2025 the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa Pumpkin U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org

Find a pick-your-own farm near you! Then learn to can and freeze! Since 2002! We update continuously; Beware the copycat websites!

Find a local pick your own farm here!

Pumpkin U-Pick Orchards in the greater metropolitan Des Moines area of Iowa in 2025, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for pumpkins that we know of in this area.

Not all areas of a state have pumpkins farms that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

New! As inflation remains high, see this page for reliable (tested) brands of generic canning lids at lower costs, and cost-saving measures for getting fruit and vegetables and home canning.
 If you are having a hard time finding canning lids, I've used these, and they're a great price & ship in 2 days.

New! Road tripping and camping is a great way to have a fun, safe and inexpensive family trip. The national and state parks and monuments are open, and campgrounds usually cost between $10 and $40 per night. September to November is the best camping weather.  See our new website Road Tripping and Camping.com for tips, tricks, guides, checklists and info about parks, monuments and other places to visit.

New! We just went live with our latest website, FunFactoryTours.com - As they name implies, you can find a fun factory tour, including chocolate, automobiles, historical forts and sites, famous buildings, Active Federal facilities even fun geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

Greene County

  • Deal's Orchard - apples, cherries, onions, pumpkins, Cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, restrooms, jumping pillow, trike track, farm animals, school tours
    1102 244th Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. Phone: 515-386-8279. Email: dealsorchard@gmail.com. Open: See our website for current hours Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, WIC Vouchers.
    Deal's Orchard Facebook page. . We have over 25 varieties of Iowa apples as well as tomatoes, sweet corn, pumpkins, holiday gift baskets, and plenty of other seasonal fruits and vegetables. In 1999 we planted our first crop of Scotch Pine trees and now have a wide selection of Christmas trees on our Tree Farm. In the fall, we invite you to come and enjoy our family fun zone, Apple Acres, as well as a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and free weekend hayrack rides. Bring the family out to and make some memories finding the perfect Christmas tree or picking some ripe apples. If you'd prefer we do the work for you, visit the Apple Barn to buy something we carefully picked just for you. (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Marshall County

Polk County

  • Pumpkinville at Mitchellville - pumpkins, squash, gourds, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, corn maze, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area, tractor-pulled hay rides, petting zoo
    618 Center Ave S, Mitchellville, IA 50169. Phone: 515-967-0972. Email: Pumpkinville@mchsi.com. Open: Daily 10:00 TO Dusk Corn maze open August-October 10 am to 9 pm We are open for business from May 1 through October 31. Directions: Take exit 149 off of I-80 south to Center Ave Take Center Ave south out of town to 618 Center Ave S . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only.
    Pumpkinville at Mitchellville Facebook page. Crops are usually available in August, September, October. We sell vegetables daily from spring through fall. . The ONLY pyo crops offered are pumpkins, squash, gourds. (UPDATED: June 10, 2020) (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • Upstream Gardens and Orchard - apples, asparagus, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn (sweet), cucumbers, currants (red and black), other berries, pears, peaches, peppers, plums, pumpkins, raspberries (red), raspberries (Spring, red), raspberries (Autumn, red), raspberries (yellow), raspberries (Spring, yellow), raspberries (Autumn, yellow), raspberries (black), raspberries (Spring, black), raspberries (Autumn, black), rhubarb, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, walnuts, Honey from hives on the farm, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, H
    5987 Ne 88th St, Altoona, IA 50009. Phone: 515-957-1303. Email: upstreamgardens@gmail.com. Open: See the main page on our website for hours as they may change on a weekly basis. Directions: From I-80 exit 143, go south to NE 9th Street \\(where the median stops\\) and turn left. Go 2 miles and turn left again. Farm is on the right side of the road .7 miles from the turn. From Altoona, take 8th Street SW east out of town to NE 88th Street \\(East edge of the golf course\\) Turn left and go North.1.7 miles. Farm is on right side of the road. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx.
    Upstream Gardens and Orchard Facebook page. Go 2 miles and turn left again. Farm is on the right side of the road .7 miles from the turn. From Altoona, take 8th Street SW east out of town to NE 88th Street (East edge of the golf course) Turn left and go North.1.7 miles. Farm is on right side of the road. Pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, always fresh and naturally grown, There is never an admission fee to come out and look around. If you spend any money, you'll be taking something home with you. We are here to produce and sell healthy food in a relaxed country environment. We don't have rides or slides, but we usually have peace and quiet, and a few kittens running around. PYO Tart Red Cherries, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Plums, , Blueberries, Black Raspberries, Blackberries, Mulberries, Red Currants, Red Raspberries, Strawberries. (UPDATED: April 18, 2016) (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Story County

  • Center Grove Orchard - apples, strawberries, zinnias, sunflowers, flowers, pumpkins, U-pick and already picked, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, face painting, Jumping pillow, farm animals, birthday parties, school tours
    32835 610th Ave, Cambridge, IA 50046. Phone: 515-383-4354. Email: fun@centergroveorchard.com. Open: September through Christmas, on Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm, May and June and August thru December. Directions: Just north of Ankeny and south of Ames, 5 miles east of I-35 on Highway 210 \\(Exit 102, Cambridge\\). Then, north 18 mile on 610th Avenue. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover.
    Center Grove Orchard Facebook page. Apples, pumpkins, hayrides, farm fun and more!. Then, north 1/8 mile on 610th Avenue. Come be part of the lively atmosphere of our beautiful Central Iowa farm! We're sure you will gather as many happy memories as apples. Enjoy daily hayrides, corn pool, corn maze and hay maze, farm animals, pedal tractors, weekend festivals with live entertainment, and so much more. Don't forget our jumping pillow, rubber duck races, Three Little Pigs houses, and apple sling shot. We have the best (and only) Potty Barn anywhere in the Des Moines and Ames area! Of course, you can pick your own apples and find your perfect pumpkin. (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

  • The Berry Patch - Integrated pest management, Apples, Aronia Berries, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, Black Currants, Red Currants, White Currants, Elderberries, Goji Berries, gooseberries, honeyberries, Haskcaps, Plums, Black Raspberries, Gold Raspberries, Purple Raspberries, Red Raspberries, pumpkins, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, and prepicked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, horse-drawn hay rides, tractor-pulled hay rides
    62785 280 Street, Nevada, IA 50201. Phone: 877-382-5138. Email: info@berrypatchfarm.com. Open: Click here for picking updates. Directions: from Des Moines, north on I35 to exit 102,turn east on 210. Go east 5 miles to S14, go north 6 miles to 280 st. Go east 34 miles to Berry Patch Farm. From Ames: East on US 30 8 miles to S14. South 4 miles to 280 Street East 34 miles to Berry Patch Farm Directions and Mapquest on our web site. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard.
    The Berry Patch Facebook page. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October. please check website for current hours. Heritage Red Raspberries and Fall Gold Raspberries, Apples; Honeycrisp, Earlygold, Gala, Mollies Delicious, Mac Intosh, Priscilla, Liberty, Red Cortland, Jonathon, Lura Red. . Upick includes Aronia Berries, Asparagus, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Black Currants, Red Currants, White Currants, Elderberries, Goji Berries, Gooseberries, Honeyberries, Haskcaps, Plums, Black Raspberries, Gold Raspberries, Purple Raspberries, Red Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries. (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

Tama County

  • Hinegardner Orchard - apples, strawberries, cateloupe, plums, Pumpkin Patch, pumpkins, squash, cider, honey, caramel apples, pies.
    1348 295th Street, Montour, IA 50173. Phone: 641-492-6353. Open: Call for hours and availability; in 2022, Annual Apple Picks Pick Your Own 7 AM to 6 PM. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions.
    Hinegardner Orchard Facebook page. Apple Orchard, Strawberry FarmTypical harvest dates: Strawberries Ready for picking: First week of JuneCantaloupe Melons Ripen around August 5th and last about 6 weeksSquash ripen in September and October Pumpkins Last Week of SeptemberPlums Ripen late August - early SeptemberAnnual Apple Pick Your Own last two weekends in September, and the first weekend in October, (UPDATED: July 7, 2025, JBS)
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

ZZZ - These are either closed, no longer do U-Pick or are assumed permanently closed

  • The Pumpkin Ranch - 2025 permanently closed, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, Honey from hives on the farm, gift shop, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area, inflatables or bounce houses, pony rides, school tours
    2425 Hiatt Apple Trail, Winterset, IA 50273. Phone: 515-490-9281. Email: info@thepumpkinranch.com. Open: permanently closed. Directions: Go to website for complete directions. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. . (9) Winterset IA - Search Results | Facebook
    [ Click here to update the listing ]

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin Picking Tips, Recipes and Information

Do you want it for a party, decoration or eating?

For a wedding or party:

See this page: Finding pumpkins for weddings

Decoration to paint or carve:

OK, Then you need only look for any pumpkin that is
  • visually appealing, evenly a deep orange. The shape is just whatever appeals to you. If it grew on its side and has a flat spot, you can either make that the make or use it as part of your design!
  • free from cuts, soft spots, bruises. The flesh should feel hard, and not give easily. Infections can invade easily and cause rot
  • Make sure the stem is attached.

Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don't handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.

Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!

To make a pumpkin pie!

Then you need a small, sweet type of pumpkin that has been developed for eating. They are smaller, typically about 8" to 10" diameter. The meat is much less stringy and smoother than a decorative pumpkin variety. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and potassium. One-half cup of cooked pumpkin provides more than the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. One cup of cooked pumpkin contains only 81 calories. It's low in fat and sodium! Usually you can get these at the grocery store, and some of the pumpkin patches and farm stands have them. Be sure to tell them that you intend to use it for a pumpkin pie. Again, look for firm, no soft spots, or signs of any rot. See this page for easy, illustrated directions to make a pumpkin pie from a fresh pumpkin!

Varieties of Pumpkins

  • Sugar - Excellent for baking
  • Jack O'Lantern - most common for carving
  • White Lumina - unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
  • Mini - Great for decoration
  • Gourds - Many varieties, used for decorations

For a very complete, detailed list of many varieties of pumpkins and where to get the seeds, see this page!

Want to Grow Your Own Pumpkins?

Then see this page!

Pumpkin recipes

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)

McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Canner, Any Stovetop

Pressure Canners for all stovetops

Looking for canning equipment and supplies?

Water bath canner with a jar rack

Electric pressure canner

Pressure canners for gas, electric and induction stoves: Presto 23Qt or T-fal 22Qt

Canning scoop (this one is PERFECT)

Ball Blue book (most recent version)

Jars: 8oz canning jars for jams

Lids: Regular canning lids

Wide mouth canning lids

 


Find Other types of farms:

Easter egg hunts

Children's consignment sales

Farm markets and roadside stands

Road trips and camping resources

Local Honey, apiaries, beekeepers

Local Meat, Milk and Eggs

Consumer fraud and scams information

Home canning supplies at the best prices on the internet!

Maple Syrup Farms, sugarworks, maple syrup festivals

Environmental information and resources

Farms For Your Event for birthday parties, weddings, receptions, business meetings, retreats, etc.

Festivals - local fruit and vegetable festivals

Pumpkin patches and corn mazes

Christmas Tree Farms and lots


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With this Presto 23 quart pressure canner and pressure cooker, you can "can" everything, fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, salsa, applesauce, pickles, even meats, soups, stews. Model 01781
Pressure Canners for all stovetops  

You can make jams, jellies, can fruit, applesauce, salsa and pickles with water bath canners, like this Granite Ware 12-Piece Canner Kit, Jar Rack, Blancher, Colander and 5 piece Canning Tool Set
McSunley Stainless Steel 21QT Water Cath Canner, Any Stovetop