, Medina
330-722-4029
richardson-farms.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
This family-owned farm offers pick-your-own pumpkins and apples. Pumpkins range in price from $2 to $10. U-pick apples are sold by the bag, and the farm offers four different sizes. Also on the property is a greenhouse selling plants, flowers and trees. Stop by the year-round market to shop for produce, much of which is grown at the farm, as well as eggs, meat, honey and more.
Heritage Farms
6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula
330-657-2330
heritagefarms.com
Pumpkin Pandemonium hours (last day is Oct. 25): Wednesday – Friday: 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Special hours Oct. 9 and 16: noon to 6 p.m.)
Admission: Free to enter, but varying costs for activities
Celebrate all things fall with hayrides, pumpkin picking, scavenger hunts, a corn maze and more at this popular Peninsula farm’s annual fall festival. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and straw bales are also for sale. Keep in mind that if you visit Wednesday through Friday, the scavenger challenge and the corn maze are the only activities that are offered. The hayride and the kidzone activities are only offered on Saturday and Sunday.
Luther Farms
5150 Alger Road, Richfield
330-659-2526
lutherfarms.com
Fall hours
- Market: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Fall Fest (last day is Oct. 31): Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission for Fall Fest: Ages 13 and older: $8; ages 4 to 12: $5; children younger than 3: free
Visit this working farm’s market during the week for seasonal produce and meat — all grown and raised onsite — and Amish foods such as jams, jellies and salsas. During the weekend, the farm hosts its annual Fall Fest with hayrides, a petting farm, corn maze, face painting and more.
Rufener Hilltop Farms
1022 State Route 43, Mogadore
330-628-1082
rufeners.com
October hours
- Market: Daily 9 a.m to 7 p.m.
- Fall Festival (last day is Oct. 25): Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Relaxed Farm Experience (last day Oct. 25): Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission
- Fall Festival: $14; seniors: $12; children 3 and younger: free (one pumpkin included per admission; additional pumpkins are $5)
- Relaxed Farm Experience: $5; seniors: $3; children 3 and younger: free
This Mogadore farm’s Fall Festival features pumpkin picking, hayrides, a corn maze, yard games and plenty of photo opportunities for the whole family. Those who want a quieter outing can visit during the week for the Relaxed Farm Experience when the property has fewer visitors.
Dussel Farm
1109 Old Forge Road, Kent
330-673-5957
dusselfarm.com
Hours
- Market (open seasonally): Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Pumpkin Festival (last day is Nov. 1): Daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Concessions are only open during weekends.)
Admission for Pumpkin Festival: Free (corn maze is $5 per person or $15 for a family; children 6 and younger are free)
This beloved Kent farm dates back to 1948, and has remained in the Dussel family ever since. Peruse thousands of pumpkins and shop for mums, straw bales and corn stalks. Visitors can also test their navigational skills in the corn maze. (There’s also a smaller kid-friendly maze.) On the weekends, face painting is offered and seasonal treats such as caramel apples, hot cider and kettle corn are for sale.
Kingsway Pumpkin Farm
1555 Andrews St. NE, Hartville
330-877-6241
kingswaypumpkinfarm.com
Hours (last day of the season is Oct. 31): Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m. (last admission is 30 minutes before close)
Admission: Monday – Thursday: $10; Friday – Sunday: $12; children 3 and younger: free
This year’s corn maze at this Stark County farm features a Mount Rushmore design in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Other attractions include wagon rides, farm animals and a barrel train for kids. Pumpkins are priced at about 35 cents per pound, depending on the variety.
Nickajack Farms
2955 Manchester Ave. NW, North Lawrence
330-323-9714
nickajackfarms.com
October hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission for Pumpkin Days: $17; children 2 and younger: free; discounts offered for seniors and military (pony rides, corn canons and paintball cost extra)
Seventy-five varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash are grown on this family farm in Stark County. During Pumpkin Days, guests can enjoy wagon rides, the corn maze, pony rides and more. For those who want to pick their own pumpkins or shop for fall decor at Grandma’s Country Store, there’s no need to pay the admission price. On the weekends, guests can enjoy a lemonade or doughnut from the food trucks.
Kuner’s Fruit Farm
5424 S. Arlington Road, Clinton
330-896-1391
facebook.com/kunersfruitfarm
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
This family-run orchard in Green is typically open through early November and carries a variety of apples and cider. This spot is strictly for those looking to shop as Kuner’s no longer offers u-pick. Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates on what apples are available.
Geig’s Orchard
8468 Wooster Pike, Seville
330-769-3276
geigsorchard.com
Market hours (open through December): Monday – Sunday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Geig’s Orchard will host a u-pick weekend for pumpkins Oct. 10 and 11. Apples might also be available for u-pick then. Check the orchard’s Facebook page or call ahead to confirm. While there, enjoy hayrides, cider and plenty of photo opportunities.
Hillside Orchard & Farm Market
2397 Center Road, Hinckley
330-225-4748
hillsideohio.com
Hours
- Market (last day of the season is Dec. 23): Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
- U-pick: Oct. 3 and 10: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Oct. 4 and 11: noon to 5 p.m. (3 p.m. is the latest start time for picking apples.)
Hillside’s roots date back to 1914. The family-run orchard grows apples and blueberries for u-pick. Its market carries a variety of local, seasonal produce as well as fresh-pressed apple cider, warm apple cider doughnuts, pumpkins and more.
Bauman Orchards
161 Rittman Ave., Rittman
330-925-6861
baumanorchards.com
Hours
- Market: Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Fall Festival: Oct. 3 and 10: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission for Fall Festival: Free (hayrides: $2; u-pick apples: $15 for a peck or $28 for half a bushel)
This Wayne County orchard has a large farm market selling produce, baked goods, cider and more. Its fall festival features hay rides, a petting zoo and a bounce house, plus a chance to pick some apples to take home. If you’re going to attend the Fall Festival, plan to park at Rittman High School (50 Saurer St.). A free shuttle to the orchard will be provided.
