Each year we choose a different farm for our pumpkin picking adventure. Now that Graham finally has weekends off, we could start to do ALL the fall things. This year we went to Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, which is at least an hour drive from where we live in Chicago.
We got there about an hour and a half after it opened, and the line was filling up to buy tickets. The farm seemed to have plenty of parking (and it was free). To save time, buy tickets online at a discount or bring cash; those lines moved more quickly. We had a free child admission pass from Graham’s work, so we paid about $14 each for two adults. Your general admission price includes 30 attractions; the only attractions you pay for are the rock climbing wall, pony and horse rides, the gem mine, the zombie paintball ride and the Jumping Pillows (First jump experience is free and all-day jumping pass is $5; Free Monday-Friday).
Our first stop was to say hi to the llamas, goats, chicks, pig, chickens and cows.
The goats at Siegel’s would stick there heads all the way through the fence; it was nuts! |
I was starving at this point, so we stopped by the cafe at the entrance for some snacks: cheese pizza (one of the only options for a vegetarian), a pulled pork sandwich for Graham and a hot dog for V. It was all so underwhelming but what you’d expect to find at a place like this. I later bought a pretzel with cheese that I also didn’t like. I would recommend packing your own picnic and enjoying in the barn designated as a picnic area.
Pretty much everywhere you go has a photo opportunity.
![]() |
Aren’t they beautiful? |
Related posts:
All Seasons Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch | Didier Farms

Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.