Where to Find a Pumpkin in Lake County 2024

By: Jonathan Jones 08/29/2024

When life gives you pumpkins, make pumpkin spice lattes. “There are three things I’ve learned never to discuss with people: religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin.” – Linus from the Peanuts. Fall has begun, and this is the time when people go pumpkin crazy. Pumpkin picking might be one of the most popular activities of the season.

Whether you’re looking for a pumpkin to cut spooky Halloween shapes, give your dinner table some pizzazz with the enormous orange fruit, complete your cornucopia or just have a family fun fall adventure, Lake County has got you covered. Here are some events, festivals and locations to view some fresh carve work and/or pick up your family pumpkin in Lake County.

Orange and Red Fruit Parties in Lake County

Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms in the Lincolnshire/Prairie View Area (September 12-October 27)

Everyone loves all the extravagant memories from Didier Farms in Lincolnshire/Prairie View. The traditions that your family knows and loves is carrying on with Happy Times Pumpkinfest at Didier Farms. The farm favorite features hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, kiddie rides, an exotic petting zoo, a parakeet exhibit, a corn maze and pig races (the sprinting porkies only gallop on the weekends). Don’t forget to visit Grandma D’s Bake Shop for scrumptious pies, cookies, fudge, homemade apple cider, kettle corn and pumpkin donuts. The farm’s doors are open through Sunday, October 29. The farm, originally purchased by John Link, the father of Mary Sue Didier, has been owned by a Didier descendant since 1912.

Didier Farms, 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd., Lincolnshire.

Richardson Adventure Farm & Corn Maze in Spring Grove(September 12-October 27) Sunflower Festival (September 12-29)

You'll be amazed by their maize mazes. Richardson's Adventure Farm & Corn Maze is known for having the world's most massive corn maze. The Spring Grove area spans 33 acres of land and has 11 miles of trails. This year's theme to the renowned maze is celebrating the film saga "Jurassic Park" as the series hit the screens for the first time 30 years ago. The design features elements like a tyrannosaurus rex chasing after a jeep, raptors, brontosaurus, pterodactyls, and more. You'll say "clever girl" as you navigate the labyrinth. The Spring Grove Farm is also throwing a flower-power party with detailed trails through a 13-acre field. The sunflower trail is highlighted by 24 varieties, including yellow-headed, red multi-branched, orange, peach, and gold blossoms. The festivities include a beer and wine tent, carousel rides, yard games, live tunes, and a gift shop. The sunflower fields are open through September 24. Admission includes a free single sunflower to take home. Besides the famous maze, the Adventure Farm features another five mazes, a zip line, a pumpkin patch, ORBiting rides (a ride inside a giant 11-football), live pig races, a wooded picnic area, free campfires, pedal carts, pedal trikes, a goat farm, a corn cabin and wagon rides. Richardson Farm is open through Sunday, October 29.

Richardson’s Adventure Farm & Corn Maze, 909 English Prairie Rd., Spring Grove.

Pumpkin Art in Lake County

Jack-o-Lantern World in Lake Zurich (September 27-October 27)

The fantastic visual of thousands of illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins by over 50 local artisans is a unique seasonal sight. This orange-fruit display showcases a three-fourths mile trail highlighted by 17 immersive themed worlds of the jack-o’-lanterns. The event runs on select days through Halloween, and visitors must register online at TheJackoLanternWorld.com for their timeslots.

Night of 1,000 Pumpkins at Chicago Botanic Garden

Don’t just sit around waiting for the “Great Pumpkin” to rise. Head over to Glencoe and witness a fantastic display of pumpkins lighting up the night sky. This weekend the Chicago Botanic Garden kicks off its Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns event. These hand-carved pumpkins light up the garden with LED lights along the paved pathway starting at the Esplanade. Encounter entertaining characters, view the ghostly trains in the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America exhibit and indulge in seasonal treats like apple doughnuts, cider and ale.

Other Pumpkin Patches in Lake County

Lake County Farmers Markets Peruse Lake County farmers markets as many remain open through the fall season. You can pick your pick pumpkin, carve in the face of Jack and pop in a lantern.

Wauconda Farmers Market (through 9/26) INFO»
Mundelein Farmers Market (through 9/28) INFO»
Deerfield Farmers Market (through 10/5) INFO»
MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market (through 10/17) INFO»
Ravinia Farmers Market in Highland Park (through 10/30) INFO»
Grayslake Summer Farmers Market (summer version through 9/25 and fall edition through 12/14) INFO»

Kroll's Fall Farm Harvest Farm 13236 W. Town Line Rd., Waukegan INFO»

Patch 22 Pumpkins & Events 15900 Kelly Rd., Wadsworth INFO»

Country Bumpkin 27691 N. Gilmer Rd., Mundelein INFO»

Other Pumpkin Festivities

Kid's Boo Fest at Six Flags Great America (9/14-11/3) INFO»
Great Highwood Pumpkin Feset and Great Highwood Skeleton Invasion (10/4-10/6) INFO»
Fall Fest at Brothers' Field (10/5) INFO»
Fox Lake Fall Festival (10/6) INFO»
Halloween Fall Fest in Gurnee (10/12) INFO»
Pumpkin Fest in Grayslake (10/24) INFO»
Pumpkin Jubilee in Fox Lake (10/19) INFO»
Wine Pairing Dinner: Pumpkin Theme at Vigneto del Bino (10/18 and 10/19)

Grocery Stores for Pumpkin Purchase

If you are an Ebenezer Scrooge during the fall season, here’s where the quick route (and less adventurous way) in picking up your pumpkin in Lake County, Jewel-Locations in Lake County.