Bismarck-Mandan is Home to One of the Best Pumpkin Patches in the Country

There’s a chill in the air each morning and the leaves across North Dakota are starting to rattle in the wind. This can only mean one thing: fall is here. Residents of Bismarck-Mandan enjoy several events throughout the fall season, but few are more iconic than a visit to Papa’s Pumpkin Patch.

“Papa's enjoys being in Bismarck-Mandan because this is such a giving community,” says Cory Finneman, General Manager of Papa’s Pumpkin Patch. “The fact that we recruit 1,500 volunteers each year is a testament to the giving spirit found in the region.”

Papa’s has been in operation for more than 40 years and frequently makes the list of top pumpkin patches in the United States. The pumpkin patch grows every year with new activities, produce offerings, and events. Every day through September and October – weather permitting – provides an opportunity for Bismarck-Mandan families to make fall memories they will cherish throughout their lives. And they show up. Papa’s greets more than 65,000 guests annually. Keep reading to discover how Papa’s Pumpkin Patch has Makes Its Mark on the community. 

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch Attracts Guests From Surrounding States

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is a fun fall activity for locals and tourists alike. People drive from Montana, South Dakota, and other parts of North Dakota to pick out their pumpkins and buy produce. Many even spend the weekend exploring Bismarck-Mandan and attend other fall events.  

“We often hear from local restaurant workers and hotel desk clerks that they are amazed how many customers just came for Papa’s,” says Finneman. “We are quite humbled that our little patch has become a destination for many folks outside of our area benefitting many local businesses in Bismarck-Mandan.”

Finneman credits the beautiful setting of Papa’s, strategically located in the Missouri River Bottoms among giant cottonwoods, as one of the main attractions for guests.

“One of the entry roads is unique to Burleigh County and has the only cottonwood canopy drive in our area. It’s like driving through a tree tunnel,” says Finneman. “It is a favorite of many of our guests as they begin their patch experience driving through nature's tunnel.”

Plus, Papa’s success builds on itself. The more people visit the pumpkin patch, the more the farm can develop new activities, events, and opportunities for families to have fun. This gives families and couples even more reasons to return. 

Papa’s is a Community Pumpkin Patch That Gives Back    

Visiting Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is fun for families and a romantic outing for couples, but it is also a way to support the Bismarck-Mandan community. The pumpkin patch has a charitable business model where it brings in volunteers from more than 70 non-profit organizations. Papa’s then gives money back to those groups for their sweat equity.  

“Last year we were fortunate to provide around $100,000 back to local and regional organizations,” says Finneman. “We are approaching nearly $1.2 million in charitable contributions in our history.”  

Not only does Papa’s actively support local charities, but it also respects the land surrounding Bismarck-Mandan. It strives to keep as many items out of landfills as possible, always looking for new ways to reuse, repurpose, and recycle.

“We have created some amazing, unique attractions and photo opportunities with items that would have gone to the landfill,” says Finneman. “We constantly hear, ‘Where did you get that idea?’"

While 90% of the pumpkins come from South Dakota, Papa’s works with several local farms to fill their produce offerings and corn-based activities, further supporting the regional agriculture community. 

Know Before You Go

The 2024 Papa’s Pumpkin Patch season opened on September 8 and runs through October 19. It is open from 12 to 7 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Follow Papa’s on Facebook for news on potential weather delays or closings. Even high winds can cause temporary closures.

Papa’s accepts most forms of electronic payment and offers both season passes and day passes. Guests can enjoy half-price admission on Thankful Thursdays. Ticketed activities are only available on weekends when they have volunteers staff them.  

Admission is $8 per person and can be bought online. Season passes are $25 per person and tickets for Thankful Thursdays are $4 per person. Guests who bring their own wagons can also receive half-off a single admission ticket any day of the week – strollers do not count as wagons.

Make Your Mark in Bismarck-Mandan  

Every year, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch Makes Its Mark. It provides fun activities for residents, attracts visitors from outside the state, gives back to local charities, and supports regional farms. Visiting Papa’s is an iconic fall activity but also a valuable way to make Bismarck-Mandan a wonderful place to live.

Discover other businesses and people who Make Their Mark on the community. Explore other annual events, opportunities to connect with nature, and arts activities in the region. You have a place in Bismarck-Mandan and can Make Your Mark as you see fit.