The Best Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes in the Twin Cities Gateway

By Lisa Berkas | September 23, 2026

TL;DR

Looking for classic fall family fun just north of Minneapolis and Saint Paul? The Twin Cities Gateway offers premier autumn agritourism across its 11 member communities. Head to Waldoch Farm & Joyer Adventure Farm in Lino Lakes for an expansive two-phase corn maze and tractor rides, visit Anoka County Farms in Ham Lake for an affordable pumpkin harvest festival, or spend an afternoon at Berry Hill Farm in Anoka for quiet field picking and tall grass adventures.

Autumn in Minnesota is short, vibrant, and best enjoyed outdoors. Just minutes north of the urban core, the Twin Cities Gateway communities—including Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, Ramsey, and Shoreview—serve up authentic farm experiences, crisp cider, and sprawling crop mazes without the long drive into the countryside.

Whether you want an all-day festival packed with pedal carts and farm animals or a quick stop for a carving pumpkin, here are the top spots to explore this season.

Waldoch Farm & Joyer Adventure Farm (Lino Lakes)

A multi-generational institution operating for over a century in Lino Lakes, Waldoch Farm is home to Joyer Adventure Farm, one of the metro area’s premier autumn festival hubs.

• The Corn Maze: Features a two-phase labyrinth designed for all endurance levels. Phase 1 offers a 10- to 15-minute route ideal for young kids and strollers, while Phase 2 challenges navigators looking for a longer puzzle.

• The Patch: Climb aboard a tractor-pulled hayride winding through the trees to reach expansive pick-your-own pumpkin acreage.

• Extra Highlights: Over 20 play activities including the 60-foot Zoom Mountain slide, pedal trikes, spider web climber, farm animal feeding at Joyer Barnyard, and “Flashlight Nights” for non-spooky evening navigation.

• Local Tip: Tickets for fall weekends can sell out; reserve timed-entry passes online ahead of time.

courtesy of Anoka County Fair

Anoka County Farms (Ham Lake)

Located along Bunker Lake Boulevard in Ham Lake, Anoka County Farms offers an accessible, classic autumn harvest experience. It is widely celebrated by local parents as one of the most budget-friendly patch destinations in the north metro.

• The Pumpkin Patch: Features rows of field-grown and pre-sorted pumpkins ranging from mini pie pumpkins to oversized front-porch showstoppers, along with gourds, Indian corn, and straw bales.

• Family Activities: Enjoy old-fashioned hayrides, a barrel train express for toddlers, a bounce house, and pumpkin painting stations.

• Local Tip: On-site activities and gate admission operate on cash, so hit the ATM before heading out. Arrive on weekday afternoons between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to skip the weekend rush.

Plan Your Gateway Fall Getaway

Turn your patch excursion into a full weekend itinerary. After navigating the maze, explore downtown Anoka—the Halloween Capital of the World—for shopping and dining, grab craft pints along the local brewery trail in Blaine or Coon Rapids, and unwind with Twin Cities Gateway hotel accommodations featuring indoor pools and free parking just minutes from every attraction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the Twin Cities Gateway?

The premier destinations include Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes (best for all-day family attractions and multi-tier corn mazes) and Anoka County Farms in Ham Lake (best for budget-friendly picking and barrel rides).

Are corn mazes in the Gateway region toddler-friendly?

Yes. Waldoch Farm specifically splits its labyrinth into two phases, allowing families with younger children to exit after an easy 10- to 15-minute walk without having to navigate the larger trail.

When is peak season for pumpkin picking in the north metro?

Most Twin Cities Gateway farms open their fall festival operations the third weekend of September and run through October 31st. Early to mid-October offers peak fall foliage and the best pumpkin selection.

Do farms require advance ticketing?

While smaller farms like Anoka County Farms accept entry at the gate, larger venues like Joyer Adventure Farm at Waldoch Farm strongly encourage purchasing timed admissions online for peak weekend dates to guarantee entry.