Roca Berry Farm
Pumpkin Patching in the Midwest.
I am back in Nebraska after my year of travel and will be writing about this pocket of the world while exploring my own community deeper after world travel. If you want read about being a tourist in my town you can start here.
Welcome to the Midwest series.
What is the ideal time to visit the Midwest of the United States?
Winters can be unpredictable and cold,
spring could be rainy and a toss up,
summers are hot and humid and are best spent by the lake or swimming in a pool.
but Autumn combines all the finest attributes about the Midwest into one.
Beautiful weather1, leaves changing on the color spectrum to every shade of bright yellow to a deep red, pumpkin and caramel apple flavored everything, Halloween, and football on almost every day of the week. The rolling green cornfields turn golden brown ready for harvest and the air becomes so crisp that all you want to wear is an oversized sweatshirt with jeans.
Autumn is a special season here and in my expert opinion, the ultimate time to visit and participate in all the Fall festivities. Not many other locations in the world will live up to your Halloween and pumpkin patch dreams like Nebraska can.
One of the core values of the people of the Midwest is supporting each other and supporting family-owned businesses within our own communities. Sometimes I like to explain to my friends who aren’t from the Midwest or people who haven’t traveled this part of this world before that being in the Midwest is like visiting the favorite Grandma’s house. Where you are greeted with a warm hug, lots of small talk, smiles, and enough food to keep you full all winter long. Don’t ever turn down that chocolate chip cookie you are offered.
So while you are in this part of the United States, skip the big corporate businesses and head straight for the locally owned. I promise you won’t be disappointed, you’ll feel like you are visiting family and you will be taken care of in true Midwestern fashion.
Roca Berry Farm is family-owned pumpkin patch since 1980 located right outside of Lincoln, Nebraska, still nestled within Lancaster County.
It’s a place for all ages, families, and groups to enjoy Autumn festivities, food, and where you can feel the Midwestern kindness and values throughout the entire farm. It’s open every Autumn from the middle of September until Halloween and is a Fall-lovers paradise. Get that pumpkin stamp on your hand and channel that childlike energy to go play on the farm.
The apple cider donuts with a iced cold brew and one pump of creamer is my favorite morning treat from The Donut Hut and where I would recommend starting your day. Your going to need the carbohydrate fuel.
After coffee and donuts—it’s time to enjoy and play.
This farm is an entire park full of fun, games, and attractions. From the moment you walk in until the moment you leave, the farm is curated with real blooming flowers, spooky buildings to visit, pumpkins grown on the farm, and a Halloween atmosphere. Unleash that inner child no matter what age you are. Go down the slides, ride the train, get lost in the corn maize, race on the Roca 500, putt a hole in one on the Ghost Town course, ride the giant rocking horse, and jump on the pillows.
Allow that childlike happiness to seep in while the sun shines and the smell of fresh kettle corn circulates in the air.
Eat as many fried corn dogs as you want or a turkey leg from the Smokehouse and just remember that calories don’t count here. I’m not lying when I tell you that the funnel cakes are made with extra love, say yes to the toppings—no need to overthink it.
Take a break and ride the hayrack ride out for pumpkins or enjoy a beer or cider at Brett’s Place in the beer garden while watching the magic show or listening to live music.
And if you are brave enough and can survive a jump scare, stay on Friday and Saturday nights for Roca Scary Farm.
Roca Berry Farm harvests memories every Fall and where all your pumpkin patch dreams can come true.
It’s where you enter as a guest but leave feeling like you are part of a big Midwest family.
So pick out that pumpkin that calls your name, grab some candied nuts, a caramel apple, and a bag of kettle corn (or two) as you leave. Watch the sky turn cotton candy pink as the sun sets over the cornfields. Turn on some Stevie Nicks and admire the falling leaves changing colors as you drive away absolutely exhausted from a full day of playing at the pumpkin patch, knowing you just experienced one of the best parts about living in the Midwest.
xoxo,
Sarah
Disclaimer: weather in the Midwest and Nebraska is unpredictable… you will most likely have the experience of witnessing all 4 seasons in one day. This year has been exceptionally dry and hot. We are always guaranteed a few weeks or days of ideal perfect Fall weather. So bring layers and enjoy the ride. Make sure to catch the sunset.
Roca Berry Farm is a fun place to spend the day!