Fall around the southwest suburbs does not have to end with the big community festivals. From pumpkin farms in Homer Glen and Tinley Park to a small working farm in Manhattan and apple orchards worth the drive, there are still plenty of ways to get outside before Chicago weather sends everybody into hibernation.
Updated September 28, 2026.
There is something about this part of fall that feels a little nostalgic.
A pumpkin patch. A hayride. Apple cider donuts. Walking through a corn maze. Maybe picking apples straight from a tree or bringing home a pumpkin that is way bigger than you planned.
And around here, you do not have to drive all the way across Chicagoland to find it.
Several of the bigger pumpkin farms are right in or near the southwest suburbs. If you want true apple picking, you will generally have to venture a little farther west, but there are still several solid day-trip options.
This guide is not meant to rank them. Some are full-day attractions with rides and entertainment. Others are smaller, old-school farms where you can grab pumpkins, take a hayride and keep things simple.
- Big fall day close to home: Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen
- Corn maze and farm attractions: Konow's Corn Maze in Homer Glen
- Pumpkin patch in Tinley Park: Odyssey Fun Farm
- Old-school and free to enter: Puckerville Farms in Lemont
- Working farm with Pumpkin Fest: Siegel's Cottonwood Farm in Lockport
- Small local farm: Crosswind Farms in Manhattan
- U-pick pumpkin patch: Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm in Minooka
- Free admission farm day: Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon
- Apples and pumpkins in one stop: Keller's Farmstand in Oswego
- Traditional orchard experience: Honey Hill Orchard in Waterman
- Full apple-and-pumpkin destination: Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park
Start Close to Home
If pumpkins, hayrides and corn mazes are the goal, you have several options without leaving the southwest suburban area.
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm & Fall Fest - Homer Glen
2026 season: September 4-November 8
Address: 13341 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Phone: 708-301-3276
Email: Bengtson@PumpkinFarm.com
Bengtson's is the full-production version of a fall farm day. The 2026 Fall Fest includes more than 25 attractions, 14 family rides, pig races, animals, playgrounds, live entertainment, food and plenty of pumpkins.
This is less "stop by and grab a pumpkin" and more "plan a chunk of your day." If you have younger kids or want a big fall outing without driving far from Orland Park, Frankfort or Tinley Park, it is one of the obvious local choices.
Visit Bengtson's official website
Konow's Corn Maze - Homer Glen
2026 season: Opened September 19
Address: 16849 S. Cedar Road, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Phone: 708-301-8845
Konow's lands somewhere between the giant fall-festival experience and a traditional farm outing.
The 2026 season includes corn mazes, an animal farm, rides and indoor play areas. General admission is listed at $18 Monday-Friday and $20 on weekends and Columbus Day.
One nice part about Konow's is that you can make the corn maze the main event without needing an entire day's itinerary around it.
Visit Konow's official website
Odyssey Fun Farm - Tinley Park
2026 season: September 26-October 31
Address: 18900 Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60477
Phone: 708-429-3800
Email: info@odysseyfunfarm.com
This one is especially useful because it is actually inside the core southwest suburban area.
Odyssey Fun Farm operates on a 110-acre farm and includes a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, cow train, inflatable pillow, barnyard zoo and other activities. General admission for 2026 is listed at $22 on weekdays and $24 on weekends and Columbus Day, with some activities and pumpkins costing extra.
If you are in Tinley, Orland or Frankfort and do not want the outing to turn into a road trip, Odyssey is one of the closest true pumpkin-patch options.
Visit Odyssey Fun Farm's official website
Puckerville Farms - Lemont
2026 season: September 12-October 31
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Address: 13332 S. Bell Road, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: 708-508-0906
Admission: Free entry
Puckerville is probably the best fit on this list if the words old-school pumpkin patch are what you have in mind.
The farm has been around since 1927 and keeps the focus on pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales, mums, local honey, decorations and hayrides instead of trying to become an amusement park.
There is also a timely reason to visit: the Cook County Farm Bureau is holding its 26th Giant Pumpkin, Dessert, Carving, Local Honey and Youth Pumpkin Contest at Puckerville on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00-11:00 AM.
Visit Puckerville Farms
See the 2026 Giant Pumpkin Contest details
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm - Lockport
2026 Pumpkin Fest: September 19-November 1
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM during Pumpkin Fest
Address: 17250 S. Weber Road, Lockport, IL 60441
Phone: 815-741-2693 or 800-304-FARM
Email: info@siegelsfarm.com
Siegel's is a fourth-generation working family farm that has been on the same land since 1909.
Its annual Pumpkin Fest includes more than 35 attractions, wagon rides to a real u-pick pumpkin field, farm animals, play areas, train rides, zip lines, corn mazes and plenty of food.
