A historic patchline family-run operation with a rebuilt maze and weekdays during peak season—newly reopened under new ownership in 2026, but hours and pricing had not been confirmed as of August.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is a long-established name in North Dakota pumpkin circles — over 40 years of operation, and ranked frequently among the US’s top patches. The 2026 season marks new ownership, a relocated farm site at Burnt Creek Loop, and a rebuilt Great Maze featuring over 1,000 wooden panels. It is the kind of rebirth that deserves a farm call before you commit to the trip.
The operating schedule is straightforward in principle: weekends opening September 12, daily starting at an unspecified point in mid-to-late September, running through October 25. The practical problem is that neither the exact “peak season” start date nor the operating hours had been confirmed online as of August 2026. Call 701-222-1521 to ask both questions before you drive.
The same uncertainty applies to pricing. No admission figures had been published, which is unusual for a patch of Papa’s size and history. The farm’s website and tourism listings are silent on the cost, and the new ownership transition may explain the delay. Again, a short call answers the question and removes the budget unknown.
The three advertised activities—Pumpkin Picking, Maze, and Hayrides—are the North Dakota standard. The 2026 rebuild of the Great Maze with 1,000+ wooden panels is the news here. A maze of that complexity and size is the kind of attraction that can stretch an hour of your visit and is worth seeing if the construction quality matches the spec. Hayrides and field picking round out the experience.
September on the northern plains is mild and pleasant; October cools significantly, and wind is a normal feature of outdoor activities here. The wide-open terrain around Bismarck means exposure—dress in layers and be prepared for afternoon wind even on clear days. Most farm traffic lands on October weekends, which are packed.
The farm’s transition to new ownership in early 2026 is reflected in the Burnt Creek Loop address change. It also explains some of the information gaps: new farms or newly owned farms often take a few weeks to finalize their online footprint. The farm is still worth the trip based on historical reputation and the fresh maze investment, but it is genuinely worth calling first to confirm the specifics.
The 2026 season runs September 12 through October 25. The farm opens weekends and daily during peak season (likely mid-September through October), though the exact peak-season window and daily hours were not yet confirmed when sources closed in August. Plan to call 701-222-1521 to confirm before you drive.
Plan for two to three hours. With a maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking, there is enough for a full family outing, though time depends on maze complexity and whether hayrides run on your visit day.
The weekend-plus-peak-season schedule concentrates visitors. If the farm does open daily in mid-to-late September, weekday visits are likely calmer. October weekends are typically the busiest time statewide.
Not specified in available sources. Assume gravel or grass lot, which is standard for Bismarck-area farms.
Bismarck has museums (State Capitol, Heritage Center, Dakota Zoo) and riverfront parks; a morning at Papa's could pair with an afternoon downtown visit.
The farm operates weekends and daily during peak season from September 12 to October 25, 2026, but specific hours and the exact start of the daily period were not confirmed as of August. Call 701-222-1521 to confirm before your visit.
Pricing had not been published online as of August 2026. Call the farm to ask about adult and child rates.
Papa's rebuilt the maze for 2026 with over 1,000 wooden panels. It is one of the main attractions alongside hayrides and pumpkin picking.
September 12 – October 25, 2026. Weekends and daily during peak season.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
4205 Burnt Creek Loop, Bismarck, ND, in Burleigh County. It is one of 10 patches we track in North Dakota.
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.
Its season runs about 44 days against a regional average of 43, so it is broadly in line with the rest of the region.
papaspumpkinpatch.com
Checked August 2026.