Nothing says fall in Louisiana like a pumpkin field glowing orange under golden sunlight. Northeast Louisiana knows how to make autumn feel alive with family farms, hayrides, and thousands of pumpkins waiting to be picked. Whether you want a perfect pumpkin for the porch or just a sweet excuse for cider and photos, this guide will help you plan your fall days the right way.
Pick Your Favorite Patch: Local Spots That Shine
CM Farms – Dry Creek, LA
Address: 252 CM Farms Road, Dry Creek, LA
CM Farms takes pumpkin picking to another level of fun. Every fall, this family-owned farm becomes a big playground filled with corn mazes, wagon rides, farm animals, gemstone mining, and of course, rows of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. The fall season runs through late September to early November, so you have plenty of time to find your favorites. They also host themed weekends with live music and delicious farm treats like funnel cakes and roasted corn. Don’t skip the evening Campfire Nights where visitors toast s’mores under the stars.
The Pumpkin Patch at Curry Farms – Rayville, LA
Address: 548 Robinson Drive, Rayville, LA
Curry Farms is one of the most popular fall stops in Northeast Louisiana. It’s the kind of place where kids can play for hours while adults sip hot cocoa and relax. The highlight attraction is their huge pumpkin patch with plenty of photo spots and wagon rides around the property. You can also enjoy a zip line, giant slides, trike tracks, and a petting farm that adds even more charm to your outing. Each pumpkin is priced by size, so you can go home with a mini pumpkin for pie-making or a massive one for carving.
Curry Farms Pumpkin Fest
Every weekend, the farm comes alive with a Fall Festival atmosphere. There are live performances, pumpkin slingshots, and food trucks offering seasonal bites. Try their pumpkin spice mini donuts or a warm cider if you’re in the mood for something cozy. It’s the perfect outdoor getaway for families, friends, or couples looking for an easy fall day trip.
Landry Vineyards Fall Family Fridays – West Monroe, LA
Address: 5699 New Natchitoches Rd, West Monroe, LA
Known for its scenic vineyards, Landry Vineyards transforms part of its grounds into a laid-back, family-friendly fall celebration throughout October. Visitors can enjoy live music, local Louisiana food vendors, and of course, a small but festive pumpkin patch. Kids can play pumpkin games while adults sip Landry’s local wines and relax to sunset views over the vines. Bring a blanket and stay for an outdoor concert in the crisp autumn evening air.
- A colorful display of pumpkins perfect for welcoming fall in Monroe — ideal for introducing pumpkin patch season. Source: facebook.com
Pumpkin Adventures and Photo Moments
Pumpkin season in Northeast Louisiana is about more than just picking gourds. It’s about hayrides that make kids laugh, fresh pies cooling on tables, and evenings when the temperature finally dips enough for sweaters. Most local farms now include photo stations, straw bale mazes, and wagon rides that keep the whole family entertained for hours.
For those who love taking photos, plan a visit during golden hour when sunlight gives that beautiful, warm glow to your pumpkin photos. Many farms even offer photography days where professional photographers set up mini-sessions among the fields. It’s an easy way to capture family photos without going far from home.
Pumpkin Patch Tips
Pumpkin picking sounds simple, but a few smart tips can make your visit even better.
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Check opening hours before you go. Some farms open only on weekends, while others host weekday group tours or school days.
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Bring cash. While most locations accept cards, some smaller farm vendors only take cash for snacks and small pumpkins.
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Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely walk across dirt paths or hay-covered areas, so sneakers or boots will do the trick.
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Plan for snacks. Most patches serve concessions like corn dogs, kettle corn, and cider, but bringing water or a picnic lunch can save you time and money.
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Arrive early. Crowds build up quickly in October, especially close to Halloween, when everyone’s rushing for carving pumpkins.
Pumpkin Treats and Seasonal Fun Nearby
After you’ve picked your pumpkins, stay a while in town to enjoy other fall flavors. In Monroe, grab a seat at Restaurant Cotton for some locally sourced comfort food. If you’re heading toward Ruston, stop by Common Grounds Coffee for pumpkin lattes and pastries that taste like fall in a cup.
Local markets also join the fun this time of year. Look for Northeast Louisiana Farmers Market events featuring fresh apple butter, handmade fall decor, and plenty of pumpkin bread to take home. Pair your pumpkins with mums or hay bales from local garden shops to get your porch fall-ready.
For families, several communities around Northeast Louisiana host Trunk or Treat events, costume parades, and small-town festivals in late October. These often include mini pumpkin patches and craft booths if you didn’t have time to visit one of the larger farms.
Make It a Fall Tradition
Pumpkin picking in Northeast Louisiana offers something special for everyone. The scent of autumn air, bright orange fields, and friendly local charm make each visit memorable. Grab your favorite sweater, bring your friends or kids, and create your 2025 pumpkin memories right here in Northeast Louisiana.
