A multi-activity operation unique for its zip line, haunted house, and family recreation rides (pedal cars, train, jumbo jumper)—but pricing had not been confirmed and the 2026 opening date was not published online as of August.
Cottonwood Forest Pumpkin Patch in Williston is distinctive among North Dakota patches for its multi-activity focus beyond traditional maze-and-hayride operations. Founded about 10 years ago by John Cecil and son Joey, the site features a zip line (unusual for ND), a haunted house called “The Haunt,” and traditional family activities (train rides, pedal cars, tire gym, hay bale mountain, sandbox, corn box, jumbo jumper). It is an adventure activity center with pumpkin patch elements, rather than vice versa.
The zip line is the signature distinction. Most ND pumpkin patches are maze-focused; Cottonwood Forest offers a thrill component that appeals to older kids and adventure-seeking families. The Haunt (haunted house) adds evening entertainment. These differentiate the operation from traditional family patches and attract a different demographic — kids 8–12 who want excitement alongside the pumpkin experience.
Beyond the zip line and haunted house, the listed attractions include train rides, pedal cars, tire gym, hay bale mountain, sandbox, corn box, and jumbo jumper. This mix appeals to younger kids (sandbox, pedal cars, hay bale mountain) and older kids (zip line, haunted house) simultaneously, making it a good choice for mixed-age family groups.
The farm operates Saturdays and Sundays 12pm–7pm through October 20, 2026. The noon start is a constraint: there is no Saturday morning visit, and Sundays eliminate any morning option. For families prioritizing a morning outing, this is a limitation. Early evening visits (after 4pm) are viable on October Saturdays and Sundays.
Williston is in far northwest North Dakota, the state’s oil patch region. It is not a destination drive from any major city; it is local or a deliberate road trip. October is peak season, and October Saturdays and Sundays will be busy. The wide-open plains terrain means wind exposure and rapid cooling as evening approaches.
Pricing and the distinction between included-in-admission activities and per-activity charges had not been published online as of August. Call to ask whether the zip line and haunted house are included in gate admission or require separate fees. This significantly affects the total cost.
“The Haunt” is listed as an attraction. Its tone (family-friendly versus genuinely spooky) is not specified online. If you have young kids or children sensitive to mild scares, call ahead to ask about the horror level before committing.
Saturdays and Sundays 12pm–7pm through October 20, 2026. The specific opening date (presumed early-to-mid September) had not been published online as of August. Plan for an afternoon or early evening visit; the 12pm start compresses Saturday mornings and eliminates Sunday mornings as viable time.
Two to four hours. Ten listed activities (zip line, train, haunted house, pedal cars, tire gym, bale mountain, sandbox, corn box, jumbo jumper, kiddie rides) provide variety; time depends on lines and which attractions draw your family.
Weekend-only operation (Saturday–Sunday 12pm–7pm through Oct 20) concentrates traffic. October is peak season. The noon start compresses both days. Expect busy conditions on October Saturdays and Sundays.
Not specified. Assume farm lot; muddy conditions likely in late-season October.
Zip line and many activities require mobility; some require specific age or height. Call for details on which attractions suit your child's age and any accessibility needs.
Williston is a small city in far northwest ND. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park scenic loop (south of Williston) offers a scenic drive and hiking options if you are road-tripping through the region.
The zip line is distinctive — most ND patches focus on corn mazes and hayrides. Cottonwood Forest offers thrill activities (zip line, Haunt haunted house) plus traditional play attractions (pedal cars, train, bale mountain).
The operation runs through October 20, 2026, Saturday–Sunday 12pm–7pm, but the specific opening date had not been published online as of August. Call to confirm before the drive.
The Haunt is listed as an attraction, but whether it is included in gate admission or charged separately had not been detailed online. Call for pricing and activity structure.
Age and height requirements for the zip line had not been published online. Call to ask about weight limits, age minimums, and safety requirements before your visit.
2026 dates had not been published when we last checked. In past seasons it has run: Saturdays and Sundays. Check with the farm before driving out.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
We track 10 patches in North Dakota, 1 of which are free to walk into. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
What sets it apart locally: it has rides and play structures, an after-dark attraction, which most North Dakota patches on our list do not.
One caveat worth repeating: this farm had not published its 2026 dates when we last checked, while 4 of the 10 patches we track in North Dakota had. Treat any date you see elsewhere as last year's until the farm confirms it.
Map pin is set to the town centre. Navigate to the street address above, not the pin.
Checked August 2026.