Alaska in the Fall can be an incredible experience, and you can have unique experiences while also doing traditional Fall activities like pumpkin picking. While there are only a handful of pumpkin patches to choose from, they are still solid options. You’ll be able to pick your pumpkin surrounded by Alaska’s majestic vistas.
You can spend a few hours choosing the perfect gourd for carving or baking and then enjoy the other various activities offered at the patches. You may be able to tack on a corn maze, hayride, or some craft time when you visit!
1. Ann’s Greenhouse — Fairbanks
If you are looking for a pumpkin picking opportunity in Alaska’s interior, the family-owned Ann’s Greenhouse is your best bet inside the Arctic Circle. Visitors rave about the excellent customer service Ann’s employees give and how knowledgeable they are about the greenhouse’s offerings.
Depending on the autumn weather, the pumpkin yield varies, but either way, you’ll have a good time and maybe even get some gardening advice from the experts. To get to Ann’s, take AK-3 S out of Fairbanks until you get to Sheep Creek Road. Ann’s Greenhouse will be on the right.
- Address: 780 Sheep Creek Road, Fairbanks
- Hours: Mon-Sat 9am – 6pm; Sun 12pm – 5pm
2. Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm — Palmer
The largest of the you-pick farms in the state, Pyrah’s Pioneer Peak Farm offers a huge pumpkin patch in the fall. You can pick your gourds while basking in the beauty of Pioneer Peak, the local mountain. The farm has been run by the Pyrah family since 1979, and they take great pride in providing “A place for community to gather, strangers from around the globe to meet.”
In addition to pumpkin picking, you can attend their Fall Festival. Activities at the festival include face painting, hayrides, a maze, food vendors, and live entertainment. You can also get plenty of tips from the local farmers. The festival typically takes place in September.
Pyrah’s is busy growing other veggies as well! You may find a few other items to pick on your visit, including rhubarb, beets, garlic, and kale. If you plan to visit again at other times of year, you may be able to attend their Summer Festival or Country Christmas celebration.
- Address: 4350 S. Bodenburg Loop, Palmer
- Hours: Mon 9 am – 5 pm, Tues-Sat 9 am – 9 pm, closed during winter months
3. Williams Reindeer Farm — Palmer
Located just outside of Anchorage, Williams Reindeer Farm offers pumpkin picking during the month of October. After you find your pumpkin, you can embark on a hayride or take a turn through the maze. Just remember, reservations are required to visit the farm.
Kids will also enjoy the petting zoo where they can interact, pet, and feed several species of animals. In addition to reindeer, the farm residents also include moose, alpacas, bunnies, and chickens. The guided tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop before you leave, where you can find cool antler products amongst the traditional fare like sweatshirts and hats. For a truly special gift, you can adopt one of the farm’s animals!
- Address: 5561 S Bodenburg Loop Rd, Palmer
- Hours: By appointment
Alaska’s Fall Days of Fun
While Alaska may not have many places to go pumpkin picking, the spots it does have are pretty memorable! When picking your gourd, remember to choose ones without spots which can lead to rot or mold setting in. Plus, you don’t want to carry your pumpkin by the stem as it will likely break off.
A visit to any of these three patches will be a fun experience for the entire family, but the reindeer farm will likely be a fan favorite for those with little kids!
