Autumn seems to revolve around one event: finding the perfect pumpkins. The second you start to see those adorable little decorative gourds at the grocery store, you know it’s time to start thinking a little bigger! It’s probably no surprise that Iowa is home to tons of farms that know how to deliver exactly what you are looking for, and as an Iowa family photographer, I’m here to help you find the most memorable ones! If you are looking for a pumpkin patch in Central, Iowa, here are a few to try out this year!
2491 Hwy 14, Chariton, Iowa 50049
Pierce’s Pumpkin Patch, located in Chariton, has been a favorite since it first opened its doors in 1981. If you’re the type of person who likes variety, this is your spot! They have over 120 types of pumpkins in all shapes and colors. Plus, they have endless fall activities, including hay mazes, farm animals, and a farm market.

9875 Meredith Drive, Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Iowa Orchard in Urbandale is a fabulous Central Iowa pumpkin patch destination no matter the season! During the summer, you can come out and pick berries and sunflowers. Apple season comes next, followed by their u-pick pumpkin season. You can head out to the grounds, take some pictures, jump on the inflatables, and then pick out your ideal pumpkin.
9035 NE 46th St, Bondurant, Iowa 50035
The Little Farm On 46th in Bondurant is a family-owned farm that made its way onto the scene in 2024. Since then, this goat farm has become a staple in creating fun! Throughout the autumn, you can come out and pick from some seriously impressive pumpkins. They also have tons of unforgettable events including fall markets and goat yoga.
3145 Howell Court, Cumming, Iowa 50061
Over in Cumming, Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch gives you hundreds of acres you can explore with your favorite people. The grounds include a massive obstacle course, paintball, goat pens, a cafe, a play area, and a pumpkin cannon. You can hop on a pumpkin wagon to head out to the patch, where you can pick out your perfect jack-o-lantern.

618 Center Ave South, Mitchellville, Iowa 50169
Pumpkinville Corn Maze in Mitchellville is a scenic space where you can make endless memories with your family! Each autumn, they open up their namesake Pumpkinville, where you can come out and find your ideal pumpkin in the patch. Throughout your visit, you can also hop aboard the hayrack, go on a straw train ride, get lost in a corn maze, and end the evening with a campfire.
If you are looking for the perfect pumpkin for this season, these spots with a pumpkin patch in Central Iowa are going to help you make a day of it! Now, you just need to find a way to make this time last forever. That’s where I come in! I am an Iowa family photographer, and I love working with parents to plan sessions so they can celebrate each moment together. If you have been considering booking some family portraits, let’s chat today so you can decide if my style matches yours. Send me a message to get the conversation started!