There’s a crispness in the air, pumpkin spice lattes are back, and everyone’s porch decor is turning orange, which can only mean one thing—fall is here! I’m not one to wish away the hot summer days, but there’s just something special about pumpkin patches, apple cider donuts, and all of the spooky fun. The Chippewa Valley is also full of local farms and orchards that open to the public this time of year, offering everything from corn mazes to pick-your-own apples. Use this list to make the most of the fall season while supporting local farmers. 

GOVIN’S FARM (MENOMONIE, WI): Just outside of Menomonie, visit Govin’s to enjoy fun for the whole family. Pick a pumpkin from the patch, see all the adorable farm animals, attempt their huge 11-acre corn maze, shoot pumpkins from cannons, take a wagon ride, and enjoy fall treats, such as their famous apple cider donuts. Govin’s is open weekends from September 23rd through October 28th: Fridays 5:00pm-10:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-10:00pm, and Sundays 11:00am-5:00pm.

THE GLASS ORCHARD (EAU CLAIRE, WI): Located south of Eau Claire, The Glass Orchard combines an apple orchard with glass art. Their 5-acre orchard is home to eleven apple varieties and opens for the season on September 10th. In addition to fresh apples, browse their website to learn about the different fused glass classes they offer on the weekends. The Glass Orchard is open Friday through Sunday from 10:00am-6:00pm.

LEFFEL ROOTS APPLE ORCHARD (EAU CLAIRE, WI): Travel just south of Eau Claire to visit Leffel Roots Apple Orchard for a classic fall outing. Visit their shop for pre-picked apples, local honey, jams and jellies, fresh cider, and even their own apple ale. And plan to take a stroll through the corn maze before picking out the perfect pumpkins, squash, and gourds to decorate your porch. Leffel Roots Apple Orchard is open in September from 10:00am-6:00pm Wednesday through Sunday, with extended weekend hours in October. 

FERGUSON’S ORCHARDS (EAU CLAIRE, WI): Voted the Best Pumpkin Patch in Wisconsin, Ferguson’s Orchards is your go-to for all fall activities. Wander through their apple orchards and pick your own pumpkins from the patch, take a wagon ride, play in the corn pit, see the farm animals, and even launch apples from a cannon. Ferguson’s Orchards is open 10:00am-6:00pm daily through the season.

NIBLETT’S APPLE SHED (CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI): Take the drive to Chippewa Falls to experience one of the oldest orchards in the area that grows both apples and pears! They offer pick-your-own or pre-picked apples, mini golf, a petting zoo, concessions, and a shop full of local wares. Niblett’s is open daily from 10:00am-6:00pm throughout the season. 

BUSHEL & A PECK (CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI): Growing over thirty apple varieties on their scenic ridge in Chippewa Falls, Bushel & A Peck is known for their selection of pick-your-own apples and delicious from-scratch pies and baked goods. You’ll also have fun in the corn maze and pumpkin patch while you explore the property. Bushel & A Peck is open daily from 9:00am-6:00pm.

CONNELL’S ORCHARD (CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI): In addition to Niblett’s and Bushel & A Peck, you can make a day of visiting orchards in Chippewa Falls by stopping down the road at Connell’s Orchard. Choose from over thirty varieties of apples, pick a pumpkin, take a wagon ride, or snack on a caramel apple. Connell’s Orchard is open daily from 9:00am-6:00pm.

DIXON’S AUTUMN HARVEST WINERY & ORCHARD (CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI): Looking for some fall fun focused more on adults? Visit Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery & Orchard in Chippewa Falls. They’re known for their Champagne apples and signature hard cider, which you can enjoy a glass of on-site while listening to live music after apple picking. Dixon’s is open Wednesday and Saturday from 11:00am-8:00pm and Thursday, Friday, and Sunday from 11:00am-6:00pm.

This article was originally published in the September/October 2023 issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, The Morsel. If you’d like to read more stories like this one and stay up to date on the latest co-op news and events, pick up a print copy in-store on your next grocery run or find more news on our website here.