How many acres is Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch?

60 acres of u-pick pumpkins

20 acres of family entertainment area

What other crops are planted on the Raasch Farms?

Along with pumpkins, the Raasch family plants Indian Corn, squash and Gourds. In the summer the family can be found at a variety of farmers markets with sweet corn, tomatoes and a large selection of garden produce. The family is a traditional farm family planting near 8,000 acres of food grade corn and soybeans.

Does Carolyn’s grow / sell apples or strawberries?

No. However, we do have a list of local family and friends that do!

What varieties of Pumpkins does Carolyn’s grow?

The family chooses a diverse mixture of pumpkin varieties in order to offer a large selection. They vary in their names, size, color, shape, and density.

A few of their names are Jack-be-Little, Cinderella, Baby Boo, Pies, Howdens, Hubbards, Prize Winners,

What variety is the best for making Pumpkin Pie?

That strictly depends on who you ask. Everyone seems to have a favorite. Different pumpkins have different characteristics, of flavor, color, texture and water level. It’s a personal thing! Grandma will say the pie pumpkin- sized for one pie. Our aunt favors the Cinderella whose meat has a lot of water. Sister is fond of the Banana because it has less water and dense meat.

When are Pumpkins planted?

The Raasch family plants the pumpkin seeds in late may through the month of June. This ensures that they will mature in September and October.

 Any advice for growing pumpkins at home?

 The main trouble that home growers have with pumpkins is that they tend to take space. They are a vine crop that requires a lot of room to spread out.

 What attractions are included with the admissions price?

 Hayride to the pumpkin patch, Little Farmers Play yard, Little Farmers Museum, Animal Barn, Uncle Lester’s Pig Races (weekends), Band Stand Entertainment (weekends), Duck Races, Wooden Photo board cut outs, Bunnyville, several outside animal displays and Trikes and Trike Path.

 What optional activities are available for guests to enjoy?

 Train Ride:                             $ 3.00 per person

Antique Pedal Carousel       $1.00 (available on weekends)

Feed Machines                      $ .25 to $ 2.00

Uncle Earls Mining                $ 5.00

Face Painting (weekends)   $ 1.00 / side of face

Drinks: Pepsi Products and local Apple Cider

Food: available for purchase

Make your own Scarecrows

 Are there group rates?

 Call for special pricing

 Is there a discount for visiting Carolyn’s more than once during a single year?

 Carolyn’s offer’s a season pass. The passes are available at the admission booth. The

Admission is available from September 15 to October 31. This is the best deal!

 Is Carolyn’s open if it is raining outside?

 Yes. We are open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm from September 15 to October31.

Depending on the amount of rain could limit the tractor driven wagon rides, however.

 Are there refunds if guests leave due to rain?

 No. Carolyn’s remains open, despite weather conditions. The treat of rain might mean that it will be less crowded. But it also might mean that you could leave wet and muddy.

We encourage you to dress for the weather.

Admissions are not refundable.

 Can I come to eat at the café, buy kettle corn or pumpkin donuts or go shopping with out paying admissions?

 Yes – When you reach the Admissions window, tell them what you would like to buy. They will have you pay the general admission price, but retain your receipt. As you leave the farm, you will be able to refund your receipt for the price of admission, as long as you have not remained at Carolyn’s  for longer than 45 minutes.

 Can Groups and birthday parties bring in their own food?

 Yes. But remember that NO ALCOHOL is allowed at Carolyn’s.

Our Preferred caterer is HyVee.

 What drinks are available on site?

We are proud to serve only Pepsi Products.

 Is there a smoking area?

 NO. Carolyn’s is a non smoking facility. This includes the fields, the café, the family area, the shops, AND the parking lot.

 What kind of food can we buy from Carolyn’s?

 Kettle corn, Pumpkin Donuts, cider slushes, fresh baked pies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, grilled hotdogs and hamburgers and more.

 What does the Raasch family do during the other part of the year when the pumpkin patch is asleep?

 The ground is prepared for next years planting. Seeds are purchased. Merchandise is ordered for the shops. New recipes are tried in the Kitchen. Planning and marketing is started. New attractions are considered. In the spring, we do have educational tours of Mining/Rocks and New life/Plant life, by reservation.

 Do all the animals stay at the animal barn all year?

 No. When the patch is not open, most of our animals go to live with other animals on other farms. Don’t worry, either they or their brothers and sisters will be back for next year.

 How many people work at Carolyn’s?

In 2006, we hired over 50 seasonal employees. Visit our Join Our Team web page for more information.

Can I work at Carolyn’s even if I have a full-time job?

Yes – Many people that work for Carolyn’s during October have full-time jobs. We do our best to work around everyone’s schedule. The time we always need the most help is weekends.. See the Join Our Team web page.

 Is there anyplace to go shopping?

 Yes. The White Barn, the Depot are gift and thematic shopping opportunities.

The patio has Pumpkins, squash, gourds and more. Don’t forget to purchase your years’ supply of pumpkin butter!

 Are there other events at Carolyn’s?

Yes. Carolyn’s First Annual Car Show Sept. 30, Breakfast with Santa and others.

Check the Schedule Page for specific events