Celebrate Fall with the Pumpkin Ranch

Celebrate Fall with the Pumpkin Ranch

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There are so many wonderful sights and sounds unique only to this time of year: the crisp autumn breeze paired with the warmth of a bonfire, wagons full of fresh cut pumpkins, mugs filled with warm drinks held by gloved hands. This fall, Randy and Steph Mages invite everyone to enjoy these experiences and more at The Pumpkin Ranch, located at their farm just North of Aberdeen on Richmond Road. The ranch is open to the public and admission is free. Guests are welcome to browse the approximately 3000 hills of pumpkin plants and choose their own to purchase. In addition to pumpkin picking, visitors can enjoy a hayride, relax and roast marshmallows over the fire, feed the horses, and sip hot chocolate and apple cider.

Randy and Steph planted about 15 different varieties of pumpkins as well as an assortment of gourds and squash on nearly four acres this spring in preparation for the pumpkin picking season. Pumpkins of all sizes will be available, along with some distinctive types, including pink pumpkins whose proceeds support cancer research and ‘naked pumpkins’ with soft-shell seeds easy for roasting.

This will be the third year the couple has hosted The Pumpkin Ranch. They have looked forward to sharing their farm with the community each year. “We have families that come back every single weekend. We are open just to spend time out here and enjoy the farm,” Steph explained. “A lot of families come out for hours and just visit or set up photo shoots and do family pictures.” Randy grew up on a farm that planted pumpkins, and decided to implement the pumpkin picking idea because it was a family activity not yet available in Aberdeen and because it is a hobby they both enjoy doing.

The Pumpkin Ranch, located at 38502 129th Street, will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-5:00 PM the last weekend in September and the first three weekends in October. There will be a few special events taking place this year, including a visit from Spirit, the mascot dog from Presentation College, on October 8th, and a late night pumpkin pick by flashlight and bonfire on one of the Saturday evenings. Birthday parties and group tours are also welcome! // – Jenny Roth

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Randy and Steph at 605-290-5479 or find The Pumpkin Ranch Aberdeen on Facebook.