MEA School Break a Perfect Time for Pumpkin Patch Visitors
For 14 years Dehn’s Pumpkins in Dayton has been a place that has a magnetic tug on kids and parents, especially over a long MEA weekend. It’s where all roads lead to fun.
“It’s just a great family-owned spot,” said Melanie Peterson of Maple Grove. “We’ve been coming here for years. The kids love to play in the corn maze and the bouncy houses and picking out pumpkins is one of our favorite traditions.”
Pumpkins are indeed Dehn’s trademark. There are thousands of bright orange orbs sitting in a 20-acre field.
“I guess what brings us out is the pick your own patch,” said John Dehn, who runs the farm. “You can grab a wagon, go out in the patch and spend a couple hours out there looking for your perfect pumpkin.”
While farming is the Dehn family’s forte, there is more to his place than pumpkins. They provide “agritainment.” From a hay ride, to a giant slide, to bounce houses, Dehn’s has an abundance of options.
“It’s more of a festival type of things these days,” said Dehn. “It gets better every year.”
Dehn’s Pumpkins a “Corny” Spot Too
Dehn’s also has a reputation for being corny. The corn maze is a popular spot and the corn pit is always a hit.
“Any age goes in that,” Peterson said. “Then you go home and find corn in all sorts of fun places.”
“They just like to play,” said John Dehn.”It’s like a big sand box except they don’t get dirty.”
For some parents a trip to the pumpkin patch beneath a wide open prairie sky is good for the soul.
“Gets the kids off tablets, TV, electronics,” said Rebecca Bennett of Fridley. “They’re just excited to get out and run around.”
“You’re right on the edge of town, but you’re five minutes from Maple Grove,” said Dehn. “Feels like you’re out in the country but you’re not.”
The fun and games at Dehn’s will last until Halloween. Then the pumpkin patch shuts down for the season.
