Eckert’s Farm opens Pick-Your-Own pumpkins Sept. 19, announces Fall activities

By Managing Editor | September 18, 2025 |

The family farm opens its pumpkin patches this weekend alongside additional fall activities including bonfire site rentals, haunted wagon rides, and more

Eckert’s Farm, the family farm with three Illinois locations (951 S. Green Mount Rd., Belleville, Ill. 62220; 20995 Eckert Orchard Rd, Grafton, Ill. 62037; and 2719 Eckert Orchard Ln, Millstadt, Ill. 62260), announces the opening of its pumpkin patches on Friday, Sept. 19, to run throughout October.

See below for information on activities at Eckert’s Farm locations this fall season:

Eckert’s Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins
Belleville, Millstadt & Grafton Farms

Starting this Friday, Sept. 19, and available through October, Pick-Your-Own pumpkins will be available at Belleville, Millstadt, and Grafton farms. All customers must purchase a field access pass in addition to paying $0.79 per pound for Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins. Field access passes and tickets can be purchased on Eckert’s website.

Jack’s Lighted Trail at Eckert’s
Belleville | Open now through Nov. 1

Tickets are now on sale for Jack’s Lighted Trail, a brand-new, walkable nighttime attraction at Eckert’s Belleville Farm. Now through Nov. 1, guests of all ages can explore this immersive experience featuring larger-than-life illuminated pumpkin sculptures, festive photo ops, and surprises around every corner. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.

Eckert’s Haunted Hayrides
Millstadt Farm | Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 19–Nov. 1

Haunted Wagon Rides are a family-friendly nighttime journey through the farm and run continuously on Friday and Saturday nights, starting at sundown and continuing until 10 p.m. Rides are first-come, first-served. One free haunted hayride ride is included with each admission ticket into the Millstadt Farm; additional rides can be purchased on-site or on Eckert’s website.

Ecktoberfest
Belleville | Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. through Nov. 1

Ecktoberfest is the farm’s signature celebration of all things fall. Every weekend in October and through Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., enjoy farm-themed activities, a Kid’s Corral, scenic wagon ride through the orchard, live German-style music, and more.

Pumpkin Painting & Cider Sipping
Belleville | Wednesday, Oct. 1 & Wednesday, Oct. 8

On Wednesday, Oct. 1 & Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 6 – 9 p.m., the event begins with a complimentary cocktail from Eckert’s Cider Shed before enjoying a tractor ride around the farm. After cruising through the farm, guests will meet back at the Cider Shed where they will be able to choose and paint a pumpkin with all the supplies provided, while enjoying a flight of hard cider and a boxed snack pack. The wagon will be decorated with string lights and spooky music. Tickets are available online for those 21 and older.

Eckert’s Bonfire Sites
Millstadt Farm | Friday and Saturday nights through Sunday, Nov. 1

Private bonfire sites are available to rent and can accommodate up to 25 people, and include straw bale seating for four hours. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or can purchase farm-favorite treats on-site. Alcohol may not be brought onto the farm, but Eckert’s sells beer and hard cider for purchase on-site for guests over the age of 21. Bonfire site rentals can be purchased on Eckert’s website.

Eckert’s Millstadt Farm includes a myriad of other fun-filled fall activities including Pumpkin Jamboree (also available at Grafton), The Jack-O-Lobber Pumpkin Cannon Show (weekends only), Billy Bob’s Pig Races (weekends only), an 8-acre corn maze, pony and camel rides at the petting farm, a 70-foot underground slide, and more. You can reserve tickets for these events at Millstadt here and at Grafton here.

For more information on Eckert’s, visit the website.

Photos courtesy of Eckert’s.