Autumn is the season of pumpkins…and gourds and apple cider and all the other goodies that the Fall harvest bestows.
Are you planning an October/November trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana? Lucky you! Here are three family-owned farms where pumpkin hunting is the order of the season:
Hilger’s Familly Farm
Hilger’s Family Farm is a Fort Wayne staple. They’ve hosted a Fall festival for decades and this year is no exception. Weekend visitors can enjoy hayrides and a corn maze in addition to strolling the pumpkin field and shopping in the farmer’s market. Hilger's is the farm to visit if you’re looking for large or unique pumpkins and gourds. Hilger’s also operates a nursery and is happy to accommodate requests for purchases and pickups outside of normal business hours.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re a popcorn fan, buy your next bag of kernels from Hilger’s. They’re hulless and grown without the application of insecticide or herbicide. At under $2/pound, you’ll get plenty of “pop” for your buck!
Location: 5534 Butt Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Advance Tree Technology
Advance Tree Technology is a one-stop shop that offers u-pick pumpkins and apples, small-batch apple cider, fresh produce, and a full landscaping nursery. Guests can pick their own pumpkins and apples through the end of October. Pumpkins, gourds, and other produce are available at the roadside stand through the end of November, sometimes into December (pending availability).
Location: 9720 Maysville Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 for the roadside market
12818 Edgerton Road, New Haven, IN 46774 for the orchard entrance
Kurtz’s Produce
Kurtz’s Produce is known to the locals as a school field trip destination. It’s a large, working farm that plants mostly grains, but they operate a roadside market during the summer and fall seasons. The market is stocked with straight-from-the-farm pumpkins and other produce. Hours are 8 AM – 7 PM daily until after the first heavy frost. The market doesn’t close, though. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Kurtz’s sell Christmas trees. Jingle, jingle!
Location: 14212 IN-37, New Haven, IN 46774
