Pumpkin Funland at Rasmussen Farm

Okay, I admit it! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. So when I heard of something called the Pumpkin Funland at the Rasmussen Farm in Hood River, OR, I had to go. What a treat! This is one of those annual fall festivals that is truly good for all ages, from the young to the young-at-heart.

Pumpkins, of course, have always been a big part of Halloween. And if you can pick your very own pumpkin out of the patch, what could be more fun? The Rasmussen Farm has one of the biggest pumpkin patches I’ve ever seen. But that’s not all. There’s a lot more fun to be had here than just picking out a pumpkin.

How about trying your hand at some pumpkin bowling? “No special shoes required.” Or checking out a world of characters–both real and fictional–that are crafted from pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other veggies? Characters such as Amelia Earhardt, Bigfoot, and the entire Peanuts cast as they wait for . . . who else, The Great Pumpkin!

The corn in the corn maze was at least 8-10 feet tall, very effective at blocking out the outside world. So we saw lots of kids and quite a few adults, too, having a great time “getting lost” in the maze. There was also a Halloween Hut covered in sheaves of corn–a “not too scary” fun house for the younger kids. Though we did see a couple of toddlers who absolutely would not go inside without Mom or Dad close behind them.

Last stop, the Farm Store. We browsed bins full of apples, pears, squash, gourds, hot peppers, and veggies such as kraut cabbage and cauliflower. Prepackaged gift boxes were on the shelf ready to go, as well as decorative fall flowers and jugs of apple cider. There was also a tasting booth where you could sample area-made jams, jellies, mustards, and a variety of honey. Like Pumpkin Honey!

For more images of this year’s festivities, please check the Rasmussen Farm Photo Album.

Pumpkin Funland is open to the public seven days a week, from 9am to 6pm. Everyone is welcome except family pets. So please leave your puppies at home. Admission is free and this venue is wheelchair accessible.

The Rasmussen Farm is located about 6 miles south of Hood River, OR. From Portland, take I-84 east to Hood River Exit 64, then drive south on Highway 35 about 5.5 miles to Fir Mountain Road. Turn left and continue on for about 2/3 mile. Turn right on Thomsen Road and drive for another 1/3 mile. The Rasmussen Farm is on the right.