Bishop’s pumpkin patch has been an icon on the Northern California fall scene since the 70’s. It has so much packed into one farm it can be a bit overwhelming. It is far from your average patch. So come with me to get the ins and outs on one of my favorite hometown haunts- Bishop’s.
Arrival
Personally, I like to go on the weekdays. Like most patches weekdays are way less busy and offer free parking. If you can’t make it on a weekday, I highly suggest going early. This will allow you more time and less crowds. Parking on the weekends is 23$ which is pretty steep for a pumpkin patch which is another reason I prefer the weekdays. But let’s get onto the fun stuff…
Attractions
From fall foods to pony rides this place has it all…literally. If you’ve got little ones definitely spring for the wrist bands. It will give you the most bang for your buck. But if you’re balling on a budget just be sure to pre plan your visit by going to their website where they list each ride and it’s correlating ticket amount. This will help you get an accurate idea of how much you’ll spend and which ticket package you’ll want to choose. Bishop’s has the classic hayride, corn maze, petting zoo and pick your own pumpkin patch. But they also have some things that set them apart.
Carousel
One of the jewels of the park right in the front center is the carousel. A fun addition for kids and kids at heart alike and when it’s hot in the valley it’s great to get a ride, rest your feet and feel the cool breeze on your skin for a few minutes.
Train Rides
Who doesn’t love a good train ride! The Bishop’s Pumpkin Line loads up right next to the apple orchard and does a huge loop around the farm. They have covered cars as well as open air and the loop takes you by some cool sights. First you’ll go through the tunnel which is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pieces of the farm. Then you’ll loop by some of the farms old historic tractors, some farm animals, past the corn maze and sunflower field, down and around the pig race track to the giant pumpkin pumpkin patch and back around past the orchard again. This is another great way to cool down on a hot day and rest your feet.
Carnival Rides
This is a newer attraction to the patch but it was really fun. It’s an airplane flyer ride that allows the rider to move the plane up and down as it spins. My kids absolutely loved this one. *Pro Tip: If you think this is a ride your kid(s) may enjoy invest in the wrist band because it’s a whopping 5 tickets per ride. I would say it’s worth it though.
Bakery, Gift Shop, and Food
There are SO many options to try from garlic fries to pumpkin pies! However, here are my main recommendations…The corn dog and garlic fries are an absolute must! The corn dogs have that perfectly crisp on the outside soft on the inside cornbread breading and the fries are just the right amount of garlic. I like to pair it with an apple cider but the Diet Pepsi here honestly just hits different as well. For sweets you gotta go with the classic caramel apple with M&M’s it’s so basic and simple but the homemade caramel they dip the apples in is beyond magical-it’s ooey gooey and so soft even after being refrigerated it keeps that soft texture that won’t break your teeth trying to bite into it. Also, the Apple Pie is an absolute must! It’s piled high with apple while still keeping that delicious apple to crumb ratio. It’s spiced just right. If you only get one treat let it be this.
Cider Mill
This is one of the more interesting aspects of the farm where you can get an inside look at how they process their apples and turn it into cider. Inside are glass windows allowing you viewing access to the machines and ins and outs of the cider making process. This was one of my favorite stops at the patch and it feels more special knowing your drinking cider with apples grown and processed right there onsite.
Coyote Mountain
This attraction is sure to bring the magic out for any kid who does it. It starts out with two awesome slides for the kids to go down after making the ascent up coyote mountain. This one is cool because once they’re in they can go on the slide however many times their hearts desire. Once they’re done sliding they can pop around the mountain to the waterfall and pond where they’re given a little gold pan and a baggie. Here they can “pan for treasure” and collect up to 10 marbles for them to take home and keep as keepsakes. This was honestly so much fun and a great way for the kids to cool off a bit by getting their hands in some water. It’s also nice because it’s basically a free souvenir. It is also pretty unique as I haven’t seen this activity at many other patches. *Pro tip: for the best marbles scoop the gravel in the deeper water up to the bank for your child to dig. The marbles there are less picked over.
Photo Ops
While there are endless opportunities for all types of photos for the gram the best place, in my opinion, is the pumpkin park near the pumpkin pay station at the exit of the farm. Here you will find all kinds of pumpkins and gourds in every shape and size in cute displays that look like little miniature tractors as well as cool old trucks and a pumpkin house display. Here you can pick up your last few pumpkin choices as well as a gallon of cider for the road; they even have decorating kits and other tools to help you have the full carving experience!
Overall this is a must try destination if you’re visiting the NorCal area during fall. It is one of the more pricey patches but for what you’re getting it makes it worth it. It’s definitely a full experience and something I always enjoyed doing as a kid. Growing up in a nearby town, we had a school field trip to Bishop’s every year in the fall to get a pumpkin. And then as a teen I attended Wheatland High and would stop by everyday after school for a cider and corndog!
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