As the final golden leaves of autumn drift down across northern Illinois, one of Chicagoland’s most cherished seasonal destinations is preparing to shut its gates for the year. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm & Fall Fest, located in Homer Glen, is entering its last weekend of the 2025 season. Having opened on September 5 and run through until Sunday, November 2, the event marks the final opportunity this year to immerse yourself in its vibrant harvest-time festivities.
For over forty years, this family-run farm has grown from a simple pumpkin patch into a full-scale autumn celebration. Founded back in 1981, it has earned its place as a fall-time tradition for hundreds of families across the region. What started as pumpkins in a field has evolved into an amusement-park style festival with rides, live music, themed attractions and seasonal charm.
A Fall Festival Icon
The transformation of Bengtson’s from humble beginnings to major seasonal attraction is a tribute to the farm’s dedication to quality and guest experience. Today’s Fall Fest boasts more than two dozen attractions and fourteen family rides, alongside sprawling pumpkin fields, petting zoo animals, hayrides and themed playgrounds. Visitors can indulge in classic seasonal treats, visit the giant corn box, take tractor-pulled hayracks and explore themed zones designed for both kids and grandparents alike.
The environment at Bengtson’s emphasises inclusive fun: paved walkways facilitate easy strollers and mobility access, and admission fees cover unlimited access to rides and attractions rather than pay-per-ride, simplifying the experience. This mix of accessibility, fun and autumn atmosphere has made Bengtson’s a go-to for families seeking a memorable fall outing.
Pumpkins, Play and Culinary Comfort
While pumpkins remain the stars of the show—over 300 tons of varied gourds await visitors—the attraction doesn’t end there. The farm’s culinary offerings stand out with hearty comfort foods and seasonal favorites such as warm apple cider, doughnuts, fresh corn and savory sandwiches. These food experiences complement the rides and attractions, turning what might otherwise be a brief stop into a full-day outing.
From toddlers digging in the giant corn box to grandparents watching pig races, the farm caters to every age. Rides such as the Egg Drop tower, Rockin’ Rabbits and Tractor Town thrill younger visitors, while quieter zones like the petting zoo and autumn photo-ops appeal to those seeking slower pace moments.
Weekend of Farewell
With the season closing Sunday, November 2, this final weekend has become a last call for fall fun. Attendees can expect the familiar warm atmosphere coupled with the energy of finale hype: rides and attractions operating at full capacity, staff and performers delivering their final performances, and the pumpkin-patch backdrop at peak vibrancy. Whether it’s the last hayride, the final pumpkin pick or one more round of live music under autumn skies, the weekend offers one more chance to capture memories.
Given the anticipation, visitors are advised to plan for the weekend crowd: arrive early, consider weekday hours if possible, and allow extra time for parking, payment and the popular attractions. Evening visits can be particularly atmospheric — the lights, music and crisp air combine in a way that says “farewell to fall”.
Why It Matters for Families & Fall-Lovers
For families, the farm’s value lies in its ability to deliver a complete autumn experience in one place. Instead of scattering across multiple locations—pumpkin patch, kids’ rides, food fair—guests find everything under one seasonal roof. This means easier logistics and a more relaxed experience. Many families have made the outing an annual tradition, returning year after year as part of their fall calendar.
For fall-lovers and regional visitors, the experience is about atmosphere. The crisp air, rustic décor, ride lights flickering at dusk and the smell of cider and hay blend into a sensory snapshot of autumn in the Midwest. As the long summer transitions into shorter days and cooler nights, Bengtson’s provides a festive, cheerful final flourish of the season before winter asserts itself.
Legacy and Looking Forward
What truly distinguishes Bengtson’s is the care behind the operation. As a family-owned venture, the attention to grounds, guest comfort and attraction quality remains high. Maintenance of rides, landscaping of pumpkin patches, cleanliness of walkways and the quality of food and service all echo the farm’s commitment to long-term guest satisfaction. Because of that, the business has earned consistently strong community reviews and high repeat-visitor rates.
As the 2025 edition winds down, the farm prepares to reflect, plan and refine for its next run. While the gates close this Sunday, the spirit of the season lives on in the stories visitors will carry home—of laughter, pumpkins, rides and harvest memories.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
To maximise the final weekend visit:
- Arrive earlier in the day to beat peak crowds and park more easily.
- Make a game plan: prioritize pumpkin-patch photo ops before dusk sets in, then shift to rides and playgrounds.
- Bring layers: late October in the Chicago region tends to chill in the evening, so dress accordingly.
- Budget time for food: the on-site concessions make the outing more than just “pick and go”—they invite lingering, relaxing and enjoying the autumn scene.
- Take advantage of walk-in admission—kids aged two and older pay, while those under typically enter free or at reduced cost.
- Capture family photos in themed zones like the giant corn box, pumpkin playhouses or selfie booths—they offer free digital upload options at the farm and make great mementos.
The Final Word
As Sunday draws closer, the barnyard lights will dim, the hayrides will rumble for the last time, and the pumpkin piles will slowly clear. But for those who venture to Homer Glen this weekend, Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm promises one final burst of autumn joy—rides, pumpkins, food and laughter all wrapped into a harvest-themed escape. Whether you’re seeking one last hurrah before winter, a fun family outing or a photo-worthy fall afternoon, this is the weekend to make it happen. The farm’s farewell to 2025 seasonal magic is real—and this is your chance to join in.
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