This is another full-day option, but its Lockport location keeps it reasonably close for much of the Lincoln-Way area.
See Siegel's 2026 Pumpkin Fest information
Crosswind Farms - Manhattan
Address: 14435 W. Manhattan-Monee Road, Manhattan, IL 60442
Phone: 708-567-9090
Email: Crosswind.Farms@yahoo.com
Crosswind is the opposite of the giant fall attractions.
The owners describe it as a small local farm rather than a commercial pumpkin park. In fall, they sell pre-picked pumpkins and fall decor, have a small corn pit for kids, and bring out goats and baby goats on weekends. The farm also offers seasonal u-pick fruit, including Concord grapes and aronia, but it does not offer u-pick pumpkins or apple picking.
This is a good option if you want something simpler and more local without turning the day into a major event.
Because picking dates and farm hours can shift with crops and weather, check the farm's current update before heading out.
Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm - Minooka
2026 pumpkin farm: September 13-October 31
U-pick pumpkin patch: September 19-October 31
Address: 4853 US Highway 52, Minooka, IL 60447
Phone: 815-651-7288
Heap's gives you one of the more traditional pick-your-own pumpkin experiences on this list.
The farm's 25-acre pumpkin patch grows more than 90 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squash. Weekend admission is listed at $14 per person and weekday admission at $9 for ages 3 and older. Pumpkins are purchased separately.
Weekends add hayrides, while October brings a flashlight maze, haunted corn maze and moonlight hayrides on selected dates.
See Heap's 2026 hours, tickets and attraction schedule
Dollinger Family Farm - Channahon
2026 season: September 14-October 30
Address: 7420 E. Hansel Road, Channahon, IL 60410
Phone: 815-467-4698
Email: dollingerfamilyfarm@gmail.com
General admission and parking: Free
Dollinger is another option for people who want a farm outing without paying an admission fee simply to walk onto the property.
The farm offers free admission, free parking and free events, with tickets sold separately for activities such as the corn maze, train and face painting.
It is a little farther southwest than the core Lincoln-Way towns, but it can be a good alternative if you want a more traditional farm atmosphere.
Want to Actually Pick Apples? Drive a Little Farther
This is where the geography changes.
There are plenty of pumpkin options around the southwest suburbs, but true apple orchards are harder to find close to Frankfort, Mokena, New Lenox, Tinley Park and Orland Park.
If apple picking is the goal, these are three 2026 options worth looking at.
Keller's Farmstand - Oswego
2026 apple season: Opened August 15
Weekend Fall Festivities: September 12-October 25, plus October 12
Address: 2500 Johnson Road, Oswego, IL 60543
Phone: 630-219-8194
Email: info@KellersFarmstand.com
Keller's is probably the cleanest one-stop option if you want both apples and pumpkins.
The Oswego farm grows more than 30 apple varieties and offers u-pick apples, a u-pick pumpkin patch and weekend fall festivities. The weekend activity ticket includes multiple mazes, play areas, farm animals and games, while apple picking is ticketed separately.
For 2026, apple-picking bags start at $11 per person for a quarter-peck bag.
Visit Keller's Oswego Farmstand
Honey Hill Orchard - Waterman
2026 regular season: September 4-Halloween
U-pick apples: Open daily beginning September 10
U-pick pumpkins: Beginning October 2
Address: 11783 Waterman Road, Waterman, IL 60556
Phone: 815-264-3337
Honey Hill feels more like the traditional apple-orchard trip.
The orchard grows 25 apple varieties and adds cider donuts, cider, caramel apples, pies, a children's play area, petting zoo and straw maze. Wagon rides to the orchard and pumpkin patch run on weekends, weather permitting.
U-pick apple pricing for 2026 is listed at $13 per person for a quarter-peck bag or $35 for a peck bag shared by up to three people. The orchard recommends checking the current harvest schedule because available varieties change quickly.
Check Honey Hill's current harvest schedule
Kuipers Family Farm - Maple Park
2026 U-pick apple season: August 22-November 1
Fall Harvest Fest: September 18-November 1
Address: 1N145 Watson Road, Maple Park, IL 60151
Phone: 815-827-5200
Kuipers is the destination option if you want to combine an apple orchard with a much larger fall-farm experience.
The farm grows more than 45 apple varieties. U-pick apple admission is listed at $11.99 on weekdays and $14.99 on weekends and holidays, with each paid admission including a quarter-peck bag.
Across the road, the Pumpkin FunFarm includes more than 30 attractions, a corn maze, haywagon rides, live entertainment on selected weekends and pumpkin activities. The orchard and Pumpkin FunFarm require separate admission.
See Kuipers' 2026 Fall Harvest Fest details
Which One Fits the Kind of Fall Day You Want?
You do not have to pick the "best" farm. They are offering very different experiences.
If you want the biggest local production: Bengtson's is built for a full family day.
