Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patches, Spooky Stories

LAKE FOREST-LAKE BLUFF, IL —Halloween is almost upon us in Lake Forest, and there’s still time to get in some seasonal fun. Even in the time of coronavirus, Lake County's pumpkin patches are open — and there’s still time to scare up some fun with Patch’s tour of spooky yard haunts and tales of local lore.

Here’s a list list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches in the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff area.

Didier Farms

• Address: 16678 W. Aptakisic Road in Lincolnshire
• Season opening/closing date: Sept. 19 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 31
• Pumpkinfest Activities, Farm stand: Didier Farms' Pumpkinfest is open to kids of all ages and includes pig race and a parakeet exhibit where you can feed the birds. There are a corn maze, camel rides and more. Hayrides canceled due to the coronavirus. Didier Farms also has a farm stand where fresh vegetables and more can be purchased. Face masks are required for ages 2 and up.
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
• Cost: There is no admission fee. Tickets are available for purchase at $1 per ticket. Most attractions can be enjoyed for under five tickets.

More via Didier Farms website or by calling 847-634-3291.

Kroll's Fall Harvest Farm

• Address: 13236 W. Town Line Road in Waukegan
• Season: Sept. 19 to Nov. 1
• Pumpkins and more: There are pre-picked pumpkins plus a corn maze (this year's theme is the history of sheep in agriculture), farm animals to visit (mask required to feed animals) and hayrides (mask required). Plus treats like pumpkin doughnuts, popcorn, kettle corn, cider and more.
• Hours of operation: Kroll's is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.
• Cost: Timed ticket entry now required on Saturday and Sunday as well as Columbus Day (admission is $10, which includes hayride, corn maze and animal area). On weekdays, the maze is $7 for adults and $5 for kids ages 12 and under (free for kids age 2 and younger). Pumpkins are priced between $1 and $50. Bring cash, since no credit cards are accepted. There is also an ATM at the farm.

More information via Kroll's website or by calling 847-662-5733

Goebbert's Farm and Garden Center - South Barrington

• Address: 40 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington
• Season: Sept. 19 to Oct 31.
• Animal Land and Little Farmers Play Land and More: Activities include a giraffe barn, pumpkin-eating dino, pig racing, pony rides, camel rides, wagon ride, little farmer's play yard, corn stalk maze, pumpkin eating dinosaur, the pumpkin tunnel, climbing trucks and cutouts, corn hole game, ring toss game and more. Goebbert's also has its Red Barn Cafe & Bakery for some tasty treats, including apple cider doughnuts and pumpkin cookies.
• Pumpkins and produce: Goebbert's has a large display of pumpkins to choose from in the free area of its farm. Goebbert’s grows over 200 acres of fresh vegetables.
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (last entry for the day is 5 p.m.)
• Cost: Entrance fee now charged for Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day. Prices vary for admission to the Animal Land and Little Farmer's Playland. Tickets include wagon rides and cost $16.99 on the weekends and Columbus Day and $12.99 Monday through Friday. There is an additional charge for some activities at Goebbert's.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit Goebbert's website.

NEW: Evanston Space Pumpkin Patch

• Address: 513 Dempster Street, Evanston, at the site of of Space Summer Stage
• Season: Weekends through Oct 31.
• Pumpkins and Produce: The Evanston concert venue has converted its parking lot into a pop-up pumpkin patch with gourds, corn stalks and hay bales. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are also available.
• Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: No cost for entry. Some ticketed performances are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information and pumpkin prices, visit Evanston SPACE's website.

And if pumpkin patches aren’t enough to get you into the Halloween spirit, check out Patch’s tour of haunted yards

• Patch 202 Guide to Chicagoland’s Best Halloween Yards - Part 1
• Patch 2020 Guide To Chicagoland's Best Halloween Yards - Part 2

And while you’re at it, read through Patch’s roundup of urban legends and vote for the scariest — from Resurrection Mary to the Demon Barber of Palos.

And in Highwood, organizers of this year's cancelled pumpkin festival have instead pivoted to the city's first "Invasion of Skeletons." Hundreds of skeletons have been arranged throughout town, with the city providing skeletons to local businesses in an effort to encourage people to visit and patronize local establishments.

More fall fun:

• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Illinois
• Fall Fun Amid COVID-19: Illinois Apple Orchards, Fall Fests Reopen

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the replies.