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Fall Fun at Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm | Chicago

 

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.

 

Pumpkins were scattered around the farm for your choosing. You could also find some wheelbarrows by the baby chicks to carry your perfect picks.

Pretty much everywhere you go has a photo opportunity.

We dressed for cooler weather than expected that day. I wished I had worn shorts by the end of our time in the corn maze. It was a good time nonetheless.

 

 

 

 

If you have kids, they will not be bored at all. Victoria rode the train twice; the second time because she insisted on being the conductor. (This ride is also included in admission.)
We saved our shopping for apple cider doughnuts until the end, so we could pay for everything at once and not carry it around. Once you pay, you can leave your pumpkins at the front with the farm hands and go get your car. That way you don’t have to transport your picks all the way across the parking lot.
It only took me about two minutes to find my perfect pumpkin, but Graham puts more thought into his selection. He walked around for quite a while until he was satisfied with his decision. (V grabbed the first little one she saw.) Anyone else take a long time to decide?
Aren’t they beautiful?
We found that Siegel’s would be fun for people of any age and with or without kids (as long as you’re not bothered by kids running around.) You can get wine and beer at the picnic area and carry it around with you if you’d like. We saw many 20-somethings at the farm enjoying themselves alongside families with young kids. Plus, who doesn’t love pumpkin picking?!
Out of the three Chicago area farms I’ve now been to, I would say this is my second favorite. I enjoyed All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock more, because you actually take a ride to the patch and get your pumpkin there vs. choosing among the pumpkins just lying around the farm. Also, All Seasons has an apple orchard for picking. However, Siegel’s has a lot more to do attractionwise, at least it seemed that way, and they were mostly included in the admission price.  I also think All Seasons has better food, from what I remember. Out of all three we’ve been to, Siegel’s had the best pumpkins, in my opinion.
 
What’s your favorite pumpkin farm or apple orchard?
 

Related posts:

All Seasons Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch | Didier Farms

 

 

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