If the corn maze is the point: Konow's gives you that experience without going far from the southwest suburbs.
If you want to stay in Tinley Park: Odyssey is the easiest true pumpkin-farm option inside the core coverage area.
If you want something old-school: Puckerville keeps things much simpler and does not charge admission just to enter.
If you want an actual u-pick pumpkin field: Heap's and Siegel's both offer that experience.
If you want a small local farm: Crosswind in Manhattan is intentionally not trying to be a giant fall amusement park.
If you want apples and pumpkins in the same trip: Keller's in Oswego is probably the easiest combination.
If apple picking is the main event: Honey Hill and Kuipers both offer much deeper orchard experiences.
Make the Most of the Weather While We Have It
Every year around here, there is a short stretch when the humidity finally disappears, the leaves start changing and being outside actually feels pretty great.
Then Chicago remembers what month it is.
So whether you have kids, grandkids, a date, a group of friends or you just want cider donuts and an excuse to get outside, this is probably the time to do it.
And if you are already working through the local fall calendar, you can also check the full RaysGuide roundup of festivals and community events happening around the southwest suburbs.
See the Southwest Suburbs Fall Festivals Guide
The Bottom Line
You do not need to leave the southwest suburbs for a pumpkin-patch day.
Homer Glen, Tinley Park, Lemont, Lockport, Manhattan, Minooka and Channahon all give you different versions of the experience, from giant attractions to small working farms.
Apple picking takes a little more driving, but Oswego, Waterman and Maple Park give you several legitimate orchard options while the 2026 harvest is still underway.
The one thing I would not do is assume the crop, hours or attractions are exactly the same every day. Farms are weather-dependent businesses. Check the official site or call before making a long drive, especially if one specific activity is the reason you are going.
- Bengtson's and Konow's put two major fall attractions right in Homer Glen.
- Odyssey Fun Farm gives Tinley Park its own pumpkin-patch and corn-maze option.
- Puckerville Farms in Lemont offers free entry and a simpler old-school farm experience.
- Siegel's, Heap's and Dollinger add several options southwest of the core suburbs.
- Crosswind Farms in Manhattan is a smaller local working farm with pre-picked pumpkins and seasonal fall activities.
- For true apple picking, Keller's, Honey Hill and Kuipers are stronger day-trip options.
- Apple and pumpkin availability changes with weather and harvest conditions, so check the farm before making the drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there pumpkin patches near Frankfort, Mokena and New Lenox?
Yes. Nearby options include Bengtson's and Konow's in Homer Glen, Odyssey Fun Farm in Tinley Park, Crosswind Farms in Manhattan, Puckerville Farms in Lemont and Siegel's Cottonwood Farm in Lockport.
Where can I pick my own pumpkin near the southwest suburbs?
Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm in Minooka has a 25-acre u-pick pumpkin field, and Siegel's Cottonwood Farm in Lockport offers wagon rides to a u-pick pumpkin field during Pumpkin Fest. Odyssey also has a pumpkin patch, with pumpkins purchased separately from admission.
Where can I go apple picking near the southwest suburbs?
Keller's Farmstand in Oswego, Honey Hill Orchard in Waterman and Kuipers Family Farm in Maple Park all offer 2026 u-pick apple seasons. Apple varieties and availability change as the harvest progresses.
Is there a free pumpkin farm to visit?
Puckerville Farms in Lemont lists free entry, while Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon lists free general admission and parking with some individual attractions ticketed separately.
When is apple-picking season in northern Illinois?
Apple picking generally begins in late summer and continues into October or early November depending on the orchard, variety and weather. In 2026, Keller's opened its orchard August 15, Kuipers opened August 22 and Honey Hill began daily u-pick September 10.
Which farm has both apples and pumpkins?
Keller's Farmstand in Oswego offers both u-pick apples and a u-pick pumpkin patch. Kuipers Family Farm also combines a u-pick apple orchard with its separate Pumpkin FunFarm experience.
Should I buy tickets before going?
For the larger attractions, checking tickets and current admission information online before leaving is a good idea. Smaller farms may not require advance admission, but hours and crop availability can still change.
Official Farm Resources
- Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm & Fall Fest
- Konow's Corn Maze
- Odyssey Fun Farm
- Puckerville Farms
- Siegel's Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest
- Crosswind Farms
- Heap's Giant Pumpkin Farm
- Dollinger Family Farm
- Keller's Farmstand - Oswego
- Honey Hill Orchard Harvest Schedule
- Kuipers Family Farm Fall Harvest Fest
Fall Farm Note: Farm hours, admission prices, crop availability, attractions and weather policies can change during the season. Information on this page was checked against official farm and event sources available in September 2026. Check directly with the farm before heading out, especially if a specific crop or attraction is the reason for your visit.