Manhattan Fall Fun: Pumpkin Patches, Spooky Stories

MANHATTAN, IL — Halloween is almost upon us in Manhattan, and there's still time to get in some seasonal fun. Even in the time of coronavirus, the Chicago area'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 near Manhattan.

Crosswind Farms —

• Address: 14435 Manhattan Monee Rd., Manhattan, IL
• Season opening date: Front shed for fall decor starting Friday (Sept. 25). Masks required in the Market Shed. If Crosswind Farms is busy and people are unable to social distance outdoors, masks will be required.
• Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Market Shed hours); animals out right now 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, until busier in the fall and in there is bad weather or too muddy.
• Attractions: Crosswind Farms announced they will not have any kids activities this year (corn pit, goat feeding and scarecrow stuffing) due to the coronavirus. This will reduce large crowds that gather around the goats and corn pit. Crosswind Farms asks that you do not let kids climb on equipment (tractors and equipment) as they don't want them to get hurt. No barn tours this year, and guests are asked to please not feed the animals as goats get their heads stuck or fight over food, and an emergency vet bill starts at $200.
• Pumpkins and produce: Pumpkins, honey, Concord grapes (with seeds) and more for sale. There are no apples due to a late frost that killed them/the buds. Aronia berry is available as you-pick, and not in the Market Shed. Crosswind Farms advises everyone to check on fruit amounts right before you make the trip.
• Cost: Contact farm for more info.
• Phone number: 708-567-9090
• Website: Crosswind Farms Facebook page

Jim Melka Landscaping & Garden Center —

• Address: 11606 179th Street, Mokena, IL
• Season opening date: Open! Outdoor cashiers, contactless delivery, phone orders and curbside pickup available. Guests are asked to wear a mask and social distance.
• Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday,
• Attractions: Keep checking for updates on annual fall events.
• Pumpkins and produce: Pumpkins, mums, plenty of plants and more.
• Cost: Contact business for more information.
• Phone number: 708-349-6989
• Website: jimmelkalandscaping.com

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 and vote for the scariest — from Resurrection Mary to the Demon Barber of Palos.

Don't miss updates about precautions in the Manhattan area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Fall events in Manhattan:

Scarecrows on Parade —

Scarecrows on Parade is back for all Manhattan residents, families, businesses and organizations. All scarecrows entered into the contest are on display on U.S. Route 52 through Oct. 31 (Halloween).

Manhattan 114 PTO and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Trunk of Treat —

When: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 24

Where: Times Square — Wabash Parking Lot

Details: Register your trunk; there will be a photographer ($5 for 5x7 phot0) and awards for best trunk decorations.

Trick-or-treating hours Manhattan —

Trick-or-treating will be 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Halloween (Oct. 31), according to village officials. Police pointed to several reasons for the decision, including treats already being individually wrapped and sealed, and the outdoors allowing for social distancing. Police ask residents to follow these several safety guidelines during trick-or-treating on Oct. 31.

More fall fun:

• Halloween 2020: Submit Your Haunt For Patch's Tour o' Scary Yards
• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Illinois
• Fall Fun Amid COVID-19: Illinois Apple Orchards, Fall Fests Reopen

Send details on fall and Halloween happenings in Manhattan, including health guidelines being put in place, to rebecca.bream@patch.